Queen's Birthday Honours 2021: Who was recognised?

Prue Leith and Lulu are among the celebrities recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours list 2021.

• The Queen honours those who have served the country in her annual list, as well as those who have worked to combat covid-19 in the past year.
• Her Majesty has been celebrating her official birthday. 
• It follows royal news that Prince Harry took a break from paternity leave to make this special announcement.

The Queen's Birthday Honours list 2021 has been revealed and there are some famous faces up for honours.

Her Majesty—who will host Joe Biden later on this week—has shone a spotlight on the community heroes on the list, as well as the showbiz stars we all know and love. 

The Queen may still be mourning the death of her late husband, Prince Philip—who passed away last month—but work must continue and this year's list is a lengthy one. 

Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith is receiving a damehood for her services to food, broadcasting and charity.

Legendary entertainer, Lulu, has been awarded a CBE in light of her career as a singer, as well as her charity work. 

TV star, Robert Rinder, is being made an MBE for the work he has done on Holocaust awareness. He was recognised on the same day as his mother, Angela Cohan, who founded the '45 Aid Society for Holocaust survivors back in 1963.

On the double honour, Robert said being awarded an MBE the same time as his mother makes it is "all the richer and frankly the more beautiful."

He tweeted, "Mum, Your unconditional love & delight in humanity is my inspiration. We receive this honour together as a proud example that we share the burden of teaching the horrors of the past for the future & enduring hope of everybody."

Fellow Strictly Come Dancing star, Arlene Philips, is being made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

On the honour, Arlene tweeted, "I am thrilled & honoured to be recognised as a Dame by The Queen for services to dance & charity. 

"This is truly the highest recognition I could ever have dreamed of. Thank you to the countless talented people I have worked with, my family, friends, followers & fans."

BBC broadcaster Simon Mayo also receives a nod with an MBE, and Sue Barker is being handed a CBE for her services to sport and broadcasting.

Also recognised on the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2021 are some of the nation's top covid-19 heroes, including Professor Sarah Gilbert—who worked tirelessly towards the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. 

Not forgetting Professor Andrew Pollard and Professor Peter Horby—who are both being knighted for their services to medical research.

See the full list here.