Six Lionesses who won the UEFA European Championship last summer were awarded MBEs, as Kevin Sinfield received a knighthood and Dame Helen Mirren was made a Companion of Honour
Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield, actress Dame Helen Mirren and six of the European Championship-winning Lionesses are among those leading the King’s Birthday Honours. Sinfield has been knighted, earning him the title Sir Kevin, while members of the England women’s football team have been made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Sir Kevin has undertaken six running challenges, inspired by his former Leeds Rhinos colleague Rob Burrow, who passed away in 2024 after battling motor neurone disease (MND) for four-and-a-half years. The ex-England rugby league skipper, who has so far amassed over £10 million for MND charities, was awarded a knighthood for his contributions to the MND community, as well as for his services to both league and union rugby.
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award on behalf of the rugby and MND communities,” stated Sir Kevin.
“Since I first played rugby when I was seven, rugby league has given me so much. I am particularly proud to follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Billy Boston with rugby league’s second-ever knighthood in over 130 years of the sport. Sir Billy overcame so much in his life and is still loved by the game.”
Sir Kevin, 45, is set to embark on his seventh and final endurance challenge – all of which have been centred around the number seven, Burrow’s playing number – in September.
Lindsey Burrow, widow of Rob Burrow, expressed: “On behalf of the whole Burrow family, I would like to congratulate Kevin on his knighthood. We are all delighted for him and I cannot think of a more deserving recipient.
“Kevin did so much for Rob but also the whole MND community with raising awareness and funds to support families and aid research. I know he has said he is dedicated to supporting the MND community for however long it takes to find a cure, and that means so much to so many people to have a champion like Kevin in their corner.
“As Rob used to say, everyone should have a friend like Kevin and so many people will be pleased to see him get this recognition.”
Actress Dame Helen Mirren was appointed a Companion of Honour for her contributions to drama.
There are only 65 Companions of Honour at any one time.
Dame Helen, who clinched an Oscar for her depiction of Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film The Queen, received the honour just days after footage emerged on social media showing her being verbally attacked while strolling in central London with her husband.
The footage, which was recorded last year, showed the 80 year old being labelled an “evil Zionist” as she walked on a street in Tower Hill in London with her husband, American film director Taylor Hackford.
In football, Chloe Kelly, who netted the decisive penalty in last summer’s nerve-wracking Euros final, was among the players to be awarded an MBE.
In July, thousands of supporters thronged the Mall to celebrate the Lionesses’ thrilling victory over Spain. At just 20 years old, up-and-coming forward Michelle Agyemang is the youngest honouree on the list.
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, forwards Alessia Russo and Lauren James, and defender Jess Carter also received accolades.
The latest honours list recognised nearly 1,200 individuals from across the UK.
Black Sabbath’s guitarist Tony Iommi was awarded an MBE for his contributions to music and charity, while Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley received the same honour for her services to drama and charitable work.
Iommi expressed: “What an unbelievable honour to receive an MBE.
“It’s been a privilege doing something I love and then to see that music connects with so many over the years.”
Riley, who celebrates her 50th birthday in July, told the Press Association: “Wow, if this is not my best 50th birthday present, being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list, I don’t know what is.
“To say I am humbled is an absolute understatement.
“Thank you so much, my heart is the warmest it could ever be.”
David Sproxton and Peter Lord, the co-founders of the Academy Award-winning animation studio behind cherished characters such as Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, were both knighted for their services to the creative industries and to charity.
Sir David and Sir Peter established Aardman together more than 50 years ago.
“We both feel it is an extraordinary privilege and an honour – as well as a complete and utter surprise – to be recognised in this way,” the pair said in a statement.
“As we accept these awards, we humbly bow and salute all of those who have joined us on this extraordinary journey.”
Broadcaster and musician Cerys Matthews was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to music.
The Catatonia frontwoman, who presents a weekly programme on BBC Radio 6 Music, received an MBE in 2014.
DJ Judge Jules, who was awarded an MBE, described the accolade as feeling like “a reward for my industry” while TV presenter Anneka Rice received an MBE for her contributions to charity and broadcasting.
She tackled numerous challenges in her programme Challenge Anneka, which ran from 1989 to 1995 and was briefly brought back in 2023, frequently to generate funds for charitable causes.
The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson and Noughts and Crosses writer Malorie Blackman both were awarded damehoods for their contributions to literature.
Dame Julia was the UK’s top-selling author last year, surpassing Harry Potter creator JK Rowling thanks to the Gruffalo’s enduring appeal and the triumph of newer characters such as Zog the dragon.
She commented: “Receiving this honour has been a very happy surprise. It’s really gratifying to have children’s books recognised in this way.”
Entrepreneur Dave Fishwick, who inspired Netflix’s Bank Of Dave film, received an OBE for contributions to finance, business and charity. He expressed to PA that the honour was “wonderful” and “unbelievable”.
Beauty mogul and celebrity makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury, was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
The 53 year old launched her namesake beauty brand in 2013 after over two decades as a celebrity makeup artist, crafting looks for stars such as Kate Moss and Kim Kardashian.
The oldest honouree was 101 year old Pauline Hough, who was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her contributions to theatre and the community in Nantwich, Cheshire.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated: “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.”