Slow Horses star Gary Oldman officially knighted by Prince William

Gary Oldman, the English actor and filmmaker who returns as Jackson Lamb in Slow Horses, has officially been knighted by Prince William.

The 67-year-old star joins a list of revered actors like Daniel Day-Lewis, Michael Caine, Ian McKellen, Anthony Hopkins, and more, who have received this high honor. It puts another feather in his decorated cap after winning several accolades over the years, which include an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and many BAFTAs, among others.

The veteran Slow Horses star was recognized with this award for his valuable contribution to drama at the ceremony for the King’s Birthday Honours. Besides him, English actress Samantha Morton and footballer Rachel Daly were also honored at the ceremony.

ITVX reports that Oldman was "very humbled and flattered" by the honor. According to the outlet, Oldman shared his gratitude by saying:

"I think I feel very honoured, very humbled and flattered, I think in equal measure. It compares to nothing else. I thought the Oscar was a big deal. No disrespect to the academy, but it sort of pales in comparison to this. It’s just been wonderful."

ITVX also shared some details about Oldman's conversation with the Prince of Wales, who reportedly spoke about Oldman's performances in the 1997 film, The Fifth Element, and the 2017 film, Darkest Hour. The latter film, directed by Joe Wright, showed Oldman portraying the UK's former Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.

The Slow Horses star reveals how he feels about receiving this high honor

After the news of Gary Oldman's knighthood became public in June, he shared an official statement. According to Deadline, it reads:

"To be included in the long lineage of extraordinary actors, artists, and others who hold this title fills me with indescribable humility and pride. It is emotional, humbling, and flattering all at the same time to be recognized amongst them."

In a following conversation in August with HELLO! Magazine, the Slow Horses star also spoke about his preparation for the honor, saying:

"I think one should [get a special suit] for the occasion."

In the Deadline interview, Oldman spoke about Slow Horses, the Apple TV+ drama series where he plays a former MI5 agent. Unlike the usual spy dramas with flashy cuts and swooping camera movements, this show takes a more grounded approach to follow its storyline.

Oldman is not new to similarly understated dramas. He has also headlined the 2022 mystery thriller that stands apart due to its approach. In line with this, the actor addressed why Slow Horses might be appealing to many viewers. In June 2025, he told Deadline:

"We are so sort of contaminated with the idea of the spy world being and casinos and Aston Marti’s that I think it connects with people because the people in it are ordinary people who do heroic things, without any gizmos.”

Speaking about what he loves about the show, the actor said:

"That is truly the wonderful gift that keeps on giving. I just adore the hell out of it, and the people. It is just such a wonderful thing, really, to be part of."

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Slow Horses, starring Gary Oldman, is available to stream on Apple TV+.

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