Dames and knighthoods: an explainer

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/mar/26/dames-and-knighthoods-an-explainer

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What is the present system?

The Australian system – the Order of Australia – was instituted by the Queen in 1975. It is described as the “pre-eminent way Australians recognise achievements and service of their fellow citizens”. “The knight and dame of the Order of Australia” are already listed under the Australian system, though haven’t been awarded since 1986, when that particular category was abandoned by the Hawke government. Therefore, the system will just be “rebooted”.

How many knighthoods and damehoods will be awarded?

Four people will receive an honour every year. Two have already been announced on Tuesday: the former governor general Dame Quentin Bryce and the governor general-designate, Sir Peter Cosgrove.

What is the protocol/ceremony in presenting the knighthoods?

Because these first two awards (Bryce and Cosgrove) are ex-officio recipients by virtue of the governor general’s office, there will be no ceremony for them.

Announcing the awards, Tony Abbott said where the ceremony is held is “a question for the recipient of the award”.

“Let's not forget that the Queen is actually the head of the Order of Australia and my understanding is that it is not entirely unknown for people who receive an award in the Order of Australia, as things stand, to receive their honour from Her Majesty,” Abbott said.

“On the other hand, it is also quite common for people who receive these awards in the Order of Australia to receive the honour from the governor or the governor general,” he said.

If a nominee would like to receive the award at Buckingham Palace, they may do so. The palace has two ceremonies a year for recipients of awards in Commonwealth countries.

However a spokesman for the prime minister said it was expected that most recipients would want to receive their award in Australia, as is the case with the present Order of Australia.

Will there be a single announcement every year or will they be announced as necessary?

It is expected awards will be announced around the usual award announcement days, Australia Day and the Queen’s birthday.

Will a sword be involved?

There will be no sword and no kneeling. The award will be handed over in a ceremony similar to other awards at Government House. The recipient attends the ceremony, is called up by the governor general and handed the award.

What will the recipient receive?

A knight or dame receives a gold breast badge and a gold neck badge held by blue ribbon.

The badge is a 6cm gold, jewelled badge with a full colour Australian Commonwealth Arms on a blue background with two branches of mimosa in gold “the whole ensigned with the crown of Saint Edward in full colour”.

What happens if someone refuses the knighthood or damehood?

Like the Order of Australia, potential recipients are contacted beforehand. If a person declines the award, they simply do not receive one.