It came as the Strictly Come Dancing host was seen being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly(Image: PA)
Tess Daly has emotionally admitted her ‘only regret’ as she was seen being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
The presenter was made an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours earlier this year for services to broadcasting alongside her Strictly Come Dancing co-host Claudia Winkleman.
It was then on Wednesday (November 12) that Tess was accompanied by her husband Vernon Kay during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.
The special day comes after Tess and Claudia both announced they would be leaving the popular BBC One dancing show after its Christmas special, having fronted the programme together since 2014.
Tess spoke about the programme with the King and said her put her “at ease” during the ceremony.
She said: “This is probably the greatest honour of my career and it still feels quite surreal to be honest with you. I’ve been working in television for 25 years, and it’s a job I absolutely love to do.
“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.”
Tess with King Charles during the investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle(Image: PA)
The 56-year-old, who hails from Stockport, added: “His Majesty put me at ease – I was quite nervous. We talked about the show and I know the Queen enjoys it. She sent me a letter of congratulations when I received the MBE which meant the world.”
Hours after the ceremony took place and Tess took to social media to reflect on the milestone moment. Alongside pictures from the ceremony and with her MBE, the broadcaster said: “Well that was quite the morning…
“I hardly know where to begin – and am still pinching myself; I was shaking like a leaf when I curtsied! When I got my first TV presenting job 25 years ago on the Big Breakfast I never dreamed that I would be standing here today. The investiture took place at Windsor Castle where I was deeply honoured to receive an MBE – with the medal presented by His Majesty The King.”I’m proud to hail from a northern working class background which makes this all the more surreal and special. My only regret is that my darling dad didn’t get to be part of one of the most special days of my life.”
She added: “Thank you to everyone I’ve worked with over the years and learnt from along the way-this honour is a reflection of their talent, dedication and support.
“Receiving this award is a privilege beyond words and without doubt the greatest honour of my career for which I am profoundly and eternally grateful.”
