Knight Commander (or Dame Commander) is the second most senior grade of seven British orders of chivalry, three of which are dormant (and one of them continues as a German house order). The rank entails admission into knighthood, allowing the recipient to use the title 'Sir' (male) or 'Dame' (female) before his or her name. In the British system of precedence, Knights (and Dames) Commander rank after the Order of the Companions of Honour (although Companions of Honour obtain no knighthood or other status) and before Knights Bachelor.
The Orders that award the rank of Knight Commander, and related post-nominal letters, are (dormant orders in italics):
- Order of the Bath (KCB / DCB)
- Order of the Star of India (KCSI)
- Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG / DCMG)
- Royal Guelphic Order (KCH)
- Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE)
- Royal Victorian Order (KCVO / DCVO)
- Order of the British Empire (KBE /DBE)
Knights (and Dames) Commander rank behind the most senior rank in each order, that of Knights Grand Cross. The third most senior rank in each order is a Companion (CB, CSI, CMG, CIE), Knight (KH) or Commander (CVO, CBE). Insignia include a breast star, a badge, and a ribbon.
It is also a grade in the orders of other countries, such as the Order of St. Gregory the Great. The Italian equivalent is Commendatore.
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Famous quotes containing the words knight and/or commander:
“The knight slew the dragon,
The lady was gay,
They rode on together,
Away, away.”
—Unknown. This Is the Key (l. 38–41)
“A commander in the field must sometimes go against the king’s orders.”
—Chinese proverb.