Latest news with #NewYear'sHonours
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Joanna Lumley recalls tearful moment she received mystery letter from Buckingham Palace
The actress and campaigner was named a Dame in the New Year's Honours in 2022, the last list to be issued by the late Queen Elizabeth II before her death in September of that year. Joanna Lumley, a devoted royalist and tireless charity supporter, was over the moon when she was appointed an OBE in the 1995 New Year Honours List. However, when an "official-looking" letter arrived at Joanna 's doorstep seven years later, she was somewhat apprehensive. The Absolutely Fabulous actress confessed to Saga Magazine: "My heart sank because I thought it would say I'd been parking on the wrong side of the street. Then I opened it and was completely overwhelmed. I blubbed." She revealed that the letter, from Buckingham Palace, informed her she was to be made a Dame. Joanna added: "I was terribly moved. I don't think you should be rewarded for charity stuff - you do it because you love to help - but it was a big deal." Joanna remembers that the 2022 awards were the final New Year's Honours bestowed by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen passed away nine months later in September 2022 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, after celebrating her Platinum Jubilee marking her record-breaking 70-year reign. Joanna remarked: "She left so gracefully, remaining upright and swearing in Liz Truss as Prime Minister until the very last minute. We never saw her use a wheelchair, even though she was very frail. She was compos mentis, then she went to her bed and died." Joanna has penned a book titled 'A Queen for All Seasons: A Celebration of Our One and Only Queen Elizabeth II on Her Platinum Jubilee', which compiles anecdotes from individuals who had the privilege of meeting the late monarch during her long reign. In conversation with Jonathan Ross, she revealed that these stories were gathered "from all kinds of people from very grand statesmen people like Ban Ki-moon and Khrushchev and Winston Churchill, right down to little kids who saw her passing by in the street and were allowed to go and give their flowers." She highlighted one particular tale from Rob Halford, the lead vocalist of rock band Judas Priest: "He went to Buckingham Palace and heard the queen say 'heavy metal.' He said 'I never believed i'd hear The Queen say the words heavy metal.'" Speaking to Saga, Joanna also expressed her immense admiration for the King: "He was the most brilliant Prince of Wales we will ever see," she stated. Noting that the King held the title of Prince Of Wales for over 64 years, she emphasised that his cancer diagnosis hasn't hindered him from fulfilling his Royal duties: "He's exceptionally brave, because he really is ill, but practically nobody can keep up with him. "He packs so much into every day, he walks faster than anybody I've ever met - he's incredible." Joanna noted that during his time as Prince Of Wales, he experienced "a dark, dark time" when the media sided with Princess Diana against him: "So much mud was flung at the new Queen when she was Camilla Parker Bowles, but now she just goes about her job without any rancour. She's a golden, fabulous person."
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Danny Dyer shares real reason he'd turn down knighthood
EastEnders legend Danny Dyer has revealed he's planning on following in his 'hero" Harold Pinter's footsteps by turning down a knighthood if he's ever offered the accolade Former EastEnders star Danny Dyer has shared why he'd turn down a knighthood. The 47-year-old actor says that he was too "anti-establishment" for the title which are given to individuals by the monarch for a significant contribution to society. He told Radio Times that he'd follow in the footsteps of his "hero" Harold Pinter, who turned down a knighthood back in 1996. Nobel-winning playwright Pinter declined the honour of a knighthood offered to him on behalf of the late Queen Elizabeth II by former prime minister John Major, but later accepted the award of Companion of Honour in 2002. When asked if he'd ever been approached about appearing on the New Year 's Honours list, Danny explained: " Have I f! Harold was my hero and turned down a knighthood. "He was anti-establishment as well, so I don't think it's for me." Danny became a household name acting in EastEnders from 2013 to 2022 as fan favourite Mick Carter and has since gone on to star in Disney's hit series Rivals, Sky comedy show Mr. Bigstuff, and an upcoming Irish film Three Quick Breaths. It comes after Danny left his daughter Dani Dyer horrified with his honeymoon confession. During a recent episode of their podcast Live And Let Dyers, the Love Island winner opened up about her romantic getaway with new husband and West Ham star Jarrod Bowen, while proud dad Danny managed to overshare in true Dyer fashion. Back from her sun-soaked trip to Lake Como, Dani revealed the newlyweds were hit with gloomy weather but still made the most of their honeymoon bubble. 'The weather was terrible, it rained for three days but we were very lucky, because it always stopped raining when we went for lunch and for dinners and stuff," Dani told her dad on the pod. While the couple had hoped for some sunbathing time, Dani admitted they swapped tanning for telly, champagne and baths. She added: "We just could never sunbathe, and there's not really much to do there so, we just binged the whole series of MobLand. We ate and I'd just drink champagne and have loads of baths." However, it wasn't long before Danny spun the convo onto his honeymoon and things got very a little too honest. He said: "To be fair, you shouldn't really be getting out of bed a lot in your honeymoon because me and your mother ended up in Florence, and you know, we was appalling! "I mean, honestly, I look back on it and I think, 'f****** hell! How on Earth did I manage to get in those sorts of positions!." A shocked Dani responded saying: "Oh, you're disgusting!" before he hit back with: "What do you mean disgusting? There was two people sharing their love. Them days are long gone now!"
The Herald Scotland
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Beckham humbled by knighthood as King's Birthday Honours list released
Strictly Come Dancing presenting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have been made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), while there also honours for teenage darts star Luke Littler and his rival Luke Humphries as both are made MBEs. Actress and singer Elaine Paige and novelist Pat Barker have been given damehoods. Sir David, who has been in the running for a knighthood for more than a decade, said in a statement to the PA news agency: 'Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. 'To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career, and literally a boyhood dream come true.' He had been on the verge of receiving a knighthood in the 2014 New Year's Honours list but HM Revenue and Customs placed a red flag on his nomination due to his involvement in an alleged tax avoidance scheme, according to previous reports. In 2021 it was reported that his finances had been cleared and he was eligible for a knighthood. The day before Sir David was given the honour, he was seen chatting with the King at a St James's Palace ceremony for the monarch's foundation, of which the retired footballer is an ambassador. The King speaks to, from left, Penny Lancaster, David Beckham and Meryl Streep during the King's Foundation Awards ceremony (Chris Ratcliffe/PA) He has been made a knight for his services to sport and to charity, having partnered with Unicef and campaigned with Malaria No More, a charity working to eradicate the disease. Sir David, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday, said: 'Off the pitch I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation. 'I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I'm grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment. 'It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I'm immensely proud and it's such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.' Sir Roger, who co-founded The Who in 1964, has been recognised for services to charity and music, having been a patron of Teenage Cancer Trust since 2000. He told PA: 'It's strange, it's an experience that I've never had before, I'm very humbled by it.' The 81-year-old led the Teenage Cancer Trust at Royal Albert Hall concert series for more than two decades. 'It's kind of weird, but I am deeply honoured to get this, especially for the charity for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and I accept it on their behalf really, because this honour is really for all unsung heroes,' Sir Roger said. 'It's a dream come true for me, but it's especially a dream because the charity means so much.' Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have been made MBEs, which Daly said was the 'greatest surprise of my life' (Ian West/PA) Daly, 56, who has co-presented Strictly since 2004, and Winkleman, 53, who fronts the hit reality TV show The Traitors, have been honoured for their services to broadcasting. 'This genuinely came as the greatest surprise of my life,' Daly told PA. 'I don't think I've come back down to earth yet. I didn't see it coming, and it almost didn't happen because the letter went to the wrong address. 'And thank goodness someone very kind found me. And so by the time I got it, I only had, I think it was two or three days left to accept it.' Winkleman said she was 'incredibly grateful' to receive the honour, adding: 'I will buy a hat and am taking my mum. I am ridiculously lucky and will celebrate with Tess by doing a paso doble.' Dame Elaine, 77, was also honoured for her services to charity and music. She told PA of her 'shock' at being made a dame. 'It's all very exciting,' the West End legend said. 'I've got all these different emotions coming at me all at once. I'm proud and I feel grateful and I'm thrilled and surprised, and so it's been quite a lot to take in.' Elaine Paige said receiving a damehood was 'very exciting' (Ian West/PA) Dame Elaine has presented her BBC Radio 2 show for more than 20 years and has senior roles at two charities – The Children's Trust, a charity for youngsters with acquired brain injury and The Dan Maskell Tennis Trust, which supports disabled tennis players. Meanwhile, Sir Gary, 67, who played Harry Potter's godfather Sirius Black in several of the movies in the fantasy franchise, was recognised for his services to drama. The Hollywood star won an Oscar for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the 2017 film Darkest Hour. The top gong goes to Sir Antony Gormley, the sculptor behind the Angel of the North, who is made Companion of Honour for services to art. There are only 65 Companions of Honour at any one time. More than 1,200 people from across the UK received honours in the latest list. Political figures named include Penny Mordaunt, who is made a dame. The former defence secretary said: 'It is lovely to be appreciated in this way, and I'm very conscious that everything I have ever got done has been with the help and efforts of others.' Sir Roger Daltrey said he is 'very humbled' over the honour (James Manning/PA) Stars of the big and small screen who have been recognised include EastEnders actress Anita Dobson, Academy Award-nominated actress Samantha Morton and Georgia Harrison, a Love Island contestant turned campaigner. Dobson, 76, and Morton, 48, have been made Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Best known for playing pub landlady Angie Watts in EastEnders, Dobson has been recognised for philanthropy after years of being patron of charity Thames Hospice. An MBE for Harrison marks another achievement in the year her ITV documentary Georgia Harrison: Porn, Power, Profit came out. She is recognised for services to tackling online privacy after she waived her right to anonymity to campaign following the conviction of her former partner Celebrity Big Brother winner Stephen Bear, who shared a private film of them having sex. The TV presenter told PA: 'It means the world to have this kind of recognition, not just for me, but for all the survivors who've been through what I have.' Tracy-Ann Oberman, who has also been in EastEnders, and played Auntie Val in Channel 4 sitcom Friday Night Dinner, has been made an MBE for services to Holocaust education and combating antisemitism. Obermann, 58, said: 'This recognition is deeply meaningful and I'm grateful to all who have supported this journey'. Anita Dobson has been made an OBE for her work with charities (Ian West/PA) The oldest person on the list is 106-year-old William Irwin. A veteran and the founder of Coleraine Winemakers Club, Mr Irwin was recognised for his services to the community with a BEM. The youngest recipient, 11-year-old disability campaigner Carmela Chillery-Watson, has been made an MBE for her charity work. Carmela, who has LMNA congenital muscular dystrophy, has become the youngest ever MBE for her fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK, for which she has helped raise more than £400,000. Carmela Chillery-Watson, aged 11, is the youngest ever MBE (Lucy Chillery-Watson/PA) In what is thought to be a first for the honours, three members of the same family have been named in the same list. Jenna, her mother Caroline and her father Duncan Speirs have each been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM). The trio founded children's cancer charity Calum's Cabin after Jenna's twin brother Calum died of an inoperable brain tumour aged 12. Campaigners who have fought to tackle the rise of knife crime in the country have also been recognised for their work. Pooja Kanda, whose 16-year-old son was murdered with a ninja sword yards away from his Wolverhampton home has become an OBE, while Alison Madgin, the mother of 18-year-old Samantha Madgin, who was knifed to death in Wallsend, is made an MBE alongside her daughter Carly Barrett. Women make up 48% of those honoured, with 11% of recipients are from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Glasgow Times
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
David Beckham knighted in King's Birthday Honours
The former England football captain said he "never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour". Sir David, who was made an OBE in 2003, receives a knighthood alongside actor Gary Oldman and The Who singer Roger Daltrey. Actress and singer Elaine Paige and novelist Pat Barker have been given damehoods. David and Victoria Beckham at King Charles III's Gloucestershire estate, Highgrove House, Tetbury, Gloucestershire. (Image: Finnbarr Webster/PA) Sir David, who has been in the running for a knighthood for more than a decade, said in a statement to the PA news agency: "Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. He had been on the verge of receiving a knighthood in the 2014 New Year's Honours list but HM Revenue and Customs placed a red flag on his nomination due to his involvement in an alleged tax avoidance scheme, according to previous reports. In 2021 it was reported that his finances had been cleared and he was eligible for a knighthood. ile photo dated 21-04-1999 of Manchester United's David Beckham and Gary Neville celebrate at the end of the game. (Image: PA) The day before Sir David was given the honour, he was seen chatting with the King at a St James's Palace ceremony for the monarch's foundation, of which the retired footballer is an ambassador. He has been made a knight for his services to sport and to charity, having partnered with Unicef and campaigned with Malaria No More, a charity working to eradicate the disease. Sir David, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday, said: "Off the pitch I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation. 'I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I'm grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment. 'It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I'm immensely proud and it's such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.' The Who singer Roger Daltrey, patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust, who has been made a Knight Bachelor in the King's Birthday Honours list, for services to Charity and to Music (Image: PA) Sir Roger, who co-founded The Who in 1964, has been recognised for services to charity and music, having been a patron of Teenage Cancer Trust since 2000. He said: "It's strange, it's an experience that I've never had before, I'm very humbled by it." The 81-year-old led the Teenage Cancer Trust at Royal Albert Hall concert series for more than two decades. He continued: "It's kind of weird, but I am deeply honoured to get this, especially for the charity for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and I accept it on their behalf really, because this honour is really for all unsung heroes. "It's a dream come true for me, but it's especially a dream because the charity means so much." File photo dated 26/05/22 of singer and actress Elaine Paige who has been made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the King's Birthday Honours list, for services to Music and to Charity (Image: PA) Dame Elaine, 77, was also honoured for her services to charity and music. She told PA of her "shock" at being made a dame. "It's all very exciting," the West End legend said. "I've got all these different emotions coming at me all at once. I'm proud and I feel grateful and I'm thrilled and surprised, and so it's been quite a lot to take in." Dame Elaine has presented her BBC Radio 2 show for more than 20 years and has senior roles at two charities – The Children's Trust, a charity for youngsters with acquired brain injury and The Dan Maskell Tennis Trust, which supports disabled tennis players. File photo dated 04/03/18 of Gary Oldman with his Best Actor Oscar for Darkest Hour in the press room at the 90th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Gary Oldman has been made a Knight Bachelor in the King's Birthday Honours list, for services to Drama. (Image: PA) Meanwhile, Sir Gary, 67, who played Harry Potter's godfather Sirius Black in several of the movies in the fantasy franchise, was recognised for his services to drama. The Hollywood star won an Oscar for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the 2017 film Darkest Hour.
Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
David Beckham's heartbreaking comment as he accepts honour amid family feud
He is now Sir David Beckham and feels "humbled" by new honour but sadly his life is not completely perfect Emotional former England football captain David Beckham said it was a "humbling honour" after being knighted in the King's Birthday Honours. Sir David, who was made an OBE in 2003 and has been in the running for a knighthood for more than a decade, said in a statement to the Mirror: "Growing up in East London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true. Off the pitch I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation. "I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I'm grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment. It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I'm immensely proud and it's such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.' The mention of his family is a particularly poignant one at the moment. Beckham's son Brooklyn has not been speaking to him or wife Victoria for some months. Messages of congratulations will follow from family and friends for Beckham, but it remains to be seen if there will be one from the son he calls 'Buster'. Beckham had been on the verge of receiving a knighthood in the 2014 New Year's Honours list but HM Revenue and Customs placed a red flag on his nomination due to his involvement in an alleged tax avoidance scheme, according to previous reports. In 2021 it was reported that his finances had been cleared and he was eligible for a knighthood. The day before Sir David was given the honour, he was seen chatting with the King at a St James's Palace ceremony for the monarch's foundation, of which the retired footballer is an ambassador. He has always be a huge supporter of the royal family and there was no finer example of this as when in September 2022 he queued for 12 hours to see Elizabeth II lying in state and described it as 'special to be here'. He has been made a knight for his services to sport and to charity, having partnered with Unicef and campaigned with Malaria No More, a charity working to eradicate the disease. Sir David, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday, was presented with an OBE by the Queen in 2003 for his services to football. In 2022 he recalled: "To receive my OBE, I took my grandparents with me - who were the ones that really brought me up to be a huge royalist and a fan of the Royal Family - and obviously I had my wife there as well. "To step up, to get my honour - but then also Her Majesty, to ask questions, to talk. I was so lucky that I was able to have a few moments like that in my life, to be around Her Majesty. "Because we can all see with the love that has been shown how special she is and how special she was and the legacy that she leaves behind. It's a sad day, but it's a day for us to remember the incredible legacy that she's left. "Every time that we stood there when we wore those Three Lion shirts and I had my armband and we sang God Save The Queen, that was something that meant so much to us. "Every time that we did it, it was something special.' Beckham will not have much time to celebrate this weekend as sources close to the star confirmed he would be watching his team Inter Miami play the opening game of the Club World Cup. But at some point he will presumably allow himself a moment to think how far he has come. Born in Leytonstone, east London, Beckham had a trial at local team Leyton Orient and also attended Tottenham's school of excellence - but his father Ted, a staunch Manchester United fan, remained determined he would go on to play at Old Trafford. After coming through the club's academy as part of the famed 'Class of 92', Beckham announced himself to the Premier League on the opening day of the 1996-97 season with a memorable goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon. While there were plenty of doubters as to what he could go on to achieve, Beckham answered them and more - claiming six Premier League titles and two FA Cups with Sir Alex Ferguson's all-conquering side as well as a dramatic 1999 Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp. International success, however, proved elusive for Beckham as England's so-called 'golden generation' repeatedly came up short. In a Netflix documentary series, released during October 2023, Beckham revealed he still cannot forgive himself for the abuse his family suffered amid the fallout from his red card at the 1998 World Cup for kicking the back of Diego Simeone's leg during the last-16 clash against Argentina in Saint-Etienne - which left him a "mess". By the time Beckham retired at 38 he was already thinking about life after football dand he became a co-owner of the Inter Miami franchise - with the club entering Major League Soccer for the 2020 campaign and now boasting Lionel Messi on the teamsheet. A multi-million-pound lifetime deal with Adidas, signed in 2003, had secured his financial future away from the game. Other lucrative, high-profile endorsements down the years have ranged from fashion designers Calvin Klein, Armani and Hugo Boss to tech giants Samsung, Haig Club whisky and Stella Artois as well as kitchen appliance manufacturer Ninja. Beckham, who was made an OBE for services to football in 2003, has long been involved with children's charity UNICEF, and is a co-owner of film production company Studio 99. In 2024, Beckham was appointed Ambassador for The King's Foundation which works globally to create sustainable communities through placemaking projects and also transform lives through practical education programmes.
