The annual birthday honors list has rolled out, and this year, it's a mix of familiar faces and inspiring stories. Among the notable names are David Beckham, Gary Oldman, and Roger Daltrey, who have all been knighted. Elaine Paige, Pat Barker, and Penny Mordaunt have been honored with damehoods, the female equivalent of knighthood. These awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to British life, and they are given out twice a year.

    The process of selecting these honorees is quite interesting. Civil servants' committees pick the winners based on nominations from the government and the public. The awards are usually handed out by the king or a senior royal at Buckingham Palace. This year, the list includes a diverse group of people, with women making up 48% of those honored and 11% from ethnic minority backgrounds. The oldest recipient is a 106-year-old World War II veteran, while the youngest is an 11-year-old disability campaigner.

    David Beckham, the former England soccer captain, is one of the most well-known names on this year's list. He has been knighted for his services to sport and charity. Beckham has partnered with UNICEF for two decades and has campaigned to eradicate malaria. He also played a key role in bringing the 2012 Summer Olympic Games to London. The 50-year-old athlete expressed his gratitude for the honor, noting that his upbringing in east London never prepared him for such recognition.

    Gary Oldman, the Oscar-winning actor, was recognized for his contributions to drama on both screen and stage. His portrayal of Winston Churchill in "Darkest Hour" earned him an Academy Award, and he recently starred in the Apple TV spy thriller series "Slow Horses. " Oldman's talent and dedication to his craft have made him a standout in the entertainment industry.

    Roger Daltrey, the frontman of The Who, was honored for his services to both music and charity. He has been a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust since 2000 and has led the charity's concert series at the Royal Albert Hall for over two decades. The 81-year-old musician expressed his humility and joy at receiving the award, particularly because of his involvement with the charity.

    Elaine Paige, the renowned musicals singer, was honored for her services to charity as well as music. She has held senior roles at charities supporting young people with acquired brain injury and disabled tennis players. Paige expressed a mix of emotions upon receiving the news, feeling proud, grateful, and thrilled all at once.

    Pat Barker, the Booker Prize-winning novelist, had a unique reaction to her damehood. She initially thought the letter announcing her honor was from tax authorities due to the quality of the paper. Barker is known for her "The Regeneration Trilogy" and has made significant contributions to literature.

    Penny Mordaunt, the former Conservative government minister, saw her profile boosted during the king's coronation ceremony in 2023. She made a memorable appearance bearing the "sword of state, " the first time the duty had been carried out by a woman. Mordaunt expressed her appreciation for being recognized in this way, especially after losing her seat at the general election.

    Antony Gormley, the sculptor who was knighted in 2014, was made a "Companion of Honour" for his services to art. This award is one of the most prestigious that the monarch can bestow, recognizing people who have made a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government over a long period. Current members include British environmentalist David Attenborough, Canadian author Margaret Atwood, and athlete Sebastian Coe.

    The honors list doesn't just recognize public figures. More than 1, 200 people received honors in the latest list, including campaigners who have fought to tackle the rise of knife crime. Pooja Kanda, whose son was murdered, and Alison Madgin, whose daughter was knifed to death, were both recognized for their advocacy work. Their stories highlight the impact that ordinary people can have on their communities.

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