KBE
Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Title and Honorific
| Stands for | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire |
|---|---|
| Categories | Writing & Everyday |
KBE stands for Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, a title and honorific abbreviation.
Confers a knighthood and the title "Sir" as the second class of the Order of the British Empire for men. Holders write KBE after their names; the female equivalent is DBE.
Example: Sir Michael Grant KBE served as ambassador to Japan before retiring from the diplomatic service.
Usage notes
Foreign citizens may receive honorary KBEs without the right to be called "Sir"; Bill Gates and Bono are well-known honorary recipients. Above KBE sits GBE, Knight or Dame Grand Cross. Spoken address uses the first name, as in "Sir Michael," never "Sir Grant."
Related abbreviations
More title and honorific abbreviations
- HM – His or Her Majesty
- Hon. – Honorable
- HRH – His or Her Royal Highness
- HSH – His or Her Serene Highness
- Insp. – Inspector
- Jr. – Junior
- Kt. – Knight
- Lt. Gov. – Lieutenant Governor
- M. – Monsieur
- M/s – Messrs. (used before a firm's name)
- MBE – Member of the Order of the British Empire
- Messrs. – Messieurs (plural of Mr.)