The King's Birthday Honours list for 2026 has been officially published, recognising hundreds of individuals from across the United Kingdom. These honours are awarded to people who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and the country, encompassing a wide range of famous personalities, celebrities, everyday heroes, and charity champions.
Honours Categories
The honours conferred include knighthoods, damehoods, MBEs, OBEs, and CBEs. Among the most notable recipients this year is rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield, who has been awarded a knighthood for his services to the MND community, as well as for his contributions to both rugby league and rugby union.
Kevin Sinfield's Knighthood
Sir Kevin, hailing from Oldham, has raised over £10 million for MND charities, inspired by his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow, who passed away in 2024. His fundraising efforts have been widely celebrated.
Literary Damehoods
Julia Donaldson, the acclaimed author of The Gruffalo, and Malorie Blackman, known for the Noughts and Crosses series, have both been appointed Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for their services to literature.
Entertainment Honours
Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren has been made a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) for her services to drama. Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has received an MBE for her acting and charity work, while Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has been awarded an MBE for his contributions to music and charity.
Music and Sports Recognitions
Musician and presenter Cerys Matthews has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to music. Several members of the England women's football team, including Chloe Kelly, Michelle Agyemang, Hannah Hampton, Alessia Russo, Lauren James, and Jess Carter, have been awarded MBEs following their victory in the Euros.
Comprehensive Honours List
In total, more than 1,200 individuals have been recognised across the UK. The oldest recipient is 101-year-old Pauline Hough from Nantwich, who received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to theatre and the community.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commented: "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."
The full list of honourees is detailed below, including recipients of the Order of the Companions of Honour, Knights Grand Cross, Dames Commander, Knights Bachelor, and many more across various categories such as the Order of the Bath, Order of the British Empire, and the Royal Victorian Order.
