Ralph Lauren receives honorary knighthood at Buckingham Palace

American fashion designer and entrepreneur Ralph Lauren has been awarded an Honorary Knighthood (KBE) at Buckingham Palace for his Services to Fashion. The designer received his KBE at a private ceremony presided over by Charles, Prince of Wales.

Lauren is the first American fashion designer to be recognized with an honorary knighthood, and joins other notable Americans including Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, actress and activist Angelina Jolie, director Steven Spielberg, and business leaders Bill and Melinda Gates in receiving the prestigious accolade.

Lauren's knighthood was first announced in November 2018, as the designer celebrated the 50th anniversary of the eponymous fashion empire he founded in 1967. Born in the Bronx, New York, in 1939, Lauren still serves as executive chairman and chief creative officer of the brand. From selling men's ties to launching his first 'Polo' line, Lauren is now estimated to be worth $7.2bn (Forbes, 2018) making him the 91st richest person in the US.

Among his many accolades, Lauren boasts the Key to the City of New York, the French Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur and the US James Smithson Bicentennial Medal, as well as an Outstanding Achievement award from the British Fashion Council.

A generous philanthropist, Lauren has established several cancer research and treatment centre in America and in the UK.

The Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research, which opened at the UK's The Royal Marsden in June 2016, is at the forefront of international breast cancer research with a focus on molecular testing and commitment to leading research into early diagnosis.

Other famous names on the Queen's Birthday Honours this year include Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman, who was awarded a CBE while OBEs were awarded to adventurer Bear Grylls, singer Alfie Boe and Ama Agbeze, who captained the England women's football team to a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2018.