Joanne Rowling ; born 31 July 1965), known by her pen name J. K. Rowling, is a British author and philanthropist. She wrote Harry Potter, a seven-volume fantasy series published from 1997 to 2007. The series has sold over 600 million copies, been translated into 84 languages, and spawned a global media franchise including films and video games. The Casual Vacancy (2012) was her first novel for adults. She writes Cormoran Strike, an ongoing crime fiction series, under the alias Robert Galbraith.
Rowling at the White House in 2010
Rowling's parents met on a train from King's Cross station; her portal to the magical world is "Platform 9+3⁄4" at King's Cross.
Church Cottage, Rowling's childhood home
Rowling moved to Porto, Portugal, to teach English.
Order of the Companions of Honour
The Order of the Companions of Honour is an order of the Commonwealth realms. It was founded on 4 June 1917 by King George V as a reward for outstanding achievements. It was founded on the same date as the Order of the British Empire.
Badge and ribbon of the order
Lord Tweedsmuir, as Governor General of Canada, wearing the Order of the Companions of Honour badge around his neck