Kevin Sinfield knighted as Helen Mirren and Lionesses are celebrated in King’s Birthday Honours

Kevin Sinfield knighted as Helen Mirren and Lionesses are celebrated in King’s Birthday Honours ‘Emmerdale’ actor Lisa Riley, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, DJ Judge Jules, TV presenter Aneeka Rice and author Julia Donaldson have also been recognised in the list - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield, acclaimed actress Dame Helen Mirren, and six members of England's triumphant Lionesses squad are among the prominent figures recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list. Kevin Sinfield, a former England rugby league captain, has been knighted for his extraordinary services to the motor neurone disease (MND) community, as well as to both league and union rugby. Sir Kevin has completed six gruelling running challenges, inspired by his late Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow, who passed away in 2024 after a four-and-a-half-year battle with MND. His efforts have so far raised more than £10 million for MND charities. "I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award on behalf of the rugby and MND communities," Sir Kevin said. "Since I first played rugby when I was seven, rugby league has given me so much. I am particularly proud to follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Billy Boston with rugby league’s second-ever knighthood in over 130 years of the sport. Sir Billy overcame so much in his life and is still loved by the game." Sir Kevin, 45, is set to undertake his seventh and final endurance challenge in September, with all his endeavours centred around the number seven, which was Burrow’s playing number. Lindsey Burrow, Rob’s widow, expressed her delight: "On behalf of the whole Burrow family, I would like to congratulate Kevin on his knighthood. We are all delighted for him and I cannot think of a more deserving recipient. Kevin did so much for Rob but also the whole MND community with raising awareness and funds to support families and aid research. I know he has said he is dedicated to supporting the MND community for however long it takes to find a cure, and that means so much to so many people to have a champion like Kevin in their corner. As Rob used to say, everyone should have a friend like Kevin and so many people will be pleased to see him get this recognition." Meanwhile, Dame Helen Mirren has been appointed a Companion of Honour for her outstanding services to drama. This exclusive honour is limited to just 65 living individuals at any one time. The Oscar-winning actress, celebrated for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film The Queen, received the accolade just days after she was verbally abused in central London, with footage showing the 80-year-old being called an "evil Zionist". In the world of football, six members of the European Championship-winning Lionesses squad have been made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Chloe Kelly, who famously scored the winning penalty in last summer’s nail-biting Euros final, is among those recognised. Thousands of fans had lined the Mall in July to celebrate the Lionesses’ dramatic victory over Spain. At just 20 years old, rising star forward Michelle Agyemang is the youngest recipient on this year’s list. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, forwards Alessia Russo and Lauren James, and defender Jess Carter were also honoured with MBEs. Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi was made an MBE for his services to music and charity, stating: "What an unbelievable honour to receive an MBE. It’s been a privilege doing something I love and then to see that music connects with so many over the years." Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley received the same honour for her contributions to drama and charity work, remarking: "Wow, if this is not my best 50th birthday present, being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list, I don’t know what is. To say I am humbled is an absolute understatement. Thank you so much, my heart is the warmest it could ever be." David Sproxton and Peter Lord, the co-founders of the Academy Award-winning Aardman animation studio, creators of beloved characters like Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, were both knighted for their services to the creative industries and to charity. Sir David and Sir Peter established Aardman together over 50 years ago. Broadcaster and musician Cerys Matthews became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to music, having previously received an MBE in 2014. DJ Judge Jules, who became an MBE, said the honour feels like "a reward for my industry", while TV presenter Anneka Rice was made an MBE for her services to charity and broadcasting, known for her Challenge Anneka tasks often raising money for good causes. Authors Julia Donaldson, known for The Gruffalo, and Malorie Blackman, author of Noughts and Crosses, both received damehoods for their services to literature. Dame Julia was the UK’s best-selling author last year, surpassing Harry Potter creator JK Rowling. Businessman Dave Fishwick, whose story inspired Netflix’s Bank of Dave film, was made an OBE for services to finance, business and charity, calling it "wonderful" and "unbelievable". Beauty entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury, a make-up artist to the stars, was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). The 53-year-old founded her eponymous beauty brand in 2013 after two decades working with celebrities such as Kate Moss and Kim Kardashian. The oldest recipient was 101-year-old Pauline Hough, who received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to theatre and to the community in Nantwich, Cheshire. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commented: "Across the UK, people are quietly changing lives and strengthening their communities. This Honours List is a chance to recognise them. Their dedication shows how lasting change is built – through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others. It speaks to the decent, hopeful country we are proud to be, and on behalf of the whole nation, I want to say thank you." Nearly 1,200 individuals from across the UK received honours in the latest list. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments