Key facts
- Kevin Sinfield has been knighted for his services to the MND community and rugby.
- Actress Helen Mirren was appointed a Companion of Honour for her services to drama.
- Six members of the England Lionesses football team received MBEs for their Euro 2022 victory.
- Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning penalty in the Euros final, was among the Lionesses honoured.
- Michelle Agyemang, 20, is the youngest recipient on the list.
- David Sproxton and Peter Lord, co-founders of Aardman Animations, were knighted for services to the creative industries and charity.
Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield has been knighted in the King's Birthday Honours list, becoming Sir Kevin. He received the honour for his extensive services to the motor neurone disease (MND) community and for his contributions to rugby league and union. Sinfield has completed six running challenges inspired by his late Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow, raising over £10 million for MND charities. This knighthood marks only the second in the sport's 130-year history.
Actress Dame Helen Mirren was appointed a Companion of Honour for her outstanding services to drama. This exclusive honour is held by only 65 living individuals at any one time. Mirren, an Oscar-winning actress known for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II, received the accolade shortly after footage emerged of her being verbally abused in London.
In football, six members of England's triumphant Lionesses squad were recognised with Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) awards. Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning penalty in last summer's Euros final, was among those honoured. Rising star forward Michelle Agyemang, at 20 years old, is the youngest recipient on this year's list. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, forwards Alessia Russo and Lauren James, and defender Jess Carter also received MBEs.
Other notable recipients include Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, who was made an MBE for his services to music and charity. Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley also received an MBE for her drama and charity work. David Sproxton and Peter Lord, co-founders of Aardman Animations, were knighted for their contributions to the creative industries and charity. Broadcaster and musician Cerys Matthews received an OBE for services to music, while DJ Judge Jules and TV presenter Anneka Rice were made MBEs. Authors Julia Donaldson and Malorie Blackman were awarded damehoods for their services to literature.