Actor Gary Oldman and football icon David Beckham have been knighted in the latest King's Birthday Honours, a list that also recognises Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia
Winkleman, alongside a diverse array of figures from the arts, sports, politics, and community service.
High honours for big names
Oscar-winning actor Sir Gary Oldman, known for roles in Darkest Hour and Slow Horses, joins Sir David Beckham, who was recognised for his services to sport and charity. Beckham, previously made an OBE in 2003, said he was “immensely proud” to receive the knighthood.
Meanwhile, singer and actress Elaine Paige and author Pat Barker were among 21 women named Dames. Sir Roger Daltrey, frontman of The Who, was knighted for his charitable work with the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Broadcasting duo honoured
Long-time Strictly hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman received MBEs for services to broadcasting. Winkleman joked about celebrating with a "paso doble", while Daly revealed she cried upon receiving the official letter, which almost didn’t reach her due to a postal mix-up.
Rising stars and campaigners recognised
Among the youngest honourees is Luke Littler, 18-year-old world darts champion, who received an MBE alongside rival Luke Humphries. Reality TV star Georgia Harrison, 30, was honoured for her advocacy on online privacy after being the victim of a revenge porn case. She called the award a reminder that “we can make change when we use our voices.”
Political figures and civil servants
Former Conservative cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt, Labour MP Chi Onwurah, and Labour’s Mark Tami received damehoods and knighthoods. Pam Duncan-Glancy, the first permanent wheelchair user elected to the Scottish Parliament, became an MBE for public service.
Other notable recipients include Sir Philip Barton, former head of the Foreign Office, and Maria Caulfield, ex-health minister, who was made a CBE.
Business, union, and arts recognition
Business leaders like Debbie Crosbie (Nationwide) and Roisin Currie (Greggs) were honoured, as were union leaders Dave Ward, Dr Patrick Roach, and Sue Ferns. From the arts, veteran actress Jane Lapotaire, Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh, and former EastEnders stars Anita Dobson and Tracy-Ann Oberman were celebrated.
BBC Radio 4’s Martha Kearney received a CBE after stepping down from the Today programme in 2024.
Sporting legends and pioneers
Tennis great Virginia Wade, Olympic triathlete Alistair Brownlee, and ex-cricketer Devon Malcolm earned honours. Rugby league legend Billy Boston, 90, became the first in the sport to be knighted, receiving the honour early due to health concerns.
Community heroes
Community work formed the backbone of the list, with many unsung heroes recognised:
Carly Barrett and Alison Magdin, founders of Samantha’s Legacy knife crime campaign, became MBEs.
Zahrah Mahmood, a.k.a. “The Hillwalking Hijabi”, was honoured for promoting diversity in the outdoors.
John and Lorna Norgrove, who run a charity in memory of their daughter Linda, were made OBEs.
Duncan, Caroline, and Jenna Speirs, founders of Calum’s Cabin for children with cancer, earned BEMs.
Oldest and youngest honourees
At 106, Norman Irwin, a World War II veteran from Northern Ireland, is the oldest person honoured. He received a BEM for decades of community service. The youngest is 11-year-old Carmela Chillery-Watson, who lives with muscular dystrophy and was made an MBE for her fundraising work.
In total, the 2025 list features 1,200 recipients, with 48% being women, reflecting a broad spectrum of British society—from high-profile celebrities to grassroots campaigners—all recognised for their contributions to the nation. Photo by Paulblank, Wikimedia commons.