The honour of knighthood comes from medieval times, as does the way used to award the knighthood - the touch of a sword by the King or Queen. ... CBE is the highest ranking Order of the British Empire award, followed by OBE and then MBE. They are given to people to recognise a positive impact they have made in their work.

What is higher than a knighthood?

Standing for Commander of the Order of the British Empire, the CBE is the highest ranking Order of the British Empire award (excluding a knighthood/damehood), followed by OBE and then MBE. The CBE is awarded to individuals for having a prominent role at national level, or a leading role at regional level.

Are you a Sir If you have a CBE?

The CBE is the third highest of the order's five ranks. But only the top two can use the title of Sir, for a man, or Dame, for a woman. The second highest rank is a KBE or DBE - a Knight or Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.