Honorary
Freedom is the highest honour the City of London can bestow.
Honorary freemen do not apply for but are invited by the Court
of Common Council to take the Freedom. The presentation
ceremony usually takes place in the Great Hall of the
Guildhall before the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Common Councilmen
and invited guests.
The presentation on these occasions is made by the Chamberlain
of London, and is usually followed by a Guildhall or Mansion House
banquet.
Famous Honorary freemen include The Queen, Princess Diana,
Nelson Mandela, Florence Nightingale, General Eisenhower, Theodore
Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.