Alex Jones has revealed she was left in tears during an emotional encounter with Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, describing it as one of her proudest moments in 16 years hosting The One Show.
The 49-year-old Welsh presenter, the show's longest-serving host, was asked about her most memorable experience as the programme marks its 20th anniversary.
A moment she 'couldn't believe'
Reflecting on her tenure, Jones said: "It's a really tough one to answer isn't it because, when you go back over the last 16 years, which is how long I've been hosting The One Show, there's been so many moments where I still can't believe I was in it."
She recalled the 500 Words competition, held at Windsor Castle last year. The BBC children's writing initiative, relaunched in 2024, has strong ties to Queen Camilla.
Tears at the Windsor Castle event
At the event, Paddington Bear appeared on stage to perform The Explorer and The Bear from Paddington The Musical, enchanting guests. Jones said the performance moved her to tears.
"Paddington sang a song and I burst into tears because I thought, as a young girl, to ever think that I could go from West Wales and end up in Windsor Castle with the Queen there, Paddington there, and all these aspiring writers, you know, all these kids listening and wondering if they had won this lovely prize. I thought this is incredible, how has this happened?"
Jones has previously spoken of her nerves meeting Queen Camilla at a Buckingham Palace garden party, admitting on Instagram that she had to confess her bag was attached to her dress and she hadn't had time to untangle it.
Anniversary celebrations
To mark the anniversary, Jones and co-presenter Roman Kemp have hosted a week of special programmes. Tonight's extended hour-long episode features the wider presenting team, including Angellica Bell, Clara Amfo, JB Gill, Lauren Laverne and Vernon Kay.
Former hosts Matt Baker and Christine Lampard will reunite on the green sofa, and a surprise live musical performance is planned. The One Show airs tonight at 7pm on BBC One.
