Queen guitarist Brian May and a fashion designer dubbed the “mother of the minidress” joined the country’s New Year’s honors list on Friday, leading a response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Artists, community leaders and members of England’s award-winning women’s football team are among more than 1,100 people on this year’s list, the first to be signed by King Charles III.
May, an animal welfare campaigner, was knighted for services to music and charity. The former Queen guitarist, who has a doctorate in astrophysics, describes his new title as “a sort of mission to do what a knight can do – fight for justice, fight for those who don’t understand.” I have any voice.”
In the year 92-year-old designer Mary Quant, best known for introducing the miniskirt in the 1960s, has received the UK’s highest honor for her services to fashion. The special title of the Order of Honorary Companions of Quant, held by no more than 65 people at any one time, came seven years after Dame – the female equivalent of a knight – was created in recognition of her designs.
Artist Grayson Perry, known for his tapestry and ceramics, was knighted for services to the arts.
Elsewhere, diplomats shaping the UK’s response to the war in Ukraine were awarded British Empire Medals (BM) to ambassadors in Kiev and Moscow and a campaigner leading donation drives for Ukrainian refugees.
Nanny Louna Hood, 37, who raised more than £160,000 through online auctions, said she was “absolutely overwhelmed” by the recognition.
“I started the campaign; But I could never have done it without the community,” she said.
Half of this year’s awards have been given to women, including members of the England soccer team that will win the 2022 Women’s European Championship and the first woman to lead a major UK bank.
England captain Leah Williamson received an OBE, while team-mates Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead and Ellen White were all made MBEs.
Alison Rose, chief executive of the Nat West banking group and the first woman to lead one of the UK’s biggest banks, was also honored.
The monarchs of the United Kingdom have held honors as part of the Order of Honor since the Middle Ages. In modern times, appointments are presented to the government cabinet office, vetted by a committee, and presented to the prime minister and the emperor for approval.
This year’s awardees include those involved in the Environment and Climate Change Campaign, Youth Engagement and Anti-Discrimination Campaign. Britain’s chief rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, who received a knighthood, is one of several recognized Jewish community leaders.
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