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Claudia Winkleman 'speechless at 'enormous honour' of being made an MBE

Claudia Winkleman was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by King Charles III during an Investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Berkshire on Thursday. Photo credit: Ben Birchall/PA Wire
Claudia Winkleman was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by King Charles III during an Investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Berkshire on Thursday. Photo credit: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

TV presenter Claudia Winkleman has said she is "speechless" at the "enormous honour" of being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

The Traitors presenter, 53, was recognised in the British King's Birthday Honours alongside her Strictly Come Dancing co-host Tess Daly, for services to broadcasting.

Winkleman was officially made an MBE on Tuesday morning at an investiture ceremony with King Charles at Windsor Castle.

She later shared a photograph with the King on Instagram, writing: "An incredible morning and an enormous honour. I’m speechless."

Claudia Winkleman, is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by King Charles III during an Investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Berkshire. Picture date: Tuesday December 9, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
Claudia Winkleman, is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by King Charles III. Photo credit: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

Winkleman, who wore an ivory suit with a matching headband and black shirt to the ceremony, was joined by her mother, author and journalist Eve Pollard, her father, former publisher Barry Winkleman and husband Kris Thykier, a film producer.

Winkleman and Daly announced last month that they will be leaving the BBC dancing competition - which they have co-hosted since 2014 - with the Christmas special on 25 December their last appearance.

Winkleman, who began her career as a TV and radio presenter for a range of BBC shows including Comic Relief and The Great British Sewing Bee, is also known for fronting the highly popular BBC reality gameshow The Traitors.

Claudia Winkleman
Left to right: Barry Winkleman, Eve Pollard, Claudia Winkleman and Kris Thykier

It has become a ratings winner for the broadcaster, with its most recent celebrity spin-off finale watched by an average of 11.1 million, with a peak of 12 million viewers.

Winkleman won a Bafta for best entertainment performance for the show, which launched in the UK in 2022. The next series begins on New Year’s Day.

She also presented BBC Radio 2 shows until 2024, including the comedy quiz series Hot Gossip, the Claudia Winkleman Arts Show and Claudia On Sunday.

Source: Press Association

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