Key facts
- Helen Mirren was appointed a Companion of Honour, a high award limited to 65 people at any time.
- Kevin Sinfield was knighted for his rugby league career and fundraising for motor neuron disease.
- Nearly 1,200 individuals were recognized in the King's Birthday Honours list.
- The awards recognize contributions to arts, science, medicine, or government.
- Chloe Kelly and six England Lionesses teammates received honours.
- Tony Iommi and Cerys Matthews were recognized for services to music.
Helen Mirren, a highly acclaimed actor, has been appointed a Companion of Honour by King Charles III as part of the monarch's Birthday Honours list. This prestigious award, limited to 65 individuals at any time, recognizes significant contributions to British life over an extended period.
Mirren, 80, has a long career in theatre and film, including her Oscar-winning portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in 'The Queen' and her role in 'Prime Suspect.' She was previously awarded a damehood in 2003.
Also recognized in the honours list was Kevin Sinfield, who was knighted for his distinguished rugby league career and his extensive fundraising efforts for motor neuron disease (MND) research. Sinfield has raised over £11 million ($15 million) inspired by his friend and former teammate Rob Burrow.
Nearly 1,200 people received honours in this year's list, which aims to reward individuals for their achievements across various fields. Other notable recipients include author Julia Donaldson, who was named a dame for her contributions to literature, and Chloe Kelly, who along with six other England Lionesses teammates, was made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi received an honour for his services to music and charity, while broadcaster Cerys Matthews was recognized for her contributions to music. Debbie Lewis was honored for establishing the bereavement support group COVID-19 Families U.K. following the loss of both her parents to COVID-19.