On Saturday, June 14, 2025, the King’s Birthday Honors list celebrated an extraordinary array of British talent and dedication, with former England soccer captain David Beckham, Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman, and The Who’s legendary frontman Roger Daltrey receiving knighthoods. This annual tradition, marking King Charles III’s official birthday, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to British culture, public service, and charity.
Roger Daltrey, aged 81, was knighted not only for his iconic role in music as the lead singer of The Who but also for his tireless charity work. Since 2000, Daltrey has been a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity that has raised over $50 million across the Atlantic to support young cancer patients. His dedication culminated in organizing and leading the charity’s concert series at London’s Royal Albert Hall for more than two decades. Upon receiving his knighthood, Daltrey expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “It’s a dream come true for me, but it’s especially a dream because the charity means so much.” He also acknowledged the many individuals behind the scenes, saying, “I accept this award not only for myself but on behalf of all the unsung heroes who have given their energy towards making the Teenage Cancer Trust the success it has become.” The Who band also praised him as “a true inspiration,” saluting his impact on both music and philanthropy.
David Beckham, 50, was knighted for his outstanding services to sport and charity. Beckham’s football career is storied: starting as a trainee at Manchester United in 1993, he made nearly 400 appearances for the club, securing numerous titles and cups. He later played for Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, and AC Milan, and captained England 58 times with a total of 115 international appearances. Beyond the pitch, Beckham has been a committed humanitarian, partnering with UNICEF for over two decades and campaigning to eradicate malaria. He also played a pivotal role in London securing the 2012 Summer Olympics. Reflecting on his honor, Beckham shared, “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 honor.” His knighthood marks a recognition of both his sporting excellence and his extensive charitable work.
Gary Oldman, 67, renowned for his transformative acting career, was also knighted for his services to drama. A former member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Oldman has captivated audiences on stage and screen. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the 2017 film Darkest Hour and has appeared in major franchises such as the Dark Knight Trilogy and the Harry Potter series. More recently, he starred in the Apple TV+ spy thriller Slow Horses. Oldman’s knighthood celebrates his decades of artistic achievements and contributions to British theatre and cinema.
The honors list also included damehoods for prominent figures such as musical theatre star Elaine Paige, Booker Prize-winning novelist Pat Barker, and former Conservative government minister Penny Mordaunt. Paige, 77, was recognized for her services to music and charity, having held senior roles in organizations supporting young people with brain injuries and disabled tennis players. She described the recognition as an emotional experience, saying, “I’m proud and I feel grateful and I’m thrilled and surprised, and so it’s been quite a lot to take in.” Barker, 82, famed for her Regeneration Trilogy, humorously recalled her initial disbelief upon receiving the news, mistaking the letter for a tax demand. Mordaunt, 52, who gained widespread attention for her role bearing the Sword of State during King Charles’s 2023 coronation, expressed that it was “lovely to be appreciated in this way” following her departure from Parliament.
In the arts, sculptor Antony Gormley, who was knighted in 2014, was elevated to the prestigious rank of Companion of Honour. This elite group, limited to 65 members at any time, recognizes individuals who have made major, long-lasting contributions to the arts, science, medicine, or government. Gormley joins luminaries such as Sir David Attenborough and Margaret Atwood in this distinguished company.
The King’s Birthday Honors list is notable for its breadth, celebrating not only celebrities but also ordinary citizens who have made remarkable impacts in their communities. Over 1,200 people were recognized this year, with women comprising 48 percent of recipients and 11 percent representing ethnic minority backgrounds. The oldest honoree was 106-year-old World War II veteran William Irwin, who received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for community service. On the other end of the spectrum, the youngest recipient was 11-year-old Carmela Chillery-Watson, who was awarded an MBE for her disability activism and fundraising efforts for Muscular Dystrophy UK, making her the youngest-ever recipient of the honor.
In a rare family achievement, three members of the same family—Jenna Speirs, her mother Caroline, and father Duncan—each received a British Empire Medal for founding Calum’s Cabin, a children’s cancer charity inspired by the loss of Jenna’s twin brother to an inoperable brain tumor. Their collective recognition underscores the profound impact grassroots charity work can have.
The honors also shone a spotlight on those combating social issues, particularly knife crime. Pooja Kanda, whose 16-year-old son was murdered with a ninja sword, was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Alison Madgin and her daughter Carly Barrett, whose 18-year-old daughter Samantha was also a victim of knife crime, were both awarded MBEs for their advocacy and community efforts.
King Charles III’s official birthday celebrations culminated in the traditional “Trooping the Colour” military parade in London on June 14, 2025, bringing together the pomp and ceremony that accompany the announcement of these honors. While the king’s actual birthday falls on November 14, the June festivities serve as a moment to recognize the achievements and dedication of citizens across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
This year’s honors list not only highlights the cultural and charitable contributions of well-known figures like Beckham, Oldman, and Daltrey but also pays tribute to the quiet heroes whose work in their communities often goes unnoticed. It’s a reminder of the diverse ways people enrich British life, whether through art, sport, public service, or personal sacrifice. As Sir Roger Daltrey aptly put it, his knighthood is as much a tribute to the “unsung heroes” as it is to himself, embodying the spirit of collective effort and dedication that these honors seek to celebrate.
