A leading expert on RNLI history has also been awarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Barry Cox, 84, who lives in Poole, was the recipient of a British Empire Medal. 

Mr Cox has volunteered his services to the RNLI for over 27 years, working hard in the Heritage Library and Archive ensuring that 190 years of unique historical records have been preserved for the charity. 

Without Mr Cox’s hard work and dedication, much of the collection would not have survived.

“It’s an absolute honour to receive this award. I’m the first person in my family to receive anything like this, and it’s a very proud moment for me,” said Mr Cox.

Due to his dedication and hard work in producing a professional archive, the early records of the RNLI have recently been recognised as of national importance by UNESCO.

And astronaut Tim Peake has made history as the first person to ever receive a Queen’s Birthday Honour while in space.

Major Peake has been awarded a CMG - Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for services to space research and scientific education.

The 44-year-old, a former regular British Army Air Corps officer, was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in the Soyuz rocket on December 15 last year.

He is now preparing for his return back to Earth and should be leaving the ISS on Saturday, June 18.

Speaking from the ISS Major Peake said: "I am honoured to receive the first appointment to the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George for extraordinary service beyond our planet."

He added that the award was not just for him, and dedicated it to everyone who had made his mission possible.

Here are some other famous faces who were also awarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honours Singer Rod Stewart, who is performing in Southampton tonight, received a knighthood for his services to music and charity.

Forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn joined the likes of Sir David Attenborough, Dame Maggie Smith and Stephen Hawking in becoming a Companion of Honour.

TV duo Ant and Dec received OBEs for services to broadcasting and entertainment Actor Brian Blessed, who recently appeared at the Wimborne Literary Festival, received an OBE for services to the arts and charity.

Actress Penelope Wilton, was made a Dame for her services to drama, one of 13 women to be bestowed the honour.

England cricket captain Alastair Cook has been awarded the CBE for services to cricket.

Former England football skipper Alan Shearer has been awarded the CBE for his charitable services to the community in North East.

Tennis Ace Jamie Murray was given an OBE for services to tennis and charity.

Martine Wiltshire, a Team GB sitting volleyball player and Paralympian, who lost both her legs in the London 7/7 bombings was awarded an MBE.

Janet Street-Porter who has been awarded a CBE for services to journalism and broadcasting.