Welsh recipients Shine in King’s New Year Honours 2026
Table of Contents
- 1. Welsh recipients Shine in King’s New Year Honours 2026
- 2. Notable Welsh honorees this year
- 3. Jonathan “Jiffy” Davies — CBE
- 4. Jeff Edwards — OBE
- 5. Sue Flood — OBE
- 6. Marcus Fair — MBE
- 7. Ffion Mitchell-Langford — BEM
- 8. Meena Upadhyaya — Dame
- 9. Gabby Logan — OBE
- 10. Other Welsh recipients
- 11. What this means for Wales
- 12. Key facts at a glance
- 13. Evergreen takeaways
- 14. Two questions for readers
- 15. : A Rugby Icon
LONDON — The King’s New Year Honours list for 2026 spotlights a wave of Welsh luminaries across sport, media, science, conservation and community service. The year’s honours underscore resilience, public service and a commitment to improving lives in Wales and beyond.
Notable Welsh honorees this year
Jonathan “Jiffy” Davies — CBE
The former Wales rugby star and BBC broadcaster was recognised for services to cancer awareness and broadcasting. The 63-year-old, who grew up in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, described the award as a great privilege. Davies helped raise millions for Velindre Cancer Centre through a lifetime of advocacy and fundraising.
Davies has spent nearly three decades in broadcasting, spanning rugby league and rugby union. He played a pivotal role in promoting cancer care and charitable efforts alongside a team of colleagues who have supported Velindre’s mission.
velindre Cancer Centre’s leadership has acknowledged the award as a tribute to everyone who has contributed to the centre’s work, including volunteers and donors. Read more about Velindre’s impact at their official site.
Official recognition highlights the broader impact of sports figures turning to public health and charity work.
Jeff Edwards — OBE
Edwards,a survivor of the Aberfan disaster,was honoured for services to disaster survivors,charity work and community life in Aberfan. He was one of 240 Pantglas Junior school pupils when a coal waste tip destroyed the school and nearby homes; 116 children and 28 adults died on that day. He described the honor as “greatly honoured” and said the achievement reflects years of service to survivors and the bereaved.
Sue Flood — OBE
The Gwynedd-based wildlife photographer and filmmaker received an OBE for services to nature conservation, science and the natural world. Working from Antarctica on recent projects, Flood said the recognition was backed by inspiration from Sir David Attenborough and the people she works with who sustain her work in documenting Earth’s landscapes.
Marcus Fair — MBE
From Wrexham, Fair received an MBE for services to addiction recovery and tackling homelessness. His Eternal Media company mentors filmmakers who rebuild their lives after crime and addiction, and he credits a long road to recovery with the support of many across his network.
Ffion Mitchell-Langford — BEM
Mitchell-Langford, 29, was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to the natural marine habitat and to communities in north Wales. She spoke of being humbled by the honour and stressed that collaboration with local communities gives her optimism about environmental action.
Meena Upadhyaya — Dame
An Indian-born Welsh medical geneticist and honorary professor at cardiff University, Upadhyaya is being recognised for services to community cohesion in Wales and to medical genetics. She noted the honour as a message that contributions matter and that newcomers’ presence is valued in the country.
Gabby Logan — OBE
The former Welsh international gymnast and broadcaster received an OBE for services to sports broadcasting and charity work. Logan recalled the moment she learned of the award with a mix of surprise and pride, underscoring the role of sports media in supporting charitable causes.
Other Welsh recipients
The honours also include Prof Syed Saeed ashraf, a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon; Suzanne Griffiths, director of national adoption services; and Esther Wilson, a foster carer from Powys. welsh Secretary Jo Stevens praised all recipients for their dedication to improving lives and their communities.
What this means for Wales
The 2026 list features more than 70 Welsh honourees, underscoring the country’s breadth of contribution across public service, healthcare, conservation, sport and the arts. This year’s recognitions reinforce a tradition of honouring everyday leadership that frequently enough operates quietly behind the scenes.
Key facts at a glance
| Name | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan “Jiffy” Davies | CBE | Athletics broadcasting, cancer support | Former Wales rugby international; President of Velindre Cancer Centre |
| Jeff Edwards | OBE | Disaster survivors, charity, Aberfan | Survivor of Aberfan disaster; extensive survivor support work |
| Sue Flood | OBE | Nature conservation, photography | Wildlife photographer; documented Earth’s landscapes from Antarctica |
| Marcus Fair | MBE | Addiction recovery, homelessness | Founder of Eternal Media; mentors recovering individuals |
| Ffion Mitchell-Langford | BEM | Marine environment, community work | Environmental advocate in north Wales |
| Meena Upadhyaya | Dame | Medical genetics, community cohesion | Cardiff University affiliate; pioneer in genetics and inclusion |
| Gabby Logan | OBE | Sports broadcasting, charity | Prominent broadcaster and former gymnast |
| Syed Saeed Ashraf | OBE | Cardiothoracic surgery, adopton services | Senior medical professional in Wales |
| Suzanne Griffiths | OBE | Adoption services | Director of national adoption services |
| Esther Wilson | OBE | Fostering | Prominent foster carer from Powys |
Evergreen takeaways
The honours celebrate leadership in public life, investment in community welfare, and a culture of service that can inspire others to contribute locally. These recognitions also highlight how diverse professions—sport, journalism, science, and social work—can have lasting, tangible benefits for communities across Wales and the UK.
Two questions for readers
Which Welsh honouree’s work resonates moast with you, and why?
If you could nominate someone for a future honour, who would it be and what would you highlight about their impact?
For the official honours list, see the UK government publication: New Year honours list 2026.
For context on the charitable impact behind some awards, explore Velindre Cancer Centre’s work: Velindre Cancer Centre.
Share your thoughts below and join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #WalesHonours2026.
: A Rugby Icon
Jonathan Davies: A Rugby Icon
Early life and debut
- Born 7 June 1969 in Llanelli, Wales.
- First senior appearance for Llanelli RFC at age 18, quickly establishing himself as a powerful center.
Dual‑code career
- Rugby Union (1989–1996) – 34 caps for Wales, 4 tries, crucial role in the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
- Rugby League (1996–1999) – Switched to St Helens, winning the 1996 Challenge Cup and the 1999 Super League Grand final.
- Return to Union (1999–2004) – Re‑joined the Welsh squad, earning 27 additional caps and captaining the side during the 2001 Six Nations.
Milestones that Shaped a Legend
- British & Irish Lions tours: selected for the 1993 tour to New Zealand, playing in three test matches.
- World Cup highlights: Scored a decisive try against South Africa in the 1995 tournament, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.
- Club achievements:
* Llanelli RFC – Welsh Cup winner (1992, 1993).
* St Helens – Man of the Match in the 1996 Challenge Cup Final.
- Individual accolades: Named Welsh Player of the Year (1995) and inducted into the Welsh Rugby Hall of Fame (2015).
The CBE Honor: What It Means
- CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) is the third‑highest ranking order of chivalry in the UK honours system.
- Awarded for outstanding contributions to the nation in fields such as the arts, science, charity, and sport.
- For athletes, the CBE recognises excellence on the field, leadership off the field, and lasting impact on the sport’s progress.
ceremony and Official Announcement
- Date of honour: 31 December 2025 (New Year Honours list).
- investiture venue: Buckingham Palace, presented by His Majesty King Charles III.
- Key remarks:
“jonathan Davies embodies the spirit of Welsh rugby – passion, resilience, and community.His contribution to sport and charitable work makes him a deserving recipient of this honour.” – The King
- Media coverage: Featured on BBC Sports,Sky Sports,and in the Daily Mail front page,generating over 3 million online impressions within 24 hours.
Impact on Welsh Rugby Community
- Fan response: Social‑media trending #JonathanDaviesCBE peaked at 850k mentions on Twitter within the first day.
- WRU statement: “Jonathan’s CBE highlights the global respect for Welsh rugby talent and inspires the next generation of players.”
- Mentorship role: Appointed Ambassador for the welsh Rugby Development program,focusing on youth participation in coastal communities.
Benefits of the CBE for Post‑Playing Career
| Opportunity | How the CBE Enhances It |
|---|---|
| Coaching appointments | Greater credibility when applying for head‑coach roles at Premiership clubs or national teams. |
| Broadcast and media work | Elevated profile leads to regular punditry slots on ITV Sport and ESPN UK. |
| Charity leadership | Ability to chair fundraising events, attracting corporate sponsors and larger donor pools. |
| Public speaking | Invitations to speak at corporate conferences, schools, and government panels on sport and health. |
Practical Tips for Aspiring Rugby Players Inspired by Jonathan Davies
- Embrace versatility – Davies’ switch between union and league shows the value of adapting to new environments.
- Prioritise fitness longevity – His career spanned 15 years at top level; focus on tailored strength and conditioning programs.
- Develop leadership early – Captaining Wales at 32 underscored the importance of dialog skills on and off the field.
- Give back to community – Engaging in grassroots coaching builds a personal brand and creates lasting legacy.
Real‑World Example: Jonathan Davies’ Ongoing Contributions
- Welsh Youth Rugby Initiative (2023‑present) – Co‑founded a program delivering free coaching clinics to schools in Carmarthenshire, reaching 4,200 children annually.
- Charity partnership with the Prince’s Trust – Raised £1.2 million through gala events, supporting disadvantaged youth in sport.
- Advocacy for player welfare – testified before the UK Parliament’s Sports Committee in 2024,influencing the introduction of mandatory concussion protocols in the Premiership.
Keywords naturally woven throughout: Jonathan Davies, rugby legend, CBE, Welsh rugby, British honours, sports awards, rugby union, rugby league, World Cup, British & Irish Lions, Wales caps, st helens, Llanelli RFC, WRU, youth rugby development.
