Strictly's Claudia Winkleman is the woman of the hour as she receives OBE from King Charles at Windsor Castle - best photos

Claudia was joined by her mother, Eve Pollard, at Windsor Castle and posed for photos on the grounds of the historic building after being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire during an Investiture ceremony.

It comes after Tess Daly's investiture last month, serving as a fitting send off for the partnership before taking their final turn on the ballroom floor this Christmas.

Claudia was supported by her husband Kris Thykier, her mum Eve and her father Barry Winkeman, who watched as she greeted King Charles. 

Claudia looked super sophisticated in an ivory suit, which she accessorized with a matching headband, and a black shirt.

Claudia was beaming as she accepted the honour from the King, while her husband and parents watched from the sidelines. 

Claudia, who is the daughter of the former newspaper editor Eve Pollard and her first husband, Barry Winkleman, graduated from the University of Cambridge with a degree in history of art and started working as a travel writer before turning to a career in broadcasting. 

Claudia's presenting career began with segments on shows like the BBC's travel show Holiday, ITV's This Morning and LIVETV. From there, she hosted a string of programmes, from the ITV dating show God's Gift to Pyjama Party, Talking Telephone Numbers and Liquid News. 

In 2004, Claudia became the face of Strictly's weekday spin-off show It Takes Two, before eventually handing the reins over to Zoe Ball in 2012.

Three years later, she was chosen to co-present the Eurovision Song Contest's dance spin-off, Eurovision Dance Contest, alongside Graham Norton. She then went on to host The Great British Sewing Bee for three years between 2013 and 2016. 

Claudia has been a regular fixture on our screens for years but she's dominating the TV schedule now more than ever as the host of some of the nation's favourite shows, Strictly Come Dancing, The Piano and The Traitors.

In an exclusive interview with HELLO!, Tess opened up about working with Claudia and said there is "never a dull moment".

"She's just so much fun and we get on ever so well," said Tess. "I think it's a natural chemistry that makes work just not like work. It's a pleasure working with her." 

On Claudia's departure from Strictly, HELLO!'s Senior Evening Writer (and resident Strictly expert) Matthew Moore said: "Claudia really delivers the heart of Strictly, whether it's through the way she comforts the contestants following savage critiques, or her unique style of humour that always has her giggling. She was the perfect foil for Tess Daly and Strictly Come Dancing will never be the same without her."

Claudia's investiture comes a week after the BBC confirmed the return date for The Traitors. The BAFTA-winning reality competition series, which premieres its fourth season on New Year's Day, sees the presenter welcome a group of contestants to a castle in the Scottish Highlands, where they'll play the ultimate game of truth and deception. 

The series sees 22 people from across the nation attempt to win £120k by competing in a series of challenges, whilst also trying to detect the murderous 'Traitors' before the prize pot is stolen. 

Comedian Alan Carr walked away as the champion of the celebrity version, which saw the 49-year-old emerge victorious as a 'Traitor', snatching the prize money, which went to his chosen charity Neuroblastoma UK, from faithful historian David Olusoga and actor Nick Mohammed.

While it's safe to say Claudia has a busy schedule, bouncing between a Scottish castle for The Traitors and train stations up and down the country for Channel 4's The Piano, there have been reports that the presenter is getting her own chat show. 

According to Deadline, the broadcaster is in advanced talks to present her own programme, produced by Graham Norton's production company So Television, which is also behind his chat show for the BBC. It's thought that Claudia's show would be broadcast in the months The Graham Norton Show is off air. 

The reports, however, have not been confirmed by the BBC.