King Charles awards honours to leading figures in arts and sport

LONDON: British actor Idris Elba was knighted by King Charles during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, where several figures from the arts, sport and charity sectors were also recognised for their contributions.

The ceremony took place on Tuesday and included recipients from across public and cultural life. Elba, 53, was awarded the honour for services to young people, particularly through education and community work carried out via the Elba Hope Foundation, which he founded in 2022.

Elba has long-standing links with the King’s Trust, previously known as the Prince’s Trust, which supported him in his younger years when he joined the National Youth Music Theatre. He is also due to work with King Charles on a documentary tied to the charity’s 50th anniversary.

Actor and writer Meera Syal received a damehood for services to drama, literature and charity. Syal is widely known for her work on Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No. 42. She has also served for many years as an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society following her father’s dementia diagnosis.

Comedian Paul Elliott, better known as Paul Chuckle of the Chuckle Brothers, was awarded an MBE for charitable services. Alongside his late brother Barry, he became widely known through the BBC programme ChuckleVision.

Olympic ice dancers Dame Jayne Torvill and Sir Christopher Dean were also among those honoured. They were recognised for services to ice skating and voluntary work. The pair later became familiar television names through ITV’s Dancing on Ice.