Twice each year, the head of the monarchy in the United Kingdom releases an Honours List – the royal birthday and the New Year.

His Royal Highness King Charles III released his annual New Year Honours List on December 29.  This year’s list features recipients from 20 to 102 years of age.

The Honours List is in recognition of British citizens who have made significant contributions to the nation.

Two familiar names to Americans are Tony Award winning actress – and Green Witch Elphaba in the hit film “Wicked – Cynthia Erivo and actor Idris Elba.

You can now call him Sir Idris  – Elba was knighted for his humanitarian efforts with wife Sabrina and their foundation the Elba Hope Foundation.

Accepting the honour on behalf of his charity, 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.”

Cynthia Erivo received an MBE – Member of the British Empire – for her contributions to music and drama.

Olympic ice skating gold medalists Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have also been knighted – in Trovill’s case she will carry the title of Dame.

In the Guinness Book of World Records for the oldest judo instructor at 102, John “Judo Jack” Hearn received an MBE.

Other Honours List recipients:
“Thursday Murder Club” book series author Richard Osman is an Officer of the British Empire – OBE

Retired marathon runner Paula Radcliffe received an OBE
Mervyn Kersh is a 101-year-ol D-Day veteran who received an MBE

Actor and comedian Meera Syal was presented with knighthood (Dame)

Composer Max Richter was awarded a CBE

Warwick Davis was presented with an OBE

At 20 years old, Olympic Gold Medal winning sport climber Toby Roberts is the youngest name on the list and received an MBE

Musician Ellie Goulding receives an MBE

Recipients begin with the Member of the British Empire; then move on to the Officer before ending with the Commander; and finally a recipient receives  knighthood.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke on the Honours List saying, “this year’s Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain—people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives. Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you—and congratulations to everyone recognised today.”

A total of 1,157 Britons earned a mention on the King’s New Year Honours List.