The recent election of UK prime minister marks a somewhat historic milestone, as Keir Starmer becomes first knight to serve as UK prime minister – in over 60 years. The last premier to enter office with a knighthood was Sir Alec Douglas-Home, who assumed the role in 1963. Since then, all subsequent prime ministers have been granted knighthoods after their terms in office.

Starmer officially became Prime Minister on July 5, 2024. His knighthood, awarded in the 2014 New Year Honours, was in recognition of his distinguished services to law and criminal justice. As a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB), Starmer is entitled to wear the Order’s badge and star on formal occasions. However, despite this honor, Starmer has opted not to wear the insignia publicly.

The Order of the Bath was founded by George I in 1725 and is the fourth most senior British order of merit, ranking after the Orders of the Garter, the Thistle, and St. Patrick (currently dormant). Established to honor the achievements of senior military officials and civil servants, the Order’s name originates from medieval times, when soldiers undergoing a ritualized washing ceremony symbolized spiritual purification before receiving their knighthood.

Throughout the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, all prime ministers from Sir Winston Churchill up until Sir Tony Blair were bestowed with knighthoods in the Order of the Garter.

Source: The Independent, The Royal Family
Featured image: UK Gov