Singer Sir Rod Stewart has expressed immense pride in his wife, model and television personality Penny Lancaster, following her receipt of the Freedom of the City of London. The 55-year-old was honoured at the Guildhall on Monday for her service as a special constable with the City of London Police and her charitable work with organisations including The King's Foundation, the Lowe Syndrome Trust, UK Care Of Police Survivors, and the Royal National Institute Of Blind People (RNIB).
A Heart of Gold
Speaking to the Press Association, Sir Rod remarked: 'I'm so proud, I don't know what she sees in me, I'm just a mere knight of the realm, but no it's well deserved. She has a heart of gold, and keeps me in order, and anybody who can keep me in order deserves an honour.'
Lancaster, best known for her role as a panellist on ITV's Loose Women and her appearance on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2007, described the accolade as 'astonishing'. She added: 'I was shocked to be nominated and to be awarded this for my work as a volunteer special constable of the City of London, and for the charity work I do. I think that means the most to me, because it's all about giving back and thinking of others. And of course, I took this honour not just for what I've given, but to sort of say thank you to all those that I work alongside, all the other volunteers in the City of London, and everyone that supports the charities that we work towards making as best as possible.'
Unexpected Rewards
Lancaster reflected on how policing has given her more than she anticipated. She initially viewed it as 'another extension of my charity work', but has received 'tenfold' in return. 'Particularly on the subject of keeping women and children safe on the streets, that was a big priority of mine, and I will forge forward with that, so it's definitely up there with one of the most important roles of my life, other than being married to Rod and having children,' she said.
Sir Rod, known for hits like You Wear It Well, Maggie May, and Sailing, admitted he was initially 'concerned' when his wife expressed her desire to join the police. He recalled: 'Knowing Penny, no one's going to stop her if she wants to do something. A wonderful thing she came out with was (when I asked) 'why you want to do this?' Lying in bed one night, and she said, 'I love the City of London, and I want to protect it.' I thought that was absolutely marvellous.'
A Humorous Encounter
Lancaster shared a light-hearted anecdote about a woman who fell and was nearly hit by a car. While Lancaster and her colleagues attended to her, the woman mentioned remembering that Penny Lancaster is a police officer and asked if they had ever worked with her. They replied affirmatively and asked if she had ever met her. When the woman said no, they prompted her to look at Lancaster, who was unrecognisable with her hair pulled back and no makeup. 'With my hair straightened back and no makeup on, and in my professional uniform, I don't often get recognised,' Lancaster laughed.
