A number of A-listers, including Helen Mirren, Lisa Riley and Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, have received King’s Birthday honors for their services to music, charity, acting and culture.
Dame Helen Mirren made Companion of Honor in the King’s Birthday Honors list(Image: Finbar Webster/PA Wire)
The King’s Birthday Honors were announced on Friday, 12 June, with several British ensigns receiving flowers – some for the first time.
emmerdale Actress and former i am a celebrity Star Lisa Riley has received an MBE for her services to drama and her charity work.
Speaking to PA, she revealed it was a hugely exciting gift ahead of her 50th birthday in July: “Wow, if that’s not the best present for my 50th birthday, being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honors list, I don’t know what is.
“To say I’m humbled is an understatement. Thank you so much, my heart is the warmest it’s ever been.”
Helen Mirren, who has been a Dame since 2003 after being awarded a DBE for services to drama, has now also been made a Companion of Honor for services to drama. There are only 65 Fellows of Honor at any given time.
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi also became a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to music and charity.
He said of the award: “What an incredible honor to receive an MBE. It’s a privilege to do something I love and then see music connect with so many people over the years.”
In 2014, 14 years after first receiving an MBE, BBC Radio 6 DJ and musician Cerise Matthews became Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to music.
TV presenter Anneka Rice has also been made an MBE for her services to charity and broadcasting. Star is most famous for her TV series Challenge Anneka, which aired from 1989 to 1995 and was briefly revived in 2023. On the show he faced various challenges, often to raise money for charity.
The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson and Noughts and Crosses author Mallory Blackman both received damehoods for their services to literature.
dame julia passed away harry potter Creator JK Rowling was named the UK’s best-selling author last year and said of the award: “It has been a very pleasant surprise to receive this honour. It’s really gratifying to see children’s books recognized in this way.”
Businessman Dave Fishwick, who inspired Netflix Banks of Dave Film was made an OBE for services to finance, business and charity. He told PA the honor was “amazing” and “incredible”.
The co-founders of the Academy Award-winning animation studio behind beloved characters such as Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, Aardman, were both knighted for their services to the creative industries and charity.
Sir David Sproxton and Sir Peter Lord founded the studio together more than 50 years ago and said the recognition from King was ‘a complete surprise’.
“We both feel that to be recognized in this way is an extraordinary privilege and honor – as well as a complete and utter surprise,” the duo said in a statement. “As we accept these awards, we humbly bow and salute all who have joined us on this extraordinary journey.”
Among the many names on the honors list are six European Championship-winning Lionesses, including Chloe Kelly alessia russoMake-up artist Charlotte Tilbury who earned a CBE, and rugby league great Kevin Sinfield.
sir prime minister keir starmer Said: “Across the UK, people are quietly changing lives and strengthening their communities. This honors list is a chance to recognize them.”
“Their dedication shows how lasting change happens – through compassion, resilience and commitment to others. It speaks to the civilized, hopeful country we are proud of, and on behalf of the entire country, I want to say thank you.”
* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV tiktok , snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , youtube And threads .
Leave a Reply