The King's Birthday Honours were announced on Friday, June 12, with a number of British icons receiving recognition, some for the first time.
Lisa Riley Receives MBE
Emmerdale actress and former I'm A Celebrity star Lisa Riley has been awarded an MBE for her services to drama and charity work. Speaking to PA, she described the honour as a hugely exciting gift ahead of her 50th birthday in July: “Wow, if this is not my best 50th birthday present, being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list, I don’t know what is. To say I am humbled is an absolute understatement. Thank you so much, my heart is the warmest it could ever be.”
Helen Mirren Made Companion of Honour
Helen Mirren, who has been a Dame since 2003 after receiving a DBE for services to drama, has now been made a Companion of Honour for services to drama. There are only 65 Companions of Honour at any one time.
Tony Iommi Awarded MBE
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi became a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to music and charity. He said: "What an unbelievable honour to receive an MBE. It’s been a privilege doing something I love and then to see that music connects with so many over the years."
Other Notable Honours
Fourteen years after first receiving her MBE in 2014, BBC Radio 6 DJ and musician Cerys Matthews became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to music. TV presenter Anneka Rice was made an MBE for her services to charity and broadcasting. The Gruffalo writer Julia Donaldson and Noughts and Crosses author Malorie Blackman both received damehoods for their services to literature. Businessman Dave Fishwick, who inspired Netflix's Bank Of Dave film, was made an OBE for services to finance, business and charity. The co-founders of Aardman, the animation studio behind Wallace and Gromit, were both knighted for their services to the creative industries and to charity. Six of the European Championship-winning Lionesses, including Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo, were also honoured, as were makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury (CBE) and rugby league great Kevin Sinfield.
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. Their dedication shows how lasting change is built – through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others. It speaks to the decent, hopeful country we are proud to be, and on behalf of the whole nation, I want to say thank you."
