Major: Garter Knight

Former prime minister John Major has become Sir John after becoming a Knight of the Garter.

Sir John will join Baroness Thatcher in the 25-strong group of the great and the good.

The position is in the personal gift of the Queen, who is the most senior Knight of the Garter.

Sir John's appointment follows the death of former Labour prime minister Lord Callaghan.

The palace has also announced two further members of the order of Garter Knights.

Sir Winston Churchill's daughter, Lady Soames, 82, and former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales Lord Bingham, 71, also become members of the order.

Speaking from the US, where he is on a business trip, Sir John said: "I am absolutely thrilled, honoured and delighted."

He will be formally sworn in to the order during a ceremony at Windsor Castle in June.