Alan Bates, Gordon Brown and Tracey Emin Receive Honours in King’s Birthday Celebration
Among the showbiz names on the list to be made MBEs were singer Rebecca Ferguson, Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon, and Countdown’s Susie Dent.
Alan Bates, a Post Office campaigner, former prime minister Gordon Brown, and artist Tracey Emin were among the famous faces recognized in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
The highest award went to Mr. Brown, who was made a Companion of Honour, while Sir Alan was knighted for his campaigning work, which exposed the Post Office Horizon scandal.
Ms. Emin, actress Imelda Staunton, and fashion accessories designer Anya Hindmarch were all made dames in the list, writer Armando Iannucci was made a CBE, and cyclist Mark Cavendish was knighted.
In the sporting world, former cyclist Chris Boardman and former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness were made CBEs, while former England footballer Karen Carney was made an OBE.
More than 1,000 people from across the UK received honors in Friday’s list.
Sir Alan, the founder of Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance who was portrayed by Toby Jones in an ITV drama about the scandal, expressed gratitude for his knighthood.
The former subpostmaster, who had previously declined an OBE honor, explained that he felt it would have been disrespectful to the group if he had accepted it at that time.
He acknowledged the support he received from many people over the years and recognized the need for some sort of acknowledgment for the work done on behalf of the group affected by the scandal.
Former Prime Minister Mr. Brown, on being made a Companion of Honour, expressed slight embarrassment and a preference for recognizing “unsung, local heroes.”
Dame Tracey, known for her autobiographical and confessional artwork, expressed happiness at being made a dame and called it a brilliant surprise in her life.
![Imelda Staunton attending the world premiere of Downton Abbey: A New Era at Cineworld Leicester Square, London, on April 25, 2022. (Ian West/PA)](https://www.theepochtimes.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F06%2F15%2Fid5669303-embedded266563230-600x900.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Cycling sprint star Cavendish, who was knighted, expressed humility and pride in representing his country and the growth of cycling in Great Britain during his career.
The Thick Of It creator Iannucci, made a CBE, expressed pride in working in the British television and film industry and vowed to continue defending public service television.
![The Thick of It creator Armando Iannucci after receiving an honorary degree from St Andrews University on June 13, 2024. (Jane Barlow/PA)](https://www.theepochtimes.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F06%2F15%2Fid5669304-embedded276507431-600x400.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Professional dancer Ms. Dowden, made an MBE, expressed gratitude and disbelief at the honor for raising awareness of inflammatory bowel disease.
Lexicographer Dent, known for her appearances on Countdown, vowed to celebrate her honor on behalf of word lovers everywhere.
Duran Duran singer Le Bon expressed his amazement and gratitude at being made an MBE.
Choreographer Wayne McGregor, composer John Rutter, and historian Niall Ferguson were also knighted in the list.
London Stock Exchange chief executive Julia Hoggett was made a dame, and financier Bill Browder received a knighthood for his human rights and anti-corruption work.
Several Metropolitan Police officers and staff were recognized for their dedication to public service.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley expressed pride in all the recipients and their families.
The list included recipients from different backgrounds and age groups, showcasing outstanding work in various fields.