Memorandum by Professor Peter S Harper
(HON 100)
I was fortunate to be awarded a knighthood in
the recent list, so my experience might be relevant. I nearly
declined it as I had no wish to be called "sir", but
after thought decided to accept but not to use the title.
I gather that changes are being planned and
would suggest that removing the title "sir" would be
an excellent thing; it would remove the element of snobbery that
tends to surround such titles, while retaining the honour involved.
Presumably it would allow knighthoods to be awarded to both sexes
equally, which would be important.
I suspect that others may have similar views,
but some may have declined honours because of the surrounding
aspects, which would be a pity. I am told that in Holland they
award knighthoods but without the title.
I do not know how far your discussions have
gone but should be interested to see a copy of any summary of
proposals.
Professor Peter S Harper
Institute of Medical Genetics
University of Wales College of Medicine
July 2004
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