If you’ve visited the Elite Titles blog before, you may remember that a couple of years ago we wrote about Dame Agatha Christie, the best-selling author from Devon, the home of our Seated Titles. As we remarked at the time, Dame Agatha is so closely connected to popular culture that she ‘scarcely needs an introduction’. The same can be said of Sir David Attenborough, the world-renowned naturalist, passionate environmental campaigner and legendary broadcaster with an unmistakeable voice. As the institution he joined 70 years ago, the BBC, emphasises, ‘Sir David has helped shape our lives’.
Now 96 – the same age as the Queen – Sir David Attenborough is still going strong. He recently supported Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, in his efforts to find ways to protect and repair our fragile ecosystem. They’re the driving force behind The Earthshot Prize, which celebrates environmentalist heroes. Sir David spoke at the awards ceremony about the vital importance of identifying ‘innovative and brilliant solutions to the world’s challenges’. His expertise and influence made him the perfect person to give such a speech. When Sir David has something to say, people around the globe listen.
So it feels entirely appropriate that this British icon has just received a knighthood from Prince Charles – who’s also a committed environmentalist – in recognition of his outstanding achievements in television and conservation.
The Honour Was Conferred in June
Sir David Attenborough’s knighthood was announced in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List – but it wasn’t officially conferred on him until 8 June 2022, shortly after the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Sir David was photographed holding the special insignia that accompanies his knighthood (it resembles a medal) in the grounds of Windsor Castle, the royal residence where his investiture ceremony had taken place.
The reason for the delay to his investiture probably won’t surprise you. In 2020, the UK was in the throes of the pandemic. (That was the year the Duke of Westminster donated millions of pounds to the NHS and other good causes.) The publication of the 2020 Birthday Honours was moved from around the time of the Queen’s official birthday in June to October (with the aim of ensuring that people making the most significant contributions to the COVID-19 relief efforts could be identified and included). Investiture ceremonies were suspended. They didn’t resume until summer 2021, ‘with numbers scaled back to comply with Covid guidelines,’ as the Evening Standard commented. Honourees therefore had to wait a long time to take part in one.
Two Knighthoods – an Astonishing Achievement
When Sir David Attenborough attended his investiture ceremony in June, he may well have experienced a feeling of déjà vu. After all, he was collecting his second knighthood. To be knighted twice is a staggering achievement (we can’t recall anyone else receiving two knighthoods – can you?) and cements Sir David’s position as a towering public figure.
When did Sir David Attenborough receive his first knighthood in recognition of his incredible work? Nearly 40 years ago – in 1985, to be precise. He’s therefore been able to use the elite title Sir, which is associated with knighthoods, for a long time. But it’s interesting to note that his original knighthood differs from his more recent one in a significant way.
‘There are two types of knighthood conferred by the Sovereign,’ observes The English Manner, an etiquette institute. There are knighthoods linked to the Orders of Chivalry inspired by groups of knights from centuries ago, as well as knighthoods without any such affiliation. Sir David Attenborough’s first knighthood wasn’t associated with a specific Order of Chivalry; he was therefore called a Knight Bachelor. His second knighthood is superior because it elevates him to the position of a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George. This Order denotes major achievements on an international level.
In simple terms, we can say Sir David Attenborough’s status as a knight has been ‘upgraded’! And it’s hard to imagine a more deserving recipient of this honour.
Honour Loved Ones with Elite Titles
If you’d love to honour someone special, how about giving them a truly unique present: their very own legal, decorative elite title for show purposes? For example, make your loved one a Sir/Dame with our Non-Seated Titles or landowning Lord/Lady of Their Favourite Place Name with our Seated Titles.
While our elite titles obviously aren’t the same as honours from the Queen, they’re great fun and potentially life-enhancing. Plus, each one comes with a beautiful document package.
Looking for an unforgettable gift? Order a decorative elite title from Elite Titles today!
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