King of the track Sir Mo Farah will officially receive his knighthood later.
The four-time Olympic champion will be honoured at Buckingham Palace for his services to athletics.
Sir Mo, who called time on his track career at the end of the summer, is moving back to London from the United States to concentrate on running road marathons.
On the news of the knighthood Sir Mo, who came to the UK from Somalia as a boy, said: “I’m so happy to be awarded this incredible honour from the country that has been my home since I moved here at the age of eight.”
Also due to receive an honour at the palace on Tuesday is Delia Smith, who will become a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to cookery.
Rosa Monckton, a friend of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, will be made an MBE for voluntary and charitable services to people with learning difficulties and their families in the UK and abroad.
Model Erin O’Connor will be honoured with an MBE for services to fashion and charity, and actress Patricia Hodge will be given an OBE for services to drama.