From Wicked to Windsor: Cynthia Erivo Receives MBE From Royal Family

Cynthia Erivo officially received an MBE — which stands for Member of the Order of the British Empire — from the British monarchy in recognition of her contributions to music and drama. She was named in King Charles III’s 2026 New Year Honours list and formally received the honour from Prince William during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2026. 

The award recognized Erivo’s work across Broadway, film, television, and music, especially following the massive success of projects like The Color Purple, Harriet, and Wicked. 

After receiving the honour, Cynthia said:

 “An honour I could never have thought would happen.” 

Social media reactions were mixed. Many fans celebrated the achievement, calling it a historic moment for the British-Nigerian star, while others debated the politics and colonial history tied to British honours systems. Reddit discussions showed both pride and criticism surrounding Black celebrities accepting honours linked to the British Empire. 

For context, “MBE” is one of the UK’s major royal honours awarded to people who have made significant contributions in fields like entertainment, sports, charity, science, or public service. Recipients are allowed to place “MBE” after their names professionally.