Warwick Davis Honored with OBE by Prince William in Memorable Windsor Castle Ceremony
Beloved actor Warwick Davis, renowned for his iconic roles in the Harry Potter franchise and Star Wars, shared a warm and unforgettable exchange with Prince William during a prestigious investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. The 56-year-old star, celebrated for his decades of contributions to drama and charity, was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire honor on March 11, 2026.
Prince William's Thoughtful Gesture Creates Emotional Highlight
Prince William, aged 43, presented the OBE to Warwick Davis in recognition of his outstanding work in entertainment and philanthropy. Davis, who has spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare form of dwarfism, attended the ceremony alongside his daughter Annabelle Davis, 28, and son Harrison Davis, 23. The honor originated from his inclusion in King Charles’s New Year Honours list for 2026, which also featured notable figures like Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo.
During the investiture, Prince William made a deeply resonant gesture by bending down to eye level with Warwick Davis. This thoughtful act was captured by photographers and widely shared, symbolizing respect and inclusivity. Davis later reflected on the moment in an interview with Hello! magazine, as reported by People Magazine, saying, “It was lovely the way he came down to my level instead of standing and looking down at me.” The prince’s kneeling posture created an emotional highlight that underscored the power of small gestures within the grandeur of royal tradition.
Insightful Conversation Reveals Mutual Admiration
Warwick Davis revealed details of their brief conversation in a video released by Kensington Palace. He recounted Prince William asking, “Have you got one of these already?” to which Davis replied, “No, no.” The Prince of Wales expressed surprise, stating, “I’m really surprised, I thought you had one already. You should have had one years ago,” which Davis described as “really nice.” This exchange highlighted the mutual admiration between the royal and the actor, as Davis later shared with People magazine.
Warwick Davis’s Career and Charitable Legacy
Warwick Davis has earned widespread recognition for his film roles, including Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter series and Wicket the Ewok in Star Wars. In 2012, he co-founded Little People UK with his late wife, Samantha Davis, who passed away in 2024 from complications after surgery. The charity provides crucial support to individuals with dwarfism and their families, reflecting Davis’s commitment to advocacy.
Speaking to Times Radio after the New Year Honours announcement, Davis called the OBE “a very dignified honor,” adding, “It’s not like a BAFTA: it’s not big and shiny and show-bizzy.” Dressed in a sharp navy suit, Davis beamed as he shook hands with Prince William, encapsulating a career marked by resilience and significant impact in both entertainment and social causes.
The ceremony not only celebrated Davis’s achievements but also served as a poignant reminder of the importance of kindness and respect in public life, resonating with audiences worldwide.
