The youngest person ever knighted was Prince George (later King George IV), made a Knight of the Garter at just 29 days old in 1762 by virtue of his birth. In modern times, for non-royal recipients, tennis star Andy Murray holds the record as the youngest man, knighted at 29 years old in 2017, while Dame Ellen MacArthur, knighted at 28 in 2005, is the youngest woman.
Sir David Attenborough was honoured with a second knighthood for his incredible contributions to broadcasting and conservation.
Sir David Beckham has been knighted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. The former Manchester United star was recognised for his services to sport and charity in the King's Birthday Honours List, back in June.
Known for his work on black holes and cosmology, theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking reportedly turned down a knighthood in the 1990s. His spokesman told The Telegraph that “Prof Hawking does not like titles. In fact he dislikes the whole concept of them.”
Unlike Cersei and Tywin, Jaime always treated Tyrion with a degree of love, kindness and respect. The Mad King, Aerys II, proclaims Jaime to his Kingsguard. Jaime began an incestuous relationship with his twin Cersei in his youth. At the age of 16, Jaime rose to the rank of knighthood.
Cersei calls Jaime the stupidest Lannister.
[Ed. note: This post contains major spoilers for Game of Thrones through season 8, episode 2.] In the sentimental second episode of Game of Thrones' final season, Lady Brienne of Tarth realizes her lifelong dream: She becomes a knight. At last, Brienne has a proper title to go with her deeds.
Examples include Sir Fred Goodwin, the former chief executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland, who lost his knighthood in 2012 over his role in the bank's near-collapse in 2008 and Sir James Crosby, the former chief executive of HBOS.
Stephen Hawking's "last words" aren't a single phrase but a collection of final messages from his speeches and posthumously published book, emphasizing bravery, hope, curiosity, and the scientific explanation of the universe over divine intervention, with parting advice to "look up at the stars and not down at your feet" and to "be brave, be determined". His final book, Brief Answers to the Big Questions, published after his death in 2018, summarized his lifelong views, stating there is no God and that the laws of nature explain existence, a conclusion stemming from his belief that science provides answers where religion often invoked a creator.
According to the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, the honorary knighthood recognizes Gates' contributions to improving health and reducing poverty in parts of the Commonwealth and elsewhere in the developing world.
David Beckham's primary known "illness" is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which he has spoken openly about in his Netflix documentary, describing tiring rituals like arranging items in pairs, straight lines, and intense cleaning, sometimes alongside Tourette's Syndrome, though less is detailed about the latter. He also recently faced physical health issues, undergoing surgery in mid-2025 for a long-standing wrist injury from his football career, requiring a sling and hospitalization.
The main UK knighthood lists for 2025 included the New Year Honours (announced late 2024/early 2025) and the King's Birthday Honours (mid-2025), with notable recipients of knighthoods (Sir) or damehoods (Dame) including actor Gary Oldman, former footballer David Beckham, musicians Roger Daltrey, singer Elaine Paige, actor Idris Elba, and ice skaters Torvill & Dean, alongside many recognized for community service, with full lists available on The Gazette and GOV.UK.
William Poel, actor and Shakespearean director. Declined a knighthood twice.
When Hanoi was bombed at Christmastime on Kissinger's orders, Le Duc Tho agreed to an armistice. But when he received the Peace Prize together with Kissinger in the autumn of 1973, he refused to accept it, on the grounds that his opposite number had violated the truce.
Sir David Attenborough holds the record for the most honorary degrees from UK universities, having received 32 for his immense contributions to science and broadcasting, a significant achievement noted around 2013 when he received his 32nd.
Although American citizens cannot technically become dames, Queen Elizabeth gave Angelina Jolie an honorary title for her work in 2014. (Another honorary knight? Steven Spielberg.) It also wasn't her acting work that got her the distinguishment, but rather her advocacy to end sexual violence against women.
Stephen Hawking never officially revealed his IQ, and often dismissed the metric, famously saying, "People who boast about their IQ are losers". While estimates place his IQ around 160, a genius level, this is speculative; Hawking emphasized that creativity, persistence, and passion for science were more important than a single score, despite his profound impact on physics.
Contrary to what the news media was lifting out of his latest book — and out of context — Stephen Hawking did not denounce God, nor does he claim to have proven that God does not exist.
The late Stephen Hawking believed that direct contact with advanced alien civilizations would inevitably lead to the colonization of Earth by aliens.
Knights (KT)
Note: Sir Robert Menzies is the only Australian ever appointed a Knight of the Order of the Thistle (Appointment made for his Scottish ancestry). The award was made in 1963, during his tenure as Prime Minister of Australia. He was also appointed a Knight of the Order of Australia (AK) in 1976.
Former England captain Sir David Beckham received a knighthood at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. The football star, 50, was honoured for his services to sport and charity. "I couldn't be prouder," Beckham said. "People know how patriotic I am -- I love my country.
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known nationally.
Although it is speculated by some characters that Jaime and Cersei pushed Bran, there were no public accusations made against the crown. While Bran remains unconscious, a fire is set at an opposite tower as a distraction while an attempt is made on his life.
Prior to the Battle of Winterfell, Brienne was knighted by Ser Jaime Lannister, making her the first woman of the Seven Kingdoms to become a knight. Despite being officially married to Jaime, Brienne knows that he holds no longer holds romantic feelings for her, and she accepts this, still caring for him as a friend.
After Bran Stark is named the new Lord of the Six Kingdoms, Podrick is knighted and made a member of the Kingsguard.