The Formula One racing driver Jackie Stewart, who gets a knighthood, and England's former football captain Alan Shearer head a cast of sports and show-business stars in the Queen Elizabeth's Birthday Honours List published yesterday.
The comedian Dudley Moore, veteran actress Googie Withers, and fashion designer John Galliano - all with CBEs - share the honours with sporting heroes such as the yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur and the great Welsh soccer player John Charles.
Celebrities such as the flautist James Galway (knighted), photographer David Bailey (CBE) and soccer commentator John Motson (OBE), rub shoulders with "unknown" people such as those who work as waitresses, lollipop ladies and bus drivers - all of whom have been recognised for outstanding contributions to their local communities.
Jackie Stewart (63) has been one of the most successful racing drivers the world has seen, having been world champion three times. When, in 1973, he announced his retirement from racing he had won 27 of his 99 races - then a record.
Alan Shearer (30), the Newcastle United striker, who is made an OBE, has been one of the most prolific Premiership and international goal-scorers.
John Charles (69), now a CBE, was once described as "the best centre-half in the world, as well as the best centreforward". He was capped 38 times for Wales, and made 297 appearances for Leeds United between 1949 and 1956, scoring 150 goals.
The yachtswoman Ellen MacArthurs (MBE) won the hearts of the British - and the French - for her performance when she came second in the Vendee Globe single-handed round-the-world race.
It took her 94 days, well inside the old record, and made her the fastest woman ever to complete the course.
Ian Stark, who is made an OBE, is one of Britain's best known equestrian riders.
Dudley Moore (66) heads an array of show-business award winners, with a CBE in the overseas and diplomatic list. Moore, who suffers from a degenerative brain problem, progressive supranuclear palsy, made his name in his "Dud and Pete" comedy partnership with the late Peter Cook.
A similar award goes to Googie Withers (84), who now lives in Australia. She has been on the stage since 1932, and has starred in such screen classics as The Lady Vanishes and It Al- ways Rains on Sunday.
The actress Pauline Collins (60) is made an OBE. She won an Oscar nomination for her role in Shirley Valentine.
Christopher Lee (79), famous for his horror film roles, is made a CBE, and Joan Armatrading, hailed as Britain's first black female pop star when she burst on to the scene in the 1970s, an MBE.
There is also a knighthood for the architect Terry Farrell, who designed the MI6 building and the arch-roofed colossus over London's Charing Cross Station.
The Oscar-winning film director Anthony Minghella gets a CBE. He received awards for the epic The English Patient and the thriller The Talented Mr Ripley.