As the nation celebrated the King’s Birthday Honours List of 2025, a diverse group of remarkable individuals across the United Kingdom were recognised for their extraordinary contributions to society, spanning public service, defence, health, community work, and the arts. This year’s list, comprising 1,215 recipients, highlights not only longstanding dedication but also groundbreaking achievements in various fields, underscoring the spirit of commitment that resonates throughout the country.
Among those honoured are dedicated members of Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), whose tireless efforts underpin the operational readiness of the UK Armed Forces. Rear Admiral Steven McCarthy was awarded the Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) for his services to Defence and the Royal Navy, reflecting his pivotal role in maritime operations. Commodore Philip Game received the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to Defence and the Royal Navy, while Captain Pollyanna Hatchard was recognised with an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her work in Air Rotary Wing and Uncrewed Air Systems. Other DE&S honourees include Wayne Bantick (OBE), Commander Daniel Glover (MBE), and Warrant Officer Class 1 Robert Collins (Meritorious Service Medal), each acknowledged for their commitment across various domains such as logistics, commissioning, and land support.
Lt Gen Simon Hamilton, Deputy CEO of DE&S, expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishments, stating, “Every day our colleagues across DE&S are carrying out work that makes me proud to be a part of this organisation. In today’s uncertain world, where we see threats rising across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, it couldn’t be more important for the UK to have a defence enterprise that it can rely on to move with agility, innovation and speed, and deliver battle-winning capabilities to those that need it.”
In Scotland, the honours spotlighted a range of public servants and community champions. Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP, a trailblazer as the first permanent wheelchair user elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2021, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her public and political service. Reflecting on the award, Duncan-Glancy shared, “I’m over the moon. It’s for services to community, disability, equality and politics – things I am really really passionate about – which is lovely.” She highlighted the ongoing challenges disabled people face in engaging with politics, emphasizing the need for greater support to ensure inclusive representation.
John and Lorna Norgrove were both honoured with OBEs for their humanitarian work through the Linda Norgrove Foundation, named in memory of their daughter who tragically died following a Taliban kidnapping. Their foundation recently collaborated with Scottish and UK governments to enable 19 female Afghan medical students to continue their education in Scotland, defying Taliban-imposed restrictions. The couple dedicated their award “to all those brave women who remain in Afghanistan, or who have made the decision to leave their homes and families behind to move abroad and continue their studies and careers.”
Leadership in finance and hospitality was also recognised. Nationwide CEO Debbie Crosbie, the only woman heading a "big six" UK bank, received a damehood for her services to financial services. Crosbie, who grew up in Glasgow, expressed pride in breaking barriers and encouraging others to look beyond gender in their professional aspirations. Meanwhile, Roisin Currie, chief executive of Greggs, was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to hospitality, having risen through the ranks since joining the bakery chain in 2010.
Community and voluntary service were exemplified by individuals such as Zahrah Mahmood, known as the Hillwalking Hijabi, who received an MBE for her work making the outdoors accessible to ethnic minorities through Ramblers Scotland. Additionally, Charles Pelling, manager of the Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, was honoured with an OBE for his services to veterans, while recently retired Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie received the King’s Police Medal (KPM) for his distinguished policing career.
In England, Jane Horton, a retired Finance Planning and Analysis Manager from British Transport Police (BTP), was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her 30 years of service. Her financial acumen was instrumental in securing additional policing resources for the launch of the Elizabeth line in 2022, a strategy now standard for large-scale events. Even in retirement, Horton continues to volunteer, supporting police dog training and participating in major incident scenario planning. Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi praised her enduring dedication, noting, “Jane’s contribution to BTP cannot be overstated.”
The Cambridgeshire region saw numerous distinguished honourees as well. Professor Timothy Cole was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his outstanding work in medical statistics, particularly in child growth assessment. Philip Colligan, CEO of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, also received a CBE for services to engineering and technology, overseeing a foundation that has revolutionised computing education globally. Professor Gordon Dougan was recognised for his services to vaccines and global health, while Professor Emily Shuckburgh received a CBE for her leadership in climate science and public communication, notably directing Cambridge Zero.
Other notable Cambridgeshire recipients include Angela Dixon (MBE) for music education and performing arts leadership at Saffron Hall, Susan Raven (MBE) for her dedication to children with social, emotional and mental health needs, and Mona Shah (MBE) for championing training and employment opportunities for young people with autism through her chocolate business, Harry Specters.
Sporting and community service were also celebrated, with Mujahid Khan receiving a British Empire Medal (BEM) for nearly five decades of dedication to Tang Soo Do martial arts, inspiring generations across the UK and Europe. Barbara Page and Linda Taylor were honoured for their services to women and gymnastics, respectively.
On the mental health front, Professor Sir Simon Wessely was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE), the highest accolade in the honours list, recognising his transformative contributions to psychiatry. With a career spanning over 35 years at King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Sir Simon is hailed as “the pre-eminent psychiatrist of his generation in the UK.” His pioneering research in military health, leadership roles including presidency of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and his guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic underscore a legacy of academic excellence and public service.
Community volunteerism was exemplified by Andy Buttery, a retired firefighter who received a British Empire Medal for his work maintaining a network of over 600 retired fire service personnel. His “Living Well” wellbeing group combats isolation among retirees through social activities and health initiatives. Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber lauded Buttery’s commitment, emphasizing the importance of sustaining camaraderie beyond active service.
Nationally, the honours list also celebrated cultural icons such as former England footballer David Beckham and The Who frontman Roger Daltrey, who were knighted, and West End performer Elaine Paige, who received a Damehood for services to music and charity. Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the list as “a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and service that exists in every corner of our country.”
The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025 thus paints a vivid portrait of a nation enriched by individuals whose passion, resilience, and innovation continue to shape public life. From the halls of academia and the frontlines of defence to the heart of communities and the arts, these honourees embody the values of service and excellence that the UK holds dear.
