Oh help, oh no it's Dame Gruffalo! Julia Donaldson awarded Damehood as she leads famous faces in King's Birthday Honours, alongside Morph creators, Helen Mirren, Charlotte Tilbury and Ibiza DJs

By INDERDEEP BAINS, CHIEF NEWS CORRESPONDENT Published: 22:31, 12 June 2026 | Updated: 22:45, 12 June 2026 For years millions of children have curled up with Julia Donaldson's stories, from the mischievous Gruffalo to the accident prone Zog. Now the author has been made a dame for her services to literature. The 77-year-old said the honour came as a 'very happy surprise' as she led a host of high-profile names recognised in the King's Birthday Honours.  Dame Julia has sold more than 50 million books worldwide and last year overtook Harry Potter creator JK Rowling to become the UK's all-time bestselling author by units sold. 'It's gratifying to have children's books recognised in this way,' she said. 'I'm so grateful for all the enthusiastic support I've had during my career from people in the book world.' The former children's laureate, who has written more than 200 books, said she owes much of her success to her childhood library and the librarian who fostered her love for reading. Fellow author Malorie Blackman, creator of Noughts And Crosses, also received a damehood for her services to literature. Actress Dame Helen Mirren, 80, is made a Companion of Honour for her contribution to drama, a distinction limited to only 65 people at any time which recognises outstanding service over a long period of time. Entrepreneur and celebrity make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Julia Donaldson, widely known as best-selling author of The Gruffalo is to be recognised with a damehood for her services to literature Actress Dame Helen Mirren, 80, is made a Companion of Honour for her contribution to drama Among those recognised include Charlotte Tilbury, who has been made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the King's Birthday Honours list, for services to the Beauty and Cosmetics Industry The 53-year-old founded her eponymous brand in 2013 after more than two decades creating looks for stars including Kate Moss. Meanwhile, Jimmy Choo's creative director Sandra Choi was made an OBE for services to fashion. Animation pioneers David Sproxton and Peter Lord – the creators of Wallace and Gromit and Morph – were both knighted for their services to the creative industries and to charity. The Aardman studio co-founders said it was 'an extraordinary privilege and an honour – as well as a complete and utter surprise'. 'As we accept these awards, we humbly bow and salute all of those who have joined us on this extraordinary journey,' they said. Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi was made an MBE for services to music and charity, while Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley received the same honour for her acting and charitable work. Also recognised in the music industry was DJ Judge Jules, who received an MBE for his services to music, entertainment law and to young people. He said the honour felt like 'a reward for my industry'. DJ Carl Cox and broadcaster and musician Cerys Matthews both received an OBE for their services to music, while TV presenter Anneka Rice was awarded an MBE for her work in charity and broadcasting. Entrepreneur Dave Fishwick, who inspired Netflix's Bank Of Dave film after setting up his own savings and loans business, receives an OBE. Lionesses Alessia Russo, Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly received MBEs for their services to Association Football Among the everyday heroes to make the list was surgeon Vittoria Bucknall who treated children injured in the 2024 Southport knife attack. The consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, receives a British Empire Medal (BEM). The King's bodyguard has been recognised as a mark of gratitude on his retirement. Inspector Jag Khangura was often seen carrying an umbrella for the monarch, which social media dubbed his 'gunbrella'. The inspector, whose swan song was the King's State Visit to the US in April, has been made a member of the Royal Victoria Order (RVO) for services to royalty and specialist protection. The award is in the King's gift and Charles has also recognised his doctor, Michael Dixon, who is head of the Royal Medical Household, who becomes a Knight Commander of the RVO, and clinical radiologist Dr Robert Thomas of Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust, who becomes a Lieutenant of the order. The oldest honours recipient is Pauline Hough, who at 101 receives a BEM for services to theatre and to the community in Nantwich, Cheshire. At 20 years old, Michelle Agyemang is the youngest recipient. She is one of six Euros-winning Lionesses to be recognised. She is receiving her MBE for services to Association Football, alongside her teammates Jess Carter, Hannah Hampton, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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