Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield has been knighted, while actress Dame Helen Mirren and six members of the European Championship-winning England women's football team have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours. Sinfield receives the title Sir Kevin for his services to the motor neurone disease (MND) community and rugby, while the Lionesses have been made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Kevin Sinfield's Knighthood
Sir Kevin, 45, has undertaken six running challenges inspired by his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow, who died in 2024 after a four-and-a-half-year battle with MND. The former England rugby league captain has raised over £10 million for MND charities. "I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award on behalf of the rugby and MND communities," he said. He noted that rugby league has given him so much since he first played at age seven, and he is proud to follow in the footsteps of Sir Billy Boston, the sport's only other knight in over 130 years. Sinfield plans to embark on his seventh and final endurance challenge in September, all of which have centred around the number seven, Burrow's playing number.
Lindsey Burrow, Rob's widow, congratulated Sinfield, saying: "I cannot think of a more deserving recipient. 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."
Dame Helen Mirren's Honour
Dame Helen Mirren, 80, was appointed a Companion of Honour for her contributions to drama. There are only 65 Companions of Honour at any one time. The Oscar-winning actress, who portrayed Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film The Queen, received the honour days after footage emerged of her being verbally attacked while walking in central London with her husband. In the video, recorded last year, she was called an "evil Zionist" on a street in Tower Hill.
Lionesses Awarded MBEs
Six players from the England women's football team that won the UEFA European Championship last summer received MBEs. Chloe Kelly, who scored the decisive penalty in the final, was among them. Thousands of fans celebrated the Lionesses' victory over Spain in July. Other recipients include goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, forwards Alessia Russo and Lauren James, defender Jess Carter, and 20-year-old forward Michelle Agyemang, the youngest honouree on the list.
Other Notable Honours
Nearly 1,200 individuals from across the UK were recognised. Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi received an MBE for music and charity. Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley, who turns 50 in July, was also awarded an MBE for drama and charity work. She called it "the best 50th birthday present."
David Sproxton and Peter Lord, co-founders of Aardman Animations, were both knighted for services to the creative industries and charity. The studio, established over 50 years ago, created beloved characters such as Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. "We both feel it is an extraordinary privilege and an honour – as well as a complete and utter surprise – to be recognised in this way," they said.
Broadcaster and musician Cerys Matthews, formerly of Catatonia, was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for music. DJ Judge Jules received an MBE, calling it "a reward for my industry." TV presenter Anneka Rice was awarded an MBE for charity and broadcasting; her show Challenge Anneka raised funds for charitable causes.
Authors Julia Donaldson (The Gruffalo) and Malorie Blackman (Noughts and Crosses) were both awarded damehoods for literature. Donaldson, the UK's top-selling author last year, said: "Receiving this honour has been a very happy surprise. It's really gratifying to have children's books recognised in this way."
Entrepreneur Dave Fishwick, who inspired the Netflix film Bank Of Dave, received an OBE for finance, business, and charity. Beauty mogul Charlotte Tilbury was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the beauty industry. The oldest honouree was 101-year-old Pauline Hough, awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for theatre and community work 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. Their dedication shows how lasting change is built – through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others."
