(Commonwealth_Europe) The 2025 New Year Honors list has awarded London Mayor Sadiq Khan a knighthood. It celebrates individuals for their exceptional contributions to various fields, reflecting their dedication to public service, advocacy, and national pride. This prestigious recognition highlights the significant impact made by figures across politics, entertainment, sports, and other areas of public life.
Now known as Sir Sadiq, Sadiq Khan expressed his profound gratitude for the honor, stating that it “truly humbled” him. The honor comes on the heels of his significant third term as Mayor of London, which he secured in May. Khan’s tenure as mayor has been marked by his commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure, addressing social inequalities, and advocating for policies to make London a more inclusive and sustainable place. His knighthood is a testament to his long-lasting influence on the capital and his contributions to public service.
In addition to Khan, several other notable figures have received honors for their work and achievements. Actor and author Stephen Fry has received a knighthood for his extensive work in raising awareness of mental health issues. Fry, 67, is known for his advocacy for mental health as the president of the charity Mind and as a vice president of Fauna & Flora International. He has used his platform to address the stigma surrounding mental health, and his efforts have been instrumental in opening up discussions around mental well-being. Upon receiving the news of his knighthood, Fry expressed feelings of surprise and delight, saying he was both “startled and enchanted.”
Gareth Southgate, the former England football manager, received another honor. Southgate, at 54 years old, received recognition for his significant contributions to association football, especially his leadership of the England national team. Under his guidance, the team achieved remarkable successes, including reaching the finals of Euro 2020 and 2024 and making it to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. Southgate stepped down from his managerial role earlier in 2025 after completing a second stint as manager, but his impact on the sport and the nation’s pride in the team remains undeniable.
For her service, Labour MP Emily Thornberry received recognition. The appointment of Emily Thornberry as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire left her both “honored and surprised.” Thornberry, who previously served as the shadow attorney general, reflected on the significance of the title, particularly in light of her family’s history. She shared that her grandmothers, who were not allowed to work as married women, would have been “utterly delighted” to see her receive such an accolade. Her husband had been knighted a few years earlier, but Thornberry explained that she never felt comfortable using his title. However, she expressed pride in adopting the title of Dame Emily, something she felt truly honored to bear.
These figures, alongside many others in the New Year Honors list, represent the diverse and impactful contributions made by individuals who continue to shape society in meaningful ways. The list highlights how public service, advocacy, and dedication to various causes can leave a lasting legacy, and the 2025 recipients exemplify this through their work in their respective fields.
