Rod Eddington to be Knighted

Well done him, but he’s an Oz, so can he use the title anyway?

I assume Rod Eddington is now a British citizen then? I too didn’t think ‘foreigners’ could be knighted

Yes he can be Knighted and can have the title ‘Sir’ in front of his name as Australia is still part of the British Commonwealth. Ever since the signing of the Australia Act in 1986, Australians can’t be Knighted for services to Australia (You get the Order of Australia instead), but can still be Knighted for services in the UK and still be recognised as ‘Sir’ or ‘Dame’ in Australia or any other British Commonwealth country (Like Canada, Fiji, New Zealand, etc…). There are still people in Australia who are addressed as ‘Sir’ (Former Governor-General and High Court Judge Sir William Dean), but unfortunately these people are becoming rare. Hope this answers some questions.

Cheers,
Paul

Non-UK citizens can get an honorary Knighthood (Terry Wogan, Ireland, got one this time round), although I think it might be different for Commonwealth countries?

I assume Rod Eddington is now a British citizen then? I too didn’t think ‘foreigners’ could be knighted.

I did some searching,and found this,but don’t know how up to date it is.Some surprising stuff— a degree in nuclear physics!!!!!!!!

Rod Eddington, CEO, British Airways

Age: 51
Nationality: Australian
Career path: Nuclear physics degree from University of Western Australia / Oxford. Worked his way through the ranks at Cathay Pacific. Became Executive Chairman of Ansett in Melbourne. Head-hunted by Lord Marshall for current position at BA.
Core strategy: To increase high paying premium passengers on BA. Since joining the company in May 2000, Rod Eddington has sold low cost airline Go and introduced ‘flat beds’ as an in-flight perk.
Hobbies: Drives a BMW. Enjoys cricket (immensely), bridge and a good red wine. Speaks Chinese and Japanese.
Word is: Described by his contemporaries as being a laid-back, people-oriented Aussie.
Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Sorry, this is no bashing, but these “honours” get given to anybody now.
Well done him, but he’s an Oz, so can he use the title anyway?
And a title doesnt get you anywhere today. The only people who deserve ones, are people who do stuff to help others, like charity workers etc, like my aunt who had an OBE for her work with the elderley in Preston

i dont think Bob Ayling was knighted, after his highprofile involvement the the tent at greenwich

Thats Cool