2006-09-02 04:15:31 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Royalty
Because he's rich. Money apparently can now buy you a title..
2006-09-02 04:16:49 · answer #1 · answered by cleo715 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Johnslat has answered this, but his knighthood is honorary like Steven Spielberg's, George Bush Sr and Norman Schwartzkopf. Unless he becomes an American citizen like Paul Getty did, he cannot be called 'Sir'. Honorary knights are only supposed to be handed their medals, rather than having it draped over their neck.
More disturbingly, there was another American tycoon who has been involved in the Iraq war who was secretly given an honorary knighthood. Why? People agree Bill Gates has done good things with his money (and given a lot of Cambridge University in Britain), but this other fellow whose name I forget is dodgier, and the UK government knew it, which is why they tried to keep it a secret (unlike Gates's).
2006-09-04 10:48:52 · answer #2 · answered by Dunrobin 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Becuase he funded and provided resources for computer research at the University of Oxford. It's always bee the case that you can buy honors, even a Lordship with enough money, in England.
2006-09-02 04:29:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
His service to industry. He can't use the prefix Sir because he American citizen. The only way he can use it if he becomes a British citizen. Remember Ronald Regan was given a Knighthood.
2006-09-02 09:11:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I thought you had to be a Brit to be a Knight. As far as charity work, what he has given is a drop in the bucket. I would feel guilty having that much money.
2006-09-02 04:20:08 · answer #5 · answered by Wile E. Chipotle 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
His philanthropy, mostly:
"Mr Gates, 48, the world's wealthiest man, said it was "a great honour" to be recognised for his business skills and for his work on poverty reduction"
2006-09-02 04:18:40 · answer #6 · answered by johnslat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
4 his contributions 2 charities around the World.
2006-09-02 04:17:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
was it an actual title or just an award. americans cannot receive royal titles without getting clarence from the U.S. dep. of state and second he probably got it for his charity work.
2006-09-02 07:27:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
To curry favor with the americans
2006-09-02 07:03:15 · answer #9 · answered by brainstorm 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
go and google "the bill and melinda gates foundation" and you will see why
2006-09-02 04:17:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋