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First American designer receives honorary knighthood

The designer was presented with the insignia, bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II, at Buckingham Palace.

London: Ralph Lauren has collected an accolade from Prince Charles and it’s a doozy: Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for Services to Fashion. The designer was presented with the insignia, bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II, in a private ceremony Wednesday at Buckingham Palace.

The Prince of Wales, designer Ralph Lauren, center, and his wife Ricky Lauren after he was presented with his honorary KBE (Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for Services to Fashion in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace. (Photo: AP)L-R: The Prince of Wales, Designer Ralph Lauren and his wife Ricky Lauren. (Photo: AP)

A company statement says Lauren is the first American designer to be recognised with an honorary knighthood. Ralph Lauren Corp. has donated to a breast cancer research centre in London and plans to financially support a second centre as well.

The Prince of Wales, center, presents designer Ralph Lauren, fourth right, with his honorary KBE. (Photo: AP)The Prince of Wales, centre, presents designer Ralph Lauren, fourth right, with his honorary KBE. (Photo: AP)

Lauren said via email he’s always been inspired by the history, traditions and culture of the UK and considers the knighthood a “very special moment” as he celebrates 50 years in fashion.

The Prince of Wales presents designer Ralph Lauren with his honorary KBEThe Prince of Wales presents designer Ralph Lauren with his honorary KBE. (Photo: AP)

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