Warwick Davis has revealed that Prince William was genuinely surprised to learn that the beloved actor had never received an OBE before — a revelation that sparked a warm and humorous exchange during a special ceremony at Kensington Palace.
The 56-year-old star was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services to drama and charity, marking a milestone moment in a career that has spanned decades. Warwick attended the ceremony alongside his daughter Annabelle, 28, and son Harrison, 23, who proudly watched as he received the honour.
Recalling his conversation with the Prince of Wales, Warwick said William had assumed he must have already been recognised with such an award.
He explained that Prince William asked him, “Have you got one of these already?” Warwick admitted he quickly replied no, joking that he was worried saying yes might cost him the honour. The Prince then responded, “I’m really surprised, I thought you had one already,” a reaction Warwick said he found incredibly kind and encouraging.
From Star Wars fan to beloved actor
Warwick also reflected on how his acting journey began — and revealed it was never part of his original plan.
He explained that as a child he had simply been a huge fan of Star Wars. When he was 11 years old, his grandmother heard an announcement from Lucasfilm that they were searching for short actors to appear in a new movie. Encouraged by her, he auditioned — unknowingly beginning a career that would take him to one of the most iconic galaxies in film history.
Warwick said that growing up as a little person shaped his personality and sense of humour.
He explained that as a child he never wanted to be forgotten about in the playground, so he made sure he was louder and funnier than his friends — something he now believes helped prepare him for performing.
A mission beyond acting
Alongside his work on screen, Warwick has also dedicated years to supporting others with dwarfism.
In 2012, he founded the charity Little People UK with his late wife Samantha. The organisation provides advice, community and support for people with dwarfism and their families.
Warwick explained that the charity allows people to connect with others who share similar experiences — celebrating their successes while also sharing their worries and challenges.
He said that people with dwarfism are exactly the same as anyone else, simply living in a smaller body, with the same dreams, goals and desire for love and happiness.
Samantha tragically passed away in 2024 following complications after surgery that led to cardiac arrest, a loss that deeply affected the actor and his family.
The mysterious woman by his side
At the ceremony, Warwick was also accompanied by a mystery woman who stood with his children as he received the honour — sparking curiosity among fans.
Last year, Warwick publicly thanked someone he referred to only as “Sponge” during his BAFTA Fellowship acceptance speech, crediting the person with helping him rediscover joy after the devastating loss of his wife.
He said in that speech: “Special mention should go to Sponge — you know who you are. Thank you for showing me that life can still have meaning and for helping me to laugh and to love again.”
When later asked about the mysterious figure’s identity, Warwick joked during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show that Sponge was “She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named,” keeping the mystery firmly intact.
