The Right Honourable

The Right Honourable (sometimes written as The Rt Hon., The Rt Hon or The Rt. Hon.) is a prefix that shows honour. It is given to certain people, such as some MPs, in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the English-speaking Caribbean and other places that are members of the Commonwealth. It is sometimes also given in other places. Examples are The Right Honourable David Cameron PC MP, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, The Right Honourable Stephen Harper PC MP, former Prime Minister of Canada, and The Right Honourable John Key MP, former Prime Minister of New Zealand.

In the United Kingdom, the term is now given to members of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. In effect, these are present or past members of Parliament who have served as cabinet ministers in a government.

The Right Honourable Media

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  This engraving of George Cornewall Lewis includes The Right Honourable in its caption, reflecting the Home Secretary position he held at the time of its creation.

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  Queen Victoria holding a meeting of her Privy Council. All privy counsellors are styled Right Honourable (unless they are personally entitled to a higher style).

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  The parliamentary robes of a baron, worn by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu. Peers of the rank of baron, viscount or earl are entitled to the style Right Honourable.

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  Gavyn Farr Arthur, the 675th Lord Mayor of London, was entitled to be styled "The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of London" during his year in office.

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  In the House of Commons, members use honourable and right honourable when referring to one another.