Emma Raducanu Receives MBE from King Charles
Emma Raducanu is now a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Today at Windsor Castle, King Charles awarded Raducanu with an MBE for services to tennis.
"It's been great to receive my honour today from His Majesty the King—I feel extremely grateful," Raducanu said in a statement. In 2021, Raducanu shocked the world when she won the US Open, becoming the first qualifier ever to win the Grand Slam tournament.
For the occasion, she wore head-to-toe Dior. The tennis star was made an ambassador for the brand shortly after her US Open win.
"I think it is fantastic seeing a young person [achieve] the success that she had and I think obviously now she faces that incredibly challenging situation of coping with that success and coping also with disappointment," Labour MP Nia Griffith, who received her damehood at the same investiture ceremony, told the BBC. "And I certainly think it is wonderful to see young people being praised and being rewarded and let's make sure we give every young person the opportunities so that they can develop their talents to the full."
This is not Raducanu's first time meeting a member of the British royal family. In September 2021, she hit the courts with Kate Middleton. The same month, she attended the No Time To Die world premiere along with members of the royal family, including Prince William and King Charles.
Following her Grand Slam win, the royals congratulated Raducanu—including Queen Elizabeth herself.
"I send my congratulations to you on your success in winning the United States Open Tennis Championships. It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication," the Queen wrote to Raducanu. "I have no doubt your outstanding performance, and that of your opponent Leylah Fernandez, will inspire the next generation of tennis players. I send my warmest good wishes to you and your many supporters."
Raducanu was awed by the Queen's letter. "It meant everything to get a message from Her Majesty. She’s such a great inspiration and role model for the whole country so to have a note from her," she said at the time. "I was extremely honored and very very grateful that she took notice of my tennis. I can’t believe it. I’m maybe going to frame that letter or something."
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