His Majesty The King's New Year Honours 2026: A Complete Guide to This Year's Recipients
From Sir Idris Elba to Dame Jayne Torvill, the New Year Honours celebrate Britain's community champions, sporting heroes, and cultural icons
The King's New Year Honours List for 2026 has been officially released, recognizing 1,157 individuals from across the United Kingdom who have made outstanding contributions to their communities, professions, and the nation as a whole. This year's list places particular emphasis on community champions—the unsung heroes who embody what Prime Minister Keir Starmer described as "the values that bind our country together: decency, compassion and a belief in the common good."
From legendary entertainers and Olympic champions to centenarian judoka and tireless charity campaigners, the Honours List paints a portrait of British society at its best. Here is your complete guide to the 2026 New Year Honours.
The New Knights and Dames
The highest honours on the list—knighthoods and damehoods—recognize individuals whose contributions have been truly exceptional. This year's recipients include some of the most recognizable names in British entertainment, sport, and public life.
Sir Idris Elba: From Prince's Trust Beneficiary to Knight of the Realm
Perhaps the most celebrated honour of the year goes to Idris Elba, who becomes Sir Idris in recognition of his extensive charity work with young people. The East London-born actor, now 53, has come a long way since receiving a £1,500 grant from The Prince's Trust as a teenager to attend the National Youth Music Theatre programme.
Since rising to international fame through roles in The Wire, Luther, and films including Beasts of No Nation and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Sir Idris has dedicated considerable energy to giving back. He has launched an anti-knife crime campaign and founded the Elba Hope Foundation alongside his wife Sabrina, which provides grants to organizations working with young people across the UK, the United States, and Africa.
"I receive this honour on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience has driven the work of the Elba Hope Foundation," Sir Idris said upon learning of his knighthood.
His journey from Prince's Trust beneficiary to Knight of the Realm represents exactly the kind of social mobility and paying-it-forward ethos that the Honours system aims to celebrate.
Dame Jayne Torvill and Sir Christopher Dean: Ice Dancing Legends Honoured Together
In a fitting tribute to one of British sport's most iconic partnerships, ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have been awarded a damehood and knighthood respectively for their services to ice skating and voluntary service.
The pair captured the hearts of the nation—and the world—at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, where their legendary Boléro routine earned them a perfect score and gold medal in one of the most-watched television moments in British broadcasting history. An estimated 24 million viewers in the UK alone tuned in to watch their performance.
Now Dame Jayne and Sir Christopher, the pair performed together for the final time during this year's finale of Dancing on Ice, the ITV show they have been associated with since its inception in 2006.
"It was a big thing for us to mark our career before retirement, and then receiving this award at the end of the year, it's just finished everything. It's perfect," Dame Jayne said.
Sir Christopher added: "We're really humbled by it."
Their joint recognition—announced on the same Honours list—provides a fitting bookend to a partnership that has spanned more than five decades and inspired generations of skaters.
Dame Meera Syal: Pioneer of British Asian Comedy
Comedy actor, writer, and novelist Meera Syal becomes Dame Meera in recognition of her services to literature, drama, and charity. As one of the creators of the groundbreaking BBC sketch show Goodness Gracious Me, which explored British Asian culture with wit and warmth, Dame Meera helped transform the landscape of British comedy in the 1990s.
She went on to play the beloved grandmother character in The Kumars at No. 42 and has written several acclaimed novels, including Anita and Me and Life Isn't All Ha Ha Hee Hee. Her work has consistently illuminated the British Asian experience while appealing to audiences of all backgrounds.
Dame Meera's damehood recognizes not only her artistic achievements but also her charitable work over many decades.
Dame Sarina Wiegman: The Lionesses' Legendary Leader
Dutch football manager Sarina Wiegman receives an honorary damehood for guiding the England women's football team to their second successive European Championship victory. Under her leadership, the Lionesses became the first England football team—male or female—to win a major trophy on foreign soil.
As a foreign citizen, Wiegman receives an honorary title, meaning she cannot use the prefix "Dame" before her name. However, the recognition places her in distinguished company and reflects the profound impact she has had on English football.
"When I first arrived in England, I could never have imagined the respect and warmth I've experienced," Wiegman said. "I deeply thank the fans for their support."
Her tactical acumen and ability to build team cohesion have transformed the Lionesses into consistent winners on the international stage, inspiring a generation of young girls to take up the sport.
Dame Anneliese Dodds: Political Recognition
Former Labour minister Anneliese Dodds is made a dame in recognition of her political and public service. Dodds served as Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and has been a prominent figure in the Labour Party for many years.
Dame Sarah Anderson: A Champion of Mental Health
Sarah Anderson, founder of the mental health charity The Listening Place, receives a damehood for her services to suicide prevention. Her organization provides free, confidential support to people who feel life is no longer worth living, offering face-to-face appointments with trained volunteers.
The inclusion of Dame Sarah on the list reflects the growing recognition of mental health support as a vital public service.
Sir Roy Clarke: The Pen Behind Britain's Favourite Sitcoms
Television writer Roy Clarke is knighted for his extraordinary contribution to British comedy. As the creator of Last of the Summer Wine—the longest-running sitcom in the world—and Open All Hours, Sir Roy has been responsible for some of the most beloved moments in British television history.
Last of the Summer Wine ran for an astonishing 37 years from 1973 to 2010, while Open All Hours and its sequel Still Open All Hours have entertained audiences across generations.
Sir Tristram Hunt: From Parliament to the V&A
Former Labour MP and historian Tristram Hunt is knighted for his services to the arts and museum sector. Sir Tristram has served as Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum since 2017, overseeing significant developments including the V&A East project in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
His background as both a politician and historian has brought a unique perspective to his museum leadership.
Sir Adam Ingram: Recognition for Public Service
Former Labour MP Adam Ingram, who served as a minister under Sir Tony Blair, is knighted for his public and political service. Ingram served as Armed Forces Minister from 2001 to 2007, one of the longest tenures in that role.
CBE Recipients: Commanders of the Order of the British Empire
The CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) recognizes distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service, and work with the community or voluntary bodies.
Leah Williamson CBE: Captain Fantastic
England football captain Leah Williamson is made a CBE for her services to Association Football. The Arsenal defender has been instrumental in the Lionesses' success, leading the team with distinction both on and off the pitch.
As a two-time European Championship winner, Williamson has become one of the most recognizable figures in women's football. Her composed leadership style and articulate media presence have helped raise the profile of the women's game immeasurably.
Max Richter CBE: Composing the Sound of Our Times
Composer Max Richter receives a CBE for his services to music. Known for his distinctive post-minimalist style, Richter has composed acclaimed albums including The Blue Notebooks and Sleep, an eight-hour composition designed to be listened to overnight.
His film and television work includes the soundtracks for Waltz with Bashir, Ad Astra, and Chloé Zhao's Hamnet, which is tipped for Oscar consideration.
Alice Coote CBE: A Voice for the Ages
Mezzo-soprano Alice Coote is made a CBE for her services to music. Widely regarded as one of the finest singers of her generation, Coote has performed at the world's leading opera houses and concert halls, bringing rare intelligence and emotional depth to her interpretations.
Richard Farnes CBE: Orchestral Excellence
Conductor Richard Farnes, former music director of Opera North, receives a CBE for his services to music. Under his leadership, Opera North developed a reputation for adventurous programming and high artistic standards.
Daniel Levy CBE: Beyond the Boardroom
Former Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is appointed a CBE for his services to charity and the community. While best known for his role at Spurs, Levy's charitable work has often gone under the radar.
Jonathan Davies CBE: A Rugby Legend's Charitable Legacy
Former Welsh rugby international Jonathan Davies is made a CBE for his work as president of the Velindre Cancer Care Trust. Davies has used his platform as a beloved sporting figure to raise awareness and funds for cancer treatment in Wales.
Jonathan Ashworth CBE: Speaking Up for Children of Alcoholics
Former Labour MP Jonathan Ashworth receives a CBE for his charity work on behalf of children affected by parental alcoholism. Ashworth has been a prominent advocate for this often-overlooked group.
"It was never something I expected," he said. "Speaking up for the thousands of children who suffer in silence is something that matters deeply to me."
OBE Recipients: Officers of the Order of the British Empire
The OBE recognizes distinguished regional or county-wide contributions, or significant local contributions from those in public life.
Entertainment and Media
Warwick Davis OBE - The beloved actor, known for roles in Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Willow, is recognized for his services to drama and charity. "This is the best thing that's ever happened to me - and I've been in Star Wars," Davis said upon learning of his OBE.
Richard Osman OBE - The author and television presenter, whose Thursday Murder Club novels have become publishing phenomena, receives an OBE for services to literature and broadcasting.
Matt Lucas OBE - The Little Britain comedian is recognized for his services to entertainment and charity.
Gabby Logan OBE - The sports broadcaster is honoured for her services to sports broadcasting and charity.
Clive Tyldesley OBE - The veteran football commentator receives recognition for his decades of service to sports broadcasting.
Sport
Paula Radcliffe OBE - The former marathon world record holder is recognized for her services to athletics.
Zoe Aldcroft OBE - The Red Roses lock is honoured following England's Women's Rugby World Cup victory.
Marlie Packer OBE - The England flanker receives her OBE for services to Rugby Union Football.
John Mitchell OBE - The Red Roses head coach is recognized for guiding England to World Cup glory.
Campaigning and Justice
Betty Brown OBE - The oldest surviving victim of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal is given an OBE for services to justice. Brown has been a tireless campaigner against the wrongful prosecutions that devastated the lives of hundreds of subpostmasters. She said she would wear the award "in honour of the other subpostmasters."
Business and Public Service
Michelle Ferguson OBE - Director of the Confederation of British Industry Scotland, recognized for services to the economy.
Akin Onal OBE - Founder and CEO of MORI, honoured for services to entrepreneurship.
MBE Recipients: Members of the Order of the British Empire
The MBE recognizes achievement or service to the community of a significant nature.
Entertainment
Cynthia Erivo MBE - The Wicked star receives an MBE for services to music and drama. The British actress and singer, who plays Elphaba in the film adaptation and its sequel Wicked: For Good, said the honour was "something I could never have thought would happen."
Ellie Goulding MBE - The singer-songwriter is recognized for her work on biodiversity and climate as an environmental ambassador.
Bill Bailey MBE - The comedian is honoured for his services to entertainment.
Sally Lindsay MBE - The actress receives recognition for her services to drama.
Paul Chuckle MBE - Children's entertainer Paul Elliott, better known as Paul Chuckle of the Chuckle Brothers, is recognized for his services to entertainment and charity.
Eve Graham MBE - The Scottish singer, a former member of the New Seekers, is honoured for her services to music.
Marcus Wareing MBE - The television chef is recognized for his services to the culinary arts.
Phil Spencer MBE - The Location, Location, Location presenter receives an MBE for services to the property industry and charity.
Professor Andrew McMillan MBE - The poet is honoured for services to literature.
Sport: The Lionesses
Several members of the victorious Lionesses squad receive MBEs for their services to Association Football:
- Ella Toone MBE
- Keira Walsh MBE
- Alex Greenwood MBE
- Georgia Stanway MBE
Sport: The Red Roses
England's Women's Rugby World Cup winners are also recognized:
- Ellie Kildunne MBE
- Megan Jones MBE
- Sadia Kabeya MBE
Sport: Olympic Achievement
Toby Roberts MBE - At just 20 years old, Roberts is the youngest recipient on this year's Honours list. The sport climber became the first British Olympic gold medallist in his sport at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Campaigners and Community Champions
Bobby Seagull MBE - The maths teacher and television personality is appointed an MBE for his work campaigning for public libraries to be better supported.
Speaking about how he kept the news secret, Seagull said: "I thought about, should I message my family on WhatsApp? But I thought like, this deserves more than a thumbs up emoji. I would tell each person in turn... I have a little niece called Emma and I told her I've got an MBE and she's like, 'Uncle Bob, MBE. Uncle, Bob, MBE.'"
Ellen Roome MBE - A mother who has campaigned for legal reforms to give parents access to children's social media accounts following the death of her son Jools Sweeney, 14, in 2022.
Lydia Tischler MBE - A Holocaust survivor honoured for services to Holocaust remembrance and child psychology.
Hilary Alba MBE - Recognized for her services to community midwifery.
British Empire Medal (BEM) Recipients
The BEM recognizes hands-on service to the local community, often from those who have dedicated years to helping others without seeking recognition.
The Oldest Recipient: John Hearn BEM
At 102 years old, John Hearn is the oldest person on this year's Honours list, receiving a BEM for services to judo and to the community in North East England. Remarkably, he is one of four centenarians recognized this year.
Holocaust Remembrance
Mervyn Kersh BEM - A British Army veteran of the Normandy landings and the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, Kersh is awarded a BEM for his services to Holocaust remembrance and education.
Now in his late nineties, Kersh has routinely spoken to schoolchildren about his experiences but warned of increasing antisemitism in the UK: "What's disappointing is the antisemitism that I see everywhere, hear everywhere, or read."
Community Heroes
Ffion Mitchell-Langford BEM - Recognized for services to the natural marine environment and communities in North Wales.
The Twins
In a remarkable coincidence, this year's list includes two sets of twins:
Ryan Appleton BEM and Dean Appleton BEM - Twin brothers from Colchester who serve as community first responders, recognized for services to the community in the East of England.
Sonia Dixon BEM and Adrienne Campbell BEM - Twin sisters who work together as VIP liaison officers at London Heathrow Airport, honoured for services to the aviation industry.
Couples Honoured Together
The list also recognizes several couples whose shared dedication has made a difference:
Susan and David Cook MBE - This married couple both receive MBEs for services to foster care. They have been foster carers since 2006 and have cared for over 50 children in that time—a remarkable commitment to some of society's most vulnerable young people.
A More Representative Honours List
One of the most significant aspects of the 2026 New Year Honours is the increased diversity among recipients. Ethnic minority representation at higher award levels has doubled from 7% in the Birthday Honours 2025 to 14% in this list.
This improvement reflects ongoing efforts to ensure that the Honours system recognizes achievement across all sections of British society, and that barriers to nomination are being addressed.
The Numbers at a Glance
- Total recipients: 1,157
- Oldest recipient: John Hearn, 102 (BEM for services to judo)
- Youngest recipient: Toby Roberts, 20 (MBE for Olympic gold in sport climbing)
- Centenarians on the list: 4
- Sets of twins: 2
- Ethnic minority representation at higher awards: 14% (doubled from previous year)
How the British Honours System Works
For those unfamiliar with the British Honours system, the various titles and abbreviations can seem bewildering. Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding how it all works.
The Orders of Chivalry
The British Honours system comprises several different orders of chivalry, each with its own history and criteria. The most common for civilian honours is the Order of the British Empire, established by King George V in 1917 to recognize contributions to the arts and sciences, public services, and work with the community.
The Ranks Explained
Within the Order of the British Empire, there are five ranks, listed here from highest to lowest:
Knight Grand Cross (GBE) / Dame Grand Cross (GBE) The highest rank within the Order. Recipients may use the title Sir or Dame before their name. This level is typically reserved for those who have made extraordinary contributions at a national or international level.
Knight Commander (KBE) / Dame Commander (DBE) The second-highest rank, also conferring the titles Sir or Dame. This is the level at which most knighthoods and damehoods are awarded.
Commander (CBE) A senior honour recognizing distinguished, sustained achievement. Recipients use the letters CBE after their name but do not receive a title.
Officer (OBE) Recognizes distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services, or work with the community. Recipients use the letters OBE after their name.
Member (MBE) Recognizes achievement or service to the community of a significant nature. Recipients use the letters MBE after their name.
British Empire Medal (BEM) While technically below the MBE, the BEM recognizes hands-on community service. It was discontinued in 1993 but revived in 2012. Recipients use the letters BEM after their name.
Other Honours
Beyond the Order of the British Empire, other honours include:
The Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) - Limited to 65 members at any time, recognizing those who have made major contributions to arts, science, medicine, or government.
The Order of Merit (OM) - Limited to 24 members, entirely within the personal gift of the Sovereign, recognizing exceptional achievement.
Knighthoods in other orders - Including the Order of the Bath (for military and civil service), the Royal Victorian Order (for personal service to the Sovereign), and the Order of St Michael and St George (for service in the Commonwealth or foreign affairs).
How Are People Nominated?
Anyone can nominate anyone else for an honour. Nominations are submitted through the government website (www.gov.uk/honours) and are assessed by the Honours Committee, which makes recommendations to the Prime Minister, who in turn advises the Sovereign.
The process is designed to be open and democratic. You do not need to know someone personally to nominate them, and self-nomination is not permitted. Nominators are asked to provide evidence of the nominee's achievements and the impact of their work.
Honorary Honours
Foreign citizens can receive honorary British honours but cannot use the titles Sir or Dame. They may, however, use the post-nominal letters (such as KBE or OBE). Dame Sarina Wiegman's recognition falls into this category—she receives an honorary damehood but, as a Dutch citizen, cannot use the title Dame before her name.
When Are Honours Announced?
Honours are announced twice yearly:
The New Year Honours - Published on or around 31 December The Birthday Honours - Published in early June to coincide with the Sovereign's official birthday
Additional honours may be announced at other times, such as Dissolution Honours when a Parliament ends, or special honours to mark significant events.
The Investiture Ceremony
Recipients receive their honours from the Sovereign (or another senior member of the Royal Family) at an investiture ceremony held at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, or the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
For knighthoods and damehoods, the recipient kneels before the Sovereign to be dubbed with a sword. Other recipients receive their insignia while standing. Each recipient is allowed to bring a small number of guests to witness the ceremony.
Can Honours Be Refused or Removed?
Yes to both. Some notable figures have declined honours over the years, usually on principle. Those who accept but are later found to have acted improperly can have their honours stripped by the Forfeiture Committee.
The Honours System and the Modern Era
The Honours system has evolved significantly over the years. Recent changes have aimed to ensure greater representation of women, ethnic minorities, disabled people, and those from less privileged backgrounds. The emphasis has also shifted toward recognizing community service and voluntary work rather than simply career achievement or wealth.
The 2026 New Year Honours list, with its focus on "community champions," reflects this evolution. While celebrities and sporting heroes continue to receive recognition, the majority of recipients are ordinary people who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities—foster carers, charity workers, volunteers, and campaigners whose names may never make headlines but whose work makes Britain a better place.
Conclusion
His Majesty The King's New Year Honours List for 2026 celebrates the breadth and depth of British achievement. From Sir Idris Elba's work with young people to Dame Jayne Torvill and Sir Christopher Dean's five decades on the ice, from Leah Williamson's leadership of the Lionesses to Betty Brown's courageous campaign for Post Office justice, the list tells the story of a nation united by service, dedication, and compassion.
As Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "This year's Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain—people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives. Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be."
If you know someone whose achievements deserve recognition, you can nominate them for a future Honours list at www.gov.uk/honours. The next opportunity will be the King's Birthday Honours, expected to be announced in June 2026.
Congratulations to all recipients of the 2026 New Year Honours.
