Prince William enjoyed a special royal reunion with singer Ellie Goulding during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on May 13. The Prince of Wales, 44, presented Goulding, 39, with her MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), Civil Division, recognizing her services to biodiversity and climate action.
Goulding and Prince William share a long history: she famously performed at William and Kate Middleton’s wedding reception in April 2011, singing live for their first dance to Elton John’s “Your Song.” A guest at the time recalled, “William and Kate were in the middle, giving it their all. They really went for it… they stayed until the last minute.” The pop star also counts William’s cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, among her friends.
The honor stems from Goulding’s extensive environmental work. Named in King Charles’ 2026 New Year Honours List, she has served as a UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador and a World Wildlife Fund Ambassador. Prince William, a passionate environmental advocate and founder of the Earthshot Prize in 2020, was the perfect person to present her with the recognition. Goulding has previously appeared at the Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony in 2022 in Boston, where she met William and Kate backstage and shared warm moments with the couple.
Investiture ceremonies, which take place twice a year, celebrate individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the U.K. and British Overseas Territories. The events are typically hosted by members of the royal family, including King Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince William.
Reflecting on the occasion, Goulding shared a joyful post on Instagram Stories: “Extremely cool day x,” accompanied by a photo of her smiling with her medal on the grounds of Windsor Castle. The ceremony not only marked a professional milestone for Goulding but also highlighted the continuing bond between the singer and the Prince of Wales, united by both personal history and shared dedication to environmental causes.
