Premature publication may have set back efforts to have president "knighted" in London next month.
By HERB KEINON, JONNY PAULPeres 224.88(photo credit: AP)
Efforts to have President Shimon Peres "knighted" during a visit to London next month may have been set back by premature publication of the move, Foreign Ministry sources said Thursday.
Yediot Aharonot, under a headline "Sir Peres," reported Wednesday that Peres was expected to be appointed an honorary knight by Queen Elizabeth II in appreciation of his contribution to peace efforts in the Middle East and to furthering Israeli-British ties.
While admitting that the embassy in London was working on the issue, the sources said that revealing these efforts prematurely could lead anti-Israeli forces in Britain to try to scuttle the idea.
What is at issue is an appointment for Peres as an honorary member to the Order of St. Michael and St. George. Appointment to this Order, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica Web site, is conferred mostly on officials in colonial affairs, foreign-service officers and diplomats, and others who have performed important duties in Commonwealth countries.
Foreigners may be admitted as honorary members, but they cannot prefix "Sir" to their first names. They can, however, place the initials of the order after their last name. In Peres's case, therefore, he would become President Shimon Peres, KCMG, for Knight Commander of St. Michael and St. George.
Bill Gates and Rudolph Giuliani are among foreigners with honorary knighthoods.
The honorary appointment of Peres to this order is still under discussion between Buckingham Palace and the Foreign Office, which refused to comment on the matter Thursday.
Peres will be making a three-day visit to the UK on November 18. Although this is not an official state visit, Peres will be a guest of the Queen. The Israeli Embassy in London said it was currently putting together Peres's schedule with Buckingham Palace, the Foreign Office and Downing Street.
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