Is there a waiting list to be knighted by the Queen Elizabeth II?

Question

where do i sign up??

Answer 1

What have you done with your life that was so important? In order to be knighted, you have to do something extraordinary, like achieving or accomplishing something of greatness, something that is worth being rewarded. There is no waiting list or anywhere you can "sign up." If the Crown sees that you have accomplished something of greatness, they will contact you.

Here is how the knighthood system function

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 2

No, there is no waiting list. However, certain orders do have membership limitations for Britons and Commonwealth citizens, such as the Order of the Garter (One vacancy as of now-following Sir Edmund Hillary's death.) and the Order of the Thistle (No vacancies). However, these are only for those who are members of hereditary peerages or distinguished themselves greatly, or both.

Answer 3

There is no waiting list. You do have to be recommended for the honor.To earn a nomination,you need to do something of importance,something that is positive,like being the best in your field of work.From http://www.royal.gov/uk

the specifics:

"Anybody in the UK can make a recommendation for a British national to receive an honour.

The aim is to ensure that the large numbers of people not in the public eye who give valuable service are recognised.

They could be charity volunteers, members of the emergency services or Armed Forces, industrial pioneers or specialists in various professions.

While The Queen is 'fountain of honour' in the United Kingdom, honours are actually awarded on the advice of the Cabinet Office.

For this reason, honours nominations are handled not by Buckingham Palace but by the Ceremonial Secretariat, part of the Cabinet Office.

In order to nominate someone, you should obtain a copy of the nominations form and read the guidance notes.

These can be downloaded and printed off from the Honours website of the Cabinet Office, or obtained through writing, telephoning or emailing the Cabinet Office for paper copies.

You can contact the Cabinet Office Ceremonial Secretariat at:

Ceremonial Secretariat

Cabinet Office

35 Great Smith Street

London SW1P 3BQ.

Tel: [phone]

Read more about the system and download a nomination form from www.honours.gov.uk."

And from http://www.honours.gov/uk

"The honours system recognises merit and service to the nation. There are several different types of award, each one recognising a different type of contribution.

Honours lists are published twice a year at New Year and in mid-June on the date of The Queen's official birthday. Anyone can receive an award if they reach the required standard of merit or service, and honours lists contain a wide variety of people from different backgrounds. Anyone can nominate someone for an award.

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New Year Honours List 2008: The list reflects and pays tribute to outstanding achievement and service throughout the community and the nation. [29/12/07]

Gallantry awards December 2007  

Honours and Peerages should not be confused: the difference between honours and peerages, and the process for removing them. [05/01/07]

Emblems for Honours: emblem designed to be worn on the everyday clothing of those appointed to the Order of the British Empire [29/12/06] "

Answer 4

Nope, you have to get nominated for a New Year or Birthday Honour ie MBE, OBE, Knighthood, etc...