World No 1 Luke Littler has been introduced with an MBE by Prince William at Windsor Citadel.
Littler was recognised for his contribution to the game of darts within the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours Record final summer time – alongside Luke Humphries – and he was introduced with the accolade at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Citadel on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old has loved a surprising rise to prominence over current years, successful back-to-back World Championship titles and shattering a bunch of information within the course of.
Littler made historical past when he claimed the world championship at simply 17 years and 347 days previous, changing into the youngest participant ever to raise the title.
His MBE, awarded within the King’s Birthday Honours for providers to the game, prompted an emotional response when introduced final June.
“This is an amazing and unexpected honour but one which I am very grateful for,” stated Littler.
“To obtain a recognition like that is one thing I had by no means thought can be doable and it’s a proud second.
“It’s unbelievable what I’ve done for my sport. I’m happy, my family is happy and I can’t wait to receive it.”
Littler made his breakthrough on his Alexandra Palace debut as a 16-year-old in 2023/24, having fun with a fairytale run to the ultimate earlier than shedding out to his nice rival Humphries.
Nevertheless, the Warrington sensation has since lifted back-to-back titles within the sport’s flagship occasion, becoming a member of Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson as solely the fourth participant in PDC historical past to attain the feat.
Littler additionally gained the Premier League, World Collection of Darts Finals and Grand Slam of Darts in 2024, earlier than having fun with additional dominance final season, amassing a staggering six TV rating titles.
This haul included successes on the UK Open, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and Gamers Championship Finals, earlier than he efficiently retained the Sid Waddell Trophy in January.
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Watch the second when Littler checked-out back-to-back 170s to win Week Eight of the Premier League
Littler has additionally scooped each televised rating titles on provide in 2026, following up his maiden Winmau World Masters triumph by successful his second consecutive UK Open crown in Minehead again in March.
‘The Nuke’ will return to aggressive motion on Evening 16 of the BetMGM Premier League on Thursday, as he chases a record-breaking seventh nightly victory of the season in Sheffield.
The ceremony additionally recognised comic Matt Lucas, who acquired an OBE, alongside England footballer Ella Toone and rugby union star Sadia Kabeya, every awarded MBEs.
What’s taking place on Premier League Evening 16 in Sheffield?
The 2026 BetMGM Premier League season culminates on the Utilita Enviornment in Sheffield, with desk positions nonetheless at stake to find out the play-off semi-final matchups.
The highest 4 for Finals Evening have been confirmed, with group‑stage winner Littler, Jonny Clayton, Gerwyn Value and Luke Humphries set to compete for the title on the O2 Enviornment on Might 28.
All that is still to be determined is whether or not Value or Humphries will safe third spot and, doubtlessly crucially, keep away from a semi-final showdown with Littler within the play-offs.
Value faces Gian van Veen, whereas Humphries takes on Michael van Gerwen. Littler meets Josh Rock, and Clayton goes up in opposition to Stephen Bunting.
Who will win this 12 months’s Premier League Darts? Luke Humphries shall be defending his title and you may watch the motion each single Thursday till Might on Sky Sports activities. Stream darts and extra high sport with NOW.
