King’s Birthday Honours list: Warwick football star Jess Carter and Leamington policeman among those recognised
It is that time of year again when the King recognises the worthy few in his Birthday Honours List - here are the residents of Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth who have been awarded for 2026.
Warwick football star Jess Carter has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to football.
The honour recognises Jess’s contributions to the sport and her role in helping advance the women’s game in England and around the world.
The England international, who also plays for Gotham FC in the USA, was one of six Lionesses named an MBE in this year’s Birthday Honours List following England’s Euro 2025 triumph.
“It's amazing to be recognised,” Jess told the BBC.
“I've seen it with a lot of my Lioness teammates, who've done incredible in the sport and continue to raise awareness of women's football, and sports for everybody really, so it's an honour to be part of that list."
PC Scott Caswell of Warwickshire Police, who lives in Leamington, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to policing and to veterans.
Acting chief constable David Gardner said “The sheer amount of work that PC Scott Caswell has done during his career in the support of veterans both inside and outside the force is beyond impressive, and we’re so proud and pleased that he has been awarded the British Empire Medal.
“On top of his day job serving and protecting the people of Warwickshire, he’s been a key figure in improving how we support veterans and reservists inside and outside the force, and we’re grateful for his continued drive in this area.”
Another from Warwick to have been made an MBE was Dr Heidi Meyer – the first female Master of the Lord Leycester - for services to Heritage.
The Lord Leycester has said: “This honour reflects a decade of transformative work at the Lord Leycester.
"The ambitious restoration and conservation project, undertaken during Heidi's tenure, with significant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, helped safeguard this remarkable site for future generations.”
Professor Glen Burley, South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust’s chief executive, was awarded the Honour of Knighthood for his services to the NHS.
Reflecting on how this honour was made possible thanks to the people he has worked with throughout his 43-year NHS career, Prof Burley said: “Achievements in the NHS are always a team effort.
"I’ve had the immense privilege to work alongside some of the greatest people and teams, and this honour recognises all of our hard work and dedication.
"I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me."
Andreas Antona, the chef-owner of The Cross restaurant in Kenilworth, was another to be appointed an MBE for services to the hospitality sector and to charity.
He said he is ”surprised” and “absolutely thrilled”.
Dr Martin Reeves, the chief executive of Oxfordshire County Council, who lives in Warwick, was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to local government.
Kenilworth resident Dr Marcus Rink, chief inspector of drinking water for the Drinking Water Inspectorate, was appointed as an OBE for services to water quality.
Stuart Balnaves of Warwick, a deputy director for customer service enterprise operations at the Department for Education, has been made an MBE for public service.