King Charles presented honours to two senior Conservative figures at Windsor Castle today.
Dame Penny Mordaunt, the former cabinet minister who became widely recognised for her ceremonial duties at the monarch’s Coronation in 2023, received her damehood in recognition of her political and public service contributions.
Sir Jeremy Hunt, who served as chancellor of the Exchequer, was also at the investiture ceremony to formally collect his knighthood, likewise awarded for his service in politics and public life.
Dame Penny Mordaunt’s public profile rose significantly following her sword-bearing responsibilities at the Coronation ceremony, where she served as Lord President of the Council.
King Charles presented honours to two senior Conservative figures at Windsor Castle today.
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She carried the Sword of State and handed the Jewelled Sword of Offering to the King, marking the first occasion a woman had performed this historic duty.
For the Windsor Castle investiture, the former minister chose a bespoke teal ensemble featuring a matching cape and a headband adorned with gold feather embroidery.
Sir Jeremy Hunt’s knighthood was included in Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list, alongside former foreign secretary James Cleverly.
The investiture also saw mother and daughter Alison Madgin, 60, and Carly Barrett, 34, receive MBEs for their efforts to prevent knife crime.
Sir Jeremy Hunt’s knighthood was included in Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list, alongside former foreign secretary James Cleverly.
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Their campaign work began after a family tragedy: Ms Madgin’s daughter Samantha was fatally stabbed in Wallsend in 2007, aged just 18, when her baby son was only 68 days old.
The pair established Samantha’s Legacy in 2019, delivering educational talks to young people across north-east England.
Claudia Winkleman appeared delighted as King Charles presented her with an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle this afternoon.
The 53-year-old Strictly Come Dancing presenter, dressed in a white suit and headband, was photographed greeting the monarch as she received the honour for her services to broadcasting.
When the honour was first announced in June, Winkleman expressed her deep appreciation for the recognition.
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When the honour was first announced in June, Winkleman expressed her deep appreciation for the recognition.
“I am incredibly grateful to receive this honour,” she said. “It’s a real privilege to work with extraordinarily talented people and I have only got this because of them. So this is for the BBC, the traitors and the faithful, for pianos and for the cha cha.”
The reference to “traitors and faithful” acknowledged her role hosting The Traitors, the hit BBC game show.
Beyond her television career, Winkleman serves as patron of Child Bereavement UK and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.