The United Kingdom’s New Year Honours List for 2026, released on December 29, 2025, has once again cast a spotlight on the country’s unsung heroes, household names, and tireless community champions. From war veterans to pop icons, civil servants to athletes, the annual roll call of honourees reflects a tapestry of service, achievement, and quiet dedication that, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer put it, "celebrates the very best of Britain – people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives."
Perhaps one of the most poignant stories this year is that of Bernard Morgan, a D-Day veteran from Crewe, Cheshire, who has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to volunteering and history. Morgan, who will turn 102 in February 2026, joined the war effort on his 18th birthday and landed on Gold Beach in Normandy in 1944, driving a Bedford truck carrying a cypher machine. According to BBC, Morgan later worked in an intelligence unit in Germany in May 1945 and was involved in code-breaking—an experience he has since shared with countless schoolchildren, cadet groups, and museum visitors.
"I feel very fortunate to have been selected," Morgan told BBC, reflecting on his new honour. He’s no stranger to recognition, having previously received several military medals, including the Légion d'Honneur from France. Yet, the MBE stands out for Morgan, who added: "I always tell them the heroes from the war are the men and women in the Navy, the Army and the Air Force who gave their lives for the freedom that we have today." His son-in-law Tony expressed the family’s pride, noting, "It's something we've always felt he deserves – not just for landing on D-Day and going through the war, but all the hours he's put in, in recent years. The younger generation find it interesting – and fascinating to get such a firsthand account that he's able to give them."
Morgan’s story is just one among many in a list that spans the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, encompassing a dizzying array of fields. Eleven Cheshire residents were recognized this year, including leaders in health, education, bioscience, sport, and construction. Mrs Kathrine Helen Cowell, chair of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to the NHS, while Dr Jonathan Hague, Professor Martin Humphries, and Mrs Linda Jones were named Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for their contributions to research, innovation, bioscience, and education.
Across the Irish Sea, the New Year Honours List for Northern Ireland was equally diverse. Jonathan McNee, a Senior Marine Officer with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his voluntary service to military aviation archaeology. The list, published by Farming Life, also included Mr. Colum Boyle, Permanent Secretary of the Department for Communities, as a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB), and Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, as a CBE for services to higher education and public service.
Other recipients in Northern Ireland were recognized for their work in charity, health, the environment, construction, and community service. From Mrs Annette Elizabeth Beaney’s charitable service to Mr William Desmond Scott’s contributions to the construction industry, the awards highlight the breadth of service across the region. Medals were also given for public service, tackling loneliness, local government, dance, community safety, and more, underscoring the Honours’ commitment to celebrating local impact as well as national achievement.
This year’s list was also notable for its inclusion of celebrated figures from arts, sports, and entertainment. Actor Idris Elba was knighted for his services to young people, while ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean received Dame and Sir titles, respectively, for their contributions to ice skating and voluntary service. The entertainment world saw nods to Warwick Davis, Meera Syal, Sally Lindsay, Ellie Goulding, Richard Osman, Bill Bailey, and Roy Clarke, reflecting the Honours’ tradition of recognizing cultural influence as well as public service.
Sports stars were not left out, with multiple members of England’s Lionesses and Red Roses being awarded following their victories in the Women’s Euros and Women’s Rugby World Cup. Their achievements, as reported by The Mirror, serve as a testament to the growing recognition of women’s sport in the UK and the impact these athletes have had both on and off the field.
But how, exactly, does someone make it onto this storied list? As explained by The Mirror, the Honours List is issued twice a year—once at New Year and again for the King’s official birthday. Nominations can come from government departments or members of the public, and are reviewed by committees of independent experts and senior civil servants. The King, currently Charles III, then informally approves the list, after which nominees are contacted and given the choice to accept their proposed honour. Non-British or Commonwealth citizens can also be considered for 'honorary' awards.
The Honours themselves are organized into several ranks and orders. The most senior ranks of the Order of the British Empire are Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GBE) and Knight or Dame Commander (KBE/DBE), which carry the titles "Sir" or "Dame." Other ranks include Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE), each representing varying levels of achievement and service. The British Empire Medal (BEM) recognizes local community service that has made a significant difference, while other honours—such as the Royal Victorian Order, the Order of the Bath, and the Order of St Michael and St George—are awarded for specific types of service to the nation or the monarchy.
Prime Minister Starmer’s remarks captured the spirit of the occasion: "Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you – and congratulations to everyone recognised today." It’s a sentiment echoed in the stories of recipients like Bernard Morgan, whose century-long life has been marked by courage, service, and a commitment to sharing the lessons of history with the next generation.
The 2026 New Year Honours List, in all its variety, serves as both recognition and reminder: that greatness often lies not in the headlines, but in the steady, sustained efforts of individuals who give their time, energy, and passion to improving the lives of others. Whether on the beaches of Normandy, the ice rinks of Britain, the wards of the NHS, or the heart of a local community, their stories inspire—and deserve to be told.
