John Major receives Knight of the Garter

The Queen has appointed former Conservative Prime Minister John Major as a Knight of the Garter.

The former Huntingdon MP becomes the third ex-premier to receive the Order of the Garter, England's highest chivalric honour.

The order already includes Baroness Thatcher and Sir Edward Heath, two other ex-Tory leaders.

Mr Major's appointment comes after fellow holder of the honour, ex-Labour premier Lord Callaghan, passed away.

The Queen has also named Sir Winston Churchill's 82-year old daughter, Lady Soames, as a Lady of the Garter and former lord chief justice Lord Bingham of Cornhill.

The appointments are traditionally announced on St George's Day.

Sir John said he was "absolutely thrilled, honoured and delighted" to receive the honour.

The official ceremony will take place at Windsor Castle in June.

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