Dame Helen Mirren received her latest honour just days after footage circulated on social media showing her being verbally abused – a stark juxtaposition that underscored the King's Birthday Honours list published on Friday night. The Oscar-winning actress, who portrayed Queen Elizabeth II, was among a diverse array of figures recognised, from rugby league hero Kevin Sinfield to six of England's Euros-winning Lionesses.
Sinfield was knighted, becoming Sir Kevin. The former Leeds Rhinos star has completed six running challenges inspired by team-mate Rob Burrow, who died in 2024 after living with motor neurone disease for four-and-a-half years. Sir Kevin said he was 'deeply grateful' for the honour.
“Dame Helen Mirren honoured days after online abuse; Sir Kevin Sinfield knighted after MND fundraising.”
In football, Chloe Kelly – who scored the winning penalty in last summer's nail-biting Euros final – was made an MBE, alongside goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, forwards Alessia Russo and Lauren James, defender Jess Carter, and rising star forward Michelle Agyemang, who at 20 is the youngest recipient on the list. England under-21 head coach Lee Carsley, who briefly stepped in to manage the senior team after Gareth Southgate's departure in 2024, also received an MBE.
Lou Macari, the former Celtic and Manchester United player who later managed West Ham, Birmingham City and Stoke City, was awarded an MBE for services to sport and for his work fighting homelessness in Stoke-on-Trent through his Macari Foundation.
Recently retired England rugby union player Emily Scarratt, the third-highest capped player in history, received an OBE. Golfer Luke Donald, a former world number one, ex-Arsenal co-owner David Dein, and snooker player Shaun Murphy also got OBEs.
In the arts, David Sproxton and Peter Lord, co-founders of the Oscar-winning Aardman studio, were both knighted after producing much-loved animations Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run and Morph. Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, TV stars Anneka Rice and Lisa Riley also picked up gongs.
Prime Minister 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.'