Television presenter Tess Daly was honoured with an MBE by King Charles III during a special investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. The Strictly Come Dancing host was recognised for her significant contributions to broadcasting and charitable work.
A Family Affair
The 56-year-old star arrived at the historic castle accompanied by her husband, Radio 2 DJ Vernon Kay, and their 21-year-old daughter Phoebe, who bears a striking resemblance to her famous mother. Daly looked radiant in a chic red mini dress, which she paired with a matching fascinator and nude heels for the prestigious occasion.
Phoebe demonstrated she's inherited her mother's fashion sense, wearing an elegant cream lace outfit complemented by a classic pillbox hat. Vernon, who also shares 16-year-old daughter Amber with Tess, looked proud and dapper in a smart navy suit as he watched his wife receive her honour.
Emotional Dedication and Royal Conversation
Daly dedicated her MBE to her late father, Vivian, who passed away from emphysema in 2003, just eighteen days after her marriage to Vernon. She described the honour as "the greatest of her career" and revealed that King Charles had "put her at ease" during what she admitted was a nerve-wracking experience.
"I've been working in television for 25 years, and it's a job I absolutely love to do," Daly shared. "It was a real privilege to be in a room of people who have made a difference in their communities, who have built incredible careers. It was a very inspiring environment."
The broadcaster revealed details of her conversation with the monarch, noting: "We talked about Strictly Come Dancing and I know the Queen enjoys it. She sent me a letter of congratulations when I received the MBE which meant the world."
Charity Work and Family Memories
Daly also discussed her involvement with the King's Trust, a charity close to Charles's heart. "[The King] thanked me for the work I have done for his charity as well," she explained. "We talked about the funds that it's raised and how many young people's lives this has made a huge difference to and I'm very proud to be an ambassador of this charity."
Becoming emotional, she added: "It's for my family as much as it is for myself. If I could dedicate it to anyone, I would dedicate it to my late dad because he'd be so proud of his daughter meeting the King, in a castle."
Daly has previously spoken about her regret that her father never met his granddaughters, telling the Daily Mail in 2020: "[My Father] never got to meet my children, which is my biggest regret, he would've loved them, but he never got to see me do Strictly either, and he would have been so proud."
According to the NHS, emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath by damaging the air sacs in the lungs, making them lose their elasticity.
Radio Absence and Co-star Support
While Vernon was supporting his wife at Windsor Castle, his absence from his Radio 2 show caused some confusion among colleagues. Scott Mills, who hosts the breakfast slot, admitted he had no idea about the schedule change, telling replacement host Paddy McGuinness: "I was about to say it's 9:30 here's Vernon Kay, because nobody told me you were in for Vernon today."
The substitution came just a day after Vernon issued an apology for accidentally swearing live on-air during a discussion about Sara Cox's Great Northern Marathon Challenge for BBC Children In Need.
Meanwhile, actress Anita Dobson also received an honour at Windsor Castle, being made an OBE for services to charitable fundraising and philanthropy. She was supported by her husband, Queen guitarist Brian May, who was knighted in 2023.
