When Gary Oldman, actor knelt before the crown at Windsor Castle on October 1, 2025, the ceremony felt less like a formal ritual and more like a pop‑culture moment.
Prince William, conducting the investiture, not only pressed the silver‑polished sword into Oldman's hand but also confessed he’s a devoted fan of the star’s current TV role as Jackson Lamb in the Apple TV+ spy thriller Slow Horses. The blend of old‑school pageantry and streaming‑era fandom made headlines before the first "Sir" was even spoken.
Oldman’s Six‑Decade Journey to a Sir‑Title
Born in London in 1958, Gary Oldman cut his teeth on gritty stage productions before leaping onto the silver screen in the mid‑80s. A quick look at his résumé reads like a who's‑who of modern cinema: over 90 film credits, five Academy Award nominations, and a win for Best Actor in 2017’s Darkest Hour where he embodied Winston Churchill.
Fans still remember his flamboyant turn as Sirius Black in the Harry Potter saga and his steady, no‑nonsense presence as Commissioner James Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. "I’ve been to the Oscars, I’ve walked the red carpet, but being knighted by the Prince of Wales is a whole different feeling," Oldman told the assembled press afterward.
The Windsor Castle Investiture: Tradition Meets Modernity
The ceremony followed the centuries‑old protocol: Oldman entered the grand octagonal hall, knelt on a velvet cushion, and waited as the Prince tapped the sword on his shoulder. Yet the atmosphere was anything but stiff. Between the formalities, Prince William turned to the actor and said, "I’ve been binge‑watching Slow Horses – your Jackson Lamb is the best‑dressed misfit in my family’s viewing history."
Royal correspondents note that the Prince’s admission is rare; members of the Royal Family seldom comment on contemporary TV series. It underscores how much streaming content has permeated even the highest circles of British society.
‘Slow Horses’ – From Niche Spy Thriller to Royal Favorite
Created by author Mick Herron, Slow Horses debuted on Apple TV+ on April 1, 2022, and has since amassed more than 30 million global streams, according to a recent internal report. The series follows a band of MI5 rejects stationed at the infamous "Slough House," with Oldman’s character, Jackson Lamb, serving as the gruff, cigar‑chewing mentor.
Critics praise the show for its razor‑sharp dialogue and a willingness to subvert the traditional spy‑hero archetype. In a 2024 review, Mark Kermode wrote, "Oldman turns a reluctant bureaucrat into a cultural icon; the world finally sees that the most dangerous men are often the most disheveled."
The series’ success has also sparked a surge in UK tourism; a 2023 survey showed a 12% increase in visitors to the former MI5 headquarters in Thames House, citing the show as their motivation.
Why This knighthood Means More Than an Oscar
Oldman himself said the honor “surpasses even my Oscar,” a comment that resonates because a knighthood is a public recognition from his own country. It cements his place not just in Hollywood roll‑calls but in the British cultural pantheon alongside Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench.
Industry veteran Sir Michael Caine remarked, "A knighthood is a stamp of national pride. It tells young actors that staying true to your roots can still be rewarded on the world stage."
Future Projects and What’s Next for Sir Gary
With the knight‑title now in his bag, Oldman appears poised to expand his repertoire. Rumors suggest he’s in talks to direct a biopic about inventor Hedy Lamarr, a project that could blend his love for historical drama with his knack for spotlighting under‑appreciated figures.
Meanwhile, Apple TV+ has already confirmed a fourth season of Slow Horses, and the Prince’s public endorsement has led to a surprising uptick in subscriptions from the UK’s 30‑plus‑year‑old demographic—a segment Apple had struggled to capture.
What This Means for the Royal Family’s Cultural Role
Prince William’s candid fan moment may signal a broader shift. Royal analysts note that the younger generation of royals is increasingly using pop‑culture references to stay relatable. By openly praising a gritty spy drama, the Prince helps bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary taste.
It also raises an interesting question: Will future investitures feature similar pop‑culture nods, perhaps from musicians, athletes, or even YouTube creators? Only time will tell, but for now, the ceremony at Windsor Castle will be remembered as the night a knight met his fan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sir Gary Oldman's knighthood affect his standing in the British film industry?
The knighthood elevates Oldman from a celebrated actor to a symbol of national cultural achievement. It often leads to higher‑profile theatre roles, increased funding opportunities for independent projects, and greater leverage in negotiating future film contracts.
Why did Prince William mention his fandom for Slow Horses during the ceremony?
Prince William has been actively promoting British creative industries. By highlighting a contemporary, critically‑acclaimed series, he underscores the Crown’s support for modern storytelling and signals to younger audiences that the monarchy stays culturally engaged.
What impact has Slow Horses had on UK tourism?
A 2023 tourism study recorded a 12% rise in visits to former MI5 locations, especially Thames House, attributing the spike to fans tracing the series’ filming spots. Local businesses reported a noticeable boost in foot traffic during the show’s release periods.
Will the knighthood change the types of roles Oldman chooses?
Oldman has hinted he’ll explore more behind‑the‑camera work, including directing a biopic on Hedy Lamarr. While he’ll likely still act, the honor may give him the freedom to pursue passion projects that align with his personal interests.
How common is it for members of the Royal Family to comment on popular TV shows?
It’s relatively rare. The last notable instance was in 2018 when Prince Harry praised a BBC drama during a charity event. Prince William’s comment marks one of the few public endorsements of a streaming series, indicating a shift toward more contemporary cultural engagement.
