The King Charle’s Birthday Honours list has been released, celebrating achievements across the arts, sports, public service, and beyond. Notable recipients include leading artist Tracey Emin, Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon, and acclaimed actress Imelda Staunton.
Among the distinguished, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown received the highest accolade, Companion of Honour, for his extensive public and charitable work. Brown expressed, “I feel slightly embarrassed by this honour. I prefer to recognize the unsung, local heroes.”
Tracey Emin and Imelda Staunton were made dames for their contributions to art and drama. Emin remarked, “Dame Tracey has a good ring to it. I’m very, very happy.” Staunton shared, “I feel genuinely humbled to be recognized.”
Olympic cyclist Mark Cavendish, honoured with a knighthood for his services to cycling and charity, joins this prestigious list shortly after his 164th career victory, solidifying his status as one of the most successful sprint cyclists.
Historian Professor Niall Ferguson, best known for his work on the British Empire, also received a knighthood. Alan Bates, a campaigner for Post Office victims, was knighted for his efforts in uncovering the Horizon IT scandal.
Other notable honourees include:
- Simon Le Bon, awarded MBE for services to music and charity, noted for his work with Duran Duran.
- Amy Dowden, awarded MBE for her fundraising and advocacy for inflammatory bowel disease awareness, and her public battle with breast cancer.
- Heather Small, honoured with an MBE for her voluntary and charitable services, supporting organizations like Action Breaks Silence.
- Rebecca Ferguson, gaining an MBE for her campaign to establish a regulatory body for the music industry.
- Kiran Shah, recognized with an MBE for his contributions to the film industry through his stunt work in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit.”
Actor Alex Jennings received a CBE for his services to drama, while fashion designer Anya Hindmarch was made a dame for her contributions to fashion and business.
