Knight Bachelor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Knight Bachelor |
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The insignia of a knight bachelor devised in 1926
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| Awarded by Monarch of the United Kingdom |
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| Awarded for | Public service |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Sovereign | Charles III |
| Knight Principal | Sir Gary Hickinbottom |
 Ribbon bar of the Knight Bachelor Medal |
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A Knight Bachelor is a special title given to a man by the King or Queen of the United Kingdom. It's a way to honor men who have done great things for their country. This title is part of the British honours system.
Knights Bachelor are the oldest type of knight in Britain. This title has been around since the 1200s, during the time of King Henry III. Even though it's very old, Knights Bachelor rank below knights who belong to special groups called orders of chivalry. When a man becomes a Knight Bachelor, people call him "Sir [First Name] [Surname]" or "Sir [First Name]". His wife is then called "Lady [Surname]".
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Who Can Become a Knight Bachelor?
Knighthood is usually given to men who have done important public service. This includes all male judges of His Majesty's High Court of Justice in England.
Sometimes, a Knight Bachelor might also be a junior member of another order of chivalry. This is quite common, especially for people famous in entertainment. For example, many well-known actors and musicians are Knights Bachelor.
- Sir Michael Gambon
- Sir Mo Farah
- Sir Derek Jacobi
- Sir Anthony Hopkins
- Sir Elton John
- Sir Michael Caine
- Sir Billy Connolly
- Sir Barry Gibb
- Sir Ian McKellen
These famous people are also Commanders of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). Other famous Knights Bachelor include:
- Sir Patrick Stewart
- Sir Cliff Richard
- Sir Tom Jones
- Sir Van Morrison
These men are Officers of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). Also, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Richard Starkey (Ringo Starr), and Sir Nick Faldo are Members of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Being a member of these other orders doesn't automatically make them a "Sir". But because they are also Knights Bachelor, they can use the title "Sir" before their names.
How Knights Bachelor Are Addressed
Knights Bachelor can use "Sir" before their first names. For example, Sir Paul. The wives of Knights Bachelor can use "Lady" before their last names. For example, Lady McCartney.
This tradition started a long time ago in the Middle Ages. There are no special letters you add after a Knight Bachelor's name. Also, this honor cannot be given to women. Instead, women who receive a similar high honor are appointed Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
What Does a Knight Bachelor Wear?
For a long time, Knights Bachelor didn't have a special badge to wear. But in 1926, King George V changed this. He allowed Knights Bachelor to wear a special badge. This badge is worn on the left side of their coat.
The badge is about 6 cm (2.3 inches) long and 3.5 cm (1.3 inches) wide. It has a red oval with a golden sword and two spurs. The sword points upwards, and the spurs have their spiky wheels pointing up too. The whole design is surrounded by a golden sword belt.
In 1974, Queen Elizabeth II allowed Knights Bachelor to wear a smaller version of the badge around their neck. In 1988, a new official certificate was designed for Knights Bachelor. This certificate is the only personal document they receive for their knighthood.
Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor
The Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor was created in 1908. Its goal is to keep the dignity and importance of the Knight Bachelor title. The King officially recognized the Society in 1912. This Society keeps records of all Knights Bachelor.
Similar Honors
There isn't a direct female equivalent to a Knight Bachelor. The lowest knightly honor a woman can receive is Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE). This honor is actually one rank higher than Knight Bachelor. It's like the female version of a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE), which is the next male knightly rank above Knight Bachelor.
Only people who are citizens of Commonwealth realms can become Knights Bachelor. People from other countries are usually made honorary KBEs instead.
See also
- Knight banneret
- Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood
- British honours system § Knighthood
- Lists of knights bachelor
