The prestigious titles of Sir and Dame are more than just polite forms of address; they represent the UK’s recognition of outstanding contributions to society, whether this is through charity work, in the arts, public service, or other fields.
But have you ever wondered when you can use the titles of Sir or Dame? And what does it take to earn them in the first place?
In this article, we’ll explore what the titles of Sir and Dame mean, explain the rules around their use and what the journey towards being awarded a Knighthood or Damehood entails.
We’ll also share how, at Awards Intelligence, we significantly enhance your chances of success by honouring someone you admire with a prestigious award.
What Are the Titles Sir and Dame?
The Sir title and Dame title are honours granted by the King through the British Honours System, which is a long-standing and intricate system of national awards.
Historically, knighthoods date back to the medieval period, originally tied to knights who dedicated their lives to serving the monarch in battle. Initially, knighthoods were reserved exclusively for men.
Although the British Honours System looks very different now, many of its traditions are still upheld. For example, the recipient of such an honour still kneels their right knee on a knighting stool in front of a member of the Royal Family, and is then dubbed a knight with a sword. Unlike knights, dames are not dubbed with a sword during the investiture ceremony.
Today, knighthoods and damehoods are recognised for their services to our nation in many different ways, awarding their outstanding achievements and the dedication it takes to make our world a better place.
A man who is knighted earns the right to be called Sir, and a woman is awarded the equivalent title, being referred to as Dame. Famous examples of knights and dames include Sir Paul McCartney, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Elton John and Dame Maggie Smith.
Who Can Use the Titles Sir or Dame?
Only individuals who have been formally awarded a knighthood or damehood by the Royal Family can use the titles of Sir or Dame. These prestigious titles are an official distinction tied to the British Honours System.
This means:
- The recipient must accept the honour.
- The honour must be officially conferred during an investiture ceremony by a member of the Royal Family.
- The title is personal and non-hereditary, meaning it does not pass on to family members.
There are individuals who have been knighted who cannot use the Sir title or Dame title. For example, members of the clergy aren’t able to use such a title. They also aren’t dubbed, as the use of a sword could be seen as inappropriate for their calling.
Additionally, international citizens are not supposed to use the title of Sir or Dame, and they are also not dubbed. This is because the King isn’t their head of state. Some notable examples include Bill Gates, who received an honorary knighthood for his work with the Gates Foundation, which seeks to improve the health of people in poorer countries, as well as Angelina Jolie, for her campaigning work as a humanitarian.
How to Get the Sir Title or Dame Title
The process to become a Knight or Dame involves several steps:
- Nomination: Anyone can be nominated for a royal honour. Individuals can be nominated by members of the public or government bodies for their outstanding contributions.
- Assessment: The Honours Committee rigorously reviews each and every nomination it receives, ensuring that the reputation of excellence is upheld in the British Honours System. The nominated individuals are evaluated on their impact, dedication, and service.
- Approval: The Honours Committee decides on the final list to pass on to the Prime Minister. This is then formally signed off before being sent to the King for his final approval.
- Investiture ceremony: Once the successful nominees have accepted this honour, they are invited to an investiture ceremony. Awarded by a member of the Royal Family, this is when the honour will be formally given to the individual.
Recipients then have the right to use the titles Sir or Dame.
Different Types of Knighthood and Damehood
The titles of Sir and Dame carry with them a legacy of services to our nation, alongside a dedicated sense of honour and duty. Below, we explore the different types of knighthoods and damehoods and how they differ:
Knight Grand Cross (GBE)
This is the highest rank in the Order of the British Empire. It is reserved for exceptional national or international service and the most outstanding achievements.
Knight Bachelor
This honour is for individuals who have made significant contributions to their field of work or to a charitable cause.
Knight Commander (KBE) / Dame Commander (DBE) of the Order of the British Empire
These are prestigious honours awarded for truly exceptional service or achievements, usually at a national or international level. This award reflects extraordinary leadership, dedication, and accomplishment across areas such as government, diplomacy, academia, or the arts.
The prestige of this award aims to inspire others to commit to excellence and integrity.
FAQs and Interesting Facts
Can you lose the title?
Yes, though it is quite rare and only happens in cases of dishonourable conduct.
There is a prevailing expectation that when an individual receives such an honour, they will continue to be an upstanding citizen. So, if a recipient’s behaviour is deemed unworthy, the government has the power to take a knighthood or damehood away. Some examples of this include Fred Goodwin and Jean Else.
Can people abroad be knighted?
People around the world can receive honorary knighthoods or damehoods; however, they can’t use the titles of Sir or Dame.
Are these titles hereditary?
No, knighthoods and damehoods are awarded to individuals for their personal achievements and therefore do not pass on to their descendants.
Maximise Your Chances of Success
Being one of the most prestigious titles in the country, if not the world, a knighthood or damehood is highly coveted. The average success rate across all honours nominations is estimated to be just 1 in 10 (just 10%).
At Awards Intelligence, we can boost your chances of success exponentially. With an industry-leading success rate of 2 in 3 (about 65%), we’ll give you the best possible chance of helping the individual you admire be recognised for their hard work and dedication.
Our expert consultants have many years of experience in working with candidates for royal honours. We’ve helped everyone from community heroes and philanthropists to outstanding entrepreneurs.
Becoming Knighted with Awards Intelligence
The titles Sir and Dame are so much more than formal greetings; they signify a legacy of service and achievement within the UK and around the world.
If you’ve got a special individual in mind for such an award, please get in touch with a member of our team today to learn more about our services and get started on the nomination process.