Warwick Davis Receives His OBE From Prince William - Photos

The British actor was joined by his children and a mystery companion who has been making headlines of her own, while the future King made a touching gesture during the ceremony that left Warwick deeply moved. The photos from the occasion are waiting for you at the end of this article.

A beloved British actor stepped into one of the most storied rooms in the country on Wednesday and walked out with one of its highest honours. On 11 March 2026, Warwick Davis, 56, was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at a star-studded investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle.

William, Prince of Wales, 43, presided over the occasion, pinning the OBE to the "Harry Potter" and "Star Wars" actor's chest in recognition of his more than four decades of service to drama and charity.

However, one moment from the ceremony particularly stood out. Rather than standing above Warwick, as the honour was conferred, Prince William bent down so that the two men were eye to eye.

Speaking after the event, the actor said the Prince of Wales' gesture meant a great deal to him. "It was lovely the way he came down to my level instead of standing and looking down at me," he revealed.

Warwick — who was born with Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare form of dwarfism — featured in King Charles III's New Year's Honours list for 2026, alongside Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo.

The Wednesday ceremony also saw footballer Alex Greenwood awarded an MBE, with honours ranging from Knighthoods and Damehoods to CBEs, OBEs, and MBEs.

For the actor, the recognition was richly deserved. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, he has become one of Britain's most recognisable screen presences, with iconic roles across the "Harry Potter" and "Star Wars" franchises.

He previously received the BAFTA Fellowship, and at the time, dedicated the award to his late wife, Samantha Davis, who passed away in 2024. The actor shared, "This is the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I've been in 'Star Wars.'"

As for Wednesday's ceremony, Warwick did not face this milestone alone. He was joined at Windsor Castle by his daughter and son, as well as two additional companions.

One of those mystery guests is believed to be his new girlfriend, affectionately nicknamed Sponge — a woman Warwick has credited with helping him to love again following his wife's passing.

However, online, some netizens were critical of the speed of his romantic recovery. One reader wrote, "Moved on to someone else in a hot minute couldn't have loved his wife that much [sic]."

Another added, "It didn't take him long to get over his heartbreak," while a third remarked, "He didn't hang about did he, his wife will be turning in her grave [sic]."

Still, not everyone saw it the same way. One commenter offered a more considered take, typing, "Men in general don't do well alone if they have had a wife that took care of everything on the home front. Stats show that they are really fast to find someone as they don't cope."

The ceremony itself also drew its share of admiration. "Well earned, he's a fine actor and skilful performer. I don't follow the royals but I do appreciate Prince William's amiability. Those photos are quite moving," one netizen observed.

Others couldn't help but notice Prince William's gesture, with one asking, "Is that etiquette when speaking to a little person? Crouch down to their level?" Another put it rather memorably: "This must be the first time a future King has gone down on one knee to a commoner."

Warwick left Windsor Castle on Wednesday with his OBE, his children by his side, and a mystery guest close behind — a blue-suited figure with a medal on his chest and, by all accounts, a new chapter quietly beginning.