Angelina Jolie was honored recently by being bestowed an honorary damehood by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth. Still, as an American, she is not permitted to use the title Dame Angelina Jolie. Damehood, equivalent to knighthood for males, is one of the highest honors that a person can receive in the United Kingdom. Once reserved only for military personnel, the honor is now offered to individuals that have a significant positive impact on national life.
The only way she could use her new title is if she becomes a citizen of another nation; Namibia would be a good fit for her. Deciding to become a citizen of the country would help with her organization, the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, and a slew of others, including Doctors Without Borders and Global Action for Children.
Jolie is closely linked with Namibia through her first child; eight-year old Shiloh, who was born there and is a Namibian citizen. The Namibian Embassy stated that it would be happy to consider her for citizenship. However, they added that Jolie would be required to apply for citizenship, as anyone else would.
Numerous celebrities and well-known people have been invited by Queens, Kings and Presidents, depending upon the country, to be knighted. Many have accepted the honor, while some have declined. Clint Eastwood (2009) and Robert Redford (2010) were conducted into France’s elite legion by French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Queen Elizabeth knighted Paul McCartney (1997), Elton John (1998) and Sidney Poitier (1973). A few people that refused the honor are David Bowie, sculptor Henry Moore, actress Doris Lessing, and artist L.S. Lowry.
