Idris Elba Knighted: Sarina Wiegman & Lionesses Recognition

Actor Idris Elba is knighted and England women’s football coach Sarina Wiegman is made an honorary dame in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Elba, 51, receives the honor for his work with young people, while Wiegman, 54, is recognised for leading the Lionesses to victory in the Euros last summer.

Other notable names on the list include singer Shirley Bassey, who is made a dame, and historian David Olusoga, who receives a knighthood.

More than 1,200 people are recognised in the list, with honours going to those who have made exceptional contributions to their communities and the nation.

Idris Elba Knighted and Stars honoured in King’s Birthday Honours List

Luther star Idris Elba becomes Sir Idris in recognition of his charity work with young people. He has launched an anti-knife crime campaign and founded the Elba Hope Foundation alongside his wife Sabrina, providing grants to organisations across the UK, the US and Africa.

He was a beneficiary of the Prince’s Trust as a teenager,when he was given a £1,500 grant to attend the National Youth Music Theater programme.

As then he has risen to prominence in TV show The Wire and established a film career, with starring roles in Beasts of No Nation and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom among others.

“I receive this honour on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience has driven the work of the Elba Hope Foundation,” Sir Idris saeid.

Meera

Cynthia Erivo and Ellie Goulding Receive royal Honours

Actor and singer Cynthia Erivo is appointed an MBE, as is singer Ellie Goulding who is recognised for her work as an environmental ambassador. Scottish singer Eve Graham, who was a member of the New Seekers, is also made an MBE.

Erivo, who starred in Wicked and its 2025 sequel Wicked: For Good, said it was “an honour I could never have thought would happen”.

There is a strong classical contingent to this year’s list with conductor Richard Farnes, a former music director of Opera North, being made a CBE along with opera singer Alice Coote.

Lionesses boss Wiegman Receives Honorary Title in King’s Birthday Honours

England Women’s football manager Sarina Wiegman is to receive an honorary title after guiding the Lionesses to their historic victory at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The win marked the first time an England football team has won a major trophy on foreign soil.

While foreign citizens can be granted knighthoods or damehoods, they are not dubbed and cannot use the titles sir or Dame. Wiegman, who is from the Netherlands, expressed her gratitude, stating: “When I first arrived in England, I could never have imagined the respect and warmth I’ve experienced. I deeply thank the fans for their support.”

The Lionesses aren’t the only English team celebrating recognition. Following the Red Roses’ triumph at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, Zoe Aldcroft, Marlie Packer, and head coach John Mitchell are all made OBEs. Megan Jones, Sadia Kabeya, and ellie Kildunne are appointed MBEs.

Also honoured are ice skating legends Torvill and dean – now Dame Jayne and Sir Christopher – recognised for their services to ice skating and voluntary service, commemorating their iconic gold medal win at the 1984 Winter Olympics.

Political Figures and Campaigners Honoured in New Year Honours list

As always, several political figures are among those recognised in the New year Honours list. Former Labour minister Anneliese Dodds has been made a dame,while former Labour MPs Jonathan Ashworth and Tristram Hunt have also received gongs.

Sir Tristram, a historian, is director of the Victoria and Albert Museum and is recognised for his services to the arts and culture industry.

Mr Ashworth is recognised with a CBE for his charity work on behalf of the children of alcoholics. “It was never something I expected,” he said. “Speaking up for the thousands of children who suffer in silence is something that matters deeply to me.”

Another ex-Labour MP to be knighted is Adam Ingram,who served as a minister under Sir Tony Blair,while former Welsh Labour MP Christopher Ruane is appointed an OBE. Sir Tony’s former diary secretary Kate garvey is also made an OBE.

Holocaust Survivor and Suicide Prevention Advocate Among Those Honored in New Year Honours List

The New Year Honours list 2025 recognizes individuals across the United Kingdom who have made important contributions to society. Among those receiving awards are a Holocaust survivor dedicated to remembrance and education, a leading figure in suicide prevention, and a young Olympic gold medalist.The list, announced by the Cabinet Office, highlights service to the nation in diverse fields.

Honours for Holocaust Remembrance

Two individuals were recognized for their tireless work in preserving the memory of the Holocaust and educating future generations.

* max Kersh, a Holocaust survivor who was sent to Auschwitz as a child, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-year-honours-list-2025 for his services to Holocaust remembrance and education. Mr. Kersh has routinely spoken to schoolchildren about his experiences, but has also expressed concern about rising antisemitism in the UK, stating, “What’s disappointing is the antisemitism that I see everywhere, hear everywhere, or read.”
* Lydia Tischler, also a holocaust survivor, receives an MBE for her services to Holocaust remembrance and child psychology.

recognition for Mental Health Advocacy

Sarah Anderson, the founder of the mental health charity the Listening Place, has been awarded a damehood for her services to suicide prevention. https://listeningplace.org.uk/ The Listening Place provides a safe and confidential space for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Sporting and Community Achievements

The Honours list also celebrates achievements in sport and community service:

* John Hearn, aged 102, receives a BEM for his services to judo and to the community in north-east England. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-year-honours-list-2025

* Toby Roberts, the 20-year-old Olympic gold medal-winning sports climber, has been awarded an MBE. https://www.teamgb.com/news/toby-roberts-receives-mbe-in-new-year-honours

Key Takeaways

* The New Year honours list 2025 recognizes a diverse range of individuals for their contributions to UK society.
* Holocaust survivors Max Kersh and Lydia Tischler are honored for their dedication to remembrance and education.
* Sarah Anderson is recognized for her vital work in suicide prevention through the Listening Place.
* The list also celebrates achievements in sport (Toby Roberts) and long-standing community service (John Hearn).

The New Year Honours list serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and service of individuals who contribute to the fabric of British society. As we move forward into 2025, the stories of these honorees inspire continued commitment to remembrance, compassion, and community engagement.