Jacinda Ardern was awarded the title of dame on Monday for service to New Zealand, barely four months after ending her term as prime minister, during which she became the global face of a compassionate brand of liberal politics.
The accolade — Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit — is the country’s second highest and was granted as part of an annual tradition of awarding honors for the King’s Birthday holiday.
The honorees are usually chosen by the prime minister and approved by the British monarch, King Charles III, who is New Zealand’s head of state.
Ms. Ardern said she was “humbled” by the award and had initially considered declining it.
“So many of the things we went through as a nation over the last five years were about all of us rather than one individual,” she said in a statement, adding, “For me this is a way to say thank you — to my family, to my colleagues, and to the people who supported me to take on the most challenging and rewarding role of my life.”
Persons:
Jacinda Ardern, —, King Charles III, Ardern, ”
Locations:
New Zealand, Zealand, British