King's Birthday Honours: A Celebration of Achievement and Community Spirit

By Ama Serwah — 13 June 2026 — 3 min read

Honours for Community and Sport

Kevin Sinfield, a former rugby league star, has been knighted in the King’s Birthday Honours. He is recognised for his extensive fundraising efforts aimed at supporting charities dedicated to tackling motor neurone disease (MND). His work in this area began after his teammate, Rob Burrow, received an MND diagnosis in 2019. Sinfield has undertaken various marathons and endurance challenges, raising significant funds.

In addition to Sinfield, children’s authors Julia Donaldson and Malorie Blackman have been made dames for their contributions to literature. Donaldson is widely known for her work, The Gruffalo, while Blackman is celebrated for the Noughts & Crosses series. Both of their notable works have been adapted for the screen.

Several members of the Lionesses, who were part of the Euro 2025 winning squad, have been appointed MBEs. Among them are Chloe Kelly, who scored the decisive penalty in the final, along with Michelle Agyemang, Jess Carter, Hannah Hampton, Lauren James, and Alessia Russo. At 20 years old, Agyemang is the youngest recipient on this honours list.

The honours list also includes recognition for individuals who have made substantial contributions to their communities and charitable causes. Deborah Lewis and Constance McCready, who established support groups for families affected by the pandemic, have been appointed MBEs. Lewis founded Covid-19 Families UK, and McCready established Covid-19 Families Scotland.

Arts, Entertainment, and Charitable Endeavours

In the arts, Dame Helen Mirren, an actress, and photojournalist Sir Don McCullin have been made Companions of Honour. This is a select group, limited to 65 individuals at any given time, recognising major, long-term contributions to arts, science, medicine, or government.

The co-founders of Aardman Animations, Peter Lord and David Sproxton, have been knighted. Their studio is responsible for acclaimed animated works such as Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run. Other notable figures in entertainment include broadcaster Anneka Rice, who is made an MBE, and singer Cerys Matthews, who receives an OBE.

Charitable work is also a significant theme in this year’s honours. James Brown, whose organisation Lifesavers Scotland transports blood products for the NHS, has received an MBE. He was inspired to create the charity after his own experience with sepsis. Additionally, Alice Outten, founder of Prom Ally, which provides dresses and suits for students who cannot afford them for end-of-school events, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM).

The list also acknowledges figures from the world of business and politics. Charlotte Tilbury, founder of her beauty brand, is made a CBE. Sandra Choi, creative director for Jimmy Choo, is appointed an OBE. Former Conservative MP David Gauke is knighted for his services to the justice system, and Labour MP Jessica Morden is made a dame for her political service.

Further Sporting Recognitions

Beyond rugby league and football, other sports personalities have also been recognised. Golfer Luke Donald and rugby union player Emily Scarratt are both made OBEs. Donald has captained the European team to two consecutive victories in the Ryder Cup. Scarratt, the Red Roses’ record points scorer, retired last autumn after securing her second women’s rugby union World Cup.

Gary Street, who coached Scarratt and the England team to their first World Cup victory in 2014, is made an MBE. Snooker player Shaun Murphy receives an OBE, while rugby league’s Neil Fox is made a CBE. Ian Robertson is also recognised with an OBE for his career as a rugby union player and commentator.

The honours list includes awards in total, with BEMs, MBEs, and OBEs. The oldest recipient is Pauline Hough, who is 101 years old and received a BEM for her services to theatre and the community in Nantwich.

The prime minister, Keir Starmer, commented on the list, stating it is an opportunity to recognise individuals across the UK who are making a difference in their communities. He highlighted that their dedication demonstrates how lasting change is built through compassion, resilience, and commitment to others.