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The Queen’s birthday honors list is dominated by COVID-19 heroes, from famous faces like Marcus Rashford and Joe Wicks, to key workers and volunteers who helped in Britain’s fight against the coronavirus.
The list would normally be released in June, but it was postponed to include people, such as medical workers and fundraisers, who have been instrumental in the COVID-19 effort.
Footballer Marcus Rashford became an MBE after campaigning to make sure vulnerable children still received adequate meals during the pandemic.
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His campaign forced the government to take a radical turn in providing free school meals.
“As a young black man from Wythenshawe, I never thought I would be accepting an MBE, let alone an MBE at the age of 22,” Rashford said.
“This is a very special moment for me and my family, but in particular for my mother, who truly deserves the honor.
“The fight to protect our most vulnerable children is far from over.”
Body trainer Joe Wicks will also become an MBE for helping children stay active and mentally fit during the lockdown.
Joe Wicks’ live streamed workouts helped the nation stay in shape under lockdown
He said, “My childhood and how I grew up, if you had known me as a child you would have thought ‘He’s not going anywhere, he’s not going to do anything great.’
“But I turned it around and I’m really proud to have become this person who is helping people.”
Derrick Evans, better known as Mr Motivator, has also been named an MBE.
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Speaking to Sky News, he said he was honored to be on the list.
“We have mobilized and we have been taking care of each other and I think we must support that and continue to push the message that we cannot do it alone,” he said.
“The most successful athlete has to have a team of people around him, well, everyone equally, we need each other.”
Mary Berry says she only got a level O: in cooking
Earlier this week, news leaked that former Great British Bake Off judge Mary Berry and actress Maureen Lipman, best known for her roles in BT commercials in the 1980s and currently on Coronation Street.
Ms. Berry said she was “absolutely overwhelmed” to receive a lady, adding, “I just wish my parents and siblings were here to share my joy as my only achievement in school was just a level O, in cooking, Of course.
“However, I’m sure they are looking down and smiling.”
Actress Maureen Lipman becomes a lady
Sir David Attenborough speaking at the UK Climate Assembly in January 2020
Meanwhile, Sir David Attenborough, receives a Knight Grand Cross on the diplomatic list for his broadcasting and conservation services.
For his services to music, British rapper Dizzee Rascal has earned an MBE, while hip hop duo Krept and Konan receive the BEM.
There are knights for actor David Suchet for his services to theater and charity and Tommy Steele, dubbed Britain’s “first rock n roll star”, for his services to entertainment and charity.
There’s CBE for Manchester University Professor Brian Cox, TV host Lorraine Kelly, actor Adrian Lester, and singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading.
In total, 1,495 honors make up this year’s list, with 414 awarded to unsung heroes who responded to the pandemic.
Dizzee Rascal earns an MBE
It is also the most ethnically diverse list to date, with 13% of recipients being of minority ethnic origin.
Rajinder Singh, the 73-year-old man nicknamed the Jumping Sikh, has been named an MBE for his fundraising efforts.
He raised thousands of pounds for the NHS through the videos he posted online.
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He said, “I really don’t want to be famous or popular, I just want to do it for a good cause.
“I always bless people, they make me popular, I am nothing, I am crazy and when someone says you are crazy, it is a blessing for me, that is what I learn. All religions must respect and unite.”
Among the NHS workers who will receive honors is Royal Marsden Hospital Chief Pharmacist Jatinder Harchowal, who has been named MBE.
He spent eight weeks away from home helping to establish London’s Nightingale Hospital.
Speaking about his MBE, he said: “It is humbling and moving to know that you have been recognized. We are grateful for that.
“All of us in the NHS, we work for the NHS because we want to do our best for patients and the health of the nation. You do not expect to be recognized. It is very heartwarming and touching to have that honor.”
In sports, former long-distance runner Brendan Foster receives a knighthood for his services to the sport and national and international culture in the Northeast.
Gareth Thomas shares a joke with Prince Harry at a Terrence Higgins Trust event ahead of National HIV Testing Week
Former Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas becomes CBE, while cricketer Darren Gough becomes MBE.
The honors committee has received more than 4,000 nominations since May, many more than it would normally receive in a year, a reflection of people’s desire to recognize those who have gone the extra mile during the pandemic.
England cricketer Darren Gough celebrates a victory test over Australia
Prime Minister Boris Johnson: “This year’s honorees are a testament to the kind of country we are – caring, compassionate and determined in the face of a global pandemic.
“The hard work and dedication of these often anonymous local heroes has helped us keep going. I congratulate them all.”
