Ace fashion designer Ralph Lauren has received Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his services to the world of fashion, becoming the first American designer to be bestowed with the honour.
The award was presented to him by Prince Charles in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
A company statement says that this is the first time that an American designer is recognised with an honorary knighthood by the UK, Fox News reported.
The Ralph Lauren Corporation has donated to a breast cancer research center in London and plans to extend out financial support to a second center as well.
The official account of the designer shared a series of pictures from the evening featuring the designer and his wife Ricky.
In the first picture, Ralph Lauren, dressed in black formals, is seen striking a pose with his wife. "Ralph and Ricky Lauren in London, where Mr. Lauren was presented with the knighthood insignia of Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, the greatest honor the kingdom awards to non-Britons," read the caption.
"It's a recognition of Ralph Lauren's contribution to British life over his career, celebrating his impact on the worlds of fashion, business, and philanthropy," it added.
In the second picture, Lauren posed with his family along with the award inside the Buckingham Palace. "Ralph Lauren with his family in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace in which His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales presented Mr. Lauren with the medal signifying his new title: Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a first for an American fashion designer. The ceremony marked the culmination of a long-standing mutual admiration between the iconic American designer and America's most steadfast ally," the picture was captioned.
""I've always loved England because it was non-fashion," Mr. Lauren has said. "It was timeless. It was not about what was the latest new sleekness. It was about weathering and those things that get better with age," the caption quoted Lauren.
Lauren said via email, as cited by Fox News, that he was always inspired by the history, traditions, and culture of the U.K. and he considered the knighthood a "very special moment" as he celebrates 50 years in fashion.
( With inputs from ANI )