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Almost 40 years ago from today, Papua New Guinea’s second Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Sir Julius Chan was made a member of the Privy Council.
At the time, Sir Julius’s appointment was announced by then British Prime Minister Mrs Margaret Thatcher in London.
His admission to the council entitles Sir Julius to be known as the “right honorable”.
A privy council is a body that advises the head of state of a state, typically, but not always, in the context of a monarchic government.
The word “privy” means “private” or “secret”; thus, a privy council was originally a committee of the monarch’s closest advisors to give confidential advice on state affairs.
Only two other Papua New Guineans are members of the Privy Council. Former Prime Ministers, Rt. Hon. Sir Rabbie Namaliu and Paias Wignti.
Mr Wingti became a member in 1987 followed by Sir Rabbie two years later in 1989.
