Wicked star Cynthia received a royal honor from Prince William this week
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The actress was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire on May 19
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Erivo is one of several entertainment stars who were recognized on King Charles' 2026 New Year Honors List
WickedstarCynthia Erivoreceived a royal honor fromPrince Williamthis week.
The Tony, Emmy and Grammy winner added to her already impressive résumé when she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2026. Accepting the honor from the Prince of Wales, Erivo, 39, dipped into a picture-perfect curtsy as she beamed with pride.
The actress was one of several stars who were announced as part ofKing Charles’ 2026 New Year Honors List late last year. Erivo,Idris Elba,Ellie Goulding, and more were honored by the King in recognition of their achievements in the entertainment industry and their services to the community.
The 2026 New Year’s Honors list includes 1157 recipients from across various industries in the U.K. who are awarded for their great achievements professionally and in supporting the community throughout the year.
Erivo has built an impressive career, starting with her breakout role as Celie in the Broadway musicalThe Color Purplein 2013. Most recently, she starred as Elphaba in the twoWickedfilmsbefore returning to the West End inDraculathis year.
Tuesday's ceremony wasn't Erivo's first encounter with the royal family. In May 2024, she was one of a few celebrated alumni who welcomed the King and Queen Camilla to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art to celebrate the famous acting school’s 120th anniversary.
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In a video posted by theroyals' social media account, the actress was seen curtsying to and sharing a laugh with the King, who joked with the students about enduring "the most horrendous auditions" in order to attend the prestigious school.
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The investiture ceremony was Prince William's second in as many weeks; however, last week's honors came with aspecial personal connection.
The Prince of Wales, 44, presented Goulding, 39, with her medal, awarding her to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), Civil Division, for her services to biodiversity and the climate on May 13.
The "Love Me Like You Do" singer performed at Prince William's royal wedding reception toKate Middletonin April 2011, singing with a live band for the couple's first dance toElton John’s “Your Song."
"William and Kate were in the middle, giving it their all,” a guest told PEOPLE in 2011 about the bash at the Throne Room of Buckingham Palace. “They really went for it. They were in the full party spirit and stayed until the last minute.”
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