J.K. Rowling Receives Royal Honor From Prince William

The Harry Potter author was granted a prestigious royal title this week.

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, J.K. Rowling (first name Joanne) was named a Royal Companion of Honor by Prince William at Buckingham Palace, Entertainment Tonight reported. She was given the royal honor for her "services to literature and philanthropy."

Rowling, who was joined by her doctor husband, Neil Murray, at the ceremony, said that she was "deeply honored and proud" to receive the special award, which recognizes services of national importance. It can be held by only 65 people at a time. Sir Paul McCartney and designer Sir Terence Conran are also expected to receive this honor.

"To be included in the distinguished and diversely talented company of the other Companions of Honor, especially as a female writer, is a particular privilege," the 52-year-old added in a statement.

The first novel in Rowling's world-renowned fantasy series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was released nearly 21 years ago in the U.K. The Casual Vacancy author, who also writes under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Prince Charles in 2001 for her children's literature contributions. 

As ET noted, other members of the Order include the likes of Dame Maggie Smith, Stephen Hawking, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them star Eddie Redmayne for his services to drama. "It is something that I had never thought of, and it was never in my wildest imagination," he said when he received his OBE award from Queen Elizabeth in 2016, calling it an "extraordinary" honor. "The whole experience is incredibly humbling."

As Nicki Swift previously reported, Ed Sheeran was made Member of the Order of the British Empire for his "services to music and charity" by the Prince of Wales just last week. The "Perfect" singer took to social media to share the moment with his fans and was just as humbled as his fellow Brits to be recognized by the royal family. "Honoured to be awarded an MBE today at Buckingham Palace x," he captioned a snapshot of himself holding his award. 

Congratulations, J.K.!