I thought the Queen of England was the only person who could grant Knighthoods. Isn’t that so?
The British Monarchy is certainly a valid source of Honours, but it is only ONE source. There are many others. In Europe, the Nordic and Benelux countries still have functioning Monarchies, as do several minuscule Principalities. There are also a small number of Asian, African and Pacific countries which have Monarchies. Then there are countries which have become republics, but which still have existing Royal Families who continue to bestow Honours. There are even countries which no longer exist, but whose Royal Families have direct descendants living today; these descendants can also create Nobility. In addition, both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches have conferred Honours and Nobility for centuries. Finally, there are the independent Orders of Chivalry, many of which have existed since the Middle Ages. The Grand Masters of these Orders usually hold the Rank of Prince and they have been recognised for hundreds of years as having the power to confer Knighthoods and other Honours.
