What is it like to be a Dame or a Sir? Are their perks associated with the job?

Ordinary people may assume the British title brings with it some special treatment, but the centuries-old tradition of honorary titles is really just a title, Government officials told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

Deputy Governor Nick Carter said there are "no perks whatsoever" associated with being a Dame or a Sir.

Whether or not an individual uses Dame or Sir in their daily life is also entirely up to them. Restaurant and hotel reservations can be made with the title to make people aware they are dealing with someone who has a special place on the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

"It's entirely up to the individual, some choose to remain anonymous, others like to be addressed with Dame or Sir," said Mr. Carter.

It is mandatory to address all written correspondence with Dame or Sir and a Dame or Sir must be called Dame Jennifer or Sir John, for example. Mr. Carter was unsure of whether Dame or Sir would appear on the individuals driver's licence or passport.

Bermudians are also not the only ones to receive honorary titles ? knighthoods have been given to former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and former US President George Bush. Although they can not use Sir in front of their name, they can use KBE after their names to make people aware of the title.

Canada has rejected the practice of using honorary titles and there has been discussion in that country of the titles being class based and elitist.

Hotel bookings, according to the front desk at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel are taken with the title Sir or Dame, but the honouree is not assured of a special room rate or a discount.