**Anne-Marie Duff Honoured with OBE, Receives Light-Hearted Royal Banter from Prince of Wales**
Celebrated British actress Anne-Marie Duff has been officially awarded the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of her outstanding contributions to drama. The formal investiture took place at Windsor Castle, where Duff shared a candid and jovial exchange with the Prince of Wales, revealing the sense of camaraderie and mutual respect that marked the occasion.
Duff, aged 54, is perhaps most widely recognised for her compelling portrayal of Fiona Gallagher in Channel 4’s hit drama “Shameless”. Yet her extensive career has spanned everything from modern television to revered period pieces, including her acclaimed role as Elizabeth I in the BBC’s “The Virgin Queen” miniseries between 2005 and 2006. It was this regal role that sparked a cheeky comment from Prince William during the OBE ceremony: “this should all be old hat for you, or something”, he joked, making light of her previous experience donning royal robes.
Speaking shortly after the ceremony within the grand setting of Windsor Castle, Duff expressed her awe at the occasion. “(Windsor Castle) is like a treasure chest, isn’t it? Every piece of every room is swollen with history and art and value,” she remarked. Duff was struck by the personal nature of the royal residence, musing on how different it feels to stand in a place which is both a historic site and an actual home. She reflected that, unlike filming on location – which can feel disconnected from daily life – the castle’s lived-in quality adds a distinctive sense of intimacy.
Interestingly, Duff mentioned that security concerns meant “The Virgin Queen” was not filmed in actual royal residences. She recalled these limitations with amusement, contrasting the realities of period drama production with the authenticity of Windsor’s surroundings.
Away from the royal stage, Duff leads a relatively private life in north London. She shares a son with her former husband and “Shameless” co-star, James McAvoy. At the ceremony, the Prince of Wales and Duff found common ground discussing the often-unpredictable balance between professional obligations and parenting, with Duff remarking, “we’re all kind of the same”.
As she looks ahead, Duff revealed that her next confirmed acting job is scheduled for 2026, but declined to disclose more due to strict non-disclosure agreements increasingly common in the industry today. “You can’t even read scripts now without NDAs,” she explained. “The streamers are like old Hollywood studios… it’s so bonkers.” Duff light-heartedly lamented the need for secrecy, joking with the Prince that she “would love to tell” him about her upcoming ventures but felt as though “there are snipers everywhere… the walls have ears”.
Theatre, however, remains close to Duff’s heart. She described the stage as the “juiciest” creative challenge, not only for the direct communion with live audiences, but also for the unpredictable nature of live performance. “If a light bulb blows, we still go on… you become so resourceful and have each other’s backs as a company.” This sense of immediacy and teamwork, she revealed, is what keeps her drawn to live theatre.
Reflecting on the honour of being made an OBE, Duff appeared genuinely moved. She stated, “You never imagine that – I think especially for people who work in the arts – you never really have a sense of what you do as having a great deal of importance or being a contribution.” The recognition left her feeling “fabulous” and “really lucky”, underscoring the quiet dedication that has characterised her career.
The celebratory event at Windsor Castle was marked by both humour and heartfelt appreciation, highlighting not only Duff’s achievements but also the enduring role of the arts in British cultural life.