Former New York mayor Mr Rudolph Giuliani was today awarded an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth for his leadership in the wake of the September 11th terror attacks.
|
|
Mr Rudolph Giuliani
|
Mr Giuliani, who said he was inspired by Britain's World War II leader Sir Winston Churchill, received the honour at Buckingham Palace in London, where he was accompanied by his partner Ms Judith Nathan.
The queen, who is mourning the death of her sister princess Margaret, who died last week, has decided to proceed with official engagements ahead of the funeral on Friday.
The former mayor will not be allowed to style himself "Sir Rudolph", as he could if he were a British citizen, but can use the letters KBE (Knight of the British Empire) after his name.
New York Police Chief Mr Bernard Kerik and the city's Fire Chief, Mr Thomas Von Essen, were each awarded an honorary CBE.
Later today, Mr Giuliani will attend a sitting of parliament, followed by a meeting with Home Secretary David Blunkett and a visit to Downing Street to see British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair - who recommended to the queen last October that he should be knighted.
The prime minister's spokesman said Mr Blair "will obviously pay tribute to Mr Giuliani's leadership in New York after the attacks."
Ahead of his investiture, the former mayor told the BBC that Sir Churchill was his "great hero" and praised the British public who he said were a "source of strength" for him.
Mr Giuliani, a Republican, stepped down as New York mayor last month after eight years in the post. Time limits prevented him from seeking a third term in office and he was succeeded by billionaire media mogul Mr Michael Bloomberg.
AFP