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Sarah Lancashire receives prestigious royal CBE award for drama at moving Windsor Castle ceremony

Sarah Lancashire
Sarah Lancashire

.It was a proud and emotional day at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, as a fresh group of outstanding Brits were celebrated for their contributions across drama, sport, and the arts.

Among the honourees was a familiar face to television fans—Sarah Lancashire—who has made millions laugh, cry, and sit on the edge of their seats over the years.

The BAFTA-winning actress officially became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), honoured for her lasting impact on British drama.


Sarah Lancashire’s Big Moment With Princess Anne

At 60, Sarah Lancashire made the trip to the royal residence with some very important guests—her close family, including her proud husband Peter Salmon.

Dressed in a sophisticated powder pink ensemble, she met with Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, and followed tradition by offering a respectful curtsy before accepting her honour.

Peter Salmon, a respected figure in British broadcasting and a former BBC1 controller, stood proudly nearby.

Some may remember that he once made headlines for refusing to relocate to the BBC’s Salford HQ, despite leading the Corporation’s North division.


From Coronation Street to Crime Thrillers

Lancashire’s journey in television has been nothing short of iconic.

She first won hearts as Raquel Watts on Coronation Street, appearing in over 260 episodes throughout the 1990s. But she didn’t stop there.

Her transition into dramatic roles was seamless.

From Clocking Off, the early 2000s series about factory life, to the emotional Last Tango In Halifax, and more recently her gripping turn in Happy Valley, her performances have earned her multiple BAFTA awards and a place in British TV history.


From Acting to Producing: A New Chapter

After Happy Valley wrapped up its final season in 2023, Lancashire quietly decided it was time for something new.

According to friends, she’s been planning to step away from acting to explore the world behind the camera.

“Sarah loves acting, but producing has been calling her for a while,” a friend shared last year.

“Once Happy Valley ended, she knew it was the right moment to shift gears—and she’s thrilled.”

In fact, she was so committed to her new path that she reportedly left last year’s National Television Awards early, skipping the after-party, because she had an early start the next day… in her new role as a producer.


Celebrating Sporting Achievements on the Same Day

Lancashire wasn’t the only one to receive honours on Tuesday.

A number of Britain’s top athletes were also celebrated for their exceptional achievements.

Four decorated cyclists—Jenny Holl, Dannielle Khan, Emma Finucane, and Katy Marchant—were each made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs) for their contributions to cycling.

Holl and tandem partner Sophie Unwin took home two gold medals at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, while Khan piloted Lizzi Jordan to gold in the tandem time trial.


Olympic and Paralympic Legends Get Their Moment

Katy Marchant, who helped secure Great Britain’s first-ever Olympic women’s team sprint gold, was honoured alongside Finucane and teammate Sophie Capewell.

Finucane, still only 22, made history as the first British woman in six decades to earn three Olympic medals at a single Games.

Trampoline gymnast Bryony Page was also honoured with an MBE after taking home gold in Paris, while Paralympic swimmer Alice Tai was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her remarkable comeback, winning 100m S8 backstroke gold just three years after choosing to have her right leg amputated.


Honouring Leadership Behind the Scenes

Finally, Penny Briscoe, director of sport at the British Paralympic Association, was recognised with a CBE.

She’s led Team GB as chef de mission at five Paralympic Games, including the triumphant 2024 outing in Paris, and continues to champion Paralympic sport in the UK.


What’s Next for Sarah and the Honourees?

As Sarah Lancashire steps confidently into her new creative chapter as a producer, it’s clear she’s far from done making her mark on British storytelling.

Meanwhile, the athletes and leaders recognised alongside her continue to inspire future generations in sport and beyond.

It was a day of pride, prestige, and personal milestones at Windsor Castle—a reminder of just how much talent and dedication there is across the UK.