What Is Knighthood?
In folklore, myths and legends, knights were men who fought---clad in shining armor---villains and dragons. Knighthood was something that was bestowed upon brave commoners or even nobles by a grateful king or queen. It is interesting to learn that this notion of medieval knighthood has given way to a more modern interpretation thereof.
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Geography
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Knighthood has been known in the history of many different nations. Although Britain can lay claim to the most visible members of this class, Spain referred to its knights as "caballeros," while in France they were known as "chevaliers."
Types
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Knighthood is now heard of most commonly in connection with Great Britain, one of the last---albeit ceremonial---monarchies. Knighthood nowadays refers to a high ranking membership in the Order of the British Empire, either as a Knight Commander or a Knight Grand Cross. Either distinction requires allegiance to Britain's current monarch. If an honorary knighthood is granted to a foreigner, the title of knight may be used after the individual's name as a sign of distinction, but not ahead of the name as a title.
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Size
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Knighthood at the level of the Commander is only open to 845 individuals at a time. The number of Grand Cross holders is also limited to a total of 100 individuals. Honorary knighthood to a person who is not a British subject, on the other hand, is not limited by such restrictions.
Effects
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Honorary knighthood outside of Britain is little more than an honor the recipient can add to his curriculum vitae. Should he become a British citizen, however, he would be entitled to use the appropriate title that goes along with the distinction ahead of his name. Famous recipients of an honorary knighthood are Plácido Domingo, Wesley Clark and Bill Gates who all hold the title of Knight Commander.
Benefits
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British citizens may request to be addressed as "Sir" while their wives may request the title of "Lady." Grand Cross holders are entitled to augment their family crest with a supporter and a circlet. Since knighthood is mostly symbolic and no longer tied to compulsory support of the British monarchy, there are no other benefits---or obligations---associated with this title.
Misconceptions
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It is a common misconception that every potential knight jumps at the chance of accepting the knighthood. As a matter of fact, there are several nominees who have refused to accept an honorary knighthood and even one that is merited simply because of others who were current knighthood holders. The most famous nominees who refused to accept a knighthood were musician David Bowie, physicist Stephen Hawking, and also author C.S. Lewis.
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Resources
- Photo Credit ALoan/Wikimedia Commons
