Cate Blanchett Honoured with Freedom of the City of London for Her Work On and Off the Stage

Cate Blanchett has been honoured with the Freedom of the City of London at a ceremony in Guildhall, recognising both her distinguished career and her long-standing humanitarian and environmental work. She attended with guests who have refugee backgrounds, reflecting the causes that have shaped much of her public life.

As a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency, Blanchett has spent years advocating for those displaced by conflict and crisis, often travelling with the organisation to highlight the pressures faced by refugees worldwide. Her environmental commitments include serving on the Earthshot Prize Council, supporting global projects that address climate and ecological challenges, and acting as Ambassador for Wakehurst and the Millennium Seed Bank, part of Kew’s efforts to protect plant species for future generations.

After receiving the Freedom, Blanchett spoke about London’s centuries-old role as a place of refuge.

“I treasure this gift from a city and country with a history of offering welcome and opportunity,” she said. “London has long provided sanctuary, from the Huguenots centuries ago to those fleeing Eastern Europe in the early twentieth century and, more recently, people escaping conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine and beyond.

For many refugees, London represents a new beginning, safety, hope and belonging. I accept the Freedom in their honour.”

Blanchett’s ties to London’s cultural life are equally deep. Earlier this year she appeared as Arkadina in The Seagull at the Barbican Theatre, a performance praised for its precision and emotional clarity.

Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, said Blanchett brought “remarkable depth and authenticity” to her roles and spoke “with commendable passion and conviction” on humanitarian and climate issues.

Sir William Russell, who nominated her, described her career as one that has “mesmerised and thrilled audiences” since her portrayal of Elizabeth I, adding that the Freedom recognised her achievements “as a campaigner as much as an artist”.

Emily Benn, Chair of the Board of Governors at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, said Blanchett had become “an inspirational role model” for young actors training at the conservatoire.

The Freedom of the City of London, believed to date back to the thirteenth century, originally allowed tradespeople to work within the City walls. Today it is a civic honour awarded to individuals who have made a notable contribution to London or public life. Recent recipients include Sir Matthew Bourne, Lady Mary Peters, Sir Lenny Henry and Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert.

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