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LONDON (AP) \u2014 Helen Mirren<\/a>, one of the world’s most acclaimed actors, was added Friday to a very select group of people recognized by King Charles III<\/a> for their \u201cmajor contribution\u201d over the years to British life.<\/p>\n The 80-year-old was named a \u201cCompanion of Honour,\u201d one of the highest awards the king can bestow to citizens in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth, limited to only 65 people at any time.<\/p>\n Mirren’s elevation to the group, which also includes British environmentalist David Attenborough<\/a>, Canadian author Margaret Atwood<\/a> and former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, was one of the highlights of Charles’ latest award of honors.<\/p>\n The honors, which aim to reward individuals for their contributions to British life, are awarded twice a year to celebrities and public figures as well as ordinary people, once at New Year\u2019s, and then in June, to mark the king\u2019s birthday.<\/p>\n Nearly 1,200 people received honors in the king\u2019s 2026 birthday list,<\/p>\n Mirren is no stranger to awards<\/a> and has for decades been a star on stage and screen, as well as a powerful advocate for female actors<\/a>.<\/p>\n She has tackled numerous classical parts in theater \u2014 both in the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company from the 1960s \u2014 before winning roles in movies such as \u201cThe Long Good Friday,\u201d \u201cExcalibur,\u201d and \u201cThe Madness of King George.\u201d<\/p>\n She also wowed British television audiences with her portrayal of Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison over seven seasons of \u201cPrime Suspect.\u201d<\/p>\n At the Oscars<\/a> in 2007, she won best actress for her performance in \u201cThe Queen,” a film that follows the late Queen Elizabeth II in the aftermath of the 1997 death of Diana, Princess of Wales.<\/p>\n Introduced in 1917 by King George V, the “Companion of Honour” recognizes people who have made \u201ca major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government” over an extended time period.<\/p>\n They remain members until they die, when a replacement is then added. A new member will likely be named at the next honors list in the new year following the death Thursday of David Hockney<\/a>, one of the most popular and critically lauded British artists of the last century.<\/p>\n Others recognized on Friday include British author Julia Donaldson, who last year surpassed Harry Potter writer JK Rowling as U.K.\u2019s all-time top author, with more than 50 million books sold worldwide. She was named a dame, the female equivalent of a knighthood, for services to literature, a title that Mirren herself was awarded in 2003.<\/p>\n \u201cReceiving this honor has been a very happy surprise,\u201d said the 77-year-old author of such books as \u201cThe Gruffalo,<\/a> ” and \u201cThe Highway Rat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s really gratifying to have children\u2019s books recognized in this way,” she added.<\/p>\n Success in sports was also recognized on Friday, with Kevin Sinfield knighted for his glittering rugby league career and subsequent fundraising exploits to aid research and support families affected by motor neuron disease, a neurological disorder.<\/p>\n The 45-year-old has raised over 11 million pounds ($15 million) since being inspired by his friend and his teammate Rob Burrow<\/a>, who died from the disease in 2024.<\/p>\n Golf’s two-time Ryder Cup winning captain Luke Donald<\/a> was handed the Order of the British Empire. He will attempt to become the first person in Ryder Cup history to lead a team to three consecutive wins against the United States next year in Ireland.<\/p>\nThe award recognizes Mirren’s services to drama<\/h2>\n
The awards recognize an array of achievements<\/h2>\n