The New Year Honours list is a tradition that stretches back to the reign of Queen Victoria in 1890 and each year the rumour mill starts spinning in December in anticipation about who will be included.
Last year, Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke, Dame Shirley Bassey were awarded honours and the recently resigned Archbishop of Canterbury was given a knighthood, which all serve to recognise the achievements and service of “extraordinary people” across the UK, the Government website says.
As is to be expected, the names expected to be included in the list are already making the rounds. But when is the list announced, who do we think will be on it?
When and where is the New Year Honours 2025 list announced?
As if the name doesn’t give it away, the New Year Honours list is awarded on January 1 each year. However, the names on the list are typically confirmed a few days before. Last year, they were announced on December 29 – so it is predicted the announcement for 2025 will come at a similar time this year.
The names included are published by the London Gazette.
What is the list for?
The list recognises the achievements and “selfless service” of British citizens from all walks of life – whether they have contributed to entertainment, sport, politics or their local community. King Charles III awards the honours and titles following recommendations from senior government ministers, the prime minister and the general public.
Who is rumoured to be on the 2025 list?
David Beckham is one name on everyone’s lips – the football legend already has an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) but has apparently long been gunning for a knighthood. In the last year, he’s been pictured with King Charles and Price William a number of times, which many believe to be part of an attempt to secure the title.
Whitehall insiders are reported to have said that Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, is tipped to receive a knighthood. Fellow veteran of the Labour Party Emily Thornberry is also expected to be acknowledged, the Financial Times has said.
Other politicians who are hotly tipped to be included in the list include former health secretary Patricia Hewitt, former West Midlands mayor Andy Street, Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff Sue Gray and former Conservative cabinet minister Michael Gove, former chief whip Simon Hart and former Scotland Secretary Alister Jack, both also Conservatives.
