Julia Lee receives MBE from Prince William recognising decades of service to rugby league

Julia Lee, a rugby league pioneer from Hull, received her MBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle, recognising her 40 years of service to the sport. Lee was the first female referee in men's open age and professional rugby league games, officiating at international level in both Britain and Australia, and later worked for the RFL for over 20 years. Her honour was announced in the 2026 King's New Year's Honours List for services to rugby league.