British actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson received the honor of Damehood for her services to drama in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Damehood is one of Britain’s highest honors as it is the female equivalent of Knighthood. Dame Emma Thompson is known for her roles in movies such as Nanny McPhee, The Children Act and Love Actually.

At the ceremony in which Dame Emma Thompson received her Damehood, Thompson asked Prince William, “I can’t kiss you, can I?” and he replied with, “No, don’t!” However, the actress did not seem bothered by his response. “I love Prince William, I’ve known him since he was little, and we just sniggered at each other,” said the star to press after the event. Thompson said that, “If you’re first up, you have to be more formal on such an occasion, but he’s looking wonderful and doing so well.¨ He remarked, ¨This day isn’t about me, it’s about you.¨

Dame Emma Thompson has known both Prince Harry and Prince William since they were children. She has also been a long-term correspondent with their father, Prince Charles. Speaking about her connection to the family, Thompson explained, “It’s a very lovely feeling.”

Emma was accompanied to the ceremony by her family. Her husband, Greg Wise, and children Gaia and Tindyebwa Agaba. They all proudly supported her while she received this high honor.

Thompson plans to use the achievement to draw attention to the overwhelming amount of poor children who do not receive sufficient food quantities during school holidays.