Prince William’s recent investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on September 30, 2025, was a moment of both formal honor and personal connection, as he bestowed a knighthood upon acclaimed actor Gary Oldman.
The 67-year-old actor knelt before the Prince of Wales, who officially knighted him with a traditional sword tap on each shoulder. Beyond the solemnity of the ceremony, the interaction revealed a warm rapport between the two, underscoring William’s genuine admiration for Oldman’s work.
Oldman shared some lighthearted moments from their conversation, noting that William mentioned watching him on Apple TV+ in the acclaimed series Slow Horses. The actor recalled the Prince’s humorous comment about his portrayal of a grizzled MI5 agent, saying that whenever he sees Oldman on screen, “I just want to give you a good wash.” Oldman quipped back, “Well, I think I’ve scrubbed up okay today,” adding a touch of levity to the formal occasion. William’s appreciation of Oldman’s broader filmography was evident, as he also referenced The Fifth Element and Darkest Hour, confirming the royal’s status as a fan.
The honor resonated deeply with Oldman, who described the experience as “very emotional.” While he acknowledged the significance of his Oscar win, Oldman emphasized that receiving a knighthood from the Prince of Wales was an unparalleled distinction. “I think I feel very honored, very humbled and flattered, I think in equal measure,” he said. “It compares to nothing else. It’s a singular event, that is what it is. I thought the Oscar was a big deal. No disrespect to the academy, but it sort of pales in comparison to this. It’s just been wonderful.” The knighthood recognized Oldman’s outstanding contributions to drama and was part of King Charles’ Birthday Honours list, a testament to his enduring influence in the arts.
The ceremony also saw William meeting other distinguished honorees, including BAFTA-winning actress Samantha Morton and Lioness soccer player Rachel Daly, highlighting the diverse range of talents celebrated that day. William’s role in such events not only reflects his ceremonial duties but also his personal engagement with British culture and excellence.
This occasion followed a similar honor William bestowed earlier that year in June when he knighted Gareth Southgate for his significant contributions to English soccer as both player and coach. This recognition likely delighted soccer fans within the royal family, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. William has been open about his enthusiasm for soccer, once sharing with The Sun his playful superstitions around watching matches with his children. “If I’m home alone with the children, I probably don’t have the pre-match pint, but I do have a bit of superstition about where I sit when I’m watching them,” he said. “If we’re not doing very well, I start moving round the house quite quickly, and I put the children in different positions hoping that’s going to change our luck.”
Together, these moments paint a portrait of a Prince who embraces his public duties with a personal touch, whether honoring cultural icons or sharing in the passions of his family. Prince William’s ability to balance tradition with warmth and humor continues to resonate, reminding us that even the most formal ceremonies are enriched by genuine human connection. For content creators and storytellers, his approach offers a powerful lesson: engaging audiences requires not only respect for protocol but also moments of authenticity that bring stories vividly to life.
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