Julia Lee receives MBE from Prince William recognising decades of service to rugby league

Rugby league pioneer Julia Lee described accepting her MBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle as “an absolute honour.”

Lee – who was born and bred in Hull - was the first female referee in men’s open age and professional games and officiated men and women up to international level in Britain and Australia.

Her 40-year dedication to the game was recognised in the 2026 King’s New Year’s Honours List when she was awarded the honour for services to rugby league.

She travelled to Windsor for the investiture ceremony with her sister Liz, brother Andrew and best friend Kerry.

“What an absolute honour to be recognised for the past 40 years in a sport that is truly in my DNA,” said Lee.

“The whole day was amazing. Everybody was so kind and made you feel incredibly special.

“Can you imagine that young girl standing on the terraces at Hull KR one day finding her voice as a match official, and later working in the administration of the sport?

“I was often told at school, and in other parts of my life, that I was not good enough or that girls could not do that. I want my achievements to show that whoever you are, and wherever you are from, you can be anything you want to be. It is all about believing in yourself and never giving up.”

At 17 and fuelled by a bet from a friend, Lee answered an advert in a matchday programme for a referee which launched a trailblazing on-field career.

Lee then went on to work for the RFL for more than 20 years, implementing many grassroots and participation schemes and becoming a director as well as delivering a £29million Sport England award.

She’s been relentless in her drive for recognition of those who were fundamental to the development of the women’s game on and off the field.

Her unwavering persistence led to Lisa McIntosh, Brenda Dobek and Sally Milburn becoming the first women to be inducted into the RFL Hall of Fame in 2022 followed two years later by Jane Banks and Shelley Land.

That same year, 72 former Great Britain and 43 England players received their caps and heritage numbers.  In addition, 12 dual internationals, who played for Great Britain and England, each received two caps.

In 2024 the Great Britain Lionesses that won the 1996 Ashes series in Australia became the first team to be inducted into the RFL Hall of Fame.

Lee set up the ‘Life with the Lionesses’ and ‘Pioneering Years’ projects to bring the stories of the trailblazers to a wider audience and to inspire the next generation through learning about female role models.