When America’s Founding Fathers made plans to shuffle loose their British king, they could not have anticipated the fascination with all things royal that would one day arise in their fledgling democracy. But how could we resist, especially after a certain American divorcée upended the kingdom in 1936? And didn’t every red-blooded American fall in love with the People’s Princess? On 19 May 2018, nearly 30 million Americans watched as one of our own wed a British prince – a fairy tale. We love a royal family. It’s quite possible that Mr Alexander Hamilton, the poor bloke, is turning in his grave.

It appears the feeling is mutual. Ever since WWI made us allies, the UK has been inviting the best of the US across the ocean for a ceremonial knighting. (The titles are honorary. Americans cannot be called “Sir”.) Generals, businessmen, actors, musicians and presidents from all over the 50 states have been knighted, mostly by the Queen and in some cases by the Prince of Wales. All top of their fields, but also top dressers, these gentlemen could teach us a thing or two about wearing a suit, directing a multi-million-dollar film franchise, breeding racehorses or starting a fashion conglomerate so dominant as to be absolutely legendary.

And so, in honour (ahem, honor) of American Independence Day and in the spirit of being friends with your exes, we present six of the most stylish American knights.

In June, the septuagenarian Mr Ralph Lauren was appointed an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Prince Charles, and too right. The man has utterly reshaped global fashion since the founding of his label more than 50 years ago. He can really wear a suit, but he’s also famous for his ranch-inspired head-to-toe denim looks, pairing a turtleneck with an impeccable double-breasted blazer and layering, say, a suede waistcoat with a tweed suit. May we all be so sartorially courageous – oh, and commercially successful.

Film director and producer Mr Steven Spielberg received his appointment in 2001 from the Queen for services to the entertainment industry. This was after all three Jurassic Park movies and the WWII tearjerkers Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan. Since he sits behind the camera, it’s not often we have a chance to critique his wardrobe, but it turns out that Mr Spielberg has always brought a certain panache to the director’s chair. Take this full-on denim look from the set of Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom. Adidas Oregon sneakers, slouchy socks and the floppy hair are *chef’s kiss* in today’s sartorial landscape.

Better known as Ted, Mr Edward Kennedy was the youngest brother of the famous, and famously tragic, political dynasty. He earned his knighthood in 2009 (shortly before his death) for his work on the Northern Ireland peace process and involvement with the Good Friday Agreement. As the fourth longest-serving senator in US history, Mr Kennedy left behind an admirable legacy of good deeds. He was also consistently stylish and looked exceptionally well in his simple Washington DC suits and ties. The Kennedy genes – strong jaw, soft eyes, swoopy hair – that helped win his brother the presidency also seemed to contain a marker for perfect tailoring and sleek topcoats. If you learn one thing from Mr Kennedy, it should be that a skinny tie is almost never out of place.

Mr Douglas Fairbanks Jr should perhaps be known as Mr Shawl Collar. Have you ever seen such a beautifully elegant specimen? The actor is best known for turns in Gunga Din and The Corsican Brothers, and for once being married to Ms Joan Crawford, but he was also a decorated US Navy officer and was awarded his knighthood in 1949 in recognition of his work on behalf of Anglo-American amity. After WWII, Mr Fairbanks relocated to Britain, where he enjoyed a prolific career and sparkling social life (he’s pictured here with the Duchess of Kent). Oh, and did we mention his moustache? Perfection.

Have you ever seen a man pull off a patterned shirt and enormous thick-rimmed glasses like classical violinist and conductor (and avid yogi) Mr Yehudi Menuhin? Most images of the late Mr Menuhin show him posing serenely with a Stradivarius, but it’s clear that he preferred more festive attire on his days off. Wildly patterned Oxford shirts buttoned tightly up to his neck became his signature, especially later in life. You’ve got to love a man with a sense of flair. And Britain certainly did. After he took British citizenship, Mr Menuhin was awarded a KBE in 1965 and received the Order of Merit, which recognises distinguished service in the armed forces, science or the arts, in 1987. He was made a life peer in 1993.

Stateside, the name Mellon is as familiar as Astor, Vanderbilt and Carnegie. The Mellons were among the wealthiest families in the US and one of the most philanthropic. Mr Paul Mellon was awarded his knighthood in 1974 for his generosity to British art institutions and universities. He was also an owner and breeder of racehorses, a pastime he shares with the Queen. Mr Mellon was a snappy dresser with an eye for mixing prints. In this picture, for example, he’s sporting no fewer than three distinct patterns, artfully accessorised by a collar pin and what looks like an elegant pocket watch dangling from his buttonhole. You don’t need a $400m fortune to be this stylish, but it helps.