Tennis sensation Emma Raducanu, Covid-countering scientist Chris Whitty and retiring Bond Daniel Craig are some of the big names featured in an eclectic New Year Honours list.
Here are some of the recipients.
Scientists and politicians
England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and deputy Jonathan Van-Tam have been given knighthoods.
There are also damehoods for UK Health Security Agency chief Dr Jenny Harries, and Dr June Raine, chief executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
The Government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, who was originally knighted in the 2019 New Year Honours list, is elevated to a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.
The Queen has knighted former prime minister Tony Blair.
The longest-serving Labour PM said it was an “immense honour” to have been made a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the oldest and most senior British Order of Chivalry, to which appointments are in the Queen’s gift without advice from the government.
Former Labour MP Frank Field, now a crossbench peer, has been made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for his public and political service.
Sports stars
Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic heroes from Tokyo dominate the New Year Honours list, with cycling golden couple Jason and Laura Kenny receiving a knighthood and damehood respectively.
Gold medallists Hannah Cockroft, Tom Daley, Adam Peaty and Max Whitlock were among the other star names from the summer to be recognised with OBEs, while US Open tennis champion Emma Raducanu has been made an MBE.
Steve Holland, the assistant manager of the England men’s football team, has been awarded an MBE in recognition of helping the side to the final of Euro 2020, their first major final appearance in 55 years.
Entertainment
In entertainment, Daniel Craig has been given a special diplomatic honour after his final outing as James Bond in No Time To Die.
The departing 007 is made a companion of the Order of St Michael and St George – which is styled CMG and was also conferred on the fictional spy in the film series and Ian Fleming’s books.
Actresses Joanna Lumley and Vanessa Redgrave are to be made dames, while James Bond franchise producer Barbara Broccoli will be made a CBE.
Diversity member Ashley Banjo, former Spice Girl Mel B and comedian Adam Hills are all to be made an MBE.