Post Office activist Alan Bates, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and artist Tracey Emin are among the famous faces recognized for their outstanding contribution to society in the King's birthday honors list.
The highest award went to Mr Brown, who was made a Companion of Honour, while Mr Bates was knighted in recognition of his work highlighting the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, an honor he learned about while observing former Postmaster General Paula Vennells to give evidence at the ongoing investigation.
Emin, actress Imelda Staunton and fashion accessories designer Anya Hindmarch were named ladies in the list, while writer Armando Iannucci was appointed CBE and cyclist Mark Cavendish was knighted.
Singer Rebecca Ferguson, Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon, CountdownSusie Dent and Strictly come danceAmy Dowden was among the showbiz names to receive the MBE.
In the world of sport, former cyclist Chris Boardman and former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness were appointed CBE, while former England footballer Karen Carney was appointed OBE.
Special honors are given to people who make an outstanding contribution to their community and country, with 1,077 people from across the UK recognized in Friday's list.
Sir Alan, founder of the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, played by Toby Jones in an ITV drama about the scandal, said he was “honoured” to receive a knighthood.
The former deputy postmaster, who previously turned down an OBE, said: “The time I was asked about the OBE… I felt it would have been quite offensive to many members of the group if I had accepted it.
“But I do know that I have received hundreds of emails and letters of support over the years, and many people seem to think that I should receive some kind of recognition for the work I have done for them or on their behalf.
“I know I'm on the receiving end of this and everything else, but it's also on behalf of the group and in recognition of the horrendous things that have happened to them, and the story isn't over yet.”
Sir Alan said many people “are still suffering” and campaigners would return to court if necessary, adding: “If we need to raise funds to do something like this, I'm sure the nation will support us. “
Former Labor leader Brown said he felt “a little embarrassed” to have been made a Companion of Honour, an honor which is limited to just 65 people at a time, adding that he preferred to recognize “unsung local heroes”.
Dame Tracey, known for her autobiographical and confessional artworks, said: “'Dame Tracey' sounds good. I am very very happy. Another brilliant surprise in my life.”
The crown Actress Dame Imelda said she was “delighted” to be made a dame for her services to theater and charity. She said: “I feel truly honored to be recognized at the same level as the incredible actresses, all the great ladies, who have paved the way for so many of us.”
Sprint cycling star Sir Mark, 39, who is on the overseas list due to his Isle of Man address, said he felt “really honoured” to be knighted.
He said: “It has always been the greatest privilege to represent my country, and watching cycling – as a sport, hobby and means of transport to which I have given my life – grow in Britain over the course of my career has given me joy. and pride beyond words.”
The thick of this Creator Iannucci said he is “proud” to work in the British film and television industry.
He added: “It is the best in the world, but, curiously, I have been spending more and more energy defending our public service television from attacks on its independence and funding. I will take this award as a sign to move forward.”
Professional dancer Dowden, who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of 19, said being made an MBE for raising awareness of inflammatory bowel disease is “beyond my wildest dreams”.
Crohn's and Colitis UK ambassador Dowden said: “I accept this on behalf of all those living with Crohn's disease and will continue to campaign to raise awareness and research about this terrible chronic disease.”
The lexicographer Dent, who appears in Countdown's Dictionary Corner, said it would celebrate his honor “on behalf of word lovers everywhere.” He added: “I will do everything I can to keep spreading the word, literally.”
Duran Duran singer Le Bon said being appointed MBE was “incredible” and “totally unexpected”. He added: “These past few years have been some of the most important in Duran Duran's career, and this is a brilliant but humbling highlight as our journey continues.”
Choreographer Wayne McGregor, composer John Rutter and historian Niall Ferguson were also knighted on the list.
The Royal Ballet's resident choreographer Sir Wayne said it was an “incredible honour” and choral music composer Sir John said he “never dreamed” that music would “bring me the honor of being knighted”.
London Stock Exchange chief executive Julia Hoggett was made a dame, and financier Bill Browder received a knighthood for his work on human rights and anti-corruption as head of the Magnitsky Campaign for Global Justice .
Revenue and Customs Executive Director Jim Harra was also named a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, which recognizes the work of senior military officials and public servants.
The youngest winner on the list was Shamza Butt, 20, who received a British Empire Medal for her work on the National Citizen Service voluntary development program for young people.
Harold Jones was the oldest recipient, at 100 years old. He received a British Empire Medal for his fundraising for motor neurone disease charities in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands.
Prize organizers said 64 per cent of winners were people who demonstrated “outstanding work” in their communities, whether on a voluntary or paid basis, adding that 66 per cent of winners lived outside London and the southeast.
Of the 1,077 people honored on the 2024 list, 509 were women (representing 48 percent of the total) and 10 percent of all successful candidates were from ethnic minorities.
At CBE level and above, 40 per cent of recipients were women.
