Emma Thompson wears equal pay pin during dame ceremony

The iconic actress made a statement with her lapel pin during the ceremony.

Actress Emma Thompson was all smiles Wednesday as she received her damehood at Buckingham Palace from the Duke of Cambridge himself.

According to the charity's official site, "every year the Fawcett Society marks Equal Pay Day, the day from which women effectively stop earning relative to men. This year, the day falls on November 10th."

The society said the pins are a way to show "solidarity with women fighting for equal pay."

Outside the palace, Thompson smiled and stood next to her husband Greg and two children, Gaia and Tindyebwa.

She also shared her affection for Prince William with reporters, according to the Associated Press.

"I love Prince William. I've known him since he was little, and we just sniggered at each other," Thompson said. "I said, 'I can't kiss you, can I?' And he said, 'No don't!'"

Thompson also said she plans to use the honor to raise awareness about schoolchildren who don't get enough to eat during school vacations, the AP reported.