Five locals have been included in the King’s Birthday Honours list:
Richard Lyttle
A Ballynahinch man, with a love and deep sense of respect for the world of equestrianism, has been awarded an MBE for his services to horse racing.
Richard Lyttle said he is “very lucky and privileged” to have been included in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.
“This is a great honour and actually I do believe I am very lucky to have been nominated and subsequently selected. It’s a lovely honour, and I am trying to take this gently in my stride,” he said.
Clare McCawley
A woman who has been involved with the Victorian Gardens at the Downshire Hospital in Downpatrick for three decades, making it a sanctuary supporting health, wellbeing and recovery, is amongst those to have been recognised by King Charles in his birthday honours.
Congratulations have been extended to Clare McCawley, who manages the site at the Downshire Estate in Downpatrick.
Clare has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to healthcare, horticulture and the local community.
The gardens, a picturesque and unique green space located off the Ardglass Road, have become a safe haven for patients, service users, staff and the wider community, supporting health, wellbeing and recovery through nature.
Since joining the Trust in 1996, Clare has played a key role in developing and maintaining the Victorian Gardens, working alongside former Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Colin Patton, whose vision was to create a garden that could be enjoyed by staff, patients and the wider community.
Speaking about receiving the honour, she said she felt “both surprised and humbled”.
Rose Neill
A Killyleagh woman, who is one of the best-known newscasters in Northern Ireland, said she feels “privileged” to have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
UTV newsreader Rose Neill, 68, paid tribute to her “professional, hard-working and happy” colleagues as she was made an MBE for her services to broadcasting and to charity.
She is a veteran of broadcasting, being a presence on TV screens across Northern Ireland for more than four decades. She began her career in 1977 as a children’s television presenter on UTV, and later moved to a role as a newscaster.
David Workman
Ian Campbell
A former Newcastle resident has been honoured by the King for his charity work helping people thousands of miles from home.
Ian Campbell’s work helping empower women living in the Philippines led to him receiving an MBE in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List.
Mr Campbell, who founded Ten Foundations and opened the charity’s first shop in Newcastle, said he was “still quite shocked but equally hugely honoured” to have been chosen as a recipient.
Whilst the charity’s physical ties with Newcastle are no more, Mr Campbell said he has “many amazing memories” of his time living in the town and running the shop.
