It was a moment fit for a fairytale — and one that left even the famously quick-witted Claudia Winkleman without words.
On Tuesday morning, the much-loved Strictly Come Dancing presenter was awarded an MBE by King Charles himself during a prestigious investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. Dressed in an elegant ivory suit and signature headband, Claudia looked radiant as she stepped onto the historic grounds — marking one of the proudest days of her long broadcasting career.
Later, sharing the moment with fans, she described the experience in just one word:
“Speechless.”
And for someone known for her energy, humour and rapid-fire wit, that said everything.
A Career Honour at a Time of Big Change
The honour arrives at a powerful turning point in Claudia’s life. After more than a decade at the heart of Strictly, she is preparing to step away from the show at the end of this season — alongside her longtime co-host Tess Daly.
The duo has fronted the glittering Saturday night phenomenon together since 2014, becoming one of British television’s most iconic presenting partnerships. Tess herself was awarded an MBE just weeks earlier, making this chapter of farewell even more emotional.
In a joint statement announcing their exit, the pair revealed they always planned to leave together — and that the time finally feels right.
But while Claudia may be closing one door, another is already wide open.
From the Ballroom to the Highlands: Claudia’s Next Chapter
Fans won’t be without her for long. Claudia is set to return to screens on New Year’s Day with a brand new series of The Traitors, the psychological reality hit that has become one of the UK’s most talked-about shows in years.
Filmed in the dramatic Scottish Highlands, the series has transformed Claudia into a whole new kind of national treasure — mysterious, commanding and deliciously unpredictable.
Since its launch in 2022, The Traitors has exploded into a cultural phenomenon, spawning celebrity editions and unforgettable finales. And with Claudia at the helm, anticipation for the next season is already sky-high.
A Family Moment She Will Never Forget
At Windsor, Claudia was joined by her closest supporters — including her husband Kris Thykier, her mother Eve Pollard, and her father Barry Winkleman. The family stood proudly as King Charles presented the medal — a public recognition of decades of work, creativity, and connection with millions of viewers.
What made the moment even more poignant is that it came as Claudia reflected on a career that began with charity specials like Comic Relief and flourished across shows such as The Great British Sewing Bee, Strictly, and now The Traitors.
Few broadcasters have managed to evolve so seamlessly across generations — and genres.
“We Will Cry When We Say Our Last ‘Keep Dancing’”
Claudia and Tess have already admitted the final episode of Strictly will be emotional.
“We will cry when we say the last ‘keep dancing’,” they shared.
“But we’ll probably still say it to each other at home — in tracksuit bottoms, holding pizza.”
It’s that blend of glamour and relatability that has made Claudia so deeply loved.
A Moment That Feels Like a Full Circle
From charity specials to ballroom confetti…
From live TV chaos to psychological mind games in a Highland castle…
Now, to standing before the King at Windsor.
Claudia Winkleman’s MBE wasn’t just a professional honour — it felt like a full-circle moment for someone who has spent a lifetime lighting up British television.
And as one chapter quietly closes…
another, just as thrilling, is only beginning.