Idris Elba knighted in UK New Year honours list

Actor Idris Elba and several players from England’s women’s football and rugby teams are among more than a thousand Britons who received honours from King Charles III, AFP reports.

This annual New Year honours list “celebrates the best of Britain: people who put the public interest above themselves” and manage to “change lives,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

Idris Elba, the 53-year-old actor known for Luther and The Wire, was knighted, the highest rank, in recognition of his work benefiting young people in the UK.

Elba founded the Elba Hope foundation and campaigns against knife violence among teenagers, a problem causing dozens of deaths each year in the UK. He also dedicated a documentary to this cause.

In sports, several “Lionesses,” players from England’s women’s football team, were honoured following their Euro 2025 victory in July against Spain.

Team captain Leah Williamson received the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), while Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, and Ella Toone were named Members of the Order (MBE).

Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman, who led England to two Euro victories in 2022 and 2025, received the honorary title of Dame due to her nationality.

England’s women’s rugby team, the “Red Roses,” who won the World Cup in September against Canada, also received honours. Zoe Aldcroft, Marlie Packer, and coach John Mitchell were named Officers of the Order (OBE), while Ellie Kildunne, Sadia Kabeya, and Megan Jones became Members (MBE).

Legendary ice dance duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, multiple medal winners including Olympic gold in 1984 in Sarajevo, were named Dame and Knight, respectively. The pair, who became the faces of Dancing on Ice, retired this year after a final tour.

As reported by CE Report, Paula Radcliffe, three-time London Marathon winner and former women’s marathon world record holder for 16 years, was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

In total, 1,157 people are on the 2026 honours list, according to the government.