Phoebe Kay Shares Behind-the-Scenes Snaps from Tess Daly’s ‘Emotional’ MBE Ceremony, Honoring Her ‘Inspirational’ Mother

Tess Daly’s lookalike daughter Phoebe Kay shared behind-the-scenes snaps from her TV presenter mother’s ’emotional’ MBE ceremony as she paid tribute to the ‘inspirational’ star.

On Wednesday the departing Strictly presenter, 56, was honoured by King Charles in an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle where she was supported by her husband Vernon Kay.

She was made an MBE for her services to broadcasting and charity work as she dedicated the accolade to her late father Vivian who passed away in 2003.

Phoebe, 21, also accompanied her parents on the big day and shared snaps to her Instagram afterwards looking smart in a white lace dress. 

She penned in the post: ‘Mum what an incredible achievement receiving an MBE!

‘You are such an inspiration in my life and I admire everything you do, because you do it all with such kindness, warmth and love. 

‘This achievement reflects your dedication to your work and success in doing what you love. 

‘I’m so grateful to have been there today with Dad and Amber to watch you receive your medal from His Majesty the King, an emotional and monumental moment I will remember forever. Proud of you always.’

Tess looked gorgeous in a red caped midi dress for the occasion which she teamed with a matching fascinator and nude heels.

Meanwhile Vernon, who also shares 16-year-old daughter Amber with his wife, looked smart in a navy suit as he beamed with pride. 

Tess revealed the King ‘put her at ease’ during the ceremony as she described the honour as the ‘greatest of her career’.

‘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 continued: ‘His Majesty put me at ease – I was quite nervous. We talked about [Strictly Come Dancing] and I know the Queen enjoys it. 

‘She sent me a letter of congratulations when I received the MBE which meant the world.

‘[The King] thanked me for the work I have done for his charity as well – the King’s Trust. 

‘We talked about the funds that it’s raised and how many young people’s lives this has made a huge difference to and I’m very proud to be an ambassador of this charity.’

Before adding: ‘It’s for my family as much as it is for myself. If I could dedicate it to anyone, I would dedicate it to my late dad because he’d be so proud of his daughter meeting the King, in a castle.’

Tess’s father Vivian died of emphysema while she was on honeymoon with Vernon and she has since said her biggest regret is that he never got to meet his granddaughters. 

According to the NHS, emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath by damaging the air sacs in the lungs, making them lose their elasticity and creating larger, less-efficient air spaces.

Tess previously spoke of her dad in a 2020 Daily Mail interview: ‘[My Father] never got to meet my children, which is my biggest regret, he would’ve loved them, but he never got to see me do Strictly either, and he would have been so proud. He loved Bruce Forsyth. He adored ballroom, all of it.’ 

While Vernon was supporting his wife, his Radio 2 absence left colleagues scrambling after he was replaced by Paddy McGuinness. 

Scott Mills, 51, who hosts the breakfast slot, admitted he had no idea about the change, just a day after Vernon issued an apology for swearing live on air. 

He admitted to Paddy: ‘I was about to say it’s 9.30 here’s Vernon Kay, because nobody told me you were in for Vernon today, I just thought you’d just come in to see me’.

As his fellow broadcaster joked about ‘disappointment on both sides’ Scott went on: ‘I am glad you’re here, but I was playing Chic and [producers] went, right “Paddy’s here” and I said “Vernon” and they said “No Paddy” anyway have a lovely show’.