On Tuesday, 5 May 2026, Richard Osman, the celebrated author and TV presenter, received an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for his contributions to literature and broadcasting. The prestigious honor was bestowed upon him by the Princess Royal during a ceremony held at Windsor Castle, a moment that Osman described as both an emotional and proud occasion.
Reflecting on the honor, Osman shared with the Press Association that he felt deeply connected to his British roots. “I’m very proud of being from Britain,” he said. “This place paid for my entire education and healthcare when I was growing up. I owe this country an awful lot, and I intend to pay as much of that back as I can.”
Osman’s journey from TV personality to bestselling author has been nothing short of remarkable. Known for his witty and sharp presenting style, particularly on BBC’s Pointless, Osman has also garnered widespread acclaim for his crime fiction, particularly with his Thursday Murder Club series. The first book in the series, which launched in 2020, captivated readers with its unique plot featuring pensioners-turned-sleuths solving cold cases. His literary success continues to grow, with a Netflix adaptation of the book released last year, starring Pierce Brosnan and Dame Helen Mirren.
During his investiture, Osman was accompanied by his partner Ingrid Oliver and their daughter, Ruby. He spoke warmly of his experience at Windsor Castle, noting the mixture of nerves and honor that he felt as he received his OBE. Despite his nerves, Osman remained focused on the ceremony’s formalities, admitting that much of his attention was on remembering the proper steps of bowing and walking during the ceremony.
He also shared a heartfelt conversation with the Princess Royal about his dual passions for writing and quizzing. Reflecting on the significance of the day, Osman acknowledged both the historical and contemporary aspects of British life. “When you’re in a place like this, and you see the pageantry of it, you just think, this is a particular part of Britain,” he said. “But there’s another part of Britain, which is my part of Britain—part of Britain where the youngsters are growing up, making sure they have all the creative opportunities that I had when I was growing up.”
Osman’s career has also seen him step away from the spotlight of TV hosting to focus on his writing, including his departure from the BBC One game show Pointless in 2022 after 13 years. His success as an author has further solidified his place as a major British cultural figure, with his work resonating with audiences across the globe. Osman has since shifted his focus to writing full-time, recently announcing his departure from House Of Games, where he was succeeded by actor Michael Sheen in March 2026.
The OBE honor serves as a recognition of Osman’s exceptional impact on both the world of entertainment and literature. Despite his public recognition, he remains humble, dedicated to ensuring that future generations, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, have the same creative opportunities he had growing up.
In closing, Richard Osman’s reflections on his British heritage, his gratitude for the opportunities he’s received, and his commitment to making a positive impact serve as a reminder of the profound connection between individual success and the broader societal support that nurtures it. His story is one of resilience, gratitude, and the importance of giving back.
