King's Honours: Sinfield Knighted, Lionesses Honoured

In the latest King's Birthday Honours, rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield has been knighted, now known as Sir Kevin, in recognition of his extensive services to the MND community and to rugby. Inspired by his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow, who passed away in 2024 after a four-and-a-half-year battle with motor neurone disease, Sir Kevin has successfully completed six significant running challenges, raising over £10 million for MND charities.

Joining the list of distinguished recipients is actress Dame Helen Mirren, who has been appointed a Companion of Honour for her impactful services to drama. This esteemed order is limited to only 65 individuals at any given time. The England women's football team, the Lionesses, also received notable recognition, with several players awarded Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for their victorious European Championship campaign.

Among the football stars honoured are Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning penalty in the Euros final, and rising talent Michelle Agyemang, who is the youngest recipient at 20 years old. Other recipients include goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, forwards Alessia Russo and Lauren James, and defender Jess Carter. Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi and Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley were also awarded MBEs for their contributions to music, charity, and drama respectively.