World No 1 Luke Littler has been presented with an MBE by Prince William at Windsor Castle.
Littler was recognised for his contribution to the sport of darts in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours List last summer - alongside Luke Humphries - and he was presented with the accolade at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a stunning rise to prominence over recent years, winning back-to-back World Championship titles and shattering a host of records in the process.
Littler made history when he claimed the world championship at just 17 years and 347 days old, becoming the youngest player ever to lift the title.
His MBE, awarded in the King's Birthday Honours for services to the sport, prompted an emotional response when announced last June.
"This is an amazing and unexpected honour but one which I am very grateful for," said Littler.
"To receive a recognition like this is something I had never thought would be possible and it is a proud moment.
"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, enjoying a fairytale run to the final before losing out to his great rival Humphries.
However, the Warrington sensation has since lifted back-to-back titles in the sport's flagship event, joining Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson as only the fourth player in PDC history to achieve the feat.
Littler also won the Premier League, World Series of Darts Finals and Grand Slam of Darts in 2024, before enjoying further dominance last season, amassing a staggering six TV ranking titles.
This haul included successes at the UK Open, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals, before he successfully retained the Sid Waddell Trophy in January.
Littler has also scooped both televised ranking titles on offer in 2026, following up his maiden Winmau World Masters triumph by winning his second consecutive UK Open crown in Minehead back in March.
'The Nuke' will return to competitive action on Night 16 of the BetMGM Premier League on Thursday, as he chases a record-breaking seventh nightly victory of the season in Sheffield.
The ceremony also recognised comedian Matt Lucas, who received an OBE, alongside England footballer Ella Toone and rugby union star Sadia Kabeya, each awarded MBEs.
The 2026 BetMGM Premier League season culminates at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, with table positions still at stake to determine the play-off semi-final matchups.
The top four for Finals Night have been confirmed, with group‑stage winner Littler, Jonny Clayton, Gerwyn Price and Luke Humphries set to compete for the title at the O2 Arena on May 28.
All that remains to be decided is whether Price or Humphries will secure third spot and, potentially crucially, avoid a semi-final showdown with Littler in the play-offs.
Price faces Gian van Veen, while Humphries takes on Michael van Gerwen. Littler meets Josh Rock, and Clayton goes up against Stephen Bunting.
Who will win this year's Premier League Darts? Luke Humphries will be defending his title and you can watch the action every single Thursday until May on Your Site. .
