King’s Honours meets the people’s choice

Ahead of the King’s New Year Honours list reveal next month, new research shows who the British public think should be picking up medals, titles and royal nods from national treasures to fictional favourites.

Who comes out on top? You guessed it. Fresh from his excellent deception as a Traitor, fan favourite Alan Carr tops the wish list.

Close behind is Gareth Malone, the nation’s choirmaster-in-chief, who already has an OBE but who the public reckon deserves to go one better.

And Claudia Winkleman, the host of the Traitors and Strictly, recently awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting, makes up the top three public figures worthy of a gong, as she’s seen as the ultimate feel-good TV personality.

When it comes to fictional heroes, Britain’s imagination runs wild, with James Bond taking the top spot for services to Queen and country, while Paddington Bear is hot on his heels – no doubt for his outstanding contribution to good manners, marmalade sandwiches and soft power diplomacy.

Beyond the celebrity chatter, the research from Awards Intelligence shows the nation still has deep respect for real-world service and bravery. Nearly half of Brits (46%) think more people should apply for a New Year Honour, but only 23% know how.

Aston spoke to Claire James from Awards Intelligence.

Photo by Anton Maksimov 5642 su on Unsplash