Entertainment

See who got what in the Queen's birthday honours

Pc Keith Palmer was among those honoured with a bravery award for his defence of Parliament during the Westminster attacks.
Pc Keith Palmer was among those honoured with a bravery award for his defence of Parliament during the Westminster attacks.

Julie Walters, Billy Connolly and Ed Sheeran were among the famous faces awarded in the Queen’s birthday honours.

Billy was handed a Knighthood for services to entertainment and charity, alongside Julie who was recognised for her lifetime achievements in drama.

The Glaswegian comedian and actor formerly received a CBE in 2003.

(Matt Crossick/PA)
Billy after receiving a special recognition award at the National Television Awards in 2016 (Matt Crossick/PA)

Ed Sheeran appeared on the list for the first time with an MBE in recognition of his contribution to music and charity work.

Several bravery awards were also granted for civilians and public officials, including Pc Keith Palmer, who died while defending the Palace of Westminster during Khalid Masood’s murderous terror attack in March.

(Metropolitan Police/PA)
Pc Keith Palmer was granted the George Cross for bravery (Metropolitan Police/PA)

The announcement of the honours list to mark the Queen’s official birthday early on Saturday struck a more subdued tone than usual in light of recent UK tragedies, including the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed at least 30 people this week.

A statement from the Queen said events had made it “difficult to escape a very sombre national mood” on the the traditional day of celebration, but praised the country for being “resolute in the face of adversity”.