Microsoft chairman Bill Gates is a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The weapons the newly-dubbed knight wields? A big heart and a philantrophic war chest that could pay the Queen’s ransom several times over. Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon Gates an honorary knighthood Wednesday in recognition of his charitable donations to causes all around the world.
Technically, he can’t be called “Sir William” or “Sir Bill”, as only citizens of Britain and the British Commonwealth can pickup the “Sir”. His official title would be Bill Gates, KBE. There is no word on whether or not Microsoft plans to change its stationery as a result of Gates’ new accolade.
Gates was accompanied to Great Britain by his wife, Melinda. The couple’s foundation, aptly-named The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to “[build] upon the unprecedented opportunities of the 21st century to improve equity in global health and learning,” according to its website. In spite of the fact that many Americans love to hate — or at least poke fun at — the king of all computer ‘geeks’, and that the media portrays Gates as a soulless monster that drives competitors out of the market in order to benefit himself, Gates has actually distinguished himself as America’s top philanthropist. The foundation has given a mind-boggling $4.9 billion (yes, with a “B”) to causes worldwide. The foundation’s endowment is approximately $28.8 billion at present, approximately $100 for every man, woman and child in the United States.
Gates made a brief statement today after being bestowed with this honor:
“I am humbled and delighted. I’m particularly pleased that this honour helps recognise the real heroes our foundation supports to improve health in poor countries. Their incredible work is helping ensure that one day all people — no matter where they are born — will have the same opportunity for a healthy life, and I’m grateful to share this honour with them.”
You may note that, in a touch of class, the Gates Foundation website has transcribed the statement with the British spelling for “honour”, rather than the American version that lacks the Brits’ trademark extra “U”.
Other Americans that have been dubbed KBEs include Ronald Reagan, General Norman Schwarzkopf, Rudolph Giuliani, and Alan Greenspan.
Nathan Novak at 12:00 am
