Rugby star Sinfield and authors Blackman and Donaldson lead honours list
Summary
Rugby star Kevin Sinfield was knighted for his sports career and charity work raising funds for motor neurone disease. Authors Malorie Blackman and Julia Donaldson were made dames for their contributions to literature. Several England female football players who won Euro 2025 received MBEs, along with other sports and entertainment figures honored in the King’s Birthday Honours.Key Facts
- Kevin Sinfield, former England rugby league captain, was knighted for his rugby career and charity fundraising for motor neurone disease (MND).
- Sinfield raised over £11 million for MND charity, including pushing and carrying teammate Rob Burrow, who had MND, during a marathon.
- Authors Malorie Blackman (known for Noughts & Crosses) and Julia Donaldson (known for The Gruffalo) were made dames for services to literature.
- Several members of the Lionesses, England’s women’s football team that won Euro 2025, were awarded MBEs, including Chloe Kelly who scored the winning penalty.
- Other sports figures honored include golfer Luke Donald (OBE), rugby player Emily Scarratt (OBE), and snooker player Shaun Murphy (OBE).
- Entertainment figures honored include the founders of Aardman Animations, Peter Lord and David Sproxton, who were knighted.
- The actress Helen Mirren and photojournalist Don McCullin were made Companions of Honour, a special status limited to 65 people.
- Community workers supporting families affected by Covid-19 were also recognized with MBEs for their service.
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