Stormont ministers have extended their congratulations to individuals from Northern Ireland who have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list for 2026. The recipients have been acknowledged for their outstanding contributions across various sectors, including farming, science, education, justice, the arts, and community relations.

Agriculture, Marine, and Science Recognitions

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA offered his congratulations to recipients honoured for their dedication to farming, marine and fisheries, food innovation, science, and environmental engineering.

Among the departmental recipients are Claire Vincent, Deputy Director of DAERA's Marine and Fisheries Division, and former DAERA Director of Agricultural Policy, Rosemary Agnew, who both receive MBEs. Dr Stephen Jess, a former senior scientist at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, has been awarded a BEM.

Former Ulster Farmers' Union chief executive Wesley Aston and William Moore have also received MBEs for their services to agriculture. Additionally, Professor Peter Robertson, Professor of Energy and Environmental Engineering at Queen's University, and Harry Geddis, co-founder and co-chair of Avondale Foods, were awarded MBEs for their services to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Minister Muir stated: "It's really heartening to see people who have dedicated years of service to Northern Ireland's agriculture, marine and scientific communities being recognised.

"All of these individuals have shown outstanding leadership and the recognition they have received is very well deserved.

"On behalf of the Department, I would like to congratulate them all and also all the other people who have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours for their contribution to society today."

Culture, Housing, and Voluntary Sectors

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons paid tribute to individuals honoured for their contributions across housing, charity, sport, the arts, music, and the voluntary and community sectors, highlighting the positive impact they have made within their local areas. Minister Lyons said: "I want to pay tribute to everyone recognised in the King's Birthday Honours. This list celebrates people from across the arts, sport, music, housing, charity, and voluntary and community sectors who have shown outstanding dedication and service, and who have made significant contributions in their chosen fields.

"Your achievements reflect your commitment and hard work, and these honours recognise the important role you play in your communities; I want to thank you all."

Commitment to Education and Youth

Education Minister Paul Givan praised staff from across the education and youth sectors who featured in the 2026 list, thanking them for their exceptional commitment to the education of children and young people.

The Minister said: "It is a real pleasure to congratulate everyone from the education sector who features in this year's King's Birthday Honours list.

"Since taking up the role of Education Minister, I have had the privilege of visiting hundreds of schools and educational settings right across Northern Ireland. Time and again, I have been inspired by the dedication of teachers and staff who go above and beyond to support every child in their care.

"These honours are a reminder of the outstanding contribution made by so many across our education and youth workforce, and I am delighted to see that commitment recognised today.

"Northern Ireland is fortunate to have a highly motivated and highly trained workforce that is admired beyond our shores. To all those honoured, and to the wider education family, thank you. These awards are thoroughly well deserved."

Public Service and Justice

Justice Minister Naomi Long offered her congratulations to staff within the Northern Ireland Prison Service and the Police Service of Northern Ireland who were recognised. The distinctions bestowed upon justice personnel include Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and the King's Police Medal (KPM).

Justice Minister Naomi Long said: "The incredible service staff provide to protect the public, support victims and tackle reoffending are recognised in each of these honours.

"The challenges faced by staff throughout the justice system and the courage and professionalism with which they approach their roles has been highlighted in recent days and weeks. Without their dedication, Northern Ireland would be a much poorer place to live.

"I wish to pay tribute and congratulate those who have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list."