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 honours celebrate individuals who have contributed significantly to their communities and fields.
Sports and Entertainment Honours
Former rugby league player Kevin Sinfield has been knighted for his campaigning and fundraising to tackle motor neurone disease. Among the Lionesses, Chloe Kelly, who scored the decisive penalty in the 2025 final against Spain, and Hannah Hampton, who saved two penalties in the shootout, received MBEs. Fellow double-winners Alessia Russo and Jess Carter, along with 2025 champions Lauren James and Michelle Agyemang, were also honoured. At 20, Agyemang is the youngest recipient on this year's list.
Dame Helen Mirren, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film The Queen, becomes a Companion of Honour, a title limited to 65 holders at any time. Her elevation came days after footage showed her being verbally abused while walking in central London with her husband.
Community and Charity Work
James Brown, founder of Lifesavers Scotland, which transports blood products for the NHS, received an MBE. He started the charity after NHS staff saved him from sepsis. He kept his honour secret by bringing his mother to London on false pretences. Alice Outten, who started Prom Ally in 2015 to provide dresses and suits for students unable to afford them, was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM). She now provides thousands of garments free of charge.
The honours list includes 1,182 recipients: 305 BEMs, 501 MBEs, and 240 OBEs. The Cabinet Office noted that 49% of recipients at CBE level and above were women, nearly 12% were from minority ethnic backgrounds, and over 15% declared a disability or long-term health condition. More than a third identified as coming from a lower socioeconomic background.
Other Notable Honours
The oldest recipient was Pauline Hough, 101, who received a BEM for services to theatre and the community in Nantwich. Welsh broadcaster and musician Cerys Matthews was made an OBE for services to music, and dance music DJ Judge Jules received an MBE. TV presenter Anneka Rice was made an MBE for charity and broadcasting. Authors Julia Donaldson (The Gruffalo) and Malorie Blackman (Noughts and Crosses) received damehoods for services to literature. Donaldson was the UK's bestselling author last year, overtaking JK Rowling.
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi became an MBE for music and charity, and Emmerdale actor Lisa Riley received the same honour for drama and charity. David Sproxton and Peter Lord, co-founders of Aardman Animations, were 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."
