Bridgerton’s Adjoa Andoh accepts royal award after ‘terribly white’ balcony comments caused backlash

On Wednesday (10 December), Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh was awarded an MBE from Prince William for her services to drama.

The 62-year-old British actress could be seen smiling and speaking to the future King at Windsor Castle during the ceremony and when asked about what she and William discussed, she shared: "We talked about homelessness, because I’ve just been doing some things with St Mungo’s and young people and how we give our young people the best start in life.

"I’m thrilled that he’s engaged in that conversation and in a really proactive way, so that’s what we talked about."

Speaking about her honour, Andoh added: "I feel great imposter syndrome because I like what I do and drama’s the world I live in. I feel very honoured to receive the honour from Prince William. I think he’s doing amazing things for homelessness and for young people."

The MBE comes a few years after Andoh, who is best known for playing Lady Agatha Danbury in the hit Netflix period drama, found herself at the centre of drama following remarks she made during King Charles and Queen Camilla's coronation in May 2023.

She was joined by ITV hosts Tom Bradby and Julie Etchingham, alongside TV personality Myleene Klass, where she made an observation about Buckingham Palace's 'terribly white' balcony, which reportedly resulted in 8,000 complaints to Ofcom.

However, it's important to note, no further action was taken by the watchdog.

Bridgerton's Adjoa Andoh was awarded an MBE from Prince William for her services to drama on Wednesday (Andrew Matthews / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

"We have gone from the rich diversity of the Abbey to a terribly white balcony," Andoh said at the time during the live broadcast of the coronation. "I am very struck by that.

"I am also looking at those younger generations and thinking: 'What are the nuances that they will inhabit when they grow?'"

The following day, Andoh promptly responded to the social media backlash on BBC Radio 4's Sunday morning show with Paddy O'Connell, where she assured she 'didn’t mean to upset anyone' and thought the whole coronation was 'marvellous'.

Andoh previously explained what she meant by her 'terribly white balcony' comment (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

"I think I upset a few people yesterday," the Doctor Who actress said, before explaining: "I was talking about the day and how marvellous it was and then looking at the balcony at the end and suddenly going: 'Oh it's so white!' because the day had been so mixed and I didn't mean to upset anybody."

Tyla has reached out to Adjoa Andoh's reps for comment.