King Charles Honors Helen Mirren With Special Appointment

WHO:

ABC News - Helen Mirren, King Charles III, David Attenborough, Margaret Atwood, Gordon Brown, Julia Donaldson, Kevin Sinfield, Luke Donald, Chloe Kelly, Tony Iommi, Cerys Matthews, Debbie Lewis

WHAT:

AP News - Helen Mirren was appointed as a “Companion of Honour” by King Charles III for her “major contribution” to British life.

AP News - Nearly 1,200 people received honors in the king’s 2026 birthday list.

AP News - Kevin Sinfield was knighted for his rugby league career and fundraising efforts, having raised over 11 million pounds ($15 million).

AP News - Chloe Kelly became a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for scoring the winning penalty for England’s women’s soccer team in Euro 2025.

WHERE:

AP News - The honors were awarded in the United Kingdom.

WHEN:

AP News - The honors are awarded twice a year, once at New Year’s and then in June, to mark the king’s birthday.

AP News - A new member will likely be named at the next honors list in the new year following the death of David Hockney.

WHY:

AP News - The honors aim to reward individuals for their contributions to British life.

AP News - The “Companion of Honour” recognizes people who have made “a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government” over an extended time period.

HOW:

AP News - The awards are chosen by civil servants’ committees based on nominations from the government and the public.

(UPDATED June 13, 2026 06:23 UTC)

Helen Mirren has been appointed as a “Companion of Honour” by King Charles III for her significant contributions to British life, as part of the king’s 2026 birthday honors list, which recognized nearly 1,200 individuals. Among the honorees, Kevin Sinfield received a knighthood for his impressive rugby league career and remarkable fundraising efforts, while Chloe Kelly was honored as a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for her pivotal role in England’s women’s soccer victory at Euro 2025. The honors, awarded twice a year in the United Kingdom, aim to celebrate those who have made substantial contributions to the arts, science, medicine, or government, with the next list expected to include a new member following the passing of David Hockney.