Rise, Sir Idris Elba: Global Icon Honoured Among the World’s Elite

Actor Idris Elba and members of England's triumphant Women's Euro 2025 football team were among famous Britons recognised in the country's traditional New Year Honours on Monday.

Ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, and players from England's victorious Women's Rugby World Cup-winning squad, were also honoured, according to the list.

Elba, who now takes on the title Sir, is known for his roles in hit TV series ‘The Wire’ and ‘Luther’, was knighted for services to young people, having founded an international charity that helps support disadvantaged youngsters.

The recognition is awarded by the King Charles III, based on the recommendations made by the prime minister or senior government ministers in the British government.

King Charles III and other leading members of the royal family hand out the awards at ceremonies during the year.

The citation Elba received, read: "He is recognised for his exceptional contributions to entertainment and tireless efforts in youth empowerment and social justice.

"He champions the ‘Don’t Stop Your Future’ campaign against youth violence and knife crime, having launched the DSYF clothing brand in 2019, released the single ‘Knives Down’ in 2024, and co-launched the Don’t Stop Your Future Youth Tour in 2025.

"As co-founder of the Elba Hope Foundation, an alumnus and then a supporter of The King’s Trust, he co-created the Creative Futures project, providing vocational training in the arts for disadvantaged youth. His advocacy and initiatives have significantly impacted global audiences and local communities."

In response, Elba said: "I hope we can do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people, and to the responsibility we all share to help them find an alternative to violence," said Elba, who becomes a sir.

Torvill and Dean, who won Olympic gold at the 1984 Winter Games in Sarajevo and clinched multiple world and European titles, were knighted for their contribution to ice skating.

The pair said becoming a dame and a sir respectively was "wonderful and humbling at the same time."

More than 1,150 people received gongs in the latest list, which is decided by an honours committee.

England's ‘Lionesses’ featured heavily on the list after their Euros win in the summer, with captain Leah Williamson made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, and Ella Toone, who were all part of the side that beat Spain on penalties in the final in Basel, Switzerland, in July, each received the title of MBE.

The team's Dutch manager, Sarina Wiegman, who has won the Euros twice with England and once with the Netherlands, was awarded an honorary damehood, the government said.

Elsewhere, Marlie Packer and Zoe Aldcroft of England's successful 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup squad became OBEs, with several MBEs going to their teammates.

Additional reporting: DAILY NEWS

AFP