Matt Monro Forum

What is the pre-requisite for some one being "Knighted" in England? I see names of some of the popular musicians in England with the prefix "Sir" or "Dame" in front of their names. In my estimation, Matt Monro did more to put the UK on the map in the music world - "World-Wide" with his many world tours than any one has done. I see the name "Sir" Paul McCartney. What has he done more than Matt Monro? He has written a few songs, been "drugged out" with his beatle buddies and toured the world. I think Matt should be "Knighted" posthumously, if they do such a thing.

Although most military honours (and some non military bravery medals) in the UK can be awarded posthumously by the sovereign, there is, in the modern civil honours system, no criteria for posthumous awards.

During Matt's era, the popular arts were notably overlooked in the honours system, only a very few theatrical knights until recently, and the odd MBE/OBE were given to some beloved entertainers, but I have no doubt that Matt, would he still be with us, would have been so honoured many years ago.

I actually wrote to the palace asking for a knighthood from the Queen. Graciously I had a reply from HRH and said she remembered my father music with fondness but that unfortunately these awards areonly given whilst the artist is alive.

You also have to be nominated, someone physically has to send a form/letter into the palace with the suggestion and then based on that individuals merit they may be granted an Honour.

It is not the palace that come up with the list of nominees and certain conferences are taken with the Prime Minister.

Anything is possible and perhaps another option could be to approach the local borough councils Tower Hamlets or Lambeth in the London area of Shoreditch where Matt was born and raised and to consider a request for a plaque or statue in his honour, similar to what took place for David Whitfield and Ronnie Hilton in their home town.
Although generally considered to be among the poorest of boroughs, cash flow seems to be no problem for many unworthy projects, so a worthy request for some kind of commemoration for Britains best ever crooner may be worth a try and to get the proposal put forward.

This was my thinking with this thread I started here

http://mattmonroforum.emicatalogue.com/ ... .php?t=203

To me Matt is and always will be a National Treasure, as important and synonomous to the fabric and character of London and The UK as any stately home or old statue, and some national recognition one feels is many many years overdue.