Take That star Gary Barlow, actors Kate Winslet and Kenneth Branagh and the designer of the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress were recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours yesterday.
Branagh's knighthood left his heart "fit to burst", while Winslet said her CBE made her "very proud to be a Brit".
The list, which sees the revival of the "working-class gong", showcases the best of British talent, with awards also going to actresses Jenny Agutter and Amanda Redman and chart-topping choirmaster Gareth Malone. Sporting stars are not forgotten, with gongs for golf world number one Luke Donald as well as former Wales rugby international Shane Williams and former England goalkeeper David James.
The 2012 birthday honours list sees the reintroduction of "working-class gong" the British Empire Medal (BEM), revived by David Cameron in a reversal of John Major's decision to scrap it in 1991.
Its return has allowed the honours system to step up its recognition of "hands-on" service to local communities and the Big Society, the head of the Civil Service said.
