 In 1976 he was elevated to Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG).He had asked Gough Whitlam for this appointment shortly after becoming Governor-General in 1974, but was rebuffed.On 30 March 1977 he was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO), an award within the personal gift of the Sovereign, for services as Governor-General.