Credit : Mixmag's X
WINDSOR, Berkshire – British DJ Carl Cox has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to music, receiving the honour from Prince William at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
The investiture, held at the royal residence in Berkshire, was first reported by dance music publication Mixmag, which shared the news on its X account. Cox was named in the King’s Birthday Honours, and the ceremony came as he marks almost 50 years since he began DJing.
According to Mixmag, citing a press release, Cox flew back to the United Kingdom from the United States to attend the ceremony. He was joined on the day by his girlfriend and his sisters.
Speaking about the occasion, the DJ said: “This was an incredible day I’ll never forget. I’m very proud and I know my mum and dad would be very proud of me too. I’m really happy to accept this.”
He added: “I’ve been doing this for many years and hope to continue for many more – sharing my love of music. I’m absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured.”
The honour recognises his long-running and tireless excellence in the UK dance music community, as well as his advocacy of club culture. Cox’s career stretches back to the early days of acid house in Britain, and he has since become one of the most recognisable names in electronic music, both behind the decks and as a champion of the scene.
Billboard reported that the pioneering DJ and producer shared his own reaction on his social channels, writing that music has been his whole life and that receiving the OBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle, recognising nearly 50 years of doing something he loves, was “beyond anything I could have imagined”. Trade outlet InternetDJ separately reported that he also remembered his parents in the message, saying he wished they could have been there to share the moment.
Cox founded his label Intec Records in 1999 and is known for mastering three-deck and four-deck mixing techniques. Billboard described him as an integral part of the house and techno story and one of the first “superstar” DJs.
The OBE follows the announcement of the honour in the King’s Birthday Honours List in June 2026, when Mixmag reported that fellow dance music figure Judge Jules was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) on the same list. At the time, Cox said the recognition “is not mine alone” and belongs to everyone who has been part of the journey, including fans, artists, promoters, crews and the wider electronic music community.
The celebration is unlikely to slow him down. InternetDJ reported that Cox goes straight back on the road in North America, with a show at Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta on Friday, November 13, followed by Club Space in Miami with Carlita on Saturday, November 14. Dates in Montreal and Toronto follow later this month, with Manchester and London shows planned for December.
For many in the club scene, the ceremony at Windsor Castle is a sign of how far dance music culture, which grew from warehouse parties and field raves, has travelled into the mainstream establishment.
Credit : Mixmag’s X
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