This year’s New Year Honours list celebrates over 1,200 individuals, including notable names from sports, entertainment, and public service. The list also acknowledges those who fought for
justice in the Horizon IT scandal.
Knighthoods and top honours
Gareth Southgate, the former England football manager, was knighted for his contributions to football. Southgate led England to the Euro 2020 and 2024 finals and the 2018 World Cup semi-final. Although his tenure didn’t deliver a championship win, his leadership earned widespread respect.
Stephen Fry, actor and mental health advocate, received a knighthood for his services to mental health awareness, environmental causes, and charity. Fry, the long-time president of the mental health charity Mind, expressed both surprise and gratitude upon receiving the honor.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London since 2016, was also knighted for his political and public service. He described the honor as "humbling," reflecting on his journey from a South London council estate to leading the city.
Literary and artistic achievements
Jacqueline Wilson, the author of the beloved Tracy Beaker series, was made a Dame Grand Cross (GBE) for her contributions to literature.
Kazuo Ishiguro, Nobel Prize-winning author, was appointed a Companion of Honour for his literary works.
Actress Carey Mulligan and presenter Alan Titchmarsh were named Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
Sports stars shine
Athletes who excelled in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics received recognition:
Keely Hodgkinson, who claimed gold in the 800m and set a British record, earned an MBE.
Cyclist Tom Pidcock, a gold medalist in mountain biking, was made an OBE.
Paralympian Hannah Cockroft became a CBE for her victories in the T34 100m and 800m events.
Other honored athletes include swimmer Duncan Scott (OBE) and rowers Lola Anderson, Hannah Scott, Lauren Henry, and Georgie Brayshaw (all MBEs).
Justice and public service
Several individuals were recognized for their roles in addressing the Horizon IT scandal, which wrongfully convicted sub-postmasters. Honorees include Lee Castleton, Jo Hamilton, Christopher Head, and Seema Misra, who received OBEs for services to justice.
Additional highlights
Former F1 driver Martin Brundle became an OBE, and footballer-turned-pundit Alan Hansen was made an MBE.
World War II Mosquito pilot Colin Bell, aged 103, received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his charitable work and public speaking.
At 18, Mikayla Beames (BEM) and William Ellard (MBE) were the youngest honorees, recognized for their fundraising efforts and Paralympic achievements, respectively.
Unsung heroes
Hundreds of others were also recognized for their dedication to their communities, charitable work, and professional excellence. This year’s New Year Honours highlight the diversity and depth of contributions from across the UK, celebrating achievements in arts, sports, justice, and public service. Photo by Marco Raaphorst from The Hague, The Netherlands, Wikimedia commons.