What you might not know about the American author
Although her lack of British citizenship means she’s unable to use the title, Angelina Jolie received an honorary damehood in 2014.
She was recognized not for her contribution to the arts, but for her philanthropic work.
The prolific actor was knighted for his contribution to cinema in 2000, the same year that he received a BAFTA fellowship.
He reportedly does not insist on anyone calling him "Sir."
One of the best-selling music artists of all time, Elton John’s achievements were recognized in 1998 when he received a knighthood for services to music and charity.
He has been close to the royal family for a long time: he was a good friend of Princess Diana and performed at her funeral in 1997.
In 2005, the man behind Microsoft became one of the select few Americans to be knighted.
He received the honorary knighthood in recognition of the huge sums of money he and his wife have donated to charity.
The award was given in recognition of his contribution to the entertainment industry and the British film industry.
The Beatles member was knighted in March 1997 for his services to music.
He was greeted by groups of screaming fans at the ceremony, which was also attended by three of his children.
Much to the disapproval of many, the Rolling Stones front man received a knighthood in 2003.
He became a "Sir" in the absence of the Queen herself, who reportedly disapproved of his "anti-establishment" views.
The late English actress had an impressive career and received a damehood back in 1990 for her contribution to the performing arts.
She also received a Companion of Honour in 2014 for her services to drama.
The ‘Sound of Music’ star became Dame Julie Andrews in 2000.
The title was bestowed upon her in recognition of her contribution to music and the arts.
The 'Gandhi' actor was knighted in 2002 for his services to the British film industry.
The award was announced on December 31, 2001, which was also Kingsley’s 58th birthday.
The 'Dynasty' actress was made a dame by Prince Charles in March 2015.
She received the title in recognition of her services to charity, as she's worked with breast cancer research and children's learning disabilities organizations.
The Oscar-nominated actor from Northern Ireland was knighted in November 2012.
Following the ceremony, he told the BBC that he was "humble, elated, and incredibly lucky" to have been knighted.
Despite concerns as to whether she should accept the title, the English actress became a dame in 2003 in recognition of her services to drama.
She felt uneasy about accepting damehood as she felt "sort of anti-establishment."
The Irish musician was honored with a knighthood for his charitable work in 2007.
His title is only honorary, however, since he is an Irish citizen.
Although his lack of citizenship prevents him from using the title, the award-winning director received an honorary knighthood in 2001.
British Formula One world champion, Lewis Hamilton was knighted by then-Prince Charles at Windsor Castle on December 15 in 2021. He is the only Black driver in Formula One history, and the fourth driver to receive a knighthood. Hamilton was first informed of the decision after he matched the great Michael Schumacher's all-time record of seven championship wins.
On March 14, 2024, Queen’s famed guitarist Brian May was knighted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace. May, who previously performed at the late Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and on the roof of Buckingham Palace for her Golden Jubilee in 2002, was awarded the honor for his services to music and charity.
In considering the greatest honors people aspire to achieve as recognition for their life's work, being appointed "Sir" or "Dame" by the Queen of England would probably be quite high on the list. It is possible to be appointed a knight or dame no matter your profession, but professions where the award is particularly common include public and political services, education, and the arts.
What's more, the title is not reserved to British nationals. Non-citizens can also receive honorary knight- or damehood. Check out this gallery to see which of our favorite Hollywood stars we should be addressing as "Sir" or "Dame."
The Knights and Dames of Hollywood
The stars of the highest order
CELEBRITY Famous
In considering the greatest honors people aspire to achieve as recognition for their life's work, being appointed "Sir" or "Dame" by the Queen of England would probably be quite high on the list. It is possible to be appointed a knight or dame no matter your profession, but professions where the award is particularly common include public and political services, education, and the arts.
What's more, the title is not reserved to British nationals. Non-citizens can also receive honorary knight- or damehood. Check out this gallery to see which of our favorite Hollywood stars we should be addressing as "Sir" or "Dame."