Rolf Harris Stripped Of Two Australian Honours After Sex Assaults Conviction

Queen Strips Rolf Harris Of Honours - How Different Things Were 10 Years Ago..

Disgraced former children's entertainer Rolf Harris has been stripped of honours in his native Australia.

The 84-year-old artist and musician, who is serving time in prison, has now had his Officer and Member of the Order of Australia honours removed.

The decision to revoke an honour must be approved by the Queen - who Harris painted an official portrait of in 2005.

Harris with the Queen's portrait that he painted

A statement from the secretary of the order of Australia read: "It is notified for general information that the Governor-General has terminated the appointments of Officer and Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division, made to: Mr Rolf Harris."

A short note on the Australian government's Com Law website confirmed the move.

Normal protocol sees honours from Buckingham Palace forfeited in circumstances where the person is considered to have brought the system into disrepute.

A recommendation can be made by the Honours and Appointments Secretariat to the forfeiture committee to revoke an honour if a person has been found guilty of a criminal offence.

Harris sung songs like 'Two Little Boys' and 'Jake The Peg'

Calls have been made for Harris to also be stripped of his CBE in Britain.

Harris was a world-famous children's entertainer and composed and sang songs like 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport' and 'Two Little Boys' over his six-decade career. He often used unusual instruments like the didgeridoo and wobble board which he is though to have invented.

During sentencing last year, Mr Justice Sweeney told Harris: "Your reputation lies in ruins. You have been stripped of your honours and you have no one to blame but yourself."

Harris's Bafta fellowship was removed almost immediately after his conviction.

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