Companion of Honour and knighthood are two of the most prestigious awards in the United Kingdom. Both are awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. However, there are some key differences between the two awards.
What is a Companion of Honour?
The Companion of Honour is an award that was established by King George V in 1917. It is awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government. The award is limited to a maximum of 65 people at any one time, and recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "CH" after their name.
What is a knighthood?
A knighthood is an award that is bestowed upon individuals who have made a significant contribution to society. It is a part of the British honours system and has been awarded since medieval times. Knights are entitled to use the title "Sir" before their first name and the post-nominal letters "Kt" after their name.
How are they awarded?
The Companion of Honour is awarded solely at the discretion of the monarch, while knighthoods are awarded by the monarch on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister can make recommendations for knighthoods twice a year, on the Queen's Birthday and on New Year's Day.
Who can receive them?
Companions of Honour and Knights can be anyone, regardless of their background or nationality. However, there are some restrictions on who can receive a knighthood. For example, the award is not given to members of the House of Commons or House of Lords, and it is not given to anyone who works in the civil service or the judiciary.
What are the benefits?
Both awards come with a variety of benefits. For example, recipients of a Companion of Honour are entitled to a pension from the Civil List, and they are also allowed to have the letters "CH" after their name. Knights, on the other hand, are entitled to use the title "Sir" before their first name and the post-nominal letters "Kt" after their name.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Companion of Honour and knighthood are prestigious awards that are bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. While there are some key differences between the two awards, both come with a range of benefits and are highly respected and sought after by those in the United Kingdom.