J.K. Rowling to Receive “Freedom of the City of London” Honor on May 8

On Tuesday, May 8, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling will receive the Freedom of the City of London at the Mansion House for her services to children’s literature. She was nominated for the award by David Wootton, Lord Mayor of the City of London, and Sherriff of London Wendy Mead.

Rowling has previously received great honors for her work, such as an OBE for services to children’s literature, the Prince of Asturias Award for Concord, the Hans Christian Andersen Literature Award, and the Legion of Honor.

To kick off the ceremony, Miss Rowling will read aloud the Declaration of a Freeman, and it will end with her being greeted by Chris Blisland, Chamberlain of London, as a “Citizen of London” and the presentation of her framed parchment certificate.

Both my parents were Londoners. They met on a train departing from King’s Cross Station in 1964, and while neither of them ever lived in London again, both their daughters headed straight for the capital the moment that they were independent. To me, London is packed with personal memories, but it has never lost the aura of excitement and mystery that it had during trips to see family as a child.

I am prouder than I can say to be given the Freedom of the City, which, on top of all the known benefits (and few people realize this), entitles me to a free pint in The Leaky Cauldron and a ten Galleon voucher to spend in Diagon Alley.

Please note that this event is not open to the public, and there will be no media interviews during or after the event. We will attempt to get any images that are released from this event along with a follow-up report upon the conclusion.

Congratulations, Miss Rowling. Another honor well deserved!