In a moment that perfectly blended sporting triumph with royal tradition, Emma Raducanu received her Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) from His Majesty King Charles III at an investiture ceremony held at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, 2 December 2025.
The 23-year-old tennis sensation, who famously became the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam title when she claimed the 2021 US Open at just 18, was honoured for her services to tennis. Dressed in an elegant gothic-inspired ensemble, Raducanu turned the historic occasion into a fashion statement as striking as her on-court forehand.
Raducanu opted for a bespoke midnight-navy velvet gown by British designer Erdem, featuring dramatic puffed sleeves, a high Victorian neckline, and delicate black lace detailing that nodded to Gothic romance while remaining impeccably regal. She paired the look with minimal diamond studs, a sleek low bun, and a bold berry lip, striking the perfect balance between youthful glamour and ceremonial sophistication. The outfit drew widespread praise for its nod to British heritage design and its subtle echo of the Palace’s own grandeur.
During the intimate ceremony in the Buckingham Palace Ballroom, King Charles personally pinned the MBE medal to Raducanu’s gown and engaged in warm conversation with the young champion. Palace sources say the King remarked on her “extraordinary composure” during that history-making New York run four years ago and expressed delight at seeing British tennis thriving.
Speaking briefly to reporters afterwards, an elated Raducanu said: “To receive this from His Majesty in the same palace where so many great Britons have been honoured is beyond anything I could have dreamed of when I was a little girl hitting balls against the garage wall. It’s a huge privilege and a reminder of how far kindness, hard work, and a bit of belief can take you.”
The investiture comes during a resurgent 2025 season for Raducanu, who reached the quarter-finals of Wimbledon earlier this year and climbed back inside the world top 20. Her fairytale journey from Bromley schoolgirl to Grand Slam champion and now Member of the British Empire has cemented her status as one of Britain’s most inspiring modern sporting icons.
From Flushing Meadows to Buckingham Palace, Emma Raducanu’s story just added another glittering chapter, and this time, it came with the ultimate royal seal of approval.
