Dozens of people in Wales have been recognised with gongs in the King's 2026 birthday honours list. Overall, the list acknowledges 1,182 people for contributions across various sectors including public life, community service, health, sport, culture, and charity work. Awards handed out to Welsh recipients range from the British Empire Medal (BEM) to damehoods.
Among those recognised are foster carers, health workers, volunteers, arts advocates, and community leaders whose work has often taken place away from the public spotlight.
High-Profile Recipients
One of the highest-profile Welsh recipients is Heather Stevens, who has been appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to the environment, young people, and philanthropy. Ms Stevens was part of the founding team of Admiral when the Cardiff-based insurer launched in 1993. Alongside her husband, Admiral co-founder and former chief executive David Stevens, she established the Waterloo Foundation in 2007 with a £99m endowment. Since then, the foundation has funded projects across Wales and internationally supporting initiatives focused on child development, health, education, and environmental protection.
Another recipient whose work has had a lasting impact is Robert Blundell, 80, from Cardiff, who receives an MBE for services to spinal cord injury research and treatment. Mr Blundell's campaigning began following the death of his son, Paul-André, in 2002 after a rugby injury. In response, he co-founded Trust PA, a charity established to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries and fund research into treatment and recovery. His work extended beyond fundraising. Drawing on research into injury prevention, Mr Blundell helped develop a rugby safety campaign aimed at improving tackling technique and reducing the risk of spinal and concussion injuries. The principles behind the initiative were adopted by both the Welsh Rugby Union and Rugby Football Union as part of coach education programmes before being incorporated into guidance used by World Rugby. The campaign has influenced player safety initiatives at all levels of the game, particularly among young players. Through his fundraising efforts, more than £500,000 has been raised for spinal injury research, supporting work that could benefit thousands of people living with paralysis and spinal cord injuries.
Community and Cultural Contributions
David Anthony Cottle from Swansea has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to jazz music. The 68-year-old has been a central figure in the Swansea live jazz scene since the 1970s, organising the weekly programme at the Swansea Jazz Club since the 1990s. The club is now in its 76th year and attracts more than 100 weekly attendees. Mr Cottle has been a role model to aspiring local musicians, providing opportunities for them to develop skills and confidence at regular jam sessions alongside nationally and internationally-renowned musicians. Over the years, he has organised more than 3,500 jazz events without remuneration, also acting as the main fundraiser. One of these events was the Swansea International Jazz Festival, which has grown to attract top-tier musicians and an estimated 8,000 attendees in 2024, significantly benefiting the local economy.
Also in Swansea, there was posthumous recognition for councillor Robert Francis-Davies. He was given an MBE for public service backdated to May 6. He died on May 8, and his passing prompted tributes to a "creative force for good."
Karl Lester, from Conwy, receives an MBE for voluntary services to mountain rescue. Since 2008, he has taken part in more than 555 rescue operations, responding to incidents across some of Wales' most challenging terrain. His award recognises years of unpaid service carried out in often difficult and hazardous conditions.
Full List of Welsh Recipients
The full list of Welsh recipients covers a wide spectrum of public service and community activity, highlighting the role played by volunteers, campaigners, professionals, and charity leaders in shaping life across Wales. While some recipients are well known within their fields, many are being recognised for years of work carried out largely beyond public view.
Clwyd
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- Andrew Charles Bowden. For services to housing and to the community in Wales (Mold, Clwyd).
- Dr Alys Cole-King. For services to suicide prevention (Conwy, Clwyd).
- Albert Thomas Deane. Lately investigator, independent commission for the location of victims' remains. For public service (Corwen, Clwyd).
- Professor Dafydd Gareth Richard Evans. Emeritus professor of medical genetics, University of Manchester and consultant in medical genetics, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. For services to cancer genetics (Mold, Clwyd).
- Karl Lester. For voluntary services to mountain rescue (Betws-y-Coed, Clwyd).
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
- Cefyn Burgess. Weaver and textile maker. For services to arts and crafts (Conwy, Clwyd).
- Fiona Jayne Knight. For services to people with learning disabilities and to autistic people (Corwen, Clwyd).
- John Edward Mount. Witness service volunteer, Crown Court at Chester. For voluntary service (Wrexham, Clwyd).
- Alice Elouise Outten. Chief executive officer, Prom Ally. For services to young people (Llandudno, Clwyd).
Dyfed
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- Professor Emeritus David Austin. For services to the heritage of Wales, to economic regeneration and to young people (Lampeter, Dyfed).
- Kiera Louise Jones. Lead nurse, Skanda Vale Hospice. For services to nursing (Carmarthen, Dyfed).
- Megan Jones Roberts. Senior advisor, Community First. For services to the community in Aberystwyth (Aberystwyth, Dyfed).
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
- Helen Hopkins. For services to music and music education (Carmarthen, Dyfed).
- Julia Jones. Founder and director, Llandeilo Fawr Festival of Music. For services to music (Carmarthenshire, Dyfed).
Powys
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- David Alun Gardner. Assistant chief commissioner, St John Ambulance Cymru. For services to the community in Newtown, Powys (Newtown, Powys).
- Stephen John Hughson. For services to agriculture and to tourism and events in Wales (Newbridge on Wye, Powys).
- Karen Sian Roberts. Co-founder, The Game Change Project CIC. For services to young people (Newtown, Powys).
- Gwynne Walker. Support manager, adventurous training, Soldier Academy. For services to military training and to sport (Brecon, Powys).
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
- Nicolas Edwin Powell JP. Lately magistrate Montgomeryshire bench. For services to the administration of justice (Oswestry, Powys).
Gwent
Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)
- Jessica Elizabeth Morden MP. Member of Parliament for Newport East and lately General Secretary, Welsh Labour. For political and public service (Newport, Gwent).
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
- Martin Dafydd Brown. Director of retirement services, Department for Work and Pensions. For public service (Newport, Gwent).
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Martin Oliver Blakebrough. Lately chief executive officer, Kaleidoscope Project. For services to people affected by substance misuse (Chepstow, Gwent).
- Nigel John Brown. Chief executive, Cafcass Cymru. For services to the welfare of children and families (Caerphilly, Gwent).
- Geraint Wyn Jowers. Deputy director, security consultancy services, HM Revenue and Customs. For public service (Newport, Gwent).
- Ian Knut Salter. Partner, Burges Salmon LLP. For services to the nuclear industry (Monmouthshire, Gwent).
- Sian Barbara Wilkins. Head of procedure and parliamentary skills, Senedd Cymru. For parliamentary and public service (Caldicot, Gwent).
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- Professor Margaret Joan Allan. Lately pharmacy dean, health education and improvement Wales. For services to pharmacy (Abergavenny, Gwent).
- Tom Hooper. Head of sport, Bristol Metropolitan Academy, Fishponds, Bristol. For services to education (Newport, Gwent).
- Margaret Anne Pedder. For services to armed forces families (Caldicot, Gwent).
- Philippa Ruth Penney. For services to church bell ringing and to young people (Monmouthshire, Gwent).
- Louise Keri Wright. Senior physiotherapy technician, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. For services to health and social care (Pontypool, Gwent).
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
- Jamie Paul Goddard. Lately deputy headteacher. For services to education, to charity and to young people (Chepstow, Gwent).
- Alan John Hiatt. Mental health and learning difficulties volunteer. For services to Ty Siriol and Hafan Deg wards, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (Cwmbran, Gwent).
Mid Glamorgan
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
- Anthony Richard Negus. Musical director, Longborough Festival Opera. For services to opera, particularly Mozart and Wagner, and to young artists (Penarth, Mid Glamorgan).
- Dr Victoria Louise Winckler. Lately director, Bevan Foundation. For public service (Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan).
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- Karen Jayne Andrew JP. Magistrate West Glamorgan bench and independent monitoring board member HM prison Swansea. For services to prisoners, to the administration of justice and to the community in Swansea (Swansea, Mid Glamorgan).
- Gary Davies. Youth justice practitioner, community first responder and lately police officer. For services to public safety (Rhondda, Mid Glamorgan).
- Rhian Moore. Chief volunteer of Wales, the Scouts. For services to young people (Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan).
- Meurig Thomas. Trade union convenor at Hinkley Point C, Unite the Union. For services to the trade union movement (Treorchy, Mid Glamorgan).
- Helen Whyley. Executive director, Royal College of Nursing Wales. For services to nursing (Pencoed, Mid Glamorgan).
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
- Susan Falconer. Police community support officer. For services to the community in Blackwood, Caerphilly (Mountain Ash, Mid Glamorgan).
- Ian Stroud. Chair, Porthcawl Lifeboat Management Group, Royal National Lifeboat Institution. For services to Porthcawl lifeboat station (Porthcawl, Mid Glamorgan).
South Glamorgan
Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)
- Professor Heather Vivienne Stevens CBE. For services to the environment, to young people and to philanthropy in Wales (Vale of Glamorgan, South Glamorgan).
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Claire Jane Bennett. Director, climate change and environmental sustainability, Welsh Government. For services to vulnerable people, children and to community cohesion (Cardiff, South Glamorgan).
- Steven Borley. For services to the Welsh economy across engineering, construction and sports participation (Cardiff, South Glamorgan).
- Professor Stephen Jolles. Consultant immunologist, Immunodeficiency Centre for Wales. For services to immunology and rare diseases (Bont-Faen, South Glamorgan).
- Dr Inderpal Singh. National clinical lead, falls and frailty. For services to osteoporosis care in Wales (Cardiff, South Glamorgan).
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- Hywel Thomas Baker. Managing director, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Mission Systems UK. For services to defence industry investment, to regional economic development, to veterans support, and to national security (Dinas Powys, South Glamorgan).
- Robert Blundell. Founder, Trust PA. For services to spinal cord injury research and treatment (Cardiff, South Glamorgan).
- Christopher David Britten. Executive head teacher, Ysgol Y Deri school, Vale of Glamorgan. For services to education (Penarth, South Glamorgan).
- Nicholas Corrigan. Founder and chief executive officer, Media Academy Cymru. For services to children and young people (Cardiff, South Glamorgan).
- Roger Charles Lewis. Chair, Churchill Lines Foundation. For voluntary services to service personnel and veterans (Penarth, South Glamorgan).
- Dr Kavitha Pasunuru. Consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist and divisional director, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. For services to neurodiversity services in Gwent (Cardiff, South Glamorgan).
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
- Sudha Bhatt. For services to community cohesion in Wales (Cardiff, South Glamorgan).
- David Gerald Gardiner. Policy and honours team support, Welsh Government. For public and charitable service (Barry, South Glamorgan).
- Claire Elizabeth Griffiths. For services to cancer charities (Cardiff, South Glamorgan).
- Carmen Soraya Kelly. For services to young people, to cancer and health awareness and to social cohesion (Barry, South Glamorgan).
- Christina Roy. For services to the community in Cardiff (Cardiff, South Glamorgan).
West Glamorgan
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Professor Ann John. Professor of public health and psychiatry, Swansea University. For services to suicide prevention and to digital innovation (Swansea, West Glamorgan).
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- Karen Jones DL. For public service (Port Talbot, West Glamorgan).
- Dr Martin John Rolles. Clinical oncologist, Swansea Bay University Health Board. For services to healthcare science and cancer (Swansea, West Glamorgan).
- Colin Paul Everett. For public service (Swansea, West Glamorgan).
- Robert Francis-Davies. Councillor and cabinet member, Swansea Council. For public service (to be dated 6th May 2026) (Swansea, West Glamorgan).
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
- David Anthony Cottle. Artistic director, Swansea Jazz Club. For services to jazz music (Swansea, West Glamorgan).
- Anita Angela Pugh. For services to armed forces veterans and to the community in St Thomas, Swansea (Swansea, West Glamorgan).
- Carole Stevens. Team leader, RSPCA Llys Nini. For services to animal welfare and to the community in Swansea (Swansea, West Glamorgan).
