Reflecting on the milestone moment, the actor admitted he was almost lost for words:
“It was emotional. Very emotional. We spoke for a minute, but I almost couldn’t find my voice. I feel very honoured, very humbled and flattered, I think in equal measure. It compares to nothing else. It’s a singular event, that is what it is.”
Sir Gary also joked about the appeal of playing Jackson Lamb: “He’s got sort of an acid wit, sarcastic, he drinks too much, smokes too much, eats all the wrong things. Who wouldn’t want to play that?”
The Prince went on to mention other highlights from Oldman’s career, including The Fifth Element and Darkest Hour, and said he was “very happy” to be the one presenting the actor with the knighthood.
What did Prince William say to Sir Gary Oldman when he formally knighted the Slow Horses actor at Windsor Castle today?
Sir Gary, who plays unkempt Jackson Lamb, told us that William said: “I just want to give you a good wash!”
🧼 🚿 🧽 pic.twitter.com/xQtBL0eynl— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) September 30, 2025
For Oldman, whose filmography spans cult classics like True Romance to his BAFTA-winning directorial debut Nil by Mouth (1997), the recognition marked a career-defining moment:
“I thought the Oscar was a big deal. No disrespect to the Academy, but it sort of pales in comparison to this. It’s just been wonderful.”12
