Politicians Left Out as Queen Bestows Honors on 1,000
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LONDON — From the creator of Paddington Bear to the prime minister’s doorman, Queen Elizabeth II honored nearly 1,000 people to celebrate her official birthday today.
But for the first time in many years, no politicians were on the list.
The queen bestows honors on the recommendation of the prime minister.
During 18 years of Conservative government, members of Parliament often received knighthoods or life peerages in the unelected House of Lords. Labor governments have always opposed honors for political service.
The government continued the tradition of honoring top names in show business, sports, business and government along with ordinary people who serve the community.
Michael Bond, who gave the world Paddington Bear, became an officer in the Order of the British Empire, or OBE. Robert Jordan, the doorkeeper at the prime minister’s 10 Downing St. residence, was made a member of the order, or MBE.
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