**Windsor Castle Honours for Acclaimed Actress and Everton Manager**
Two titans of British arts and sport will be recognised for their outstanding contributions at a special investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle this week. Anne-Marie Duff, the celebrated actress known for her pivotal roles in television drama, and David Moyes, the renowned football manager, are among those set to receive prestigious awards from the Prince of Wales.
Both Duff and Moyes will be formally appointed as Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), acknowledging their impact within the fields of drama and football respectively. Their honours were previously announced as part of the New Year Honours list, marking the culmination of their decades-long dedication to their professions.
Anne-Marie Duff, aged 54, continues to make waves in the entertainment industry. In 2024, she clinched a Bafta for her portrayal of Grace Williams in the acclaimed Apple TV comedy “Bad Sisters.” This achievement added to a roster of accolades, including prior recognition for her memorable depiction of Fiona Gallagher in Channel 4’s award-winning series “Shameless.” That show, with its gritty humour and exploration of family dynamics on a Manchester council estate, cemented Duff’s status as a compelling force in British drama.
Commentators have noted Duff’s unwavering commitment to her craft, with her ability to navigate both comedic and dramatic roles earning her widespread admiration. Her latest honour serves as testament to her enduring influence on the British cultural scene.
David Moyes, now 62, is similarly no stranger to the public eye. Beginning his career as a central defender for clubs including Celtic and Preston North End, he shifted his focus to football management, steadily building his reputation. Moyes managed Everton Football Club from 2002 to 2013, overseeing one of the most stable periods in the team’s modern history. Recently, he returned to Goodison Park for a new chapter at the helm, following notable stints at both Manchester United and West Ham United.
Moyes’ recognition with an OBE is seen by many in the football community as long overdue. His commitment to developing young talent and establishing top-flight clubs as consistent contenders has earned widespread respect, not only from fans but from his peers within the sport.
The Windsor Castle ceremony will also celebrate achievements in other fields. Leena Nair, chief executive of fashion giant Chanel, is to be made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Nair, 55, broke multiple glass ceilings by becoming the first female, first Asian, and youngest chief human resources officer at Unilever, before moving on to lead Chanel.
Outside the UK, other exceptional individuals will also be commended. Sarah Lurcock, manager of the heritage trust on the remote island of South Georgia, will receive the Polar Medal for her efforts in preserving the history and environment of the far-flung British territory, situated in the South Atlantic. The island, noted for its challenging subantarctic conditions and lack of permanent population, has benefitted significantly from Lurcock’s stewardship.
Additionally, Sir Llewellyn Xavier, an acclaimed artist from St Lucia, will be formally knighted in recognition of his work furthering community development and infrastructure on his home island—an important nod to the broader impact of the arts and cultural leadership abroad.
Footballer Millie Bright, initially listed to receive an OBE for her services to women’s football, will not attend the ceremony as expected. The Chelsea and England defender recently underwent minor knee surgery, following her withdrawal from selection for the European Championship. Nonetheless, her inclusion in the honours list underscores the growing recognition of women’s football in the UK.
The ceremony at Windsor Castle this week thus stands not only as a personal milestone for its recipients but as a celebration of achievement across the spectrum of British society and beyond. The diversity of honourees reflects both the historical tradition and the evolving legacy of national recognition, inspiring continued excellence in fields from sport to the arts, fashion to cultural heritage.