NOT since Sir Robert Menzies has the monarchy bestowed such approbation on an Australian politician.

John Howard's 11-year prime ministership and his dogged adherence to a constitutional monarchy have earned him entree into an exclusive club with a capped living membership of just 24 after Buckingham Palace announced yesterday he had been appointed a member of the Order of Merit.

Grateful: John Howard. Credit:Quentin Jones

Only Menzies' Knight of the Order of the Thistle, an honour the Liberal Party founder received in 1963, carries more royal kudos.

''I'm very honoured,'' Mr Howard told The Age from his Sydney home. ''It's a compliment to Australia and a recognition, among other things, of the respect the Queen has for this country. I'm very grateful for it.''