The Cabinet Office honours 1,200 people — from an 11-year-old to a 106-year-old — with 48% being women, showcasing diverse service across generations.
Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman and football icon David Beckham have both been knighted in the King’s Birthday Honours list, joining a celebrated group of public figures recognised for their contributions to British society.
As reported by the BBC, the 2025 honours list also sees Strictly Come Dancing co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman awarded MBEs for their services to broadcasting, while actress and singer Elaine Paige and acclaimed author Pat Barker receive damehoods. In total, the list names 19 new knights and 21 new dames.
Among the younger honourees are teenage darts sensation Luke Littler, who receives an MBE, and Love Island star Georgia Harrison, recognised for her campaigning on online privacy and cybercrime.
In all, 1,200 people appear on the main list issued by the Cabinet Office—48% of them women. The youngest recipient is just 11, while the oldest honouree is 106, reflecting a wide breadth of service across generations and communities.
While household names headline the list, the majority of honours go to unsung heroes—community workers, campaigners, educators, and fundraisers whose dedication has made a lasting local impact.
Sir Gary Oldman, now formally recognised for his services to drama, has captivated audiences since the 1980s with roles on screen and stage. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2018 for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour and has recently earned praise for his role in Slow Horses on Apple TV+.
Daly and Winkleman, beloved figures in British television, have hosted Strictly Come Dancing as a duo since 2014. Daly nearly missed her award after the letter was sent to the wrong address. “I cried when I opened the envelope,” she shared. Winkleman quipped she would celebrate “by doing a paso doble with Tess.”
Sir David Beckham’s knighthood for services to sport and charity had been widely anticipated. The former England captain, now 50, expressed being “immensely proud” of the honour. Having received an OBE in 2003, Beckham has since taken on ambassador roles for UNICEF and The King’s Foundation, supporting initiatives in youth education and environmental protection.
Dame Elaine Paige, awarded for services to music and charity, said she felt “very privileged” and sees the honour as a reflection of her responsibility to help others. “When you’re in a position to help, that’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” BBC report quoted Paige as saying.
