Imelda Staunton was honored with the prestigious title of Dame Commander of the British Empire during a grand Investiture ceremony held at the historic Windsor Castle on Tuesday, with her husband Jim Carter and daughter Bessie cheering her on to celebrate this remarkable achievement.
The talented 68-year-old actress, renowned for her masterful portrayal of the late Queen Elizabeth II in the acclaimed Netflix series The Crown, received this esteemed title in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the realms of drama and charity throughout her prolific career.
Imelda’s exceptional performance in The Crown earned her nominations for both the BAFTA TV Award and a Golden Globe for her compelling depiction of the mother of King Charles in the series’ fifth and sixth seasons.
Among other notable figures, she stood alongside famous personalities such as Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon and former X Factor contestant Rebecca Ferguson as they all received royal honors from Prince William at the ceremony.
Beyond her iconic role in The Crown, Imelda Staunton has captivated audiences with her portrayal of the malevolent Dolores Umbridge in the beloved Harry Potter films, with additional film credits that showcase her versatility including Downton Abbey, Paddington, and Nanny McPhee.
Upon receiving her damehood in the King’s Birthday Honours earlier in June, Dame Imelda expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating: ‘I feel genuinely humbled to be recognised on the same level as the amazing actresses, all the great Dames, who have led the way for so many of us.’
Dame Imelda also shared her pride in contributing to the arts, emphasizing that ‘theatre, film and television are essential to our wellbeing, stand at the heart of our culture and are admired throughout the world’.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, her commitment to charitable causes is exemplified by her roles as an ambassador for national homelessness charity Crisis and her support for the international disaster relief charity ShelterBox.
Simon Le Bon, the 66-year-old Duran Duran frontman, was recognized with an MBE for his significant contributions to both music and charity, expressing his surprise and joy upon receiving this royal honor.
Reflecting on the last few years, Simon noted how they have been pivotal in Duran Duran’s career, describing this honor as a ‘bright but humbling highlight as our journey continues.’ He acknowledged that the honor recognized not only his musical accomplishments but also his philanthropic endeavors.
Simon has actively participated in initiatives such as the Blue Marine Foundation, which aims to raise awareness about the conservation of ocean environments, and the Tall Ships Youth Trust, which provides life-changing sailing experiences for disadvantaged young people across the UK.
Rebecca Ferguson, along with former football star Graeme Souness, also gained recognition during the investiture ceremony, with Rebecca being awarded an MBE for her impactful work in the music industry and her dedication to activism, particularly for artist welfare.
Having finished as a runner-up on The X Factor in 2010, she has since showcased her commitment to causes such as the establishment of new regulations to protect artists from discrimination in the music industry.
Her meeting with then-culture secretary Oliver Dowden in 2021 demonstrated her commitment to addressing issues within the industry, including calls for investigations into reality TV show practices.
M People’s Heather Small received her Member of the Order of the British Empire honor from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle, in recognition of her exemplary voluntary and charitable services.
Graeme Souness, both a notable player and manager with teams like Rangers and Liverpool, was awarded a CBE for his contributions to football and charity, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
The accomplished Scot has represented his country at three World Cups and has an impressive tally of five league titles and three European Cups with Liverpool, later transitioning to a respected career as a pundit.
In his charity work, Graeme serves as vice president of Debra UK, an organization that raises awareness for epidermolysis bullosa, helping to raise an impressive £1.5 million through a challenging swimming event across the English Channel last year.
Original Boney M lead singer Liz Mitchell also received an MBE, recognized for her contributions in the music industry.
**Interview with Dame Imelda Staunton**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dame Imelda! Congratulations on being honored with the title of Dame Commander of the British Empire. How does it feel to receive such a prestigious recognition?
**Dame Imelda Staunton:** Thank you so much! It’s honestly a bit overwhelming. It feels surreal to be recognized for my work in drama and charity, and I am incredibly humbled to be in the company of so many talented individuals at the ceremony, including Simon Le Bon and Rebecca Ferguson.
**Editor:** Your portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in *The Crown* has received considerable acclaim. How did you prepare for that role, and what does it mean to you to be recognized for it?
**Dame Imelda Staunton:** It was an enormous responsibility to portray such an iconic figure. I spent countless hours researching her life and character, studying her mannerisms, and understanding her journey. Being recognized for this role, and receiving nominations for the BAFTA and Golden Globe, is a testament to the collaborative effort of the entire cast and crew, and I’m grateful for that.
**Editor:** You have also had a memorable role as Dolores Umbridge in the *Harry Potter* series. Can you tell us how you approach such diverse characters throughout your career?
**Dame Imelda Staunton:** Each character is a new adventure for me. I love the challenge of stepping into someone else’s shoes, whether they’re beloved or completely unlikable like Umbridge. My approach is always to delve deep into their motivations and find the humanity within them, no matter how dark they may seem.
**Editor:** Beyond acting, your advocacy for charities like Crisis and ShelterBox is commendable. Why is charitable work important to you?
**Dame Imelda Staunton:** I believe that we have a responsibility as artists to give back. The arts have given me so much, and I want to ensure that I can help others in need. Supporting those who are experiencing homelessness or are affected by disasters is incredibly important. I hope to raise awareness and contribute in any way I can.
**Editor:** what message would you like to share with aspiring actors and actresses out there?
**Dame Imelda Staunton:** I want to encourage them to be true to their craft and not be afraid to take risks. The journey in the arts is challenging but immensely rewarding. Surround yourself with supportive people, keep learning, and stay passionate about storytelling. Remember, theatre, film, and television are not just entertainment; they bring us together and can change lives.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your time, Dame Imelda. It’s inspiring to hear your thoughts!
**Dame Imelda Staunton:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure sharing with you.
