J.K. Rowling Receives a Rare Honor from Prince William at Buckingham Palace

J.K. Rowling was awarded a rare distinction①distinction 英 [dɪ'stɪŋ(k)ʃ(ə)n]美 [dɪ'stɪŋkʃən] n. 区别；差别；特性；荣誉、勋章by the royal family — so extraordinary that there are only 64 other people currently holding the title.

The Harry Potter author, 52, was made a Companion of Honor by Prince William at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday for her contributions to literature and philanthropy②philanthropy 英 [fɪ'lænθrəpɪ]美 [fɪ'lænθrəpi] n. 博爱，慈善；慈善事业.

The Order of the Companions of Honor was founded in 1917 by George V and is given to those who have made a major contribution in their field,according to the royal family's website. There are only 65 members at any one time, and current members include Maggie Smith (who also has a Harry Potter connection — she played Professor Minerva McGonagall in the film series based on Rowling's books) and Stephen·Hawking.