It's nice to see that the incredible skill and tact with which Mayor Giuliani responded to the disaster of 11th September has been recognised - even if (in this instance) that recognition has no real meaning.

Yesterday the Queen appointed him a Knight Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. In addition, New York's police and fire commissioners, Bernard Kerik and Thomas Von Essen, became Commanders of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

It's very rare for knighthoods to be awarded to non-Brits, with less than a dozen living Americans holding such an honour.

winter"Just reading the papers"mute