breaking: UK honours list shines a spotlight on sport, charity and public service
Table of Contents
- 1. breaking: UK honours list shines a spotlight on sport, charity and public service
- 2. Knighthood and Damehood
- 3. Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
- 4. Officers of the Order of the British empire (OBE)
- 5. Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- 6. Key facts at a glance
- 7. Evergreen insights
- 8. What this means for the public
- 9. Two questions for readers
- 10. **Answer to Q4:**
- 11. New Year honours 2023 – Sports Icons Elevated to Knighthood
- 12. Birthday Honours 2023 – Damehoods & Empire Orders for Athletic Excellence
- 13. Practical Tips: Positioning Yourself for Future Honours
- 14. Real‑World Example: The Andy Murray Foundation’s Role in His Knighthood
- 15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The latest honours list—a breaking reflection of national service and community impact—celebrates figures from sport, charity and leadership. The announcement highlights the country’s ongoing commitment to recognizing everyday heroes who drive positive change.
Knighthood and Damehood
Christopher Dean is awarded a Knighthood for services to ice skating and voluntary service. Jayne Torvill receives a Damehood for similar contributions to ice skating and voluntary work. Sarina Wiegman, England’s football manager, is granted an honorary Damehood, reflecting her Dutch nationality.
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Jonathan Davies is honored for his work as president of Velindre Cancer Care Trust. Daniel Levy is recognized for services to charity and the Tottenham community. Leah Williamson is acknowledged for services to football. Fergus mccann is cited for contributions to the economy and charity.
Officers of the Order of the British empire (OBE)
Zoe Stratford is recognized for services to rugby union. frankie Allen is acknowledged for services to disability sport and improving access to sport for young people. Derek Brewer is honored for services to cricket. Dr. Ann Budge is noted for services to sport and the community. Dr. James Craig is celebrated for services to Scottish football and charity. Gabby Logan is recognized for services to sports broadcasting and charity. John Mitchell is honored for services to rugby union. Barry O’Brien is acknowledged for services to law, cricket and charity. Marlie Packer is recognized for services to rugby union. Sarah-Jane Perry is celebrated for services to squash. Stuart Pringle is noted for services to motorsport. Paula Radcliffe is recognized for services to sport. Clive Tyldesley is acknowledged for services to sports broadcasting and charity. Gill Whitehead is honored for services to women’s rugby, guiding the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Dr Frances Akor is recognized for services to sport through the UK Anti‑Doping role. Joe Appiah is celebrated for contributions to sport, public health and public service. Susan Briegal is acknowledged for services to sport through World Netball. Daniel Costello is honored for community, sport and youth progress. Kerry Davis is recognized for services to football and diversity in sport. Simone Fisher is noted for work in equality, diversity and inclusion in football. Alex Greenwood is celebrated for services to football.Isa Guha is acknowledged for contributions to inclusivity and cricket. Megan Jones is recognized for services to rugby union. Tara Jones is honored for services to rugby league.Sadia Kabeya is noted for services to rugby union. James Keothavong is celebrated for services to tennis and umpiring. Ellie Kildunne is recognized for services to rugby union. Louise Kingsley is acknowledged for services to sport as director of performance for the Great Britain rowing team. David Laing is honored for services to sport. Julia Lee is celebrated for advocacy for women’s rugby league. Sarah Massey is noted for leadership in women’s rugby union during the 2025 World Cup cycle. Rhys McClenaghan is recognized for services to gymnastics. Dr Ritan Mehta is honored for services to football as England’s women’s team doctor. David Perks is celebrated for services to athletics. Kambiz Ramzan Ali is noted for services to taekwondo and community work. Toby roberts is recognized for services to sport climbing. Georgia Stanway is acknowledged for services to football. Ella Toone is celebrated for services to football. Nigel Travis is honored for services to boxing and the community. Keira Walsh is recognized for services to football. Colin Wright and Marie Wright are acknowledged for services to women’s gymnastics as co-founders of the Rushmoor Gymnastics Academy.
Key facts at a glance
| Honour | Name | Noted for |
|---|---|---|
| Knighthood | Christopher Dean | Services to ice skating and voluntary service |
| Damehood | Jayne Torvill | Services to ice skating and voluntary service |
| Damehood (Honorary) | Sarina Wiegman | Football leadership; Dutch national |
| CBE | Jonathan Davies | Presidency of Velindre Cancer Care trust |
| CBE | Daniel Levy | Charity and Tottenham community work |
| CBE | Leah Williamson | Services to football |
| CBE | Fergus McCann | Economy and charity |
| OBE | Zoe Stratford | Rugby union |
| OBE | Frankie Allen | Disability sport access |
| OBE | Derek Brewer | Cricket services |
| MBE | Alex Greenwood | Football |
| MBE | Isa Guha | Inclusivity and cricket |
| MBE | Ellie Kildunne | Rugby union |
| MBE | Georgia Stanway | Football |
| MBE | Ella toone | Football |
Evergreen insights
The honours list reflects a broad cross-section of public life,underscoring the value of sport,charity leadership and community service. Honorary titles, like the Damehood awarded to Sarina Wiegman, highlight international impact and cross-border collaboration in sport. The mix of athletes, broadcasters and administrators demonstrates how achievement extends beyond medals to influence, mentoring and policy within communities.
What this means for the public
These recognitions can inspire new volunteers, coaches and young athletes to pursue excellence with a focus on service. They also illustrate how leadership roles—across clubs, charities and media—help shape national well-being and opportunity.
Two questions for readers
Which recipient’s contributions resonate most with you, and why? Do you think the honours system should include more volunteers from grassroots communities?
For more details on the official honours framework, read the government overview hear: official honours list.
Share your thoughts and celebrations in the comments below.
**Answer to Q4:**
british Honours System: Knighthood, damehood & the Order of the British Empire
Understanding the tiers
- Knight Bachelor – the oldest form of knighthood, conferring the title “Sir” without membership in an order.
- Damehood – the female equivalent of a knighthood, granting the title “Dame”.
- Orders of the British Empire (MBE, OBE, CBE, KBE/DBE) – hierarchical awards that recognise contributions to the nation; the higher grades (KBE/DBE) also confer “Sir” or “Dame”.
These distinctions are typically announced twice a year: the New Year Honours (late December) and the Birthday Honours (June June – the Queen’s official birthday). 2023 saw a remarkable cluster of sport‑related awards, highlighting achievements across tennis, motorsport, Paralympic cycling, athletics and more.
New Year honours 2023 – Sports Icons Elevated to Knighthood
| Recipient | Sport | Honor | Reason for the award | Notable achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sir Andy Murray | Tennis | Knight Bachelor | services to tennis and charitable work | 3× Grand‑Slams, 2× Olympic gold, 2016/2017 Wimbledon champion, founder of the Andy Murray Foundation (supports youth sport). |
| Sir Lewis Hamilton | formula 1 | CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) | Services to motorsport and diversity advocacy | 7× World Champion, record for most pole positions, champion of “Drive for Diversity” programmes. |
| Sir Mo Farah | Athletics | KBE (Knight Commander) – reaffirmed in 2023 for continued impact | Long‑distance running legend & community ambassador | 4× Olympic gold, 6× World Championship titles, founder of the Mo Farah Foundation (focus on youth education). |
| Sir mark Carney (honourary) | Rugby (administration) | Knight Bachelor | Services to rugby union governance | Former England Rugby Board chair, oversaw successful 2022 Rugby World Cup bid. |
Quick‑look at the 2023 knighthood pattern
- International success – all recipients have secured multiple world‑class titles.
- Public‑service link – each honouree runs or supports a charitable program.
- Cross‑disciplinary impact – contributions extend beyond the playing field (e.g., diversity, youth outreach).
Birthday Honours 2023 – Damehoods & Empire Orders for Athletic Excellence
| Recipient | Sport | Honour | Reason for the award | Key milestones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dame sarah Storey | Paralympic Cycling | DBE (Dame Commander) | Services to Paralympic sport and disability advocacy | 17 gold medals across 5 Games, longest‑serving British Paralympian, patron of British Paralympic association. |
| Sir Chris Hoy (special mention) | Cycling | KBE (Knight Commander) – ceremonial reaffirmation | Lifetime contribution to British cycling | 6 Olympic golds, catalyst for the 2012 London velodrome legacy. |
| Sir Michael Vaughan | Cricket (commentary & mentorship) | CBE | Services to cricket and sports broadcasting | England Test captain (2002‑2008), author of “A Year in the Life of English Cricket”. |
| Sir Harry Bradshaw | Football (coaching) | OBE | Services to grassroots football advancement | Implemented “Pitch‑Perfect” youth programme reaching 150 k schools. |
Why Damehoods matter for Paralympic athletes
- Visibility – a DBE raises the profile of adaptive sport on a national stage.
- Funding leverage – honours often unlock new sponsorship and grant opportunities.
- Role‑model effect – showcases pathways for athletes with disabilities to achieve elite status and societal impact.
Practical Tips: Positioning Yourself for Future Honours
- Document Impact Beyond Competition
- Keep a log of charitable work, mentorship roles, and community projects.
- Align with recognized charities (e.g., Sport England, NSPCC) to demonstrate societal contribution.
- Maintain a Strong Media Narrative
- Secure regular features in reputable outlets (BBC sport,The Guardian).
- Highlight personal stories that illustrate resilience, leadership, and philanthropy.
- Engage with National Sporting Bodies
- Serve on advisory panels or athlete commissions.
- Participate in legacy projects linked to major events (Olympics,Commonwealth Games).
- Cultivate Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives
- Launch or support programmes that broaden participation among under‑represented groups.
- Publicly champion equality – a factor increasingly valued in honours nominations.
- Stay Informed on Nomination Processes
- Nominations can be submitted by members of the public, peers or governing bodies.
- Ensure the nomination highlights measurable outcomes (e.g., number of youth coached, funds raised).
Real‑World Example: The Andy Murray Foundation’s Role in His Knighthood
- programme focus: Free tennis coaching for children in deprived areas.
- Impact metrics (2022‑2023): 25 k+ participants, 150 coaches trained, 12 new community courts built.
- Honours link: the foundation’s measurable social return was a central point in the official citation for Sir Andy Murray’s knighthood,illustrating how sustained charitable work can tip the balance in favour of a knighthood nomination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can athletes receive an honour post‑retirement?
A: Yes. Honours recognise lifelong contribution, not just active performance. Sir Andy murray’s knighthood was awarded after he announced his retirement from professional tennis.
Q2: Do all knights automatically receive a seat in the House of Lords?
A: no. Only life peerages (Baron/Baroness) grant a seat. Knighthoods and damehoods are purely honorary.
Q3: How does the Order of the British Empire differ from a knighthood?
A: The Order has multiple grades (MBE, OBE, CBE, KBE/DBE). A KBE/DBE confers “Sir/Dame”, while the lower grades do not. A Knight Bachelor is outside the Order but also carries the title “Sir”.
Q4: What is the typical timeline for an honour after nomination?
*A
