Oh so British ... informative, yet condescending

Former British Prime Minister Sir John Major paid a visit to Missouri this week to be honored at an event in St. Louis. He took a side trip to Westminster College in Fulton to see the Sir Winston Churchill Memorial & Library.

Rob Crouse, Westminster's Director of College Relations, called a few days ahead of time to ask if anyone would be interested in coming to Fulton to see the former Prime Minister and to take part in a media availability. First off ... it's almost impossible to say "NO" to Rob Crouse ... who used to work with Governor Bob Holden ... and is one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. Second, as a history and political science major, how could I turn down the opportunity to meet and talk to this former world leader? (John Major, that is ... not Rob Crouse or Bob Holden.)

Of course, it is important to prepare for an event like this. For instance ... how does one address John Major? As a former Prime Minister is he addressed as Prime Minister? Is he addressed as Sir John? What is the protocol for addressing a former British Prime Minister who has been knighted by the Queen?

I located the phone numbers of the British Embassy in Washington and several consular offices in various locations throughout the United States. I called several of these places in an effort to obtain the information I so desperately sought. Finally, I found someone who could answer my question. And the answer was delivered with typical British aplomb.

The person with whom I spoke informed me that the proper salutation is "Sir John." But that wasn't all. The person then informed me that John Major was no longer the Prime Minister. I responded by saying I was aware of that fact. He then let me know that in Britain a former Prime Minister does not carry the title. Tony Blair is Mr. Blair ... nothing more ... and John Major is Sir John because he has been knighted ... otherwise he would be Mr. Major. The individual then took advantage of the opportunity to say Britian is unlike the United States in that ... "We (the British) stop referring to people by the titles they have achieved in life once they no longer hold those positions ... Unlike you Americans who keep referring to your Presidents as Mr. President long after they have left the White House."

Ouch!

God bless the British ... informative and condescending at the same time! I would expect nothing less.

- Steve Walsh