Ted Kennedy Knighted in Queen’s new Honours List

JFK’s brother awarded honorary knighthood for services to the UK and Northern Ireland.

It was announced earlier this week that US Senator Ted Kennedy would be awarded an honorary knighthood in the next Honours List.

The senator is the youngest sibling of former US President John F Kennedy and the most prominent living member of the famous Kennedy family.

Aside from his family history, Ted Kennedy is perhaps best known for his political work in securing the peace in Northern Ireland at the historic Good Friday agreement. Kennedy played an integral part, along with Tony Blair in brokering peace with the splintered factions of the country.

Kennedy will be awarded the honour by The Queen for his services to the US-UK relationship and to Northern Ireland. The British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown is due to announce the honour formally as he addresses US Congress in Washington later today.

Senator Kennedy has been battling with cancer of the brain since May 2008 when he was submitted to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston with malignant glioma.

His last public appearance at President Barack Obama’s inauguration was brought to a swift end with Senator Kennedy again being taken to hospital after a seizure.

The 77 year old will join a distinguished list of honorary knights which include Bill Gates, Pele, Bob Hope, Spike Milligan and Steven Spielberg. Although he will not be conveyed the title of “Sir”, Senator Kennedy will become a Knight of the British Empire at the next Honors ceremony.

No information has been given yet as to whether the Senator will be able to make the trip to Buckingham Palace to receive his award.

By Benny Henson posted March 4, 2009 8:10 AM with 1,035 views