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British nobility
References & Edit History Related Topics
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House of Lords Antique illustration showing five distinct crowns of British nobility, labeled for Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, and Baron, each with unique shapes and decorative elements. Infographic titled "Knights of the Order of the British Empire." It explains who can be honored, how candidates are chosen, the history of knighthood, and what recipients receive. Members are called knights or dames, with no gender-neutral title. British and Commonwealth citizens can be recognized for major contributions in science, arts, culture, industry, or society. Non-British citizens may receive honorary knighthood but cannot use “Sir” or “Dame.” Nominations can come from the public. Committees and leaders review candidates, with the final decision made by the monarch. The tradition began in the 11th century when knights were soldiers. The Order of the British Empire was introduced in 1917 by King George V to recognize civilian service. In the ceremony, knights kneel while dames stand. The monarch taps knights' shoulders with a sword. Both receive insignia: a badge for the top three ranks and a star for the top two. The Most Noble Order of the Garter The Beatles, left to right Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison, stand outside Buckingham Palace holding their MBE medals and certificates.
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Royal golden crown with jewels on British flag. Symbols of United Kingdom. (British royalty, British monarchy)
A Royal Vocabulary Quiz
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British nobility: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • Alicja Zelazko
    Alicja Zelazko is Associate Editor, Arts and Humanities, covering topics in the visual arts, architecture, music, and performance. Before joining Encyclopædia Britannica in 2017, she worked at the Art Institute of Chicago and taught courses in art appreciation.  

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Media added. Oct 17, 2025
Article revised and updated. Jun 16, 2025
Article revised and updated. Jun 06, 2025
Add new Web site: Academia - `Nobility', A Companion to the Early Middle Ages: Britain and Ireland, c. 500-c.1100, ed. Pauline Stafford (Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009), pp. 414-31. Jul 29, 2024
Add new Web site: Historic UK - The British Peerage. Mar 29, 2024
Add new Web site: GlobalSecurity.org - The Fortunes of the Nobility. May 16, 2023
New article added. Nov 04, 2022
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