The 2026 King's Birthday Honours list was released by the British Government and the Executive Office on Friday evening. It includes more than a dozen Northern Ireland figures recognised for outstanding service across multiple sectors.

In business, John Harkin, founder and director of Alchemy Technology Services, was appointed an OBE for services to economic development and entrepreneurship in Derry. George Fleming, chair of Fleming Agri Products, received an MBE for services to business, employment and apprenticeships. Harry Geddis, co-founder of Avondale Foods, and William Moore were also made MBEs for their contributions to agriculture, research and innovation.

The agriculture and science sector saw DAERA deputy director of Marine and Fisheries Claire Vincent and former agricultural policy director Rosemary Agnew each appointed an MBE. Dr Stephen Jess, a former senior scientist at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, was awarded a BEM. Wesley Aston, former chief executive of the Ulster Farmers' Union, and Professor Peter Robertson of Queen's University, for energy and environmental engineering, also received MBEs.

Health and community contributions were marked with an MBE for dermatologist Dr Patricia Podmore, who improved services in the North West, and a BEM for Maurice Neely, a 47-year volunteer maintaining grounds at Altnagelvin Hospital in Strabane. Lloyd Magee, chair of the Bonds Street Community Association in Derry, and Audrey Moore, chair of Friends of Rossmar School in Limavady, each received a BEM for their voluntary work. Two hospital chaplains, Very Rev Dean Kenneth Hall and Rt Rev Monsignor Peter O'Reilly, were appointed OBEs for services to reconciliation and peacebuilding in Enniskillen and Fermanagh.

In policing, Sergeant Dwayne Stewart of the PSNI's neighbourhood team in Derry City and Strabane was awarded the King's Police Medal. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the honour reflected officers' dedication to the community. Justice Minister Naomi Long also congratulated prison service and police staff who were recognised.

Stormont ministers commended all recipients. Education Minister Paul Givan thanked education and youth sector staff for their exceptional commitment. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons highlighted the impact of individuals across the arts, sport, housing and voluntary sectors. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir applauded the leadership of farming, marine and scientific honorees.