Picture this: A beloved TV icon, dazzling in red, bowing before the King of England to accept a prestigious honor for her glittering career. That’s the heartwarming story of Tess Daly’s special day at Windsor Castle – but there’s so much more to unpack about her legacy and the royal ties that make it even more fascinating.
Tess Daly, the co-host of the wildly popular Strictly Come Dancing, has been officially recognized as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by King Charles III. To break it down for those new to royal honors, an MBE is a special award given by the British monarch to people who’ve made significant contributions in fields like arts, charity, or public service – it’s a way of saying ‘thank you’ from the top. The ceremony unfolded on a sunny Wednesday at the historic Windsor Castle, where the King personally bestowed the honor on Tess for her outstanding work in broadcasting. Her husband, Vernon Kay, and their two daughters, Phoebe and Amber, stood by with beaming pride, witnessing this milestone moment. Tess wasn’t alone in the spotlight; her fellow Strictly co-host, Claudia Winkleman, also earned a place on His Majesty’s Birthday Honours list back in June, alongside Tess.
And this is the part most people miss – Tess, at 56, chose to dazzle in her signature glamorous style for the occasion. She wore an eye-catching red dress with elegant caped shoulders, proving once again that she’s as much a fashion icon as a TV star.
This honor arrives at the close of an iconic chapter for Tess on Strictly Come Dancing. Just recently, she and Claudia announced they’d be stepping away from hosting the BBC One hit show after this year’s series wraps up. The duo has been the energetic faces of the program since 2014, bringing joy and sparkle to millions of viewers each weekend. Before that, Tess teamed up with the legendary Sir Bruce Forsyth, who sadly passed away, from the show’s very first episode in 2004 right through to 2013. Their final joint appearance will light up screens during the festive Christmas special on December 25th. This MBE isn’t just a shiny medal; it’s a heartfelt nod to over two decades of dedication to a show that has become a national institution, blending dance, drama, and endless entertainment. While her exit from Strictly might tug at the heartstrings for fans, Tess is far from done – we’re all eagerly anticipating her next big adventure in the world of television!
Let’s dive into the best snapshots from Tess’s regal day at Windsor Castle.
© Alamy Live News. Tess looked absolutely stunning receiving her award in a chic red dress.
King Charles himself greeted the honorees warmly at the castle, including Tess. The TV presenter radiated elegance in a knee-length red gown, paired with a matching hat adorned with a pretty bow and delicate netting.
© Alamy Live News. The King and Tess shared a friendly conversation before he presented her with the MBE. Behind her, her husband Vernon Kay, 51, and their teenage daughters Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16, watched with immense pride. The girls wore white dresses, while Vernon opted for a sharp navy suit.
But here’s where it gets controversial – the royal family’s deep affection for Strictly Come Dancing has sparked endless chatter. Queen Camilla stands out as the ultimate fan, often called the show’s biggest royal supporter. Back in 2019, she spent a whole day immersed with the cast and crew, even taking part in dress rehearsals, sitting at the judges’ panel, and handling props. Tess opened up exclusively to HELLO! about it, saying, ‘Camilla is a true fan; she visited our studio and dove right into the process – it was magical. She’s such a warm person.’
© Getty Images Tess Daly poses with her husband Vernon Kay and daughter Phoebe Kay.
Camilla went above and beyond, inviting the entire Strictly team to Buckingham Palace two years ago for filming a Christmas routine. As a patron of the Osteoporosis Society, she hosted it in the palace’s grand ballroom, bringing together charity members for a special event. Tess added, ‘She danced with our professional dancers – it was an unforgettable day. It’s an honor that she and the King are such avid fans of the show.’
Fast-forward to February 2024, and Camilla proudly proclaimed herself ‘one of Strictly’s greatest fans’ while being joined by pro dancer Johannes Radebe for a coaching session with Royal Voluntary Service volunteers. She’s no stranger to the spotlight either – in 2017, she graced the Christmas special, twirling with judge Craig Revel Horwood at Buckingham Palace to support the Osteoporosis Society. Craig later raved on BBC Breakfast: ‘She was brilliant! She raised awareness and funds for charity, and I reckon she’d crush it if she ever joined as a contestant – her rhythm is spot on!’
© Getty Images Tess proudly displays her new MBE in a red caped dress.
Other royals have also popped in for low-key visits to the Strictly studios, adding to the show’s star-studded allure. The Princess of Wales, along with her younger children Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, toured in 2023. Louis even tried on a golden crown in the costume department, and the family met Tess, Claudia, and dancers, even test-sitting in the glamorous judges’ chairs.
In 2018, the Duchess of Edinburgh and her daughter Lady Louise Windsor joined the audience for a live show. Tess later shared with HELLO! that it was a special 15th birthday surprise for Louise. ‘It was delightful having them there; we’re lucky to have royal fans. They got a backstage peek and had a fantastic time in the front row – Louise loved every second!’
© Getty Images EastEnders actress Anita Dobson was honored right alongside Tess.
Who else shared the honors spotlight with Tess at Windsor Castle?
Former EastEnders star Anita Dobson, 76, earned an OBE for her tireless work in charitable fundraising and philanthropy. Famously known for her role as Angie Watts in the enduring soap opera, she’s also a dedicated patron for causes like Thames Hospice and the Focus Foundation.
© POOL/AFP via Getty Images Sir James Cleverly received his knighthood.
Additionally, Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin, who bravely led the hunt for Sarah Everard’s killer in 2021 and helped secure Wayne Couzens’ conviction, was awarded the King’s Police Medal. Meanwhile, shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly was knighted, following his recognition in Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list.
Now, let’s stir the pot a bit: Is it fair for celebrities like Tess to receive royal honors when everyday heroes in quieter fields might go unnoticed? Or does her role in bringing joy to millions through TV qualify her just as much? Some might argue that awards should prioritize frontline workers or innovators over entertainers, but others see it as celebrating cultural impact. What do you think – are these honors earned, or should the criteria shift? Drop your opinions in the comments below; we’d love to hear your take!