Which award did Bill Gates receive from Queen Elizabeth II in 2005 for his contributions to enterprise and philanthropy?

Bill Gates received an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2005 for contributions to enterprise and philanthropy.

Queen Elizabeth II announced the honorary appointment in the United Kingdom’s New Year Honours. Gates was recognized for his work as a business leader and for the international charitable activities associated with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Because Gates is not a British or Commonwealth citizen, the award was honorary. He could use the post-nominal letters KBE in descriptions of the honour, but he could not use the title “Sir” in the United Kingdom.

The award is often shortened in casual references to “an honorary knighthood.” That wording describes the honour broadly, while its formal grade is Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.