Cynthia Erivo Drops into a Perfect Curtsy at Investiture Ceremony with Prince William

Wicked star Cynthia received a royal honor from Prince William this week

People Cynthia Erivo s made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by Prince William at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2026Credit: Alamy

NEED TO KNOW

  • The actress was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire on May 19

  • Erivo is one of several entertainment stars who were recognized on King Charles' 2026 New Year Honors List

WickedstarCynthia Erivoreceived a royal honor fromPrince Williamthis week.

The Tony, Emmy and Grammy winner added to her already impressive résumé when she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2026. Accepting the honor from the Prince of Wales, Erivo, 39, dipped into a picture-perfect curtsy as she beamed with pride.

The actress was one of several stars who were announced as part ofKing Charles’ 2026 New Year Honors List late last year. Erivo,Idris Elba,Ellie Goulding, and more were honored by the King in recognition of their achievements in the entertainment industry and their services to the community.

Cynthia Erivo curtsies to Prince William as she is made is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by on May 19, 2026Credit: Alamy

The 2026 New Year’s Honors list includes 1157 recipients from across various industries in the U.K. who are awarded for their great achievements professionally and in supporting the community throughout the year.

Erivo has built an impressive career, starting with her breakout role as Celie in the Broadway musicalThe Color Purplein 2013. Most recently, she starred as Elphaba in the twoWickedfilmsbefore returning to the West End inDraculathis year.

Tuesday's ceremony wasn't Erivo's first encounter with the royal family. In May 2024, she was one of a few celebrated alumni who welcomed the King and Queen Camilla to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art to celebrate the famous acting school’s 120th anniversary.

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In a video posted by theroyals' social media account, the actress was seen curtsying to and sharing a laugh with the King, who joked with the students about enduring "the most horrendous auditions" in order to attend the prestigious school.

Cynthia Erivo, Queen Camilla and King Charles watch a performance by students at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) on May 29, 2024Credit: JORDAN PETTITT/POOL/AFP via Getty

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The investiture ceremony was Prince William's second in as many weeks; however, last week's honors came with aspecial personal connection.

The Prince of Wales, 44, presented Goulding, 39, with her medal, awarding her to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), Civil Division, for her services to biodiversity and the climate on May 13.

The "Love Me Like You Do" singer performed at Prince William's royal wedding reception toKate Middletonin April 2011, singing with a live band for the couple's first dance toElton John’s “Your Song."

"William and Kate were in the middle, giving it their all,” a guest told PEOPLE in 2011 about the bash at the Throne Room of Buckingham Palace. “They really went for it. They were in the full party spirit and stayed until the last minute.”

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Cynthia Erivo Drops into a Perfect Curtsy at Investiture Ceremony with Prince William

Wicked star Cynthia received a royal honor from Prince William this week NEED TO KNOW The actress was made a Memb...
Why Hayden Panettiere was 'deeply uncomfortable' with dynamic with Connie Britton on “Nashville” set

Hayden Panettiere explores the "deeply uncomfortable" dynamic between her and Nashville costar Connie Britton in her new book, This Is Me: A Reckoning.

Entertainment Weekly Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere on 'Nashville'Credit: Chris Hollo/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Key Points

  • "This should have been her time to shine, and while it was in many respects, I was terrified of making Connie worry that I — not my character — was trying to compete with her," Panettiere recalls.

  • This Is Me: A Reckoning is now available to purchase wherever books are sold.

Fans enjoyed the contentious rivalry betweenHayden Panettiere's Juliette Barnes andConnie Britton's Rayna James on the musical melodramaNashville, but it was a dynamic that Panettiere worried would bleed into real life.

Reflecting on her timestarring opposite Britton on the drama—which aired six seasons on ABC and then CMT, from 2012-2018 — in her recently released memoir,This Is Me: A Reckoning, Panettiere recalls how a shift in star power led to her feeling "uncomfortable" with the fictional tension between the show's lead characters.

"My character wasn't intended to be the show's star — not even close," Panettiere writes. "That honor went to Connie, whose Rayna Jaymes was in the twilight of her career, facing a dramatic turning point thanks to yours truly. Juliette wasn't necessarily Rayna's enemy, but she was the antagonist. I threatened Rayna's career, but I was never supposed to outshine her. That was the whole point."

Panettiere, who was only 22 when she landed the role as the troubled, talented, and fiercely stubborn Juliette, wryly notes that "women of a certain age in any entertainment sector can tell you that championing a twentysomething blond, bubblegum star over an older, more established veteran is a bad idea."

Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere on 'Nashville'Credit: Chris Hollo/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

"Rayna Jaymes had earned her stripes, and Juliette hadn't. That was the way it was supposed to be," she adds. "Unfortunately, after the pilot, it was clear that my billing had gone way up. I went from maybe number five in terms of importance to nipping at Connie's heels. I was deeply uncomfortable with this development."

The actress had already spent two decades on screen when she began working the musical series. She'd joined the core cast of the soap operaOne Life to Liveat only four years old, and worked steadily through stints onGuiding Light,Heroes, and films likeIce PrincessandRemember the TitanswhenNashvillecreator Callie Khouri came calling.

"I was twenty-three years old, and Connie was in her forties with three Emmy nominations under her belt," Panettiere recalls in the memoir of filming Season 1. "She was also a new mom. This should have been her time to shine, and while it was in many respects, I was terrified of making Connie worry that I—not my character—was trying to compete with her."

She revealed that while filming the show's promo material, she used small opportunities to show Britton that there wasn't any desire to undermine her position on the show. "We were directed to saunter toward the mic stand and—at the same time—reach to grab it. This would insinuate our characters' rivalry," Panettiere explains. "I always made sure to grab the mic under Connie's hand, showing her I came in peace and with respect."

"I don't know if she noticed, but I did; I was not going to step on the toes of Rayna Jaymes or Connie Britton," she adds.

Panettiere's echoed a similar sentimentwhile chatting withEntertainment Weeklylast year, in honor of the show kicking off its second life on Netflix.

"I remember the first scene that I ever did with her. It was in [Nashville's Ryman Auditorium], the backstage of the Ryman, and Rayna comes in and says something nice to me, and I am just so passive-aggressive to her," Panettiere told EWat the time.

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Panettiere remembered that after the bristling encounter—their first ever onandoff camera —she "kept apologizing to her, going, 'I am so sorry!' Because that was our first experience together, and I didn't want to step on toes. Sometimes it gets real, very real, you know?'"

Hayden Panettiere on 'Nashville'Credit: Katherine Bomboy-Thornton/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

She explained that whileNashvillewas originally designed as a solo vehicle for the Rayna character, when producers saw the enthusiastic response to Panettiere as the brash, nakedly ambitious Juliette, the show was retconned around the character's contentious rivalry as star signees of the same label.

"It was difficult to play that sometimes, that competitiveness, where we were in opposition and against each other," Panettiere remembered. "And it's not what we thought it was going to be, so it was very difficult to step in." But she remembered Britton as "amazing" and "so supportive."

The actress added that "Connie is just a class act. She is so smart and so wise, and just being able to be on screen with her, I was honored. I think we kept each other grounded throughout the whole thing."

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Panettiere has been opening up about her tumultuous journey from child star inThis Is Me,which takes the reader through the actress' childhood, including her parents’ rocky relationship andher venture into acting. (Panettiere and her motherare currently estranged.)

The book details her decision to sign over full custody of daughter Kaya to ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko in 2018 and her abusiverelationship with ex Brian Hickerson— but she says the hardest part of the process was writing abouther brother, Jansen, whodied in 2023at age 28. Jansen battled his own substance abuse issues, with Panettiere pleading for him to get help after he confessed that he tried crack and heroin.

'This is Me: A Reckoning' coverCredit: Grand Central Publishing

Reflecting on her decision to share her story with fans in her memoirto EW earlier this month, Panettiere emphasized that the purpose of the book is to help others.

“I really hope that by reading about the trials and tribulations that I've gone through, that it can help [readers] overcome their own obstacles and make sure that they know that they're not alone, because that's the worst feeling in the world — especially when you're going through a trying time — is to feel alone,” Panettiere said. “All you want to know is that somebody else has gone through and survived what you're going through right now, and even though in the moment it feels like you'll never be okay again. But I also hope people laugh through it as well. I think there's a good balance.”

She concluded, “If I had told every single solitary story, the book would be five 300-page books.”

This Is Me: A Reckoningis out now.

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

Why Hayden Panettiere was 'deeply uncomfortable' with dynamic with Connie Britton on “Nashville” set

Hayden Panettiere explores the "deeply uncomfortable" dynamic between her and Nashville costar Connie Britton in her new book...
Jason and Kylie Kelce's Cutest Couple Photos from Over the Years

Jason and Kylie Kelce married in Philadelphia in April 2018

People Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce attend Thursday Night Football presents the world premiere of 'Kelce' in Philadelphia on Sept. 8, 2023Credit: Lisa Lake/Getty Images for Prime Video

NEED TO KNOW

  • The couple are parents to four daughters: Wyatt, Elliotte, Bennett and Finnley

  • They've been there for each other at every turn, from appearing on each other's podcasts to Kylie cheering on her now-retired NFL husband (and brother-in-law Travis Kelce!) at the Super Bowl

Jason KelceandKylie Kelceare the perfect life teammates — and each other's favorites.

When Jason was asked to share who his "favorite teammate" was while on a panel at New Jersey's Rowan University in April 2026, he gave the perfect response. After joking that he "could completely be a jerk and not answer the question," the retired NFL All-Star center said, "My favorite teammate is my wife."

The Philadelphia-based couple married in April 2018, and are nowparents to four daughters: Wyatt Elizabeth, Elliotte "Ellie" Ray, Bennett Llewellyn and Finnley "Finn" Anne.

Kylie admitted to PEOPLE in March 2024 of being "terrified" before her wedding, "because everyone was going to be staring at me" — but the fear didn't last long.

"As soon as our wedding planner opened the door and I could see Jason, it was as if all of the worries melted away," she said. "So I was like, 'Oh,I just have to get to him. I can do that.' So that was like a memory where I really remember that overall feeling of ease and bliss."

Over the years, the couple has demonstrated their enduring love and commitment to each other, with mutual praise and support. From Jason's 2018Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eaglesto hisretirement announcement after 13 seasonsin March 2024, Kylie has cheered for her former NFL pro husband andhis brother,Travis Kelce, whom she watchedwin the Super Bowl in 2024.

At home, Jason and Kylie continue to be all-star parents, regularly delighting fans withstories about their girlson both of their podcasts (and sometimescameos from them!):Not Gonna Lie with Kylie KelceandNew Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce, respectively.

Here, see some of Jason and Kylie's sweetest photos together from over the years.

Humble Beginnings

Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce in a photo shared on Instagram on Jan. 1, 2019Credit: Kylie Kelce/Instagram

Before they became parents of four and one of the NFL's favorite couples, Jason and Kyliefound each other on Tinder. After matching on the dating app, the two met up for their first date at a bar with some of Jason's friends.

In the 2023 Amazon Prime Video documentaryKelce, Kylie, who grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs, shared that their initial outing didn't last very long.

"Forty-five minutes later,he fell asleep at the bar, like just, out, like asleep, asleep," she said.

Big Feelings

Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce in a photo shared for Jason's birthday on Nov. 5, 2016Credit: Kylie Kelce/Instagram

Though their date didn't go as planned, Jason wasn't about to let his bar-top antics ruin his chances. In the documentary, the former Eagles center said he was "sober enough to know" Kylie was "the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life."

Their next meeting, he claimed, "went much better."

"The next day, he called and was like, 'Can we try that again?' " Kylie recalled, agreeing that Jason managed to impress her their second time out together.

Their first Valentine's Day together was also a success. In a 2024Instagram advertisementfor Papa John's, Kylie recalled that Jason had gifted her "flowers and this tiny little teddy bear" for the romantic holiday.

Tying the Knot

Kylie Kelce and Jason Kelce pose for a photo on their wedding day on April 14, 2018Credit: Sarah Alderman Weddings

After about two years together, Jason and Kyliegot married in Philadelphiaon April 14, 2018, just two months after the All-Star NFL player won his first Super Bowl.

In a February 2026 episode of her podcastNot Gonna Lie, Kylie shared that she and Jason had a laid-back approach to their nuptials, with her having four bridesmaids and him having one groomsman: his brother Travis.

"It was a good time, we were chill," she said, adding later, "Our wedding, I feel like, appropriately conveyed us as people. There was good food. There was good music. But other than that, we showed up. And that was a win."

Eagles Fans Forever

Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce in a photo shared on Instagram on Aug. 7, 2017Credit: Kylie Kelce Instagram

Both before and after they got married, Kylie was a fixture at Philadelphia Eagles games — not only did her husband play for the Eagles for his entire 13-year pro career, but they're also Kylie's hometown team, andshe's a diehard fan.

Committed to Each Other

Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce in a photo shared on Instagram on May 1, 2017Credit: Kylie Kelce/Instagram

On their first wedding anniversary in 2019, Kylie paid homage to their ceremony with a sweet poston Instagram.

"One year ago today we stood in front of our closest friends and family and vowed our love and commitment to each other. I am so beyond grateful that I get to share my life with this man," she gushed in her caption.

Family Fun

Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce with daughters Bennett, Elliotte and Wyatt at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in October 2023Credit: Kylie Kelce/Instagram

Not long after they wed, Jason and Kylie started a family together.

They welcomed their first daughter,Wyatt, on Oct. 2, 2019, followed byElliotteon March 4, 2021. Their third-born,Bennett, joined the family on Feb. 23, 2023, followed by their youngestFinnleyon March 30, 2025.

Keeping the Flame Alive

Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce in a photo shared on Instagram on March 30, 2018Credit: Kylie Kelce/ Instagram

Betweenfootball season,fashion weekandfull-time parenthood, the Kelces still make room for romance in their relationship.

When Jason joined Kylie for the Valentine's Day 2025 episode of herNot Gonna Liepodcast, they shared how they prioritize each other amid their busy lives as parents.

At the time, they wereexpecting their fourth child, and when a fan asked how they avoided falling "into the whole just mom and dad routine."

Kylie noted that while their main focus was "very much our kids," they still take time to "enjoy each other just the two of us," which she added made "those moments even more special."

Jason added that "talking to each other is [also] a big component" of maintaining their healthy relationship.

"Once you have kids, I think every marriage is gonna fall into the mom and dad thing from time to time," he continued. "I think the key to not having that be a thing is just talk to your spouse and say, 'Hey, I really miss going out to dinner' or whatever you miss about the moments you had with them that now get overshadowed because you're busier being a mom and dad and working and doing all these things."

The former pro athlete added, "Then if the other person is listening, hopefully, they go out of their way to try and do whatever that the other person feels like they're missing out on."

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Romantic Gestures

Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce in a photo shared on Instagram on March 14, 2018Credit: Kylie Kelce/Instagram

During the same February 2025 episode ofNot Gonna Lie, Kylie shared that Jason's proposal to her was "pretty romantic" — what she can remember of it.

"I don't remember exactly what you said. I have stated that publicly that I blacked out when you told me to get out [of] the car."

As he previously discussedon an episode ofNew Heightsin September 2023, Jason's proposal involved a "ploy" of sorts for him to pretend he had to go to the bathroom while visiting Kylie's parents, Lisa and Ed McDevitt, but he was really going inside to ask for their permission to marry Kylie.

After Jason came out two minutes later, Kylie sent him back inside so he wouldn't have to go again on their drive home.

"Then he said, 'This is not the most romantic way to do this ... but can you get out of the truck?' " Kylie recalled.

Off-Season Duties

Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce take a photo after the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Feb. 4, 2018Credit: Kylie Kelce Instagram

In February 2024, the superstar parents gave PEOPLE a look inside their girl-dominated household, and Kylie praised her husband's commitment to their life at home.

"Jason is emotionally and mentally presentfor his girls, and I think that's so important," she said.

Making Memories

Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce attend Thursday Night Football presents the world premiere of 'Kelce' in Philadelphia on Sept. 8, 2023Credit: Lisa Lake/Getty Images

Kylie also shared details about their elaborate playroom, curated by Pottery Barn Kids.

"The memories that we're creating now arethings that we'll talk about later, the same way our parents tell stories about us now," she told PEOPLE in February 2024.

They're not only passing down stories but traditions, too.

In February 2025, Jason shared the Valentine's Day gesture started by his father-in-law that he's passing down to his daughters.

"[Kylie] had a tradition with her father... where Big Ed would go and buy chocolates and [a] card," Jason explained onNot Gonna Lie. "So far, Kylie has been doing that and then giving them to me to give to the girls. But now I think it's time for me to really take this initiative and actually get gifts for the girls."

Raising Their Girls

Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce pose for a photo with their daughters, Elliotte, Wyatt and Bennett, at the Novacare Eagles Training Complex in Philadelphia in August 2023Credit: Jason Kelce/Instagram

Kylie told PEOPLE in February 2023 that she knew Jason would be an amazing girl dad, despite his predictions about having a son one day.

"I used to tell him before we had our first daughter,she's gonna have you wrapped around her finger," she said, whilepregnant with their third child.

A few months later, Jason confirmed his wife's wisdom, sharing that raising girls has been the "biggest highlight" of his life.

"When I had a daughter, I was like, 'I'm not going to spoil her, I'm going to raise her tough. She's going to be hard.' And the moment she came out, I was like, 'Yeah, that's not going to work,' " he told PEOPLE in May 2023.

Music to Their Ears

Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce attend Chris Stapleton's performance live from the Fillmore New Orleans for SiriusXM and Pandora on Feb. 6, 2025Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty for SiriusXM

The couple has stepped out for many fun events over the years, especially since launching both of their podcasts.

One of those epic nights wasChris Stapleton's exclusive concert at The Fillmore in New Orleans, as presented by SiriusXM and Pandora, in February 2025.

Jason and Kylie both wore big smiles as they posed for photos on the red carpet, where he donned a black T-shirt and jeans, while sheadorned her baby bumpin a yellow floral dress.

The former NFL pro is a big fan of Stapleton's, praising the country singer-songwriter'sSuper Bowl U.S. national anthem performanceas one of the best he's ever heard.

Super Couple

Kylie Kelce and Jason Kelce attend the 'New Heights' Party with Jason & Travis Kelce in San Francisco on Feb. 4, 2026Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty for Wondery

Whilehosting aNew HeightsHouse Partywith Travis in San Francisco ahead of the2025 Super Bowl, Jason leaned into his eccentric style, sporting a tie-dye coat with wide black lapels and cuffs. Kylie appeared to be letting her man — and his chest hair — shine bright, as she stood by his side in a simple white tee.

When Kylie and Jason spoke to PEOPLE exclusively about their YouTube TV Super Bowl campaign "Don't Settle For Meh," the pair considered the possibility of the former football player going beardless. Kylie couldn't imagine it, admitting she's "never actually met his chin."

At the time, Kylie was still the record holder for the most-watched episode ofNew Heights, having set that mark with 8.6 million views in September 2023. That was untilTravis' now-fiancée,Taylor Swift, broke the internetwith her August 2025 appearance. (Pretty literally — it evenset a new Guinness World Record.)

Jason poked fun at the record-breaking moment at the end of Swift's two-hour podcast, saying, "I think Kylie enjoyed being the No. 1 most viewed episode for the time that she had."

Ready for Their Close-Ups

Kylie Kelce and Jason Kelce appear in a mini-movie promoting Garage Beer in April 2026Credit: Garage Beer/YouTube

In April 2026, the duoshowcased their acting chopsin a hilarious 16-minute Western-style mini-movie promoting Jason and Travis' beer brandGarage Beer.

During the film, Jason goes off in search of beer after his trusty horse, Travis, downed all of his, only to learn that the evil Beau Allen has declared no cold beer is allowed in his town.

After a barroom brawl, Jason refers to his magical compass, which "points to what a man wants most." The device leads him to "Ms. Kylie," who informs him — in a thick Philly accent — that Allen actually loves cold beer and likes to hoard it for himself.

Kylie's fiery personality leads Jason to declare, "What a woman!" as he leaves to follow her tip. Naturally, after an epic battle, Jason comes out victorious — thanks to a strategic shot from Kylie.

The funny video marked the couple's first foray into acting.

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Jason and Kylie Kelce's Cutest Couple Photos from Over the Years

Jason and Kylie Kelce married in Philadelphia in April 2018 NEED TO KNOW The couple are parents to four daughters:...

 

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