Georgia Stanway, Barrow Lioness, receives MBE from King Charles
Barrow-born England footballer Georgia Stanway has received her MBE from King Charles III after being recognised for her services to football.
The 27-year-old midfielder attended an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026.
Stanway described the experience as “surreal”. Saying she spoke with the King about football, life in Munich and England captain Harry Kane.
The honour follows a successful period for Stanway and the England women’s team. Including European Championship victories in 2022 and 2025.
She was also part of the Lionesses squad that reached the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
King asked about football and Munich
Stanway said the King showed a strong interest in football during their conversation.
She said: “He’s a massive football fan.”
The pair discussed her time playing in Germany with Bayern Munich. As well as Harry Kane, who has also represented the German club.
Receiving the honour marked another major moment in a career that began in Cumbria before taking Stanway to the highest level of the women’s game.
She grew up in Barrow and started playing football locally before joining Blackburn Rovers’ youth system.
Stanway later moved to Manchester City, where she became an established Women’s Super League player and won several domestic trophies.
Success with England Lionesses
Stanway has played an important role during one of the most successful periods in the history of the England women’s team.
She helped the Lionesses win Euro 2022 on home soil, scoring a memorable extra-time goal against Spain during the quarter-final.
England went on to defeat Germany in the final at Wembley.
Stanway was also part of the squad that reached the 2023 World Cup final. Where England finished as runners up after losing to Spain.
The Lionesses then secured another European title in 2025, adding to the midfielder’s achievements at international level.
Her contribution to the national team and the wider growth of women’s football led to her being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire.
Stanway preparing to leave Bayern Munich
The midfielder is set to leave Bayern Munich this summer after four seasons with the German club.
During her time in Germany, Bayern won four league titles. Making Stanway a regular member of a highly successful squad.
She said she wanted to leave the club with positive memories and felt the time had come to take the next step in her career.
Stanway said: “I loved my time there.
“You never want to get to a point where you’re not enjoying something, and I think it was important that I take the next step in my career.”
Arsenal reports described as rumours
Stanway has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, which would bring her back to the Women’s Super League.
However, she said no agreement had been completed and described reports linking her with the London club as “just rumours”.
She added: “There’s nothing fixed at the moment, but of course coming back to England is very attractive.”
Her next club has not yet been confirmed.
Wherever Stanway moves, she will begin the next stage of her career as an MBE and one of the most successful footballers to come from Barrow.
