A wide range of Britons, from internationally known actors Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo to a 102-year-old judo teacher, have been included in King Charles III’s New Year’s Honours list, which annually recognizes individuals for their service and contributions to public life in the United Kingdom.
Idris Elba, famed for his roles in The Wire and as a U.S. president in A House of Dynamite, was awarded a knighthood in recognition of his work supporting young people. Alongside his wife Sabrina, Elba founded the Elba Hope Foundation, which focuses on tackling knife crime, improving education, and addressing poverty. Elba said he accepted the honor on behalf of the young people the charity supports, emphasizing the need for long-term, practical efforts to help steer youth away from violence.
Celebrated ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who captured Olympic gold at the 1984 Winter Games in Sarajevo, were also among the top recipients. Torvill was made a dame, while Dean received a knighthood.
Actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in Wicked, was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to music and drama. John Hearn, popularly known as “Judo Jack,” received a British Empire Medal after being recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest judo instructor.
Other notable honorees include author and comedian Richard Osman, creator of The Thursday Murder Club series, who was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE); former marathon world-record holder Paula Radcliffe, also awarded an OBE; and 101-year-old D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh, who received a British Empire Medal for his educational work on Holocaust remembrance and his wartime service.
Britain’s honors system dates back to medieval times, when monarchs rewarded loyalty and service with land, wealth, and titles. Today, it has evolved into a structured system of ceremonial awards granted by the monarch on the advice of the government.
Modern honors recognize achievements across a broad range of fields, including public service, academia, the arts, and sports. While high-profile figures often feature on the list, many recipients are everyday community contributors such as librarians, charity volunteers, and civil servants.
A total of 1,150 people were recognized in this year’s New Year’s Honours. The highest distinctions are knighthoods and damehoods, which allow recipients to use the titles “Sir” or “Dame.” Below these are the ranks of the Order of the British Empire—Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE)—with recipients entitled to use post-nominal letters.
Honours are announced twice annually, at New Year and on the monarch’s birthday, and are formally presented by the king or another senior royal at ceremonies held throughout the year.