Penny Lancaster was awarded the Freedom of the City of London on Monday in recognition of her service as a police Special Constable and her charitable endeavors. The 55-year-old model and television personality has held the voluntary police role since 2021, focusing on enhancing safety for women in the capital.
Duty at Major Events
Lancaster served on duty during Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022 and King Charles III's coronation in May 2023. She accepted the honour dressed in an elegant floral dress, accompanied by her husband, rock legend Rod Stewart.
Humbled and Thankful
Speaking at the ceremony, Lancaster expressed her gratitude: 'I am truly humbled and thankful to receive the Freedom of the City of London. It is a true privilege to join a list of notable recipients, and to be recognised by such a historic institution.' She added, 'I am delighted to accept this honour, which reflects not just my efforts but the dedication of everyone whom I have had the pleasure to work alongside. I look forward to supporting its traditions and contributing to the vibrant community that makes this capital so special.'
Path to Policing
The Loose Women panellist decided to become a special constable after participating in Channel 4's 'Famous and Fighting Crime', where she worked with Cambridgeshire Police. During filming, she faced a terrifying encounter with a drug dealer who threatened to stab her. Despite this, the former model was inspired to complete the application process for the part-time role in 2021.
Lancaster joined the City of London Police after undergoing training once lockdown restrictions were lifted. She recalled: 'I did a show called Famous and Fighting Crime where I was involved with the police. It was terrifying but I never felt more comfortable in a position and I felt like this is where I was supposed to be. I have signed up to be an officer.'
Rigorous Selection
Describing the process, she explained: 'I had to sit exams, English and maths type of exams, and go for an interview with two officers. And then I did a fitness test which was the bleep test which was pretty tricky so I had to get fit for that and I passed. Then I had to do this massive vetting form going through all personal details of myself, my family, people I know and all that kind of thing. So now I'm waiting for the training to begin so I can serve the community. I'm going to become a police officer for the City Police in London.'
The mother-of-two, married to Sir Rod Stewart since 2007, noted that the experience highlighted the underfunding of the police force.
