The New Year Honours List 2026 will be released within days as speculation grows around possible recipients. Several high-profile names have surfaced in media reports, highlighting achievements across sport, entertainment, and public service. The Cabinet Office manages the honours process but continues to avoid any confirmation or comment on speculation.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of Official Announcement
British ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are tipped for a damehood and knighthood respectively, according to The Sun. The duo, famous for their 1984 Winter Olympics gold medal performance, last faced a rejected petition for recognition in 2023. Their names now reappear in reports suggesting renewed consideration for their contribution to British sport and culture. The Cabinet Office reiterated that it does not comment on honours speculation, maintaining confidentiality around selection until official publication.
    
Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean
Sporting Figures Feature Among Expected Recipients
Several of England’s Lionesses are also in line for honours after their triumph over Spain in this year’s Euros. The team’s penalty shoot-out victory marked another milestone in English football history. Their performance attracted public admiration and reinforced women’s football prominence across the United Kingdom. Reports suggest that individual players could receive MBEs or OBEs for their commitment and representation in sport.
Lionesses are in line for honours after their Euros 2025 victory
The Purpose of the New Year Honours
The King retains the exclusive right to grant titles of honour recognising merit, service, or bravery across all sectors of society. The royal family’s official website states that honours acknowledge deserving people from all walks of life. Recipients gain recognition twice every year, once during the Monarch’s official birthday and again through the New Year Honours List.
Separate military lists, known as Operational Lists, recognise contributions from personnel serving in overseas operations. Most civilian honours are awarded based on recommendations submitted to the Cabinet Office’s Honours and Appointments Secretariat. The process remains open to public nominations, allowing anyone to suggest deserving individuals.
Purpose and process of the British Honours System
Recognising Global Contributions
The honours list sometimes includes honorary awards made to non-British or non-Commonwealth nationals. These recognise individuals who have strengthened diplomatic or cultural ties between their nations and the United Kingdom. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides advice for such honorary distinctions. Previous recipients have included global figures who contributed significantly to international collaboration and goodwill.
Publication and Accessibility of the List
The full New Year Honours List appears on the Cabinet Office website each December, typically on 30 or 31 December. The release covers hundreds of names across multiple categories, grouped by type of honour and level of achievement. The publication generates strong public interest across Britain and the Commonwealth, attracting attention from both media and community organisations.
Understanding the British Honours System
Each level of the honours system recognises a different degree of service or impact. A knighthood or damehood signifies a major national contribution seen as inspirational or innovative in scope. Recipients usually demonstrate commitment to their field over an extended period.
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) hold prominent influence at either national or regional levels. Their work often reflects leadership and innovation across industry, science, culture, or community sectors. Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) represent individuals with major regional impact or national recognition within their area of expertise.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) receive the distinction for outstanding service or achievement benefiting the community long-term. These individuals stand out as examples of dedication and social contribution.
Understanding the British Honours System
Reviewing Last Year’s Recipients
The 2025 New Year Honours List featured prominent figures from sport, politics, and the arts. Former England manager Gareth Southgate received a knighthood for services to association football. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also received a knighthood for political and public service. He expressed gratitude, telling Sky News that he felt “humbled” and never imagined becoming London’s mayor when growing up in south London.
Sir Gareth Southgate, after being made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales
Stephen Fry received a knighthood for his work in mental health awareness, environmental advocacy, and charitable activities. He accepted the honour from King Charles in March 2025. Fry continues to serve as president of mental health charity Mind since 2011 and supports conservation group Fauna and Flora International. His openness about bipolar disorder raised national awareness of mental illness.
Celebrating Excellence in Arts and Sport
Athlete Dina Asher-Smith, Britain’s fastest woman and silver medallist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, received an MBE for services to athletics. Her success in the 4×100-metre relay with Team GB added to her recognition.
Children’s author Jacqueline Wilson earned the title of Dame Grand Cross (GBE) for her achievements in literature. She gained worldwide recognition for the Tracy Beaker series and continues to influence children’s publishing. Actress Carey Mulligan and television presenter Alan Titchmarsh were both appointed Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for contributions to their respective fields.
The Continuing Tradition of Recognition
The New Year Honours List remains one of Britain’s longest-standing traditions, blending royal ceremony with public recognition. The system highlights individual commitment and national pride while honouring achievement across multiple domains. The Cabinet Office and royal household collaborate to ensure integrity and diversity across nominations.
Each announcement draws public reflection on contributions that strengthen national identity and community life. The upcoming 2026 list promises another opportunity to acknowledge service in sport, science, culture, and public life.
The final list will appear before the turn of the year, ensuring a ceremonial start to 2026 with national recognition for those shaping Britain’s social and cultural progress.
