The Japan Times - Anna Wintour vows to keep working as receives latest UK honour

Wintour, 75 -- already made a dame in 2017 -- was this time made a companion of honour, joining a select group never numbering more than 65 recognised for major contributions in their field.

Renowned British artist Tracey Emin was also at the palace Tuesday to formally receive her damehood, after both women were named in Charles' first birthday honours list in 2023.

"It's wonderful to be back at Buckingham Palace and I was completely surprised and overwhelmed to be given this great honour," said Wintour, who removed her trademark sunglasses to receive it.

British-born Wintour -- who has helmed American Vogue for more than three decades -- noted that when she was last honoured, by Queen Elizabeth II, "we both agreed that we had been doing our job a very long time".

"Then this morning His Majesty asked me if this meant I was going to stop working and I said firmly, no," she added, wearing an Alexander McQueen outfit.

"It makes me even more convinced that I have so much more to achieve."

The Order of the Companions of Honour, founded in 1917 by King George V, is limited to 65 members at any one time.

Those who have made a long-standing contribution to arts, science, medicine or government can be appointed, with Judi Dench, Elton John, David Hockney current honourees.

Wintour, who was raised in the UK to a British father and an American mother, has edited Vogue in the United States since 1988.

Over the ensuing decades she has earned a reputation as one of the most influential and formidable figures in fashion.

Emin, 61, one of Britain's best-known living artists, was made a dame for her services to art.

A leading figure in the provocative Young British Artists movement of the late 1980s and 1990s, she has battled cancer and has undergone major surgery in recent years.

M.Yamazaki--JT