Dame Emma Bridgewater has declared her intention to utilise her newly bestowed honour to drive significant improvements within the adult social care sector. The renowned ceramicist received the title of Dame Commander of the British Empire from the King during an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
A Platform for Change
Speaking after the ceremony, Dame Emma expressed feeling "dazed" by the recognition but resolved to channel this honour into advocacy. She revealed discussing with the King her plans to write to him regarding a "new project" focused on enhancing care communities.
"I think that care, particularly for the elderly, we could be doing a lot better," Dame Emma stated. "There are some exemplary places, but between my mother who was very handicapped at 50 and lived 22 years in care and my sister who's been in really her whole life, I feel we can make better communities and better links to the communities."
She added, "I think maybe being a Dame has made me feel I could do that." This personal connection to care experiences has galvanised her commitment to reform.
Ceramic Legacy and Commemorative Wares
Dame Emma founded her eponymous ceramics manufacturing company in 1985, specialising in cream-coloured earthenware produced in Stoke-On-Trent. She reflected on the company's success with royal commemorative pottery, noting its public appeal.
"Some of the greatest fun and the hugest response is when we make commemorative wares," she explained. "What my now ex-husband and I knew instinctively is that there would be a huge enthusiasm for any mugs commemorating jubilees and marriages and babies."
Tribute to Stoke-On-Trent
Dame Emma paid heartfelt tribute to the people of Stoke-On-Trent, acknowledging their crucial role in her business's longevity. "I'm a little bit dazed really, it's been very lovely having my daughters with me. When I heard the news I had a huge wave of pride, for Stoke for the people in the factory. The business really wouldn't exist without Stoke-On-Trent," she said.
Other Honourees
The investiture ceremony also recognised several other distinguished individuals, including:
- Sir Andrew Mitchell MP
- Actor and playwright Tracy-Ann Oberman OBE
- Astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell
Dame Emma Bridgewater's commitment to leveraging her honour for social care advocacy marks a significant step towards addressing systemic issues in adult care, blending her ceramic legacy with a passionate drive for community betterment.
