Full Breakdown
Claudia Winkleman Receives MBE from King Charles III
12/9/2025, 8:07:09 PM
Investiture Ceremony at Windsor Castle
On December 9, 2025, Claudia Winkleman, the renowned presenter of *Strictly Come Dancing* and *The Traitors*, was awarded the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by King Charles III during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. This honor was part of the King's Birthday Honours, recognizing her contributions to broadcasting. Winkleman, 53, attended the ceremony dressed in a stylish white suit with a matching headband and black shirt, accompanied by her husband, Kris Thykier, and her parents, journalist Eve Pollard and publisher Barry Winkleman.
Background and Career Highlights
Claudia Winkleman has been a prominent figure in British television since the early 1990s. She began her career with various BBC shows, including *Comic Relief* and *The Great British Sewing Bee*, before gaining national recognition as a co-host of *Strictly Come Dancing*. Initially presenting the spin-off show *It Takes Two*, she transitioned to co-hosting the main program alongside Tess Daly in 2014, following the departure of Sir Bruce Forsyth. The duo has been integral to the show's success, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year.
In addition to her work on *Strictly*, Winkleman has hosted the reality game show *The Traitors*, which premiered in the UK in 2022 and quickly became a ratings success, culminating in a BAFTA award for Best Entertainment Performance in 2023. The show is set to return for a new series on New Year’s Day.
Official Statements and Responses
Upon receiving her MBE, Winkleman expressed her gratitude, stating, "I am incredibly grateful to receive this honour. It’s a real privilege to work with extraordinarily talented people and I have only got this because of them." She dedicated her award to the BBC, her colleagues, and the audiences of both *The Traitors* and *Strictly Come Dancing*. Winkleman also shared her excitement on Instagram, describing the day as "an incredible morning and an enormous honour."
Upcoming Changes in Winkleman's Career
The investiture ceremony comes shortly after Winkleman and Daly announced their departure from *Strictly Come Dancing*, with their final appearance scheduled for the Christmas special on December 25, 2025. In a joint statement, they expressed their love for the show and gratitude towards the BBC, stating, "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream."
Criticism and Opposition
While Winkleman's achievements are widely celebrated, the *Strictly Come Dancing* franchise has faced scrutiny in recent years over allegations of mistreatment among its professionals. This backdrop of controversy contrasts with the celebratory nature of Winkleman's MBE recognition.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Claudia added: ‘It’s a real privilege to work with extraordinarily talented people and I have only got this because of them.” — Claudia Winkleman
- “An incredible morning and an enormous honour. I'm speechless.” — Claudia Winkleman
Claudia Winkleman's MBE not only highlights her contributions to British broadcasting but also marks a significant transition in her career as she prepares for new ventures beyond *Strictly Come Dancing*.
