Sir, A little-publicised change has recently occurred in the honours system, though it may have significant consequences. I refer to the abolition of automatic knighthoods for British ambassadors and high commissioners. While this is part of a larger scheme to streamline the award of knighthoods, it sets a dangerous precedent.

The granting of such awards to captains of industry does not, however, seem to have been curtailed as part of this reduction. Business success has an important effect on the economy, and those who are responsible for such prosperity should be given official recognition. However, they should not be allowed to dominate the field of higher honours, and those who work hard on behalf of Queen and country, particularly for very scant financial reward, should be acknowledged likewise.

The trend away from official knighthoods began several years ago. In 1978 the courtesy knighthood usually bestowed upon Garter King of Arms was withdrawn, the late Sir Anthony Wagner being the last man to enjoy this privilege. Though many would not mourn the passing of this tradition, it should be borne in mind that Garter is practically responsible — together with the Earl Marshal and with the assistance of the other heralds — for organising the ceremonial events of the nation, with virtually no monetary recompense.

Even more recently, though, and of even greater significance, was the denial of a knighthood to the newly elected Lord Mayor of London. In 1993 Sir Paul Newall was the first to suffer this indignity, though this was rectified after his term of office was concluded, as seems to be the current practice. The Lord Mayor is a person of great economic and diplomatic influence as well as ceremonial significance. He has an important presence not merely in the City of London, but elsewhere in the British Isles and even abroad, where he is the representative of the monarch and of the nation, by implication, if not legally.

The Sovereign is the fount of honour, from whom all awards of rank and title flow. It is therefore right that those who represent the monarch in an official capacity should be accorded a similar respect which would normally be due to Her Majesty, were she present in person. A knighthood is a comparatively cost-neutral method of increasing the dignity and esteem in which an individual is held by others.

If these reforms of the awards system continue, there will no longer be any room for those who occupy honourable positions in our society, while the greatest awards will go to those who have helped themselves, rather than their country.

JEREMY GOLDSMITH
London E8

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