Adjoa Andoh, celebrated for her portrayal of the formidable Lady Danbury in Netflix's hugely successful period drama Bridgerton, was awarded an MBE by Prince William at Windsor Castle on Wednesday morning.
The 62-year-old actress, writer and director received the honour in recognition of her services to drama across a career spanning four decades.
Ms Andoh, whose father was of Ghanaian heritage, has become a household name through her role in both Bridgerton and its spin-off Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
The investiture ceremony marks a notable moment, given her previous controversial remarks about the Royal Family.
Prince William awards Bridgerton star an MBE despite ‘terribly white royal balcony’ backlash
|ITV / PA
Ms Andoh sparked significant controversy in May 2023 when she provided live commentary for ITV during King Charles III's Coronation alongside Myleene Klass, Tom Bradby and Julie Etchingham.
Observing the Royal Family's appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony, she remarked: "We have gone from the rich diversity of the Abbey to a terribly white balcony. I am very struck by that."
The comments prompted considerable online backlash.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4 afterwards, the actress sought to explain her remarks: "I think I upset a few people yesterday," she said, describing the Coronation as "marvellous" and adding: "I didn't mean to upset anybody."
Adjoa Andoh sparked significant controversy in May 2023 when she provided live commentary for ITV during King Charles III's Coronation
|PA
Despite the previous backlash, any lingering tension appeared absent during Wednesday's ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Ms Andoh, dressed in a white dress paired with black heels, seemed thoroughly at ease as she received her honour from the heir to the throne.
The actress was photographed chatting and laughing warmly with Prince William before shaking his hand as the medal was pinned to her chest.
The amicable exchange suggested both parties had moved past the controversy surrounding her Coronation commentary two years earlier.
Adjoa Andoh receiving her MBE from Prince William on Wednesday
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Adjoa Andoh is famous for her role in Bridgerton on Netflix
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Other notable recipients at the investiture included The Who frontman Sir Roger Daltrey, who received a knighthood, and darts champion Luke Humphries, also awarded an MBE.
Ms Andoh's distinguished career extends well beyond Bridgerton, encompassing roles across television, film and theatre over 40 years.
Television audiences may recall her as Francine Jones, mother to Martha Jones, in Doctor Who, while she also portrayed DI Nina Rosen in BBC's Silent Witness and Dr Isaacs in the psychological thriller Fractured.
Her Hollywood breakthrough came in 2009 with Clint Eastwood's Invictus, appearing alongside Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.
In 2019, she achieved a theatrical milestone by co-directing and starring in Richard II at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, marking the UK's first all women-of-colour production of the play.