Gary Oldman knighted by Prince William for services to drama

Sir Gary Oldman, 67, was knighted by Prince William at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, receiving the honour for services to drama as part of the King’s Birthday Honours. The London-born actor said the moment was emotional and described the knighthood as "a singular event," adding that he felt "very honoured, very humbled and flattered, I think in equal measure."

Oldman, who began his stage career with the Royal Shakespeare Company before moving into film in the early 1980s, spoke briefly with Prince William during the ceremony. He recounted that the prince said he was a fan of Oldman’s current role as Jackson Lamb in Apple TV’s Slow Horses, but joked that "every time I see you on screen as Lamb, I just want to give you a good wash." Oldman replied, "Well, I think I’ve scrubbed up OK today."

The actor’s comments reflected both the light tone of the exchange and the public recognition of a long and varied career. Oldman rose to prominence in British cinema in the 1980s with roles in Remembrance and Sid and Nancy, and went on to portray a wide range of characters including Lee Harvey Oswald, Count Dracula, and Winston Churchill. His performance in The...