Actress Honored for Royal Role and Life of Service

Actress Jane Lapotaire has been honored with a CBE for her extensive contributions to drama. She was recognized by the King at an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. Ms. Lapotaire, who gained acclaim for her portrayal of Princess Alice, the King's grandmother, in the popular Netflix series The Crown, described the role as a privilege.

She lauded Princess Alice as an extraordinary woman who devoted her life to the poor and sick. Ms. Lapotaire also noted that the Princess insisted on wearing a nun's outfit, a detail that followed the airing of her series. The investiture also saw Sir Andrew Mitchell receive a knighthood, acknowledging his quarter-century of service to his constituents in Sutton Coldfield.

Furthermore, astrophysicist Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell was appointed a Companion of Honour for her significant services to astronomy, physics, and diversity. She highlighted the ongoing need to encourage more women in physical sciences, noting improvements in female representation since her own undergraduate days. Professor Dame Jocelyn emphasized the importance of visible female role models in normalizing women's participation and success in scientific fields.