Claudia Winkleman may be known for her dazzling Strictly Come Dancing routines, but her latest honour places her firmly within royal circles — both on paper and by blood.
The beloved presenter, 52, has officially been awarded an MBE in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours for her contributions to broadcasting. But this is far from her first brush with royalty — in fact, she’s family. Through her half-sister Sophie Winkleman, Claudia has a direct connection to the House of Windsor.
Sophie, an actress best known for Peep Show, married Lord Frederick Windsor, son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, in a royal wedding at Hampton Court Palace back in 2009. The late Queen Elizabeth even granted permission for the marriage under the Royal Marriages Act.
Today, Sophie holds the title Lady Frederick Windsor, and both she and Claudia are reportedly on friendly terms with several members of the royal family — including Queen Camilla, a devoted Strictly fan.
Claudia quipped that she’d be celebrating the MBE news with her co-host Tess Daly over a paso doble, adding: “I’ll buy a hat and take my mum. I’m ridiculously lucky.”
Sophie herself has spoken warmly about her royal in-laws, calling them “inspirational” and describing King Charles as someone who “never gives himself a moment off,” even amid his battle with cancer. She added that she considers most of them “trusted friends.”
It turns out the royal family are regular viewers of Strictly, with even Princess Catherine and the late Queen Elizabeth said to have been fans. In a delightful twist, Queen Camilla is so into the show that she reportedly keeps up with behind-the-scenes gossip via Tess Daly.
Claudia’s brush with royalty is no longer just metaphorical — it’s official. And it might just be the most elegant cha cha of her life.
