Dame Helen Mirren, rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield, television personality Anneka Rice, and six members of the European Championship-winning England women's football team have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list.
Knighthood for Kevin Sinfield
Kevin Sinfield has been knighted for his services to the motor neurone disease (MND) community and to rugby league and union. The former Leeds Rhinos captain has raised over £10 million for MND charities through six endurance challenges, inspired by his former teammate Rob Burrow, who died in 2024 after living with MND for four and a half years.
Sinfield said: "I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award on behalf of the rugby and MND communities. I am particularly proud to follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Billy Boston with rugby league's second-ever knighthood in over 130 years of the sport."
He will undertake his seventh and final challenge in September, themed around the number seven—Burrow's playing number.
Lindsey Burrow, Rob's widow, said: "Kevin did so much for Rob but also the whole MND community with raising awareness and funds. As Rob used to say, everyone should have a friend like Kevin."
Companion of Honour for Helen Mirren
Dame Helen Mirren has been appointed a Companion of Honour, a prestigious award limited to 65 living recipients, for her services to drama. The Oscar-winning actress, known for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen, received the honour days after footage emerged of her being verbally abused while walking in London.
Lionesses and Other Honours
Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning penalty in the Euro 2024 final, was made an MBE, alongside teammates Hannah Hampton, Alessia Russo, Lauren James, Jess Carter, and rising star Michelle Agyemang, the youngest recipient at age 20.
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi received an MBE for services to music and charity. Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley was also awarded an MBE for her drama and charity work, calling it "the best 50th birthday present."
Aardman co-founders David Sproxton and Peter Lord were knighted for services to the creative industries and charity. The duo behind Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep said: "We both feel it is an extraordinary privilege and an honour."
Cerys Matthews, former Catatonia singer and BBC Radio 6 Music host, received an OBE. DJ Judge Jules and TV presenter Anneka Rice were made MBEs. Rice's show Challenge Anneka raised significant funds for charity.
Authors Julia Donaldson (The Gruffalo) and Malorie Blackman (Noughts and Crosses) were awarded damehoods for services to literature. Donaldson was the UK's best-selling author last year.
Businessman Dave Fishwick, inspiration for Netflix's Bank of Dave, received an OBE. Beauty entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury was made a CBE. The oldest recipient, 101-year-old Pauline Hough, received a British Empire Medal for services to theatre and community in Nantwich, Cheshire.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "Across the UK, people are quietly changing lives and strengthening their communities. This Honours List is a chance to recognise them."
