Ralph Lauren Is Now An Honorary Knight

Jun 20, 2019 by apost team

Ralph Lauren is not only a beloved fashion designer but also an American icon. His designs have embodied the American dream since his first line of ties in 1967. Now, he has become the first American designer to be recognized as an honorary knight.

Lauren received the traditional insignia directly from Prince Charles at a private ceremony held at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

This isn’t the first honor Lauren has received. In the past, he’s also been given a Key to the City of New York and the French Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur.

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The decision to knight the 79-year-old fashion designer was first announced in November of 2018. According to Antony Phillipson, the U.K. Trade Commissioner for North America, Lauren has been a “vanguard for the global fashion industry and American style for nearly half a century.” He’s also played a vital role in “forging transatlantic cultural and economic connections.”

In a statement posted on Instagram, Lauren explained that he’d always found inspiration in the classic elements of English style. 

“I’ve always loved England because it was non-fashion,” Mr. Lauren said, according to the caption. “It was timeless. It was not about what was the latest new sleekness. It was about weathering and those things that get better with age.”

The decision to make Lauren a knight was made not only based on his iconic role in fashion, but also on his role as a philanthropist. The designer has contributed to charities related to cancer for years.

Earlier this month, his company announced plans to donate a new treatment center to the Royal Marsden, an NHS hospital in London. The new addition comes after the opening of the Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research in 2016, which the hospital dedicated to the designer.

Lauren has joined an impressive list of Americans who have received honorary knighthoods, including Bill Gates, George H W Bush, Bob Hope, and Angelina Jolie. All knighthoods are chosen by the Queen with the help of a committee and given on an honorary basis to both UK citizens and non-UK citizens.

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