What does it mean to become knighted, and is it manadatory to call the Sir after he has been?

Question

mandatory*

call the man*

Answer 1

It a mark of honour from the government, who draw up the list of honours, even though the Queen does the knighting. It isn't necessary to use the title if you don't want to, just as some people who have a doctorate don't call themselves "Dr.".

Answer 2

There are a variety of different knighthoods one can receive from the monarch.  Only knights of the two highest orders - order of the thistle and order of the garter - bestow the right to be called "Sir Such-and-such" (or "Dame Such-and-such" in the case of a woman.)  Someone who lists MBE or OBE after their name means they are part of one of the lower orders (member of the british empire and order of the british empire).

You are not required to call someone Sir, but it's polite.

The monarch can hand out knighthoods to whomever he or she pleases, although its generally done for some sort of service, whether its political service or contributions to culture or other reasons.

Answer 3

Being knighted is an ancient tradition in which a commoner performed some service to the crown, often of their own volition,  and was thus invited and accepted into the gentry of the country for such services. It was a high honor and bestowed and actual patent of nobility upon that person.

As to being mandatory it is not mandatory, however it is a sign of deep respect for their noble self-sacrifice to use it. And again it is a term of nobility in as much as mi'lord or "the noble sir" is. Would you call the Queen of England Elizabeth or Liz?

Answer 4

In today's day & age ... being knighted is a honorary award and they are allowed to refer to themselves "officially" as Sir -such-and-such.  While it's not MANDATORY to refer to them as such (same as when you meet someone with a doctorate degree... they can be officially referred to as "Doctor such-and-such" - but it's not mandatory).

In the old days - being knighted elevated your social-rank in society... you were given land-ownership rights... the right to bear arms... and those of lower rank were socially required to give "reverance" to you (bowing, curtsey, etc.).  Since you were the responsible for a certain territory of land - you had to protect those people in that land - and if the lords above you (Kings, Earls, etc) summoned you to serve in their military campaigns - you were honor bound to do so (and bring as many men as you were ordered to muster up).

Answer 5

To be knighted is a high honor..your are considered a favorite of the king or queen,or they have found favor with you.You technically are to protect the crown,but not done in this modern time.And yes,it is in a formal setting necessary to call the person by his Sir name,as in Sir Elton John,even interviewers do it at least once,for the first introduction. I mean wow! I'd want to be called that,wouldn't you?if you had the title?