Ralph Lauren KBE “Humbly Accepts” Her Majesty’s Highest Honour

Ralph Lauren has been made an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) for his services to fashion. In accepting the honorary knighthood insignia from the Prince of Wales during a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace on June 19, he became the first American designer to be awarded the UK’s highest honour for foreigners.

Lauren, who remains chief creative officer and executive chairman of the company he founded in 1967, told Vogue he “humbly accepted” the title. “I have always been inspired by the history, traditions and culture of Great Britain and the historic relationship our two countries have shared. This is one of the most meaningful honours bestowed at this very special moment in my 50th anniversary.” As well as the innumerable accolades he has been awarded by global boards during his tenure in fashion, Lauren was recognised for his Outstanding Achievement by the British Fashion Council at the British Fashion Awards in 2016.

“Mr Lauren has played a key role in forging transatlantic cultural and economic connections,” said Antony Phillipson, British Consul General in New York and Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America, upon the announcement of the designer’s award in November. “As creator and visionary of the Ralph Lauren brand worldwide, he has been a vanguard for the global fashion industry and American style for nearly half a century. In addition, monumental philanthropic efforts, especially in the realm of public health, cancer research and treatment in both the US and the UK, have led to benefits felt by citizens around the world.”

Upon his brand’s 50th birthday celebrations, Lauren told the press, “I’ve been very lucky. I like working. I like to dream.” Now 79 years old, the Bronx-born creative continues to implement a progressive business strategy. Earlier this month, he announced that there will be gender parity in all leadership positions by 2023. The inclusion of candidates from diverse backgrounds during any recruitment process will be ensured by 2020. Green targets, such as sustainably sourcing all “key materials” by 2025, were additionally outlined in the Global Citizenship and Sustainability report.

Other Americans who have received honorary knighthoods or damehoods include presidents Dwight D Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and George HW Bush, as well as Angelina Jolie, Angela Ahrendts, Bill Gates and Steven Spielberg.