King's New Year Honours List 2026 Recognises Over 1,150 Individuals for Outstanding Contributions

King Charles III Unveils New Year Honours List for 2026

The King's New Year Honours List for 2026 has been officially announced, recognising the exceptional achievements and dedicated service of over 1,157 individuals from across the United Kingdom and its Commonwealth realms. The comprehensive list, published in a supplement of The Gazette on Monday, December 29, 2025, celebrates a diverse array of contributions spanning public life, arts, sport, science, education, and community service.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer lauded the honourees, stating, 'This year's honours list celebrates the very best of Britain – people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives.' Similarly, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney paid tribute to the Scottish recipients, highlighting them as 'exceptional individuals' and 'community champions.'

Notable Figures and Diverse Contributions

The 2026 list features several prominent personalities alongside numerous unsung heroes. Among the most recognised names:

• Actor Idris Elba receives a Knighthood for his extensive services to young people and his anti-knife crime campaigning.
• Ice dancing legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are honoured with a Damehood and Knighthood respectively, acknowledging their services to ice skating and voluntary work.
• Actress and writer Meera Syal is appointed a Dame for her significant contributions to literature, drama, and charity.
• England women's football coach Sarina Wiegman is awarded an honorary Damehood following the team's success, while captain Leah Williamson receives a CBE for her services to Association Football.
• Oscar-nominated actor and singer Cynthia Erivo is appointed an MBE for her contributions to music and drama.
• Actor Warwick Davis is awarded an OBE for his services to drama and charity, particularly through his work with Little People UK.
• Author and broadcaster Richard Osman receives an OBE for services to literature and broadcasting.
• Singer Ellie Goulding is recognised with an MBE for her advocacy in biodiversity and climate.

Beyond these well-known figures, the list also includes individuals like Professor Simon Milne, who receives a Knighthood for services to Botany, Conservation and Horticulture, and The Rt Hon Adam Ingram, knighted for Parliamentary and Political Service.

Recognition Across Key Sectors

The Honours List underscores a commitment to acknowledging contributions across vital sectors:

• Military Service: Seventy-nine officers and soldiers from both Regular and Reserve forces are recognised in the military division. Their achievements range from driving the Army's adoption of advanced technologies like robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Computing, to developing international agreements and establishing new defence capabilities.
• Emergency Services: Members of the police, fire, and ambulance services are celebrated with The King's Police Medal, The King's Fire Service Medal, and The King's Ambulance Service Medal, respectively, for their dedication to public safety.
• Education, Skills, and Social Care: More than 100 individuals are honoured for their outstanding work in improving the lives of children, young people, and families through teaching, early years support, further education, skills programmes, and special educational needs services.

The Honours System

The New Year Honours are awarded twice annually, with another list published on the Monarch's official birthday in June. These appointments by King Charles III are made among the 15 Commonwealth realms to recognise and reward good works by citizens. The recipients are styled according to the honour awarded, which can range from Knights Bachelor and various Orders (such as the Order of the British Empire with grades like GBE, KBE/DBE, CBE, OBE, MBE) to specific medals for public and military service. Investiture ceremonies for the 2026 recipients are scheduled to take place at royal residences throughout the coming year.