Kennedy To Be Knighted In Britain

He won't be allowed to call himself Sir Ted, but Britain is awarding an honorary knighthood to U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy.

The government said Wednesday the Massachusetts Democrat is being recognized for services to U.S.-U.K. relations and to Northern Ireland.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown will announce the honor Wednesday when he addresses a joint session of Congress in Washington. Knighthoods are bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II but recipients are selected by the government or an advisory committee.

Kennedy, scion of an Irish-American political dynasty, is known in Britain for his involvement in the long process that led to Northern Ireland's 1998 Good Friday peace accord.

The 77-year-old brother of the late President John F. Kennedy has served in the Senate since 1962. He is being treated for a brain tumor.

Other Americans to receive honorary knighthoods include Microsoft chief Bill Gates, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and filmmaker Steven Spielberg. Unlike British knights, they are not entitled to use the honorific "Sir" or "Dame" before their names.