Can non-British citizens receive a Knighthood or Damehood?
In short, yes, non-British citizens can receive knighthoods and damehoods. Honours can be awarded to individuals living all over the world. UK citizens living abroad can be nominated through the Foreign Secretary’s Overseas List. The List is made up of awards given to UK citizens and citizens of a Commonwealth country of which HM The King is Head of State.
Non-UK citizens can be considered for an honour for their work within the UK. UK citizen’s achievements can benefit other UK citizens either at home or in their chosen country abroad, or must bring distinction to the UK in some way. View examples of non-British knights and dames.
Knighthood and Damehood Criteria
Any individual who is recommended for a knighthood or damehood must have demonstrated inspirational and outstanding work that goes above and beyond that of their peers. The nominee will have achieved results that benefit the community, their peers or society at large in some way, whether at home or abroad.
Nominations for KBEs and DBEs are often the result of an exceptional achievement, and may be made in any area; from business, philanthropy and professional work to public service, sport and the arts. Often, individuals are recognised with a knighthood or damehood for their work in more than one area, for example, for their professional role and for their charitable work.
Examples of Non-British Knights and Dames
The British honours system has recognised many non-British citizens whose work has had a profound impact on the UK or strengthened ties between nations. These examples demonstrate the international reach of knighthoods and damehoods:
- Eric Schmidt KBE – Former CEO and Chairman of Google, who received an honorary KBE in 2024 for services to Philanthropy.
- Robert Iger KBE – Former Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Disney Company, who received an honorary KBE in 2022 for services to the UK/US relations.
- Christiana Figueres DBE – International Climate Leader who received an honorary DBE in 2022 for services to International leadership on global climate change.
- Xavier Rolet KBE – awarded an honorary KBE in 2015 for services to the financial services industry and young people.
- Ana Patricia Botín Sanz de Sautuola O’Shea DBE – awarded an honorary DBE in 2015 for her services to the financial services sector.
The KBE & DBE awards recognise the highest level of achievement in fields ranging from climate leadership and philanthropy to financial services and international diplomacy. Non-British citizens who receive honorary knighthoods and damehoods cannot officially use the titles ‘Sir’ or ‘Dame’, but may use the post-nominal letters KBE or DBE after their names.
