Writing in The Spectator on 29 July, Charles Moore drew attention to an unusual marriage announced in The Times—between Lord Blackmore and Lord Hiscutt in the Palace of Westminster. Why had the first ever same-sex marriage of two peers not made a news story? Simple checking showed that the peers were fakes. Alistair Lexden looked into the curious tale, and reported the outcome of his inquiries in a letter published in The Spectator on 26 August.
Sir: The two bogus lords whose wedding announcement in The Times was spotted by Charles Moore (Notes, 29 July) did not fool the officials of the House of Commons where the marriage took place (the Lords is not available for this purpose). They tell me that passports are always carefully checked to ensure that the register is signed accurately: people cannot turn themselves into peers or MPs as the fancy takes them. In the old days, a bevy of ladies scrutinised every word in announcements submitted to The Times, but now apparently the paper tends to print whatever it is sent. I think I might give myself a dukedom if I marry.
Alistair Lexden
House of Lords