By Marcellous L. Jones 

Photos Courtesy of Ralph & Russo

Paris, France – Goodwill ambassador and style icon Angelina Jolie has been made an Honorary Dame Grand Cross. The legendary American actress officially received the honor from the hands of Queen Elizabeth II, as an extraordinary recognition for her well-noted personal implication for services to UK foreign policy and the campaign to end war zone sexual violence and rape.

“To receive an honor related to foreign policy means a great deal to me, as it is what I wish to dedicate my working life to”, said Mrs. Jolie-Pitt. “Working on PVSI and with survivors of rape is an honor in itself. I know that succeeding in our goals will take a lifetime, and I am dedicated to it for all of mine.”

Jolie’s interests in humanitarian affairs flared while filming the Tomb Raider film in Cambodia in 2000. She then began working as a United Nations High Commission for Refugees. Then its commissioner Antonio Guterres expanded her role by appointing her as Special Envoy. In that diplomatic capacity, she focused her energies on major crises resulting from the mass displacements of populations caused by conflicts. She used that position to champion their protection. Since that time she has carried out more than 40 field missions and has met with key policy makers on a diplomatic level. Wanting to go still further, she co-founded the PVSI with UK Foreign Secretary William Hague in 2012.

Receiving the honorary title in Buckingham Palace’s 1844 chamber, Mrs. Jolie-Pitt was most appropriately attired in a two-piece pastel Ralph & Russo Couture ensemble. She wore her hair in an upsweep. Her husband, the equally famous Brad Pitt and all their children were also in attendance at the event.

Due to the high profile nature of the occasion and to Angelina Jolie arguably being Hollywood’s most famous female star, the name Ralph Russo is bound to become a household name along the likes of Chanel, Valentino, Gaultier and Armani.

In Great Britain, Mrs. Jolie-Pitt cannot be officially recognized as “dame”, due only to the fact that she is not a British citizen. However even in honorary status, she lends the title a truly needed air of modernity and much distinction.