Knight Bachelor

In the Eastern Hirath Empire the dignity of Knight Bachelor is the basic and lowest rank required by a member (or their ancestor) of the Gentry and also the lowest form of knighthood, below any Order of Chivalry. Knights Bachelor are the most ancient sort of Knight having existed since the introduction of Standard Reckoning.

Criteria
In the Eastern Hirath Empire Knighthoods can be granted by the Emperor or any King Palatine, Prince Palatine or Duke Palatine. Often Princes will grant knighthoods on behalf of the Emperor, under his authority. Knighthoods are usually granted to establish a bond of service between free men and the crown, usually accompanied by the grant of a fief. Many knights will have spent their youth (usually from ages seven to twenty-one), apprenticed to another knight, starting as a Page and then becoming a Squire.

Ceremony
In the Eastern Hirath Empire before the actual ceremony the person to be knighted usually undertakes a period of fasting and contemplation. A knight is usually dubbed at a ceremony, often at a cathedral, having come of age. There is a ritual bathing, a sword is buckled to his side and then, kneeling, he receives a gentle dub with a sword to the right shoulder then left shoulder. The sword is consecrated by the bishop.

Honorifics and post-nominal
In the Eastern Hirata Empire like other knights, Knights Bachelor are styled "Sir". Some Knights Bachelor who also hold other dignities, such as a Peerage or the Knighthood of a chivalric order, may also use the post-nominal letters 'Kt' to signify they have the additional honour.