Claudia Winkleman returns to screens tonight as host of Celebrity Traitors, but the presenter is not the only famous person in her family. Her husband, Kris Thykier, is a film producer, and her half-sister, Sophie Winkleman, married into the Royal Family.
Who is Claudia Winkleman's husband Kris Thykier?
Kris Thykier, also 54, is a film producer credited with blockbuster films and shows including Kick-Ass, The Woman in Gold and Riviera. Claudia and Kris, who share children Jake, Matilda and Arthur, keep their private life away from the spotlight.
The presenter previously discussed the lengths she would go to for her kids, including threatening to quit Strictly if it clashed with the date her son moved to university. It did not, but Claudia left her role as presenter on the show last year.
They met when she was 26, with the star describing him as "adorable, tall, Danish," and Stevie Wonder's "As" becoming their favourite track. She later joked that she "married him about five minutes later". They tied the knot in 2000.
How is Claudia Winkleman related to the Royal Family?
Claudia was an only child until her parents, Eve Pollard and Barry Winkleman, divorced in 1975. After Barry remarried Cindy Black, he welcomed daughter Sophie Winkleman, 46, an actress. Sophie, best known for playing Big Suze in the sitcom Peep Show, married Lord Frederick Windsor, son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, in September 2009 at Hampton Court Palace. Claudia acted as one of Sophie's bridesmaids at the royal wedding.
Upon their marriage, Sophie has been styled as Lady Frederick Windsor, but uses her maiden name for work purposes. The late Queen Elizabeth consented to the marriage, as required by the Royal Marriages Act 1772. Frederick is a first cousin once removed of the late Queen, a first cousin twice removed of the late Prince Philip, and second cousin once removed of King Charles – meaning Claudia has a distant relation to His Majesty. Frederick and Sophie are 54th in line to the throne.
What has Sophie said about the Royal Family?
Sophie has rarely opened up about her regal in-laws, but on the Daily T podcast she said: "Family isn't always brilliant, but this lot are very sweet." She added: "I love all of them. I've got much more friendly with them as I've got to know them."
In an interview with HELLO! Magazine, she said of Catherine, Princess of Wales: "She's wonderful. I last saw her at Wimbledon; it was so cheering to see her, beautiful as ever. She's been amazingly brave and is doing so well." Reflecting on the King, she said: "Duty and service run through him like a stick of rock; it just doesn't occur to him to rest, something which those who love him are desperate for him to do. He's battling cancer and doesn't give himself a moment off – he's a hugely inspirational man."
She also said: "The central royal family work very hard. It's not an easy existence, having a spotlight on you from the second you're born. I count pretty much every one of them as a trusted friend. I'm very lucky."
Claudia's other royal connections
Following the Coronation of King Charles in 2023, Claudia described the event as "Tory Christmas". It is also said that the broadcaster has a close bond with Queen Camilla, who is "one of Strictly's greatest fans."
Tess Daly's husband Vernon Kay said: "Camilla and Tess have a real friendship through it now. They don't text, but we have mutual friends and messages come through. When they see each other, the Queen is always asking: 'Who is your favourite?' She wants to know the backstage gossip. It's crazy to think of the King and Queen sat on the sofa with a brew watching your wife present Strictly."
The late Queen Elizabeth was also a fan of the show, and Princess Catherine is said to be a huge fan. Princess Anne previously confessed she would love to sign up for the show, according to professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova.
