Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren, celebrated war photographer Sir Don McCullin, rugby legend Sir Kevin Sinfield and members of England’s European Championship-winning Lionesses are among the prominent names recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
More than 1,180 people from across the United Kingdom have been honoured this year, with ministers highlighting the contributions of community volunteers, campaigners, carers, educators and public servants alongside well-known figures from the worlds of sport, entertainment, business and politics.
The Cabinet Office said the list reflects the breadth of service being carried out in communities throughout the country, with recipients recognised for achievements ranging from fostering vulnerable children and supporting people with disabilities to advancing science, medicine and the arts.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised those receiving honours, saying their dedication demonstrated how lasting change is achieved through “compassion, resilience and a commitment to others”.
Among the highest-profile recipients are Dame Helen Mirren and Sir Don McCullin, who are appointed Members of the Order of the Companions of Honour, one of the most prestigious distinctions in the British honours system.
Children’s authors Dame Malorie Blackman and Dame Julia Donaldson, creator of The Gruffalo, are both made dames for services to literature.
In politics and public life, former Justice Secretary Sir David Gauke is knighted for services to the justice system, while former Conservative minister Sir Greg Hands receives a knighthood for parliamentary and political service. Labour MP Dame Jessica Morden is recognised for political and public service, and Sir Simon Burton, Clerk of the Parliaments in the House of Lords, is knighted for services to Parliament.
The sporting honours are led by Sir Kevin Sinfield, whose tireless fundraising efforts for motor neurone disease research, alongside his achievements in rugby league and rugby union, earn him a knighthood.
Former England rugby union international Emily Scarratt receives an OBE, as do golfer Luke Donald, snooker world champion Shaun Murphy and jockey Ryan Moore receives an MBE.
England’s victorious Lionesses feature prominently among the younger recipients. Michelle Agyemang, aged just 20 and the youngest person honoured this year, receives an MBE for services to football. She is joined by teammates Jess Carter, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo, who are also appointed MBEs.
The arts and entertainment sector is strongly represented. Film composer Patrick Doyle, whose work includes scores for Sense and Sensibility, Brave and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, is appointed a CBE. Actor and director Dexter Fletcher, known for directing Rocketman and completing Bohemian Rhapsody, receives an OBE for services to film and television.
Broadcaster and DJ Carl Cox is awarded an OBE for services to music, while Welsh musician Cerys Matthews is also recognised with an OBE. Television actress Lisa Riley receives an MBE for services to drama and charity, and DJ and broadcaster Julius O’Riordan, better known as Judge Jules, is appointed an MBE for services to music, entertainment law and young people.
In business, beauty entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury is appointed a CBE for services to the beauty and cosmetics industry. Businesswoman Diana Sarah Brightmore-Armour receives a CBE for services to women and diversity in financial services.
Other notable recipients include racehorse owner and philanthropist Kirsten Rausing, who receives a CBE for charitable work, animal welfare and contributions to horseracing, and entrepreneur Dave Fishwick, awarded an OBE for services to finance, business and charity.
The honours also recognise achievements in science and innovation. Rebecca Evernden, a director at the UK Space Agency, is appointed a CBE for services to space, reflecting Britain’s growing ambitions in the sector.
This year’s list places a continued emphasis on diversity. According to the Cabinet Office, 11.5 per cent of recipients come from an ethnic minority background, while 15.6 per cent declared a disability or long-term health condition. Women account for almost half of all recipients at CBE level and above.
The oldest recipient is Pauline Hough, aged 101, who receives a British Empire Medal for services to theatre and the community in Nantwich.
In total, 1,182 people have been recognised, with ministers describing the honours as a celebration not only of national figures but also of the thousands of individuals whose dedication quietly transforms communities across the United Kingdom.
