Yahoo Lifestyle The Queen Makes Angelina Jolie An Honorary Dame
Marie Claire covergirl Angelina Jolie has been named an honorary dame for her services to UK foreign policy.
The 39-year old actress, who co-founded the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative with UK foreign secretary William Hague in 2012, was among 1,149 people to receive the honour, which is given to those who make an outstanding contribution to British society.
As Jolie isn't a British citizen, she’s unable to be addressed as a dame, but receives the award on an honorary basis.
"To receive an honour related to foreign policy means a great deal to me, as it is what I wish to dedicate my working life to," she said in a statement. "Working on PVSI and with survivors of rape is an honor in itself. I know that succeeding in our goals will take a lifetime, and I am dedicated to it for all of mine."
Jolie flew into London last week to attend the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict in London, where she gave a powerful speech about wartime rape.
“Wartime rape is a crime that thrives on silence and denial," said Jolie. "We must send a message around the world that there is no disgrace in being a survivor of sexual violence, that the shame is on the aggressor."
Jolie was joined onstage by British Foreign Secretary William Hague Hague, who later announced that Britain will pledge a further $10 million to help survivors of sexual violence in conflict.
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