Knighthood for Sir Don McKinnon

View the image at Royal Blog

HM Queen Elizabeth II today knighted former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Don McKinnon, as Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in recognition of his 2000-2008 (two terms) “outstanding” service as Secretary-General. Today is Commonwealth Day, a fitting day for his knighting.

Sir Don McKinnon was also New Zealand’s longest serving Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand. He is also a member of the Order of New Zealand and McKinnon’s wife and two sons attended today’s ceremony with the Queen. Following the ceremony the new Knight and the Queen talked for a half hour; discussing not only the Commonwealth, but horses and cattle too.

Current New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has congratulated the new Sir Don McKinnon on his knighthood.

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