"Not that long ago, I was playing in the academy and local pub leagues": Luke Littler by royal appointment as World Champion receives MBE

Luke Littler has now joined the growing list of darting stars who have received an MBE being given the honour 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 this past Tuesday.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a stunning rise going from teen darting prodigy to winning back-to-back World Championship titles and shattering a host of records in the process. He has brought darts onto new heights from being an already growing sport to a sporting phenomenon.

Littler made history when he became World Champion at just 17 and he had already reacted with great joy to sealing the MBE when it was confirmed last year. “This is an amazing and unexpected honour but one which I am very grateful for," said Littler at the time. “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.”

But he shared a host of pictures today from his ceremony of him and his family in another one on the bucket list for the darting superstar from Warrington as he was seen with his mum, dad and girlfriend Faith in the pictures at Windsor Castle sharing a message of delight.

He also gave a stark contrast of where he came from to where he is now in such a short amount of time with Littler going from being a rising start to now at the top of the sport with an MBE.

"What an honour, an amazing day and a very proud moment for me and my family," he penned on Instagram. "Not that long ago, I was playing in the academy and local pub leagues, so to now have an MBE is crazy. Wouldn’t be here without all the support of my family, sponsors, and all of you, so thank you, it means a lot."

PDC Chairman Eddie Hearn commented underneath the post jokingly asking for Littler to have a word. "Amazing Luke well done. Hope you had a word."