London - The Poet Laureate, Ted Hughes, was invested yesterday with the insignia of a member of the Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth. Mr Hughes (68) has been Poet Laureate since 1984 and composed works for the queen's 60th birthday and the Queen Mother's 90th birthday.
The Order of Merit, founded in 1902 by King Edward VII, is a special mark of honour awarded to individuals of exceptional distinction. Membership is limited in numbers to the queen and 24 others as well as additional honorary foreign members. The appointment is the personal gift of the queen, and ministerial advice is not required.
Other members include Baroness Thatcher, Dame Joan Sutherland, Lord Jenkins of Hillhead and Sir John Gielgud. South Africa's President Nelson Mandela is an honorary member.