Former England cricketer James Anderson has been knighted at Windsor Castle.
The record-breaking fast bowler, 43, was recognised for his services to cricket by then prime minister Rishi Sunak – a fan of the game – in his resignation honours in 2024.
He was among those formally knighted by Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, at an investiture ceremony on Tuesday.
Sir James made his first-class debut for Lancashire and his one-day international debut for England in 2002, with his Test bow coming in May 2003.
He holds the record for the most Test wickets taken for England, with 704. Only Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan and the late Australian spin bowler Shane Warne, who took 800 and 708 wickets respectively, outrank him globally.
Widely regarded to be one of the best bowlers in the history of cricket, Sir James helped England to four Ashes victories over Australia, and in 2010, he helped England to a victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
In 2018, a ballot of over 6,000 English cricket fans voted him into an all-time Test XI.
Two years ago, Sir James made the last of his 188 Test appearances against West Indies at Lord’s.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said: “It’s been quite an amazing week. I’ve been overwhelmed with the reaction of the crowd and everyone around the ground, and the lads as well. I’m just proud of what I’ve achieved.”
He added: “Playing for 20-odd years is an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler, so I’m just happy that I’ve made it this far and happy that I’ve been lucky enough to stay injury-free pretty much throughout my career.
“Playing for England is the best job in the world and I’ve been privileged to do it for a long time.”
During the 2025 domestic campaign, he played six Rothesay County Championship matches before a side injury ended his season early.
Last year, Sir James became the first seamer – a bowler who throws the ball such that it lands on its seam – to take 700 wickets.
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Also awarded a knighthood on Tuesday was Graham Gouldman, frontman of Stockport rock band 10cc.
He is the only remaining founder member of the band, which was formed more than 50 years ago and continues to tour around the world.
Former Sky News journalist Dharshini David, who now works as the BBC’s chief economics correspondent, will be made an OBE for services to economics.
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The broadcaster started her career in finance before being appointed senior UK economist for HSBC Investment Bank.
She joined the business team at Sky News in 2009, presenting political, business and news programmes, before returning to the BBC.
