Warwick Davis, the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ star, shared a warm and memorable exchange with Prince William during a prestigious ceremony at Windsor Castle. The 56-year-old actor, celebrated for his iconic roles and tireless charity work, received an Officer of the Order of the British Empire honor on March 11, 2026. The moment, marked by genuine respect and kindness, highlighted the power of small gestures in the grandeur of royal tradition.
How the ceremony took place
Prince William, 43, presented the OBE to Warwick Davis at Windsor Castle for his outstanding contributions to drama and charity. Davis, born with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare form of dwarfism, attended alongside his daughter Annabelle Davis, 28, and son Harrison Davis, 23. The honor stemmed from his inclusion in King Charles’s New Year Honours list for 2026, alongside figures like Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo. During the investiture, Prince William bent down to eye level with Warwick Davis, a thoughtful act that resonated deeply. Warwick Davis later reflected on the kindness, saying to Hello!, “It was lovely the way he came down to my level instead of standing and looking down at me”, as reported by People Magazine. The prince knelt in a show of respect, creating an emotional highlight captured by photographers and shared widely.
What sparked their conversation
Warwick Davis revealed details of their brief chat in a video released by Kensington Palace. He recounted Prince William asking, “Have you got one of these already?” Davis replied, “No, no.” The Prince of Wales then expressed surprise, saying, “I’m really surprised, I thought you had one already. You should have had one years ago,” which Davis described as “really nice.” The exchange underscored mutual admiration between the royal and the actor, Warwick Davis revealed to People magazine.
Achievements and other recognitions
Warwick Davis earned recognition for his film roles, including Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter series and Wicket the Ewok in Star Wars. In 2012, he co-founded Little People UK with his late wife, Samantha Davis, who passed away in 2024 from complications after surgery. The charity supports individuals with dwarfism and their families. Speaking to Times Radio after the New Year Honours announcement, Davis called the OBE “a very dignified honor,” adding, “It’s not like a BAFTA: it’s not big and shiny and show-bizzy.” Warwick Davis, dressed in a sharp navy suit, beamed as he shook hands with Prince William, encapsulating a career of resilience and impact.
