On June 13th in London, England, Angelia Jolie was awarded the honorary title of Dame by Queen Elizabeth.
Buckingham Palace has confirmed to U.S. Weekly, that on Friday, June 13th Angelina Jolie was bestowed the honor of Dame Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (DCMG) from the British monarchy. The title of dame is the female version of a knighthood. As an American she is allowed to use the letters DCMG following her full name, but will not be able to use the title of Dame Angelina. Other actors such as, Daniel Day Lewis, Maggie Smith, and Damian Lewis were also awarded titles. Three time Oscar winner Daniel Day Lewis was awarded a knighthood for “services to drama”, Maggie Smith, most recently known for her role in Downton Abbey, received the “Companion of Honor”, and British actor Damian Lewis was awarded “Officer of the Order of the British Empire”. Such honors are awarded twice a year from the British monarchy decided upon from nominations made by government officials and British citizens. The recipients are selected by a committee of civil servants.
Angelina Jolie was honored because of her contribution to the British foreign policy goal of ending sexual violence in conflict torn countries where the rape of women and girls is rampant. Jolie founded the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) in the United Kingdom in 2012. She has also served as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for over a decade, being promoted to Special Envoy in 2012. She has also co-chaired a global summit to end sexual violence. Jolie states, “To receive an honor related to foreign policy means a great deal to me, as it is what I wish to dedicate my working life to”. Congratulations Angelina Jolie! Your humanitarian efforts have not gone unnoticed.
photo: Danny Martindale/WireImage
