Kevin Sinfield knighted as Helen Mirren and Lionesses are celebrated in King’s Birthday Honours
Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield, acclaimed actress Dame Helen Mirren and six members of England’s victorious Lionesses team are among the standouts recognized in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Kevin Sinfield, a former England rugby league captain, has been knighted for outstanding services to both league and association rugby, as well as to the motor neurone disease (MND) community. Sir Kevin completed six grueling running challenges, taking inspiration from his late Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow, who passed away in 2024 after a four-and-a-half-year battle with MND. His efforts have so far raised more than £10 million for MND charities.
“I am extremely honored and grateful to receive this award on behalf of the rugby and MND communities,” said Sir Kevin. “Rugby league has given me so much since I first played rugby at the age of seven. I am particularly proud to follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Billy Boston, who was knighted for the second time in rugby league after more than 130 years of the sport. Sir Billy has overcome so much in his life and the game is still loved.”
Sir Kevin, 45, will embark on his seventh and final endurance challenge in September and his efforts have been focused on Burrow’s game number, number seven.
Rob’s widow, Lindsey Burrow, expressed her delight: “On behalf of the whole Burrow family, I would like to congratulate Kevin on his knighthood. We are all so happy for him and I can’t think of a more deserving recipient. Kevin has done so much for both Rob and the entire MND community to raise awareness and funds to support families and help with research. I know he has said he is committed to supporting the MND community no matter how long it takes to find a cure and that means so much to so many people to have a champion like that.” “does.” Kevin is in his corner. “As Rob said, everyone should have a friend like Kevin and many will be pleased to see him earn this recognition.”
Meanwhile, Dame Helen Mirren was appointed Companion of Honor for her outstanding services to drama.
This exclusive honor is limited to only 65 living individuals at a time. The Oscar-winning actress played Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film. She was praised for her portrayal of Elizabeth. QueenHe received the award just days after being verbally abused in central London; The images showed the 80-year-old being called a “bad Zionist”.
In the world of football, six members of the Lionesses team that won the European Championship have been made members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Chloe Kelly, the famous name who won the penalty in last summer’s exciting European Championship final, is also among the well-known ones.
Thousands of fans lined up on the Mall in July to celebrate the Lionesses’ dramatic victory over Spain. At just 20 years old, rising star forward Michelle Agyemang became the youngest player to receive the award on this year’s list. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, forwards Alessia Russo and Lauren James and defender Jess Carter were also honored with MBEs.
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi was awarded the MBE for his services to music and charity, saying: “What an incredible honor to receive an MBE. It’s been a privilege to do something I love and then see music connect with so many people over the years.”
Emmerdale Actress Lisa Riley also received the same honor for her contribution to drama and charity, saying: “Wow, if that isn’t my best 50th birthday present, being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honors List, I don’t know what is. To say I’m humbled is an absolute understatement. Thank you so much, my heart is the warmest it’s ever been.”
David Sproxton and Peter Lord, co-founders of Academy Award-winning Aardman animation studio and creators of beloved characters such as Wallace, Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, have been knighted for their services to the creative industries and charities.
Sir David and Sir Peter founded Aardman together more than 50 years ago. Broadcaster and musician Cerys Matthews has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to music, having previously received an MBE in 2014.
DJ Judge Jules, an MBE, said he felt like the honor was “an award for my industry”, while TV presenter Anneka Rice was recognized with an MBE for her services to charity and broadcasting. Challenge Anneka missions to raise money, often for good causes.
Authors Julia Donaldson gruffaloand Malorie Blackman, author Noughts and CrossesBoth received womanhood awards for their services to literature.
Dame Julia overtook Harry Potter creator JK Rowling to become Britain’s best-selling author last year. Dave Fishwick, the businessman whose story inspired Netflix Dave Bank He was made OBE for services to film, finance, business and charity, describing him as “wonderful” and “incredible”.
Beauty entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury, make-up artist to the stars, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). The 53-year-old model founded her eponymous beauty brand in 2013, after working for two decades with celebrities such as Kate Moss and Kim Kardashian.
The oldest recipient of the award was 101-year-old Pauline Hough, who received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to the theater and the community in Nantwich, Cheshire.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commented: “People across the UK are quietly changing lives and strengthening their communities. This Hall of Fame is a chance to recognize them. Their dedication shows how lasting change is built through compassion, resilience and commitment to others. This speaks to the decent, hopeful country we are proud to be, and I want to thank you on behalf of the whole nation.”
Nearly 1,200 people from across the UK received awards in the latest list.
