POST Office hero Alan Bates has been knighted in the Royal Birthday Honors for his tireless pursuit of justice for wrongly jailed postmasters.
The 69-year-old, who has battled post office bosses for more than 20 years, said he hoped to use the honor to help those still affected by the scandal.
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Alan Bates knighted for his tireless pursuit of justice for wrongfully imprisoned postmasters Credit: Rex
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Toby Jones played Alan in the ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post OfficeCredit: Unknown, clear from the picture table
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Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown was made a Companion of HonourCredit: PA
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Tracey Emin named Woman for Services to the ArtsCredit: PA
More than 700 deputy postmasters were prosecuted by the Post Office and convicted of criminal offenses between 1999 and 2015 after Fujitsu’s flawed Horizon accounting system made it appear as if money was missing from their branches.
Sir Alan of Llandudno said of his knighthood: “It was a bit of a surprise, it came out of the blue. I’m quite honored by that — to be recognized for the work I’ve done over the years. It’s been a tough few years.”
Sir Alan, who was played by Toby Jones in ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office earlier this year, said he hoped the honor would be “another string to my bow to help me move forward and achieve finality for people”.
He had previously refused an OBE while former Post Office Chief Executive Paula Vennells still had her CBE, but has since returned it.
On the other hand, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, 73, was named a Companion of Honor — awarded to those who have made a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine or government over a long period of time.
There are only 65 members at any given time.
Tracey Emin, 60, was named a Dame for her services to the arts.
Former Gurkha Hari Budha, 44, a double amputee who climbed Mount Everest, becomes an MBE.
Now he conquers the highest peaks on every continent.
Three fathers who lost their daughters to suicide have been made MBEs.
Campaign manager Alan Bates gives evidence at the Post Office’s IT inquiry
Andy Airey, Mike Palmer and Tim Owen set up the 3 Dads Walking campaign and walked across the UK to raise money for Papyrus, a suicide prevention charity.
London Stock Exchange chief executive Julia Hoggett is made a dame and HMRC chief executive Jim Harra is made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.
Lulu Lytle, the designer who renovated Boris Johnson’s Downing Street flat, has been made an OBE for services to manufacturing and crafting.
Shamza Butt, 20, the youngest on the list, received a British Empire Medal for her work in the National Citizen Service.
Harold Jones, 100, was the oldest, receiving a BEM for his motor neurone disease charity in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.
It’s Simon Le gong!
DURAN Duran frontman Simon Le Bon said he was “beyond excited” to receive an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honors list.
The Eighties heartthrob, now 65, and Strictly stars Amy Dowden and Rose Ayling-Ellis are among those celebrated in the showbiz world.
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Simon Le Bon said he was ‘extremely delighted’ to receive an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honors list Credit: Getty
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Simon with 1980s band Duran Duran Credit: Getty
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Lead star Rose Ayling-Ellis has been made an MBE for voluntary services to the deaf community
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Dancer Amy Dowden is an MBE for services to Crohn’s DiseaseCredit: PA
Simon, who won his award for services to music and charity, said the gong was a “great but humbling highlight” of his career.
The Girls on Film singer said it was “fitting” that the honor was given not only for the music, but also for his work for causes “beyond the band”.
He said: “To name just two, I hope this moment will help raise awareness of the Blue Marine Foundation and the importance of their conservation work, as well as Centrepoint. Their mission spanning over 50 years to end homelessness in the UK is vital.”
Actress Rose, 29, who first rose to fame on EastEnders, has been made an MBE for voluntary services to the deaf community.
She won a Bafta for her “Couple’s Choice” routine on Strictly in 201 with partner Giovanni Pernice.
In May 2022, she became the first celebrity reader to perform a CBeebies bedtime story in sign language.
Dancer Amy is an MBE for services to Crohn’s Disease.
The star, 33, said she accepts it “on behalf” of all those living with inflammatory bowel disease.
Caerphilly-born Amy, who recently survived breast cancer after a mastectomy and chemotherapy, said: “I am so delighted to be made an OBE. It’s beyond my wildest dreams.”
Among others to receive an MBE is Countdown’s Susie Dent.
The lexicographer, 59, who has been with Dictionary Corner since 1992, said: “I’m delighted.
“I tried to share the joy of language and books (especially dictionaries) and therefore I am especially happy to be honored for my contribution to language and literature.”
Corrie actress Shobna Gulati, 57, who starred in the soap for 12 years, receives an MBE for services to the cultural industries.
Singer Heather Small, 59, founder and lead singer of M People, has been made an MBE for her voluntary and charity work.
X Factor runner-up Rebecca Ferguson, 37, who is now an activist in the music industry, was also awarded an MBE as was TV presenter Nick Owen, 76, who was honored for his services to broadcasting and charity.
The Thick of It writer Armando Iannucci, 60, received an OBE for services to film and television.
World’s shortest stuntman Kiran Shah, 67, received an MBE for his work in almost 70 films, including Titanic, Lord of the Rings and Superman.
Kiran, who is 4ft 2in tall, said: “This recognition is a testament to my perseverance and passion for my work, despite all the obstacles I have faced.”
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Singer Heather Small, founder and lead singer of M People, has been made an MBE for her voluntary and charity workCredit: PA
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The Thick of It writer Armando Iannucci received an OBE for services to film and televisionCredits: PA
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Countdown’s Susie Dent also received an MBECredit: PA
Sir Cav & Lady Peta
CYCLING great Mark Cavendish has been knighted for his services to sport and charity.
The Manx star — married to ex-model Peta — won a joint-record 34 stages of the Tour de France and was an all-around silver medalist at the 2016 Olympics.
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Mark Cavendish, pictured with his wife Peta Todd, was knighted for his services to sport and charityCredit: Getty
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He won a joint-record 34 stages of the Tour de France and was the all-around silver medalist at the 2016 Olympics.Credit: PA
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Graeme Souness becomes CBE for services to football and charitiesCredit: PA
Sir Mark, 39, said: “I am truly humbled to be honored by His Majesty the King.
“It has always been the greatest privilege to represent my country — and to see cycling as a sport, a pastime and a mode of transportation to which I have dedicated my life.”
Former Scottish football stars Graeme Souness and Ally McCoist were also recognised.
Souness becomes a CBE for services to the game and charity.
McCoist is an OBE for services to football and broadcasting.
Other sporting figures who have been honored include cyclist Chris Boardman, who has been made a CBE, golfer Sandy Lyle, who has been made an OBE, and former England football coach Chris Powell, who has been made an MBE.
Sprinter Anita Neil, the first black woman to compete for Britain at the Olympics in 1968, was made an MBE.
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Former England football manager Chris Powell made MBECredit: PA
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Sir Alan Bates had previously refused an OBE, while former Postmaster General Paula Vennells still had her CBE but has since returned it Credit: Alamy
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