What is a dame? Meaning of the title explained
RECEIVING a damehood or knighthood is only afforded to a select few people.
Read on to find out exactly how to become a dame and what it means.
What is a dame?
A dame is the equivalent of a knight for women and can only be bestowed by King Charles III.
So while men are known as 'knights' women who receive the special honour are called 'dames'.
A damehood or a knighthood is the most senior honour in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
The Order was created in 1917 by King George V.
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The Order has five classes in both a civil and military capacity with many dames holding other honors before receiving their damehood.
Other honours that a Dame holds include an OBE or an MBE.
The second highest rank is a KBE or DBE - a Knight or Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
The highest rank is the GBE - the Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
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How does a woman become a dame?
A person receives a knighthood or damehood for all kinds of achievements.
Usually, the person receiving the honour would have contributed to the country at a national or international level.
The nominee could show outstanding contributions in music, art, theatre, acting, or sports amongst others.
Specifically, the monarch would look for women whose work has had an impact on their community or field of work, enhanced Britain's reputation, is innovative and entrepreneurial, displayed moral courage or has improved the lives of those less fortunate than them.
Most assume you have to have some sort of societal standing to be nominated.
However, anyone can nominate someone for an honour on the .
Once someone is nominated, the honours committee will review the person and check they are suitable for receiving an award.
What is the correct way of addressing a dame?
The correct way to address a dame is by using their title followed by their first name and sometimes last name.
For example, Dame Judi Dench is often referred to as Dame Judi.
In formal writing, DBE often follows their name.
Husbands or wives of dames do not derive any style or title from their wives.
Who is the youngest woman to be appointed a dame?
Ellen MacArthur remains the youngest woman to be appointed a dame.
The yachtswoman from Derbyshire broke the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe, a feat which gained her international renown in February 2005.
Rather than being recognised for her achievement at the forthcoming birthday or New Year's honours list, she was awarded damehood straight after the incredible feat.
Who are the most famous dames?
Barbara Windsor
For services to charity and entertainment, Dame Barbara Windsor was appointed DBE in the 2016 New Year Honours.
She worked very closely with many charities, most famously the Amy Winehouse Foundation which was created in 2010 in memory of her late friend Amy Winehouse.
Maggie Smith
Actress, Dame Maggie Smith received her damehood in 1990, and in 2014, picked up another title, Companion of Honour (CH).
This honour is given to those “for having a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government lasting over a long period of time”.
Judi Dench
Dame Judi Dench was made an OBE first in 1970, a dame in 1988 and then received the Companion of Honour in 2005.
She earned four Oscar nominations in five years between 1998 and 2002, and has won five film Baftas for Iris, Shakespeare In Love, Mrs Brown, A Room With A View and Four In The Morning.
Emma Thompson
In 2018, writer and actress Emma Thompson was made a dame and joking about her new title, she said: “Yes. Dame Commander of the British Empire. I’ve become much more commanding since it happened.
“I’ve also had every seat I sit on just made slightly taller."
Vivienne Westwood
Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood was awarded an OBE in 1992.
The iconic fashion designer received her damehood in 2006 for her services to fashion.
She was famously photographed going commando in Buckingham Palace, having abandoned underwear once again.
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When asked about her decision to go sans undies she said: "Don't ask. It's the same answer. I don't wear them with dresses.
"When I'm wearing trousers I might - my husband's silk boxers."