Six members of England's victorious Euro 2025 women's football squad have been awarded MBEs in King Charles III's birthday honours list. The players recognised include Chloe Kelly, who scored the decisive penalty in the final against Spain, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who saved two penalties in the shootout. Also receiving MBEs are Alessia Russo, Jess Carter, Lauren James and Michelle Agyemang, who at 20 is the youngest recipient on this year's list.
Dame Helen Mirren has been made a Companion of Honour for her services to drama. The Oscar-winning actress, best known for portraying Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film The Queen, joins a select group limited to 65 living holders. Her honour comes days after she was verbally abused while walking in central London with her husband.
Former rugby league star Kevin Sinfield has been knighted for his fundraising and campaigning for motor neurone disease research. The honours list also recognises charity founders, including James Brown, who set up Lifesavers Scotland to transport blood products for the NHS after surviving sepsis. He received an MBE, dedicating it to his family and volunteer blood bikers across the UK.
Alice Outten, founder of Prom Ally, which provides free dresses and suits for school leavers, was awarded a British Empire Medal. She started the charity at age 20 after hearing about a girl who could not afford a prom dress. Outten now distributes thousands of garments annually.
Other notable recipients include Welsh musician Cerys Matthews (OBE), DJ Judge Jules (MBE), TV presenter Anneka Rice (MBE), and authors Julia Donaldson and Malorie Blackman, both made dames. The oldest recipient is Pauline Hough, 101, who received a BEM for services to theatre and community in Nantwich.
The Cabinet Office reported that 49% of recipients at CBE level and above were women, nearly 12% 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. A total of 1,182 honours were awarded.
