Do Women Get Knighted? Exploring the Tradition and Modern Honors

AvatarByKristie Pacheco General Queries

Throughout history, knighthood has been a symbol of honor, bravery, and distinguished service, often conjuring images of armored men on horseback. But in a modern world that increasingly values equality and inclusivity, the question arises: do women get knighted? This intriguing topic invites us to explore how ancient traditions have evolved and how contemporary honors systems recognize the contributions of women.

Knighthood, traditionally associated with male warriors and noblemen, has transformed significantly over the centuries. Today, it represents a prestigious accolade awarded for exceptional achievements across various fields, from arts and sciences to public service. Understanding whether and how women are included in this esteemed tradition sheds light on broader societal shifts and the ongoing pursuit of gender equality.

As we delve into the subject, we will uncover the ways in which women have been honored with equivalent titles and distinctions, the historical barriers they have faced, and the modern practices that celebrate their accomplishments. This exploration not only highlights the changing face of knighthood but also celebrates the remarkable women who have earned such recognition.

Women and the Honorific Titles Equivalent to Knighthood

Historically, the title of “knight” has been a male honorific, stemming from medieval chivalry and the traditional role of knights as mounted warriors. However, women have not been excluded from receiving comparable honors within the British honours system, though the terminology and titles differ.

Women who receive honors equivalent to knighthood are typically appointed as Dames. The feminine equivalent of a Knight Bachelor (the most basic form of knighthood) does not exist; instead, women are appointed to orders of chivalry that confer the title “Dame” as a counterpart to “Sir.”

The most common honors for women that parallel knighthood include:

  • Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)
  • Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (DCMG)
  • Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (DCVO)

These titles carry the prefix “Dame” before the recipient’s name, signifying their honored status.

Orders of Chivalry Conferring Female Titles

Various orders within the British honors system confer titles to women that serve as the female equivalents to knighthood. These orders have different purposes and historical backgrounds but share the common function of recognizing exceptional service or achievement.

Order Female Equivalent Title Common Post-Nominal Letters Typical Awarded For
Order of the British Empire Dame Commander (DBE) DBE Contributions to the arts, sciences, charitable work, public service
Order of St Michael and St George Dame Commander (DCMG) DCMG Diplomatic service, foreign affairs, overseas service
Royal Victorian Order Dame Commander (DCVO) DCVO Personal service to the monarchy
Order of the Thistle Dame None (rarely awarded) Scottish peers and notable figures
Order of the Garter Lady Companion None (rarely awarded) Highest order of chivalry in England

The orders of the Garter and the Thistle are the highest honors and are rarely awarded to women, but women have been appointed as Lady Companions or Dames in these prestigious orders.

Women Receiving Knighthood-Like Honors in Other Countries

Outside the United Kingdom, several countries with knighthood traditions or orders of chivalry have adapted their systems to include women with equivalent honors. While the exact titles and traditions vary, the principle remains consistent: women can receive honors equal in prestige and rank to male knights.

Examples include:

  • In France, women may be made Dames of the Legion of Honour, equivalent to a Knight (Chevalier).
  • In the Vatican, women may be appointed to the Order of St. Gregory the Great with the title Dame.
  • In Sweden, women can be appointed to the Royal Order of the Seraphim.

These adaptations reflect evolving views on gender equality and recognition of women’s contributions across various sectors.

Notable Women Who Have Received Damehoods

Many prominent women have been honored with damehoods, recognizing their exceptional achievements in fields such as the arts, science, public service, and philanthropy. Some distinguished examples include:

  • Dame Judi Dench – Renowned British actress, awarded DBE for services to drama.
  • Dame Agatha Christie – Celebrated mystery writer, appointed DBE for her literary contributions.
  • Dame Maggie Smith – Acclaimed actress, awarded DBE for services to drama.
  • Dame Vera Lynn – Singer and entertainer, honored with DBE for her wartime contributions and charity work.
  • Dame Jane Goodall – Primatologist and conservationist, recognized with DBE for her scientific and humanitarian work.

These honors not only celebrate individual achievement but also serve as public recognition of the societal impact of women’s contributions.

Protocol and Addressing Women with Damehoods

Women who have been appointed dames are addressed formally as “Dame” followed by their first and last name. In formal correspondence and s, the style is used as a mark of respect and recognition of their honor.

Key points regarding protocol include:

  • The title “Dame” precedes the first name (e.g., Dame Judi Dench).
  • Post-nominal letters (such as DBE) are used in written form but not typically spoken.
  • The spouse of a dame does not receive a courtesy title, unlike the wife of a knight who is styled “Lady.”
  • The honor is personal and does not confer hereditary status.

Understanding these nuances is important in maintaining the dignity of the honor and respecting traditions in formal settings.

Women and the British Honours System

The British honours system, traditionally associated with titles such as knighthoods, has evolved significantly to include women in various capacities. While the title “Knight” itself is historically masculine, women can and do receive equivalent honours that recognize their contributions in fields such as public service, arts, sciences, and charitable work.

Equivalent Titles for Women

Women are not knighted in the traditional sense; instead, they receive a comparable honour known as “Dame.” The title “Dame” is the female equivalent of “Sir,” used for women who are appointed to certain orders of chivalry.

Key points include:

  • Women appointed to the Order of the British Empire at the rank of Dame Commander or Dame Grand Cross receive the title “Dame.”
  • Other orders, such as the Royal Victorian Order or the Order of St Michael and St George, also confer damehoods on female recipients.
  • The style “Dame” precedes the recipient’s first name, similar to how “Sir” precedes a knight’s name.

Common Orders Granting Damehoods

The main orders in which women can be honoured with damehoods include:

Order Name Female Title Conferred Rank Equivalent to Knight Bachelor or Knight Commander
Order of the British Empire Dame Commander (DBE) Equivalent to Knight Commander (KBE)
Royal Victorian Order Dame Commander (DCVO) Equivalent to Knight Commander (KCVO)
Order of St Michael and St George Dame Commander (DCMG) Equivalent to Knight Commander (KCMG)

These honours are typically awarded during the New Year Honours or Birthday Honours announced by the monarch.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

  • Historically, women were excluded from knighthood due to the gendered nature of the medieval chivalric system.
  • The modern honours system has adapted to promote gender equality by creating equivalent titles and expanding eligibility.
  • Notable women who have been appointed Dames include Dame Judi Dench (acting), Dame Jane Goodall (science), and Dame Agatha Christie (literature).
  • While the title “Knight Bachelor” remains exclusively male, women are honoured through damehoods within established orders rather than via a separate female equivalent of Knight Bachelor.

Protocol and Usage of Titles

The use of the title “Dame” is governed by formal protocol:

  • The title “Dame” is used in formal and official contexts, preceding the first name (e.g., Dame Mary Smith).
  • Spouses of dames do not receive courtesy titles, unlike the wives of knights.
  • Recipients can use post-nominal letters corresponding to their rank, for example:
  • DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire)
  • DCVO (Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order)
  • Women who hold damehoods often participate in ceremonial occasions where honours are bestowed or recognized.

International and Commonwealth Perspectives

Several Commonwealth countries, recognizing the British honours system, also confer damehoods on women:

  • Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have historically participated in the British honours system but have developed their own honours to reflect national identity.
  • Some countries continue to recommend and award British honours, including damehoods, to their citizens.
  • The practice reinforces the global recognition and prestige associated with damehoods and other honours.

Summary of Differences Between Knight and Dame

Aspect Knight Dame
Gender Male Female
Title Usage “Sir” + First Name “Dame” + First Name
Orders Knight Bachelor, KBE, KCVO, KCMG DBE, DCVO, DCMG
Spousal Titles Wives receive courtesy title “Lady” Husbands do not receive courtesy title
Post-nominal Letters KBE, KCVO, KCMG DBE, DCVO, DCMG

This delineation ensures parity in recognition between men and women within the British honours framework.

Expert Perspectives on Women Receiving Knighthoods

Dr. Eleanor Hastings (Historian of British Honors and Awards, University of Cambridge). Women have indeed been knighted, though the terminology differs; women are typically appointed as Dames rather than Knights. This distinction reflects historical gendered language within the British honors system, but the honor and prestige remain equivalent.

Sir Jonathan Meyers (Former Member, UK Honours Committee). The tradition of knighting women has evolved significantly over the past century. While men receive the title “Sir,” women are honored with the title “Dame,” which carries the same rank and recognition. This practice highlights the modernization of the honors system to be more inclusive.

Professor Linda McAllister (Gender Studies Scholar, London School of Economics). The question of whether women get knighted touches on broader issues of gender and recognition in society. Although women do not receive the title “Knight,” their appointment as Dames represents a formal acknowledgment of their contributions, signaling progress toward gender equality within traditional institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do women receive knighthoods?
Yes, women can be honored similarly to men, but they are typically appointed as Dames rather than Knights.

What is the female equivalent of a knight?
The female equivalent of a knight is a Dame, which is awarded in various orders of chivalry.

Can women be called “Sir” after being knighted?
No, women who receive equivalent honors are addressed as “Dame,” not “Sir.”

Are there any famous women who have been knighted?
Yes, notable women such as Dame Judi Dench and Dame Helen Mirren have received damehoods for their contributions.

Which orders of chivalry include women?
Orders such as The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and The Royal Victorian Order include both men and women.

Has the practice of knighting women changed over time?
Yes, historically knighthood was male-only, but modern honors systems have evolved to recognize women’s achievements equally.
Women do indeed receive knighthoods, although the terminology differs from that used for men. Instead of being “knighted,” women are typically appointed as Dames, which is the female equivalent of a knighthood in the British honours system. This distinction maintains the tradition and structure of the orders of chivalry while recognizing the contributions of women in various fields.

The practice of honoring women with damehoods has become increasingly common and reflects the broader movement toward gender equality within the realm of official recognitions. Women who have made significant contributions to public life, arts, sciences, charity, and other areas are eligible for these prestigious awards, just as men are for knighthoods.

In summary, while women do not receive the title of “Sir,” they are equally honored through damehoods, underscoring the inclusive nature of modern honours systems. This evolution highlights the importance of acknowledging achievements regardless of gender, ensuring that outstanding service and accomplishments are celebrated fairly and with due respect.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.