So You Want to Be Sir Lancelot (Hold Your Horses)? How to Actually Become a Knight (or Dame) in England
Ah, the allure of knighthood. Visions of jousting tournaments, shining armor, and damsels in distress (though hopefully they're no longer distressed) dance in your head. But before you dust off your metaphorical chainmail and practice your horseback riding (essential for modern-day damsel-rescuing, of course), let's get down to the nitty-gritty of becoming a Sir (or Dame) in the very unglamorous, yet prestigious, world of the British honours system.
First Things First: Not All That Glitters is a Knighthood
There's a common misconception that a simple "attaboy" from the Queen grants you a knighthood. Nope! You have to earn it, my friend. This prestigious title is bestowed upon those who've achieved outstanding things. Think scientific breakthroughs, heroic acts, or charitable endeavors that make you a national treasure (think less damsel-rescuing, more curing world hunger).
The Knighthood Hustle: How to Get Noticed by the Bigwigs
So, how do you catch the eye of the royal selection committee? Here are a few pointers:
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
- Become a National Hero: Saving the Queen's corgis from a rogue squirrel? That's a start! Just make sure your heroics are, you know, nationally significant.
- Be a Big Cheese in Your Field: Invented a teleportation device? Composed a symphony that makes pigeons weep with emotion? Stellar achievements are a surefire way to get noticed.
- Philanthropy is Your Middle Name: Dedicating your life to a worthy cause? The royals love that kind of stuff. Build schools in Africa, fight climate change, or open a particularly impressive cat sanctuary.
But Wait, There's More! (The Different Flavors of Knighthood)
Not all knighthoods are created equal. Here's a breakdown of the top tiers (earning you that coveted "Sir" or "Dame" title):
- Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GCBE/GCBE): Basically the VIP package of knighthoods. Think Stephen Hawking or Judi Dench.
- Knight/Dame Commander (KBE/DBE): Pretty darn impressive. Think folks like Paul McCartney or Emma Thompson.
Okay, I'm Basically a National Treasure. Now What?
Well, you don't exactly fill out an application for knighthood (although that would be way easier). Nominations are typically made by a government department, professional body, or someone who knows someone important. So basically, network like crazy and make sure everyone knows about your awesomeness.
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
 |
| How To Get The Title Sir In England |
FAQ - Knighthood Edition
 |
How to become a knight if I'm not British?
No worries! Honorary knighthoods exist for non-Brits who've done amazing things. Just ask Sir Bob Geldof.
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
How long does it take to become a knight?
There's no set timeframe. It could be years of quietly being awesome before someone nominates you.
Can I buy a knighthood?
Technically, no. But there are some...dubious (ahem) organizations that might sell you a "title." Let's just say they're not recognized by the Queen.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
How do I address a knight?
It's "Sir [first name]" or "Dame [first name]." Easy peasy.
Is being a knight all about fancy titles?
Not really. It's a huge honor recognizing your achievements and contributions to society. But hey, the title is pretty cool too, right?
 |
