What Are The King's Honours?
The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025 once again celebrates the exceptional contributions of individuals across the UK – and this year’s recipients include a number of well-known and highly respected figures from the care and health sectors.
The Honours system recognises outstanding service across society, with awards such as MBE, OBE, CBE and CB (Companion of the Order of the Bath). This summer’s list highlights professionals who have made a significant difference in social care, nursing, dementia support, and public health.
Who's Been Honoured?
- Professor Jane Cummings DBE – For services to nursing and the NHS
- Beth Britton MBE – For services to people with dementia and their carers
- Kathryn Smith OBE – For services to social care
Heidi Travis OBE – For services to palliative and neurological care - Christopher Badger CBE – For services to adult social care
- Michelle Dyson CB – For services to health and social care
- Dr Marie Polley MBE – For services to social prescribing
- Peter May CB – For services to public health
- Dr Matthew Kearney OBE – For services to preventative healthcare
Dr Alexander McMahon CBE – For services to nursing - Lesley Rutherford MBE – For services to palliative care
- Pier-Maxine Pritchard MBE – For services to children and family social care
These honours are a reflection of the care sector’s strength, compassion, and leadership. Each of these individuals has helped raise standards, shape services, and support others – often quietly, but always with lasting impact. Their recognition is not just personal, but a celebration of the vital role the care sector plays in society.
