Knight Bachelor

The dignity of Knight Bachelor is a part of the British honours system. It refers to someone who has been knighted by the monarch but not as a member of one of the organized Orders of Chivalry. Knights Bachelor are the most ancient sort of British knight, existing during the reign of King Henry III, but they rank below members in the various orders.

A survey of recent honours lists suggests that only men seem to be appointed Knights Bachelor (although sources vary on whether Dames Bachelor can theoretically exist ). It is generally awarded for public service; amongst its recipients are all male judges of the High Court of England and Wales. Like other knights, Knights Bachelor are styled "Sir". The post-nominal letters "Kt" are sometimes used (note the lowercase 't'), especially when the style "Sir" is awkward (for example, when the person is later made a life peer), but it is doubtful whether this enjoys official sanction.