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  "path": "/royal/kings-birthday-honours-list-kevin-sinfield-helen-mirren-england-lionesses",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-12T21:30:02.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nRugby league legend Kevin Sinfield has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours for his tireless fundraising efforts for motor neurone disease charities and his contributions to both codes of rugby.\n\nThe 45-year-old former England captain has raised over £10 million through six gruelling endurance challenges, all inspired by his late Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow, who passed away in 2024 after battling MND for four-and-a-half years.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSir Kevin expressed his gratitude, saying: \"I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award on behalf of the rugby and MND communities.\"\n\nHe added: \"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.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nThe newly knighted sportsman will undertake his seventh and final challenge in September, with each event themed around the number seven — Burrow's playing shirt number.\n\nLindsey Burrow, Rob's widow, offered her congratulations to Sinfield on behalf of the entire Burrow family, describing him as the most deserving recipient imaginable.\n\nShe highlighted how Sinfield's efforts extended far beyond supporting her late husband, benefiting countless families affected by MND through his awareness campaigns and fundraising for research.\n\n\"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,\" she said.\n\nMrs Burrow also recalled her husband's famous words about their friendship: \"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.\"\n\nThe tribute underscored the profound bond between the two former teammates and Sinfield's unwavering commitment to the cause.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDame Helen Mirren has been elevated to Companion of Honour in recognition of her outstanding services to drama, joining an elite group limited to just 65 members at any given time.\n\nThe 80-year-old actress won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film The Queen.\n\nThe Companion of Honour represents one of the most exclusive distinctions in the British honours system, reserved for those who have made exceptional contributions to the arts, science, medicine or government over an extended period.\n\nDame Helen's elevation places her among a distinguished cohort of individuals whose achievements have significantly shaped British cultural life.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSix members of England's triumphant Lionesses squad have been honoured with MBEs following their dramatic European Championship victory over Spain last summer.\n\nChloe Kelly, whose decisive penalty secured the trophy in a tense final, was among those recognised for their contribution to the historic win.\n\nThousands of supporters gathered along the Mall in July to celebrate the team's success against the Spanish side.\n\nForward Michelle Agyemang, at just 20 years of age, became the youngest person named in this year's honours list.\n\nFellow forwards Alessia Russo and Lauren James also received MBEs, alongside goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and defender Jess Carter.\n\nThe recognition comes as part of a list honouring nearly 1,200 individuals from across the United Kingdom.\n\nThe Lionesses' achievement marked a watershed moment for women's football in England, with the team's success inspiring a new generation of players.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe co-founders of Aardman Animations, David Sproxton and Peter Lord, have both received knighthoods for their services to the creative industries and charitable endeavours.\n\nSir David and Sir Peter established the Academy Award-winning studio more than half a century ago, going on to create some of Britain's most beloved animated characters.\n\nTheir creations include the cheese-loving inventor Wallace and his loyal canine companion Gromit, as well as the mischievous farmyard favourite Shaun the Sheep.\n\nThe Bristol-based studio has won multiple Oscars over the decades, cementing its reputation as one of the world's leading animation houses.\n\nThe pair's distinctive stop-motion animation style has influenced generations of filmmakers and brought joy to audiences worldwide.\n\nTheir knighthoods recognise not only their artistic achievements but also their philanthropic work, reflecting the honours system's emphasis on rewarding those who combine professional excellence with community contribution.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nChildren's author Julia Donaldson and novelist Malorie Blackman have both been made dames for their contributions to literature.\n\nDame Julia, creator of The Gruffalo, became Britain's best-selling author last year, surpassing Harry Potter writer JK Rowling thanks to the enduring appeal of her picture books and newer characters such as Zog the dragon.\n\nDame Malorie, renowned for her Noughts and Crosses series, joins her fellow author in receiving one of the highest honours available for services to the written word.\n\nBlack Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi was awarded an MBE for his services to music and charity.\n\nThe heavy metal pioneer expressed his delight at the recognition, saying: \"What an unbelievable honour to receive an MBE.\"\n\nHe reflected on his career: \"It's been a privilege doing something I love and then to see that music connects with so many over the years.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nBeauty entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury, who built her eponymous cosmetics empire after two decades creating looks for celebrities including Kate Moss and Kim Kardashian, was made a CBE.\n\nEmmerdale actress Lisa Riley received an MBE for her services to drama and charity work, describing the honour as the perfect 50th birthday present ahead of her milestone celebration in July.\n\n\"To say I am humbled is an absolute understatement,\" she told the Press Association.\n\nDJ Judge Jules, also made an MBE, said the recognition felt like \"a reward for my industry\", while television presenter Anneka Rice was honoured for her charity and broadcasting work through programmes like Challenge Anneka.\n\nThe oldest recipient was 101-year-old Pauline Hough, who received a British Empire Medal for services to theatre in Nantwich, Cheshire.\n\nPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the honourees, stating: \"Their dedication shows how lasting change is built through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Kevin Sinfield, Helen Mirren and Lionesses lead King's Birthday Honours list"
}