About the King’s Birthday Honours List
Honouring Oxfordshire: Celebrating our local heroes in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026
The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026 continues a long-standing tradition of recognising individuals who have made exceptional contributions to public life across the UK.
From environmental law and children’s welfare to business leadership, local government and community impact, this year’s Oxfordshire recipients reflect the depth and diversity of talent rooted in the county.
Leading the Oxfordshire honours is Professor Richard Brabazon Macrory CBE KC, who has been appointed a Knight Bachelor for services to Environmental Law.
Lately a Board Member of the Office for Environmental Protection, Professor Macrory is widely regarded for his influential work in shaping environmental regulation and governance in the UK. His knighthood reflects a career dedicated to strengthening legal frameworks that support environmental protection and sustainable development.
Also honoured is Wendy Becker for services to business and charitable causes in Oxfordshire. She is recognised for her leadership across both commercial and philanthropic spheres, with a strong record of supporting organisations and community initiatives.
As Director of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, Lisa Harker is honoured for her services to children and young people, helping to improve understanding and outcomes within the family justice system.
Other recipients include:
- Dr Martin Reeves – recognised for services to local government. He is Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council and has played a key role in leading public service delivery across the county.
- Jacquelyn Gitau – recognised for services to migrant families in Oxfordshire. She is known for her work supporting African families and strengthening community integration and wellbeing.
- Craig Simmons – honoured for services to charitable causes and the Oxford community, and is recognised for his continued commitment to grassroots impact and local engagement.
The Oxfordshire recipients of the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026 reflect a shared commitment to public service, innovation and community wellbeing.
From environmental leadership at the highest legal level to frontline support for families and communities, this year’s honourees demonstrate the breadth of contribution across the county.
Their achievements serve as a reminder of the significant role Oxfordshire continues to play in shaping national life — across law, government, business and social impact.
Read on to discover the full list of Oxfordshire people recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.
Knighthoods
Professor Richard Brabazon MACRORY
Lately Board Member, The Office for Environmental Protection.
For services to Environmental Law
(Kidlington, Oxfordshire)
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire
Wendy Mira BECKER
For services to Business and to Charitable Causes
(Oxford, Oxfordshire)
Lisa Marie HARKER
Director, Nuffield Family Justice Observatory.
For services to Children and Young People
(Oxford, Oxfordshire)
Officers of the Order of the British Empire
John Gordon BOUMPHREY
Vice-President, Country Manager UK and Ireland, Amazon.
For services to Technology, Consumer and Digital Commerce Industry
(Abingdon, Oxfordshire)
Clare HORNBY
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ME+EM.
For services to the Fashion Industry
(Burford, Oxfordshire)
Dr Martin Robert REEVES
Chief Executive, Oxfordshire County Council.
For services to Local Government
(Warwick, Warwickshire)
Members of the Order of the British Empire
Sally Elizabeth ALEXANDER
Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Milton Keynes College Group, Buckinghamshire.
For services to Further Education
Sarah EBERLE
For services to Horticulture
(Witney, Oxfordshire)
Jacquelyn Elizabeth GITAU
Director, African Families in the UK.
For services to Migrant Families in Oxfordshire
(Oxford, Oxfordshire)
Anthony Roy PERKINS
Chief Executive, The London Hostels Association London Ltd.
For services to Housing and to Supporting Young People
(Bicester, Oxfordshire)
Craig SIMMONS
For services to Charitable Causes and to the community in Oxford
(Oxford, Oxfordshire)
Dr Stephen Michael SMITH
Executive Director, CO2RE and Associate Professor of Greenhouse Gas
Removal, University of Oxford.
For services to Climate Science
(Oxford, Oxfordshire)
Rabbi Dr Norman SOLOMON
For services to the Jewish Community and to Interfaith Relations in Oxfordshire
(London, Greater London)
Adam TWINE
Organic Farmer.
For services to Community Onshore Wind
(Watchfield, Oxfordshire)
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire
Melanie Jane HOULDERSHAW
For services to Local Theatre and Choir
(Oxford, Oxfordshire)
Richard Geoffrey Horsford KEMP
For services to the community in Langford, Oxfordshire
(Lechlade, Oxfordshire)
Martin Brotherton SPURRIER
For services to Charitable Causes and to the community in Oxfordshire
(Witney, Oxfordshire)
The post The Oxfordshire people recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026 appeared first on The Oxford Magazine.
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