Penny Lancaster (Lady Stewart) has received the Freedom of the City of London today, in recognition of her role as a City of London Special Constable and her support for charitable causes.

Penny was born and raised in Essex. She attended her local theatre school before studying at the London College of Fashion, after which she enjoyed a successful modelling career for over 15 years. She later gained a BTEC National Diploma in Photography and Design and turned professional in 2000. As Lady Stewart, Penny is married to Sir Rod Stewart, with whom she has two sons.

She has appeared in the West End, has been a regular guest panellist on Loose Women since 2014, and is heavily involved in multiple charity activities.

In 2021, Penny took an oath of office and since then, has served as a Special Constable with the City of London Police, where one of her primary concerns is making the streets safer for women. As a Special Constable for the City’s dedicated police force, Penny was on duty for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in September 2022 and the King Charles’ coronation in May 2023.

Nominated for the Freedom by Sheriff of the City of London, Deputy Keith Bottomley, and the City Corporation’s Deputy Policy Chairman, James Thomson, Penny Lancaster attended her ceremony at Guildhall with her husband, family members, and friends.

Speaking after her Freedom ceremony, Penny Lancaster, said:

“I am truly humbled and thankful to receive the Freedom of the City of London. It is a true privilege to join a list of notable recipients, and to be recognised by such a historic institution.

“I am delighted to accept this honour, which reflects not just my efforts but the dedication of everyone whom I have had the pleasure to work alongside.

“I look forward to supporting its traditions and contributing to the vibrant community that makes this capital so special.”

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said:

“As she read aloud the Declaration of a Freeman during the ceremony, Penny Lancaster will have noticed the reference to playing a role to keeping the City safe which, of course, she has done in the City’s dedicated police force for the last five years.

“I am very pleased to send my warmest congratulations to Penny on receiving the Freedom, and hope that she, Sir Rod, and their guests will have very happy memories of this special day for many years to come.”

Sheriff of the City of London, Deputy Keith Bottomley, said:

“Nominating Penny Lancaster for the Freedom has been a particular pleasure, not just in recognition of her sterling work as a City of London Police Special Constable, but also for how she has lent her support to charities helping young people, and people who are blind or partially sighted.

“The City is one of the safest business districts in the world and as one of the Sheriffs of London, based at the Old Bailey, my colleagues and I are acutely aware of the essential role played by officers, serving at all ranks and drawn from a wide range of backgrounds, in this highly effective police force.”

City of London Corporation Deputy Policy Chairman, James Thomson said:

“Having known Penny since she became a Special Constable and, as a former Special myself, as well as former Chair of the City of London Police Authority, I am thrilled that Penny has been granted the Freedom of the City of London.

“During her time as a Special, she has highlighted the important role that our Special Constables undertake through voluntary service, as well as the importance and distinctive responsibilities of the City of London Police and its vital role protecting the Square Mile.” 

For nearly 200 years, the Square Mile has had its own dedicated police force. The City of London Police consistently performs above the national average in prevention, response, and victim care. It plays a vital national role in tackling fraud, economic, and cybercrime, protecting people and businesses across the UK. Its work in the Square Mile supports economic growth and helps safeguard the City’s role as a global financial centre.

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade. As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

Recent notable recipients include two-time Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian, Cate Blanchett; best-selling novelist, Ken Follett; artist and President of the Royal Academy of Arts, Rebecca Salter; and former British Ambassador to the US, Dame Karen Roxburgh.

ENDS 

Notes for Editors:

About the City of London Corporation: The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk