Arabic version: نجم الرجبي والكتّاب يتلقون تكريمًا في أوسمة عيد ميلاد الملك
Rugby league star Kevin Sinfield has been knighted, while children’s authors Malorie Blackman and Julia Donaldson have been appointed dames in the King’s Birthday Honours. Sinfield is recognized not only for his achievements in sports but also for raising millions for charities tackling motor neurone disease (MND). According to BBC News, Sinfield’s fundraising efforts began following his teammate Rob Burrow’s MND diagnosis in 2019.
Blackman and Donaldson are celebrated for their significant contributions to literature, with Donaldson’s “The Gruffalo” and Blackman’s “Noughts & Crosses” both having received adaptations for the screen. Several members of the Lionesses, the women’s football team that won Euro 2025, have also been honored, including Chloe Kelly, who scored the penalty to win the tournament.
In the entertainment sector, animation pioneers Peter Lord and David Sproxton, founders of Aardman Animations, have been knighted for their work. Sir Don McCullin and Dame Helen Mirren have been made Companions of Honour, a prestigious recognition reserved for significant contributions to arts, science, and government.
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, expressed his gratitude to those receiving honors, highlighting their compassion and service to the community. He emphasized that the list reflects the kind, hopeful country we’re proud to be. Among the other honorees are sports figures like golfer Luke Donald and rugby player Emily Scarratt, who have also made significant contributions to their respective fields.
