Wellington barrister Sir Geoffrey Palmer QC has been made an Honorary Master of the Bench of the Middle Temple, an English legal institution founded in the 14th Century.

The Middle Temple is one of the four Inns of Court in England which have the exclusive right to call students to the Bar.

The Masters of the Bench are responsible for the governance of the Inn and are elected by their peers. 

The Inn also elects Honorary Masters of the Bench, distinguished individuals who have excelled in their professions. Currently the Inn has about 95 Honorary Benchers, and one Royal Bencher.