How Can One Earn the Title of Knight?

What does it truly mean to become a knight? Do you receive a sword and a squire to command? Curious minds wanted to know, so we dug into the details. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about knighthood.

WHAT IS KNIGHTHOOD EXACTLY?

Since 1917, the British government has been conferring prestigious positions in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, which most recently inducted Beatle Ringo Starr. Initially created by King George V to recognize distinguished civilian and military service during wartime, the Order soon expanded to include contributions in peacetime as well.

The Order is divided into five distinct levels: Knight and Dame Grand Cross (GBE), Knight and Dame Commander (KBE and DBE, respectively), Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE). Achieving one of the top two ranks earns a person a place in the knighthood, allowing them to adopt the titles 'Sir' or 'Dame,' such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or Dame Judi Dench. All those honored within the Order can add their rank's initials after their name, which is why you might see titles like 'Roger Daltrey CBE.'

CAN PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT BRITISH CITIZENS BE KNIGHTED?

In a way, yes. Non-British citizens may receive honorary knighthood, but they can't take the titles 'Sir' or 'Dame.' However, they can add 'KBE' to their name if they wish. Bono, Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg, and Michael Bloomberg are all technically 'KBEs.' Should any of them acquire British citizenship, the honor typically becomes official, and they are granted full knighthood. For instance, in 2005, Irish-born BBC presenter Terry Wogan received an honorary knighthood, and upon becoming a British citizen that same year, he began being addressed as Sir Terry Wogan.

WHO DETERMINES WHO IS KNIGHTED?

In theory, the reigning monarch is the head of the Order and oversees all appointments. In practice, however, the monarch receives guidance and recommendations from the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.

Membership in the Order of the British Empire is awarded for a variety of accomplishments, from exemplary civil or military service to artistic contributions and charitable endeavors.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO EARN A KNIGHTHOOD?

Although many distinguished individuals are invited to join the Order of the British Empire, only a few high-profile figures are granted the titles of knights and dames commander. In short, these higher honors are reserved for the most well-known individuals. For instance, current Dames Commander include Judi Dench, Jane Goodall, and Helen Mirren. Generally, substantial contributions to the service and culture of the British realm are a key factor in being considered for these prestigious honors.

Some members of the Order of the British Empire aren’t formally knights within the organization’s hierarchy, but they’re still allowed to use the title 'Sir.' These individuals have been knighted by the monarchy, but not as part of a chivalric order like the Order of the British Empire. They can use the title 'Sir,' but without the additional letters that would typically follow. Celebrities like Elton John, Paul McCartney, and other prominent figures are examples of this type of knighthood.

IS IT MANDATORY TO ACCEPT A KNIGHTHOOD WHEN OFFERED?

No, it's not mandatory. In fact, many individuals have chosen to decline the honor, often due to concerns over its association with militarism or imperialism. An AP story reveals that about two percent of the 3,000 people offered membership in the Order each year turn down the offer.

David Bowie is said to have turned down offers to join the Order, including a knighthood offer in 2003, as he felt the whole concept was a waste of time. John Cleese rejected a CBE, expressing that he felt more honored when a Swiss zoologist named a lemur after him in 2005. Vanessa Redgrave, who became a Commander of the British Empire in 1967, declined a damehood offer in 1999. When reflecting on her decision in 2002, Redgrave told The Independent, 'My difficulty is in receiving anything that mentions the British Empire, because I am a UNICEF special representative for children worldwide. If there was no mention of the British Empire, I would feel just as honored as anyone else. If I were asked to be a baroness, for example, I would see that in a different light.'

Keith Richards refused the honor of Commander of the British Empire and mockingly criticized his bandmate Mick Jagger for accepting a knighthood, calling it a 'f***ing paltry honour.'

Typically, when someone declines an honor, they don't broadcast it to the media. Instead, they tend to share the story after some time has passed, often in a more private setting.

WHAT ADVANTAGES DOES BEING A KNIGHT BRING?

Although knights don’t get to joust or wear armor, they do receive some distinctive attire. Knights and Dames Grand Cross are entitled to wear a special ensemble at formal events like coronations, including a pink-and-gray-edged satin mantle and a collar adorned with six gold medallions.

Members of the Order are permitted to wear its distinctive badge, which is a cross suspended from a pink ribbon with gray edges. However, the manner in which it is worn differs according to rank. While regular members and officers simply wear their badges like military medals pinned to their chest, those with higher ranks adorn theirs on sashes or around their necks.

Additional privileges include a position in the British order of precedence, a complex system that determines the order of importance at events like state banquets. Furthermore, knights' wives are granted the title of 'Lady,' and those who hold the rank of Knight or Dame Grand Cross may alter their coats of arms to reflect their newfound distinction.

This article was first published in 2009.