Idris Elba was knighted as Sir Idris Elba for his services to young people through his charity work, while Cynthia Erivo received an MBE for her contributions to music and drama, both being honored in the UK Honours List alongside other notable figures for their achievements and community service.
Cynthia Erivo, a British actress and singer of Nigerian descent, has been awarded an MBE for her contributions to music and drama, reflecting her successful career including Broadway, film, and TV roles, and her pursuit of EGOT status. Her journey from a nativity play solo to international stardom highlights her resilience and talent, with notable roles in Wicked and The Color Purple, and multiple award nominations and wins.
Tim Noad, a heraldic designer from Hillingdon, was awarded an MBE for his services to calligraphy, heraldry, and design, notably for designing King Charles III's royal cypher, which has become iconic and widely reproduced. Noad has a long-standing career at the College of Arms and has contributed to significant royal projects, including the King's coronation and Jubilee medals.
Emilia Clarke, known for her role in Game of Thrones, and her mother received MBEs from Prince William for their work with brain injury patients through the SameYou charity, which they co-founded. Emilia, who survived two brain haemorrhages, spoke about the lack of support for brain injury patients and the challenges of running a charity. Other recipients at the ceremony included JD Wetherspoon founder Sir Tim Martin and former chancellor Sir Sajid Javid.
K-pop group Blackpink received honorary Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) from King Charles at Buckingham Palace in recognition of their advocacy for climate change. The group was praised for their role as Ambassadors for the U.K.'s Presidency of COP 26 and their support for the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. King Charles also highlighted the global impact of Korean culture and played one of Blackpink's songs during the changing of the guards.
Rolf Harris, the disgraced former entertainer who was jailed for a series of indecent assaults on girls, has died aged 93. Harris was found guilty of a string of indecent assaults between 1968 and 1986 following a trial in 2014 and was jailed for five years and nine months. Before his crimes came to light, Harris had been a fixture of family entertainment in Britain. Harris's family confirmed his death and asked for privacy. The cause of death is not yet known.