Rachel Riley ‘ran away’ from King Charles when receiving her MBE for services to Holocaust education at Windsor Castle.
The Countdown presenter, 37, received an MBE in the 2023 New Year’s Honours list for her work in raising awareness of the Holocaust and combating antisemitism.
But when attending the ceremony to collect her honour at Windsor Castle last month, Riley revealed the awkward blunder with his majesty.
Speaking to the Mirror, Riley said: “I mean, it was an amazing and surreal day in equal measure.
“You don't know who you're going to get awarded by until you get there on the day.
"You get to Windsor Castle, they check your car and say, 'It's King Charles today'. It's very exciting.”
The Jewish TV personality went on to say: “You get a very quick 30-second briefing of what's going to happen and what you have to do.
“I knew you go up, you curtsey, you have a chat, you get your medal pinned on, shake his hand, do a curtsey and run away.
"It came to the point where it was almost an Oscars moment when they're turning the music on to get rid of you.
“He was shaking my hand and I just thought, 'I don't remember the order', I just curtseyed and ran away to make sure it was all in there.
Rachel Riley with her husband Pasha Kovalev
Rachel Riley with her husband Pasha Kovalev (Photo: Getty)
“It was like that Strictly moment when you've just forgotten your moves."
Riley was a vocal critic of Labour's handling of antisemitism within the party and condemned Jeremy Corbyn's conduct while leader.
In 2019, she explained the abuse she received on social media as a public figure during a speech for the Holocaust Educational Trust in Westminster, with her mother being Jewish.
Riley wrote on Twitter after the honour’s announcement earlier this year: "Incredibly proud to have just been awarded an MBE for services to Holocaust education.
"Grateful to everyone who has sent well wishes and support over the years.
"This is very much shared with so many people who also dedicate their time and energy to fighting anti-Jewish racism."
