THE wide variety of contributions to public life by people from Essex is recognised once again. One Knighthood, one CBE, three OBEs, 18 MBEs and 9 BEMs have been awarded by The King in his Birthday Honours List 2026 to individuals in our county. These contributions include excellence in the fields of politics and national services, housing, education and early years, health and medical care, transport, the armed forces, national heritage, social mobility, EDI, sport, culture and the performing arts, charity and community service.

It is noticeable how many recipients are involved in education in one form or another: Raegan Nina BARNES Lately Headteacher, Nayland Primary School, Colchester, Simon WOOD Executive Headteacher, Sir Martin Frobisher Academy, Clacton-on-Sea, Penelope PATERSON Senior Inspector, Havering School Improvement Services, London Borough of Havering, all for their services to Education as well as Kim BARNETSON Childminding Partner, Stronger Practice Hub, Childminders Mentor, Essex and Hertfordshire, and Tutor, ACL Training, Essex, for services to Early Years education. All have been honoured with an MBE.

Commenting on the list of recipients, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, The King’s personal representative in the county, said:

“I am proud of all the recipients of national honours in our county who have been recognised in the list announced today. Their achievements are truly outstanding, and I would like to congratulate each one of them. 

I would encourage anyone who knows someone, who is making a big difference to others in their community, to nominate them for a national honour and to help them achieve public recognition at the highest level for their contribution to society.”

The Lord-Lieutenant goes on to say how honoured and privileged she feels to have been made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, a personal gift from The King for her distinguished personal service.