Two prominent people who met the Queen this week will undoubtedly be known to Harry Potter enthusiasts. Julie Walters, who portrayed Molly Weasley, and Helen McCrory, who portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, both paid a visit to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday for their investiture ceremonies. Julie Walters was named a dame (which begs the question as to why it took until 2017 for such a national treasure to get the honor), while McCrory received an OBE for her contributions to theater. The Peaky Blinders actress was joined by her husband, Damien Lewis, who seemed ecstatic to be in attendance to witness his wife get such a distinction. Outside the palace, the ladies posed, and Helen had a laugh with freshly named Dame Julie as they displayed their medals. Helen revealed what transpired inside during an interview during the ceremony, stating that she thanked the Queen for being there in person to bestow the distinction (sometimes the awards are given out by other members of the royal family). According to reports, the Queen said, "I recognize you." Perhaps she adores Aunt Pol?
Dame Julie Walters has spoken out against the gender disparity in the film industry.
The BBC was obliged to divulge its workers' salaries last week, sparking outrage since many male celebrities make more than female employees. Now, the 67-year-old 'Harry Potter' actress has said that "fair pay is the solution."
Walters earned her first Academy Award nomination in 1984 for her portrayal of Rita in Educating Rita, and her second in 1988 for her performance as dance instructor Sandra Wilkinson in Billy Elliott. She starred as the fun-loving novelist Rosie Mulligan in seven of the eight Harry Potter films, as well as both Mamma Mia! sequels. She was most recently seen in 2018's Mary Poppins Returns. Advertisement
Dame Julie, 69, claimed she attended the doctor a year ago with indigestion and'slight discomfort' but returned again with stomach pain and vomiting.
The actress said that she had always hoped for a complete recovery after an optimistic prognosis from physicians who stated, 'we can repair this.'
