The King's Birthday Honours 2026 list in full

The King’s Birthday Honours 2026 has been announced, recognizing over 1,200 individuals across the UK for their outstanding contributions to society. The list includes celebrities, athletes, and everyday heroes, with awards ranging from knighthoods and damehoods to MBEs and OBEs. Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield from Oldham received a knighthood for his services to the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) community and rugby. Sinfield has raised over £10 million for MND charities after being inspired by former teammate Rob Burrow, who died in 2024. Children’s author Julia Donaldson and novelist Malorie Blackman were both appointed damehoods for their services to literature, while Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren became a Companion of Honour for her contributions to drama. The England Women’s Euro-winning football team also saw recognition, with players Chloe Kelly, Michelle Agyemang, Hannah Hampton, Alessia Russo, Lauren James, and Jess Carter each awarded an MBE. Other notable recipients include Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley (MBE for drama and charity work), Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi (MBE for music and charity), and musician Cerys Matthews (OBE for services to music). The oldest honoree is 101-year-old Pauline Hough from Nantwich, who received a British Empire Medal for her services to theatre and the community. Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the recipients, stating their dedication reflects a ‘decent, hopeful country’ and thanking them on behalf of the nation. The full list of honorees includes figures from public service, arts, sports, and charity sectors.