From today Israel’s ambassador, Ron Prosor, might be eligible to herd sheep across London Bridge and wander around with his sword drawn — if only it were not for modern day health and safety regulations.

The medieval honour of becoming a Freeman of the City of London is due to be awarded today to Mr Prosor at a VIP ceremony, conducted by Paul Double, the City Remembrancer at Guildhall. The post of Remembrancer goes back to 1571 and Mr Double acts as the City’s chief protocol officer. Ambassador Prosor will be asked to read out a Declaration of Freedom and will then proceed to sign the Register of Freedom.

He may not be able to herd sheep or unsheath his sword, but Mr Prosor can take comfort as a Freeman that if he dies, his orphaned children have the right to attend the City’s Freemen School in Surrey free of charge.

The ambassador was nominated as a Freeman of the City by Lord Levene and Sir Sigmund Sternberg.

Murray Craig, clerk of the Chamberlain’s Court, said: “It’s a great honour, only two or three ambassadors receive it each year. We are very proud of the tradition of Freemen at the Chamberlain’s Court as it holds such antiquity, going back to the 13th century.”