Dame Helen Mirren has been made a Companion of Honour for services to drama, while six members of the Lionesses' victorious Euro 2025 squad have been awarded MBEs in King Charles's birthday honours list. The former rugby league player Kevin Sinfield has been knighted for his campaigning and fundraising to tackle motor neurone disease.
Footballers and Actors Recognized
Chloe Kelly, scorer of the decisive penalty in the 2025 final against Spain, and Hannah Hampton, who saved two penalties in that shootout, are among the England women's players to be honored. Also receiving awards are fellow double-winners Alessia Russo and Jess Carter, as well as 2025 champions Lauren James and Michelle Agyemang. At 20, Agyemang is the youngest person on this year's list. The footballers follow several other England players and staff who were honored in the new year list.
Mirren, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Elizabeth II in the 2006 film The Queen, becomes a Companion of Honour. The maximum number of people who can hold the title at any one time is 65. Her elevation came days after footage circulated on social media showing her being verbally abused while walking in central London with her husband.
Community Contributors Honored
The honours committees stressed the prominence of people who have contributed significantly to their communities. Among those honored for charitable work was James Brown, whose organization Lifesavers Scotland urgently transports blood and blood products for the NHS. He set up the charity to thank the NHS staff who saved him when he had sepsis. Speaking about receiving his MBE, he said he had to bring his mother from Scotland to London on false pretences to keep the secret. He dedicated his award to his family and all blood bikers across the UK.
Alice Outten, whose organization Prom Ally provides dresses and suits to those unable to afford them for end-of-school parties, was awarded a British Empire Medal. She started the charity in 2015 from her house in Llandudno, north Wales, after seeing a story about a young girl who could not afford a dress. She now provides several thousand garments free of charge. Outten said she had not been able to bring anyone to London because she came straight from a music festival.
Full List of Honours
There were 1,182 honours handed out, including 305 BEMs, 501 MBEs, and 240 OBEs. The Cabinet Office said 49% of recipients at CBE level and above were women, nearly 12% came from a minority ethnic background, and more than 15% declared a disability or long-term health condition. More than a third identified as having come from a lower socioeconomic background.
The oldest recipient was Pauline Hough, 101, who received a BEM for services to theatre and community in Nantwich. Also honored were Welsh broadcaster and musician Cerys Matthews (OBE), dance music DJ Judge Jules (MBE), and TV presenter Anneka Rice (MBE).
Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo, and Malorie Blackman, who wrote Noughts and Crosses, both received damehoods for services to literature. Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi received an MBE for services to music and charity, and Emmerdale actor Lisa Riley received the same honour for drama and charity work. David Sproxton and Peter Lord, co-founders of Aardman Animations, were both knighted for services to the creative industries and charity.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 'Across the UK, people are quietly changing lives and strengthening their communities. This honours list is a chance to recognise them. Their dedication shows how lasting change is built: through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others.'
