Jacinda Ardern Honored as Dame by Prince William
A Royal Honor for Jacinda Ardern
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was officially honored by Prince William, receiving the title of Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. The ceremony, held at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, marked a significant recognition of Ardern’s contributions to New Zealand during her time as Prime Minister.
Ardern, who stepped down from her role in early 2023, was praised for her leadership, particularly in response to the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks and the global COVID-19 pandemic. In an interview, she expressed her deep gratitude, calling the moment “particularly special” due to her close working relationship with Prince William, fostered through her role as a trustee of the Earthshot Prize.
A Heartfelt Acknowledgment
Ardern was visibly moved during the ceremony, expressing that she felt “incredibly honored and very humbled.” She took the opportunity to thank her family, former colleagues, and the people of New Zealand for their continued support. Prince William shared a message on social media, referring to Ardern as an “extraordinary advocate” and expressing his privilege in presenting her with the well-deserved honor.
A Leader Who Made a Global Impact
Jacinda Ardern became a global figure when she rose to power as one of New Zealand’s youngest-ever leaders. Her empathetic leadership during times of crisis, especially following the Christchurch tragedy and the COVID-19 pandemic, earned her international admiration. She was celebrated not just for her policies but for her compassionate approach to governance.
Since her resignation, Ardern has shifted her focus to advocacy and environmental work. She is actively involved in conservation efforts and continues to write, aiming to “spread a little kindness in the world.” Her post-leadership endeavors also include contributing to climate action and marine conservation, areas she remains passionate about.
Empowering Future Women Leaders
During her time in office and beyond, Ardern has consistently encouraged women to step into leadership roles. Offering advice to aspiring female politicians, she emphasized the importance of perseverance: “You have no idea what you’re capable of until you’re doing it… so just do it.”
She also spoke out against the growing issue of online abuse faced by women in the public eye and urged others not to let it discourage them from pursuing leadership opportunities. Ardern’s departure from politics was motivated by a desire to spend more time with her family, but she remains committed to making a difference in the world through her various causes.
