Dame

For other uses, see Dame (disambiguation).

Dame is a noble title and the female equivalent of the honour of knighthood in the British honours system and several other countries such as Australia and among European orders of chivalry. (The word "damehood" is rarely used but is shown on the official British Monarchy website as being the correct term). It is the equivalent form of address to "Sir" for knights. A woman appointed to the grades of Dame Commander or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, the Royal Victorian Order, or the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire becomes a dame.[1] Because there is no female equivalent to a Knight Bachelor, women are always appointed to an order of chivalry.[2] Women who are appointed to the Most Noble Order of the Garter or the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle are not given the title of "Dame" but "Lady".[3]

The youngest person to be appointed a British dame was Ellen MacArthur,[4] at the age of 28. The oldest was Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies when aged 100.[5]

A number of high-profile figures, such as actress Vanessa Redgrave, have declined the honour; see a List of people who have declined a British honour.

Formerly, a knight's wife was given the title of "Dame" before her name, but this usage was replaced by "Lady" during the 17th century.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ "Dame". Debretts. n.d. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  2. ↑ "Knights Bachelor". Debretts. n.d. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  3. ↑ "Ladies of the Garter and Ladies of the Thistle". Debretts. n.d. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  4. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 57557. p. 1713. 2005-02-11. Retrieved 2010-10-12.
  5. ↑ movies.yahoo.com Retrieved: 3-3-2013