Can an american be knighted?

Question

The best answer will go to"Me" for his/her answer so if anyone else has it it is because it went to a vote because I forgot to check on it.

Answer 1

Yes,Americans receive an honorary knighthood/dameship. But an American can not use the honorific of "Sir" or "Dame." Bill Gates was knighted a few years ago.From http://www.royal.gov/uk/output/Page4877....

"Foreign citizens occasionally receive honorary knighthoods; they are not dubbed, and they do not use the style 'Sir'.

Such knighthoods are conferred by The Queen, on the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, on those who have made an important contribution to relations between their country and Britain.

Foreign citizens given knighthoods over the years include Chancellor Kohl, President Mitterrand and Mayor Giuliani of New York."

Answer 2

Yes, but they're honorary knighthoods - they can put "KBE" after their names, but can't put "Sir" before them. Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg, and Rudi Giuliani are all in this position.

Answer 3

that's a real interesting question--Would love to see it happen

Answer 4

Yes, but ity's considerd an honorary knighthood, and he doesn't use the title.

Answer 5

Foreign nationals can also be knighted, but they are not allowed to use the title "Sir" or "Dame" before their names, although they can add "KBE" after their names. The U.K. Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs usually nominates foreigners for knighthood and similar honors. Foreign knighthoods are conferred based on a person's contribution to relations between their country and Britain.

The sovereign of the United Kingdom (currently Queen Elizabeth II) is traditionally referred to as the "fountain of honour," the source of titles such as knighthoods, awarded in recognition of service. Various honorific orders exist, but not all of them include knighthood. Recipients of the four highest orders, including the Order of the Garter, are personally chosen by the sovereign. The Cabinet Office of the U.K suggests the rest of the honorees for the sovereign's approval.

Anyone can nominate a British citizen for knighthood or other royal honors (although self-nomination is discouraged). Nominations from the public account for about a quarter of all recommendations. The Prime Minister and government departments usually submit the rest of the recommendations for the biannual Honors List.

The Order of the British Empire is perhaps the most common knighthood given today. It's frequently awarded to civilians for public service and contributions to the nation. Many British scientists, educators, doctors, nurses, charitable and social workers, business people, athletes, writers, actors, musicians, and artists have received this distinction.

Answer 6

A proper official British knighthood may only be given to a subject of a Commonwealth nation, which recognise the queen as their monarch.

A KBE, or honorary knighthood, may be given to any man of any nationality. His official title is KBE after his name, and must not style himself Sir, though the press and public do indeed give such honorary knights the Sir title (incorrectly) - such as Terry Wogan (Irish) and Bob Geldof (also Irish).

Answer 7

No, not by the US government.

The US Government does not issue titles of knighthood.

Unless Congress consents to it!

"No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince or foreign State."

Those outside of the US government, ( Not elected or appointed to a Federal office) can accept gifts.

FAQ:  Q151.

"Basically, no one in the government is to take any present, gift, or title from any foreign power."

Many Americans received knighthood from Great Britain.

"Queen Bestows Knighthood On Bill Gates March 2, 2005"

(for further reading: http://www.apfn.org/apfn/knighthood.htm  )

This "honorary title" is given by a foreign government to non-US government office holders. Including FORMER presidents.

Such titles cannot be accepted while they are in office.

Many of the gifts presidents receive while in office are now put in "Presidential Libraries", so they don't personally accept them.

I'm sure you can understand why this is prohibited.

( It's called BRIBES. :)

For further reading here is the US Constitution

Article 1, Section 9, Clause 8

http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_A1S...

Answer 8

From the British point of view, a foreigner (non-commonwealth) can be "awarded" a knighthood.

The Queen usually gives it (like rather a grand medal) by hand, to the recipient, who receives it standing.

British and Commonwealth recipients are "knighted" with a sword on the shoulders, while they kneel.

The foreign knights may not call themselves "Sir"

Answer 9

Steven Spielberg was.  In 2001, he was given the honor of Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II

Answer 10

Yes an American can be knighted but they can't use the Sir title