We have no shortage of wonderful characters in the UK. Explorers, actors, philosophers, sportsmen, entrepreneurs, politicians, authors, artists, chefs… the list goes on. As with our monarchy and most famous landmarks, we keep our national treasures close to our chest. Here are the men and women who make us proud to be British…
1. EDDIE REDMAYNE
A truly refined, Oscar-winning actor and symbol of elegance – for many he epitomises the quintessential gentleman.
2. DAVID ATTENBOROUGH
The man we all wish was our granddad. His soothing voice is the soundtrack to many of the most incredible documentaries ever made, and his genteel nature makes him possibly the most iconic national treasure in Britain.
3. TREVOR MACDONALD
The friendly face of the news for decades, Sir Trevor was knighted in 1999 for his services to journalism – deservedly so.
4. CLAIRE BALDING
Without a doubt one of the finest presenters ever to burst onto our screens. Such is the impact she has made, watching sport – be it golf, athletics or riding – just isn’t the same without her.
5. PRINCE HARRY
The lovable prince is, of course, a national icon. He’s made a few mistakes over the years, but he is loved the world over and embodies what Britain is all about.
6. JOHN CLEESE
Rising up from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Cleese went on to star in the likes of Fawlty Towers and, most famously, the brilliant Monty Python.
7. THE QUEEN
Obviously.
8. DAVID & VICTORIA BECKHAM
Yes, he started life as a footballer, and she a Spice Girl, but there’s no denying the impact they have gone on to have – he is arguably the most famous person on the globe. They have amassed a huge fortune, even bigger following around the world, and kept up a pristine image in the face of constant media attention.
9. JONNY WILKINSON
The modest No. 10 who led England to World Cup victory in 2003, made such an impact at Toulon that he bowed out of the game to a rendition of God Save the Queen and to this day strives to put as much back into the sport of rugby as he took from it.
10. BORIS JOHNSON
The whacky politician has to be on the list. No other man is capable of pulling off such British quips (‘supine protoplasmic invertebrate jellies’ his best) and throw himself into every bizarre campaigning opportunity with gusto, while calling himself the Major of London.
11. JAMIE OLIVER
Jamie is to cooking what milk is to cereal. We’ve become so used to seeing him on our screens that he is a sure national treasure – not to forget Britain’s second biggest-selling author, with over £126 million worth of cookery book sales.
12. DAVID DIMBLEBY
The face of current affairs and political programmes for years, the 76-year-old is a true gentleman is every sense of the word.
13. JUDY DENCH
She recently bowed of the Bond films, having played the role of M with perfect aplomb. She is a much a part of British fabric as tea – Fiennes has big shoes to fill.
14. MICHAEL CAINE
Yes, he’s a national treasure, but in truth he’s so much more: the accent, the charm, the style! And, obviously, the films.
15. RANULPH FIENNES
The man who refuses to slow down. The explorer’s achievement list is truly astounding, including being the first to reach both Poles, the first to cross Antarctic and Arctic Ocean, and the first to circumnavigate the world along its polar axis. Oh and this year, aged 71, he completed the Marathon des Sables – 156 miles over six days in the blistering 50°C heat of the Saharan Desert. Yup, I feel lazy too.
16. IAN MCKELLEN
Twice nominated for the Oscar, and recipient of every major theatrical award in UK and US, Ian McKellen is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest actors. A gent and a treasure in every way.
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