HRH Queen Elizabeth II personally presented Angelina Jolie with the Insignia of an Honorary Damehood on Friday at Buckingham Palace in London. The American actress/ director/ film maker was honored for her campaign against sexual violence in war zones and for her services to United Kingdom's foreign policy.
Jolie was appointed Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (DCMG) in June, the equivalent of Honorary Knight Commander, with part of the official announcement saying:
Honorary awards
The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following honorary British awards in 2014:
THE MOST DISTINGUISHED ORDER OF ST MICHAEL AND ST GEORGE
DCMG
Ms Angelina JOLIE
For services to UK foreign policy and the campaign to end warzone sexual violence
To this, the humanitarian said, as quoted by The Telegraph, "To receive an honour related to foreign policy means a great deal to me, as it is what I wish to dedicate my working life to. Working on PVSI and with survivors of rape is an honour in itself. I know that succeeding in our goals will take a lifetime, and I am dedicated to it for all of mine."
PSVI or "Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative" highlights the problem of rape being used as a weapon of war. Since May 2012, along with U.K. Foreign Secretary William Hague, Jolie has been pushing for an international resolution for and punishment against war rape, including speaking before the U.N. council as a special envoy for refugees and speaking at a G8 foreign ministers meeting.
Jolie is highly involved in humanitarian causes, including child and women protection, and refugee welfare. She is special envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Still, majority of people know Jolie best as an award-winning actress, most famous for her titular roles in "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" and "Maleficent," and for writing/ directing/ producing "In the Land of Blood of Honey."
Jolie met the British monarch in the 1844 Room for the presentation of the insignia and a private audience, after which her husband, Brad Pitt, and their six children were reportedly ushered in to be presented to the Queen.
