The 2025 New Year Honors list, curated by King Charles, features prominent figures like Carey Mulligan, Stephen Fry, and Sarah Lancashire, alongside two doctors believed to be part of the King’s medical team during his recent cancer treatment. Honors are bestowed bi-annually, coinciding with the new year and the monarch’s official birthday in June, celebrating contributions across various fields and communities.
This year’s list notably includes two physicians, Dr. Douglas Glass and Professor Richard Leach, potentially connected to the King’s cancer care. While the specific type and stage of the King’s cancer remain undisclosed, these recognitions highlight the vital role of his medical team.
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Dr. Glass, the King’s apothecary, also served Queen Elizabeth in the same capacity and was reportedly present at Balmoral during her final moments. Professor Leach, a consultant physician at the prestigious King Edward VIII’s Hospital in London, frequented by the royal family for decades, also received honors. Recognizing royal physicians is a tradition, exemplified by Queen Elizabeth knighting her Head of the Medical Household in 2021.
Mulligan and Lancashire were appointed Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), with Lancashire expressing her “unexpected delight.” Fry received a knighthood for his contributions to mental health awareness and environmental advocacy, describing himself as “startled and enchanted.”
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Other notable recipients include former England national football team manager Gareth Southgate and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, both knighted. Khan, serving as mayor since 2016, expressed his humility at the honor. Over 1,200 individuals across the UK, spanning various ages and fields, received honors.
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The New Year and birthday honors are awarded by the King based on recommendations from the prime minister, government ministers, and public nominations, which constitute approximately 25% of all recommendations. The honors are conferred throughout the year by the King, Prince William, or Princess Anne at various royal residences. Recipients can choose the time and location of their investiture but not the specific royal family member presenting the honor.
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While David Beckham’s attendance at a recent state banquet fueled speculation of a potential knighthood, his name was absent from the current list.
