Prince William names J.K. Rowling royal Companion of Honor
J.K. Rowling is now a royal Companion of Honor!
The Harry Potter author was granted the prestigious title by Prince William at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, saying she was "deeply honored and proud" to receive the honor, which is limited to 65 people "of distinction" at any one time.
"To be included in the distinguished and diversely talented company of the other Companions of Honor, especially as a female writer, is a particular privilege," added Rowling, who was honored for her services to literature and philanthropy.
The decoration comes nearly 20.5 years after the U.K. release of the first novel in her best-selling fantasy series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In 2001, she also received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, for services to children's literature.
Rowling -- chic in a head-to-toe blue ensemble with a freshly painted red manicure -- seemed to be in good spirits while accepting the medal, smiling as photographers captured her pics.
She was joined by her husband, Neil Murray.
Other current members of the Order include Dame Maggie Smith, Lord Coe, Stephen Hawking, John Major and Desmond Tutu.
Last December, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them actor Eddie Redmayne received his OBE medal for his services to drama from Queen Elizabeth II.
"It is something that I had never thought of, and it was never in my wildest imagination," he told reporters at Windsor Castle after receiving the "extraordinary" honor. "The whole experience is incredibly humbling."
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