Dame Vera Lynn, 99, joined the likes of Sir David Attenborough, 90, Dame Maggie Smith, 81, and Stephen Hawking, 74, in becoming a Companion of Honour, as did ex- BBC governor Lord Smith of Kelvin.
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The Foreign Office noted that Peake “is the first person to be honored in this order as a British representative in space”.
“I’d been signed off for a year (2009), but the neurosurgeon who treated me helped me appeal and I was back after four months”.
Sending a message from the ISS, he said: “All of the training and preparation couldn’t prepare me for looking down on our Earth from orbit”.
‘It is marvellous that the son of a Yorkshire coal miner should be given such an honour’.
“I am absolutely honoured to receive an MBE and I’m so shocked that I’ve been chosen, especially during such a special year for her majesty”.
Janet Street-Porter received a CBE for services to journalism and broadcasting but said she accepted the honour on behalf of older people who contribute so much but often feel invisible because they are portrayed as “problems”.
Among them were Damon Buffini – recently appointed chairman of the National Theatre – for voluntary and charitable services, and artist Michael Craig-Martin for services to art.
A top climber, an actor who has attempted Everest three times, a former Ramblers president and rescue team volunteers are among those recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
There are also CBEs for England cricket captain Alastair Cook and former footballer Alan Shearer, an an MBE for former jocket Hayley Turner.
Britain’s success in the Davis Cup previous year was recognised with Andy Murray’s older brother doubles specialist Jamie receiving an OBE as does the non-playing captain Leon Smith.
Rod Stewart has been awarded a knighthood by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth.
Sir Jonathan Stephens, chairman of the Main Honours Committee, said: “A number of the squad have been included in the past”. Just under 10% are civil servants.
The recipients of the OBE award include, Tim Steiner, chief executive at Ocado; Alexander Chesterman, chief executive of property website Zoopla; Guy Parsons, chief executive of easyHotel; challenger bank Aldermore’s chief executive Phillip Monks and Trevor Garlick, BP’s head of North Sea operations, who retired previous year. Both receive their awards for services to policing on the Rock.
Named as MBEs were Felix Barrett, founder and artistic director of Punchdrunk, and playwright Rikki Beadle-Blair.
Martine Wright lost both her legs in the 7/7 bombings.
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“The high quality of the nominations that we received is a reflection of the excellent work that goes on throughout the community”, he said. “I feel like I am getting an award for something I have loved doing”.
