TWO Taunton women have been named in the His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours list for 2025.

The list, announced at the end of last week (June 13), honoured over 90 people from the South West who had contributed positively to community and country.

Julia Margaret Knight, 59, of Taunton, was named a recipient of a BEM for her services to the Somerset Lieutenancy.

According to the honours list, Julia has worked with the Somerset Lieutenancy Office and as a Civic Events Office with Somerset County Council for the past 20 years.

She has been commended for her planning of HM The Queen’s visit to Somerset in 2018, and for her dedication to her work more broadly.

International Lead Associate Consultant for People 1st International Limited, Jane Whitehart, also from Taunton, was awarded an OBE for her services to international trade.

Jane is the founder of three initiatives to support inclusive and productive workforces: Skills for Inclusion Ltd, People 1st International and the National Skills Academy for Retail.

Jane said: “I am deeply humbled to have received such an incredible accolade for the honour of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to International Trade.

“This recognition means a great deal to me, and I am sincerely grateful to those who nominated me. It is a privilege to work alongside such inspiring and committed individuals.

“I thank you all for believing in the role that skills, inclusion, and trade can play in transforming lives and communities globally.”