Why Blair’s been given Order of the Boot

ALL recent British prime ministers have been awarded the Order of the Garter, Britain’s grandest order of chivalry, fairly soon after their retirement from No 10.

Harold Wilson, James Callaghan, Margaret Thatcher and John Major were each given this priceless honour, which lies in the personal gift of the monarch, within seven years of leaving office.

We now come to Tony Blair. Just over ten years have passed since Mr Blair left Downing Street. He has not been offered the Garter by the Queen, and nor is there any sign it will happen. This is a mystery. Vacancies for the Garter occur only following the death of one of the 24 members. But that is not the reason for Mr Blair’s exclusion.

Two vacancies are yet to be filled — and they have been open for almost three years. I am told that the reason is personal.

The Royal Family do not like Tony Blair, possibly because they consider that his money-grubbing since leaving Downing Street has brought the office of prime minister into disrepute.

Whatever the reason, the Queen’s failure to acknowledge Mr Blair’s role is clear for all to see.

Meanwhile, her refusal to reward her former prime minister with the Order of the Garter is starting to cause an embarrassing traffic jam.

Neither Gordon Brown nor David Cameron (and, in due course, Theresa May) can be given this honour because that will formalise the fact that Blair has been snubbed.

Perhaps for this reason alone, I predict the Queen will soon be forced to relent and hand Blair this honour — but it will be one he does not remotely deserve.