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In the world of sport, cricketer Graeme Hick, rugby union's Alastair Hignell, England women's cricket captain Charlotte Edwards and world championship-winning badminton player Gail Emms were also awarded gongs.
Honours lists are released on New Year's Day and in mid-June on the queen's official birthday. The honours reward people from all walks of life for services to their community.
Faldo, 51, the former world number one, won six majors during a glittering career that made him one of the most successful European golfers ever. Famously single-minded, he won three Opens and three US Masters championships.
"I was delighted to hear the news that I will be receiving a knighthood and am more than a little bit humbled to have been afforded this great honour," the new Sir Nick said.
"I've been playing golf at the highest level for some 35 years or more now; it has always been my intention to do my utmost to develop this game both in Britain and abroad.
"Golf is in so many ways a very British pastime, and Britain the true home of the sport.
"I believe I join Sir Henry Cotton as the only other professional British golfer to receive a knighthood so to stand alongside such esteemed company is incredible."
Acclaimed Japanese classical pianist Mitsuko Uchida, who lives in London, was made a dame, the female equivalent of a knighthood.
Lee, 87, has spent his career terrifying cinema-goers.
As well as appearing in classic horror films such as 1958's "Dracula" and 1959's "The Mummy", Sir Christopher also played memorable baddie Scaramanga in the 1974 James Bond classic "The Man With The Golden Gun".
In recent years he starred as Saruman in "The Lord Of The Rings" trilogy and Count Dooku in the "Star Wars" prequels.
Smith, 67, is one of Britain's best-loved chefs and has been hailed for teaching the nation how to cook with her easy-to-follow recipes.
She was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), one step below a knighthood.
"I've been writing recipes for 40 years now and so I imagine it's recognition of that. It does feel special," she said.
Designer and television presenter Banks was also given a CBE.
"It's good for the fashion industry, which does not get many awards like this. It's really lovely that we should get recognised," the 66-year-old said.
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Honours lists are released on New Year's Day and in mid-June on the queen's official birthday. The honours reward people from all walks of life for services to their community.
Faldo, 51, the former world number one, won six majors during a glittering career that made him one of the most successful European golfers ever. Famously single-minded, he won three Opens and three US Masters championships.
"I was delighted to hear the news that I will be receiving a knighthood and am more than a little bit humbled to have been afforded this great honour," the new Sir Nick said.
"I've been playing golf at the highest level for some 35 years or more now; it has always been my intention to do my utmost to develop this game both in Britain and abroad.
"Golf is in so many ways a very British pastime, and Britain the true home of the sport.
"I believe I join Sir Henry Cotton as the only other professional British golfer to receive a knighthood so to stand alongside such esteemed company is incredible."
Acclaimed Japanese classical pianist Mitsuko Uchida, who lives in London, was made a dame, the female equivalent of a knighthood.
Lee, 87, has spent his career terrifying cinema-goers.
As well as appearing in classic horror films such as 1958's "Dracula" and 1959's "The Mummy", Sir Christopher also played memorable baddie Scaramanga in the 1974 James Bond classic "The Man With The Golden Gun".
In recent years he starred as Saruman in "The Lord Of The Rings" trilogy and Count Dooku in the "Star Wars" prequels.
Smith, 67, is one of Britain's best-loved chefs and has been hailed for teaching the nation how to cook with her easy-to-follow recipes.
She was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), one step below a knighthood.
"I've been writing recipes for 40 years now and so I imagine it's recognition of that. It does feel special," she said.
Designer and television presenter Banks was also given a CBE.
"It's good for the fashion industry, which does not get many awards like this. It's really lovely that we should get recognised," the 66-year-old said.
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