In Britian, can a woman be knighted?

palaceben

Not knighted no, the female equivalent is to be made a Dame. Aug 27 02, 6:15 AM

Friar Tuck

I have to disagree with Palaceben as women can be knighted but they are called Dames instead of Sirs according to http://www.angelfire.com/la/ticheli/history.html Aug 27 02, 8:02 AM

palaceben

That's what I said Friar! They are different awards. A Knight is allowed to call himself Sir, and have the letters KBE after his name. A Dame is allowed the title Dame, and have the letters DBE after her name. They are equivalent 'ranks' but are sexually exclusive. Aug 27 02, 2:30 PM

Friar Tuck

Palaceben - Your exact reply was 'Not knighted no, the female equivalent is to be made a Dame.' I was disagreeing with the first bit as they can be knighted. Aug 27 02, 8:03 PM

TangoMaureen

Before 1917, a woman could not be knighted and a Dame was simply the wife or widow of a knight, but in 1917 George V established the Most Excellent Order Of The British Empire which was the first order of chivalry (which is what being knighted is - an order of chivalry) to be granted to both sexes. From then on both men and women could be knighted, but the title of Sir was given to men and Dame was given to women. Oct 23 06, 9:06 AM