Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly received her MBE from King Charles at Windsor Castle, surrounded by her proud husband Vernon Kay and their lookalike daughter, Phoebe. The 56-year-old presenter was recognised for her contributions to broadcasting and charity — an honour she movingly dedicated to her late father, Vivian, who passed away in 2003, just 18 days after her wedding.
Tess, glowing in a scarlet cape dress and matching fascinator, shared how the King “put her at ease” as they chatted about Strictly Come Dancing and his charity, The King’s Trust. “He thanked me for my work as an ambassador — it’s changed so many young lives. I’m proud to be part of it,” she said warmly.
She added, “It’s for my family as much as it is for myself. If I could dedicate it to anyone, it would be to my late dad. He would be so proud to see his daughter meet the King in a castle.”
Vernon, 51, beamed with pride as he joined Tess and Phoebe for photos after the ceremony, looking dapper in a navy suit. Their eldest daughter, Phoebe, 21, mirrored her mum’s elegance in a cream lace ensemble and pillbox hat, while younger sister Amber, 16, stayed home for school.
The day was equally special for actress Anita Dobson, 76, who received her OBE for philanthropy, with her husband, Queen guitarist Sir Brian May, proudly by her side.
For Tess, who has fronted Strictly for 20 years, the moment was the pinnacle of her career — a full-circle tribute to her father who, as she once said, “adored ballroom and Bruce Forsyth.”
