Earl honoured for supporting arts in Australia

He became an honorary member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to the arts there and his efforts to support the country's artists in the UK.

High Commissioner John Dauth made the presentation in the gallery at Harewood House.

As an opera impresario, and an arts and festival director, Lord Harewood has made a valuable contribution to the arts in Australia over many years, serving as patron to numerous organisations and societies there, officials said.

In the 1970s and 80s, he was also on the board of the Australian Opera.

The honour is conferred on those who are not Australians – but allows them to use the letters "AM" after their names. It was established in the 1970s, with three ranks – companion, officer and member.

Like UK honours, the awards are announced twice a year – on Australia Day and on the Queen's birthday. Other honorary AMs include West Indian Test cricketer Brian Lara.

Lord Harewood, 87, was twice director of the Royal Opera House in London, ran Opera North between 1978 and 1981 and edited Opera magazine in the 1950s.