Etiquette experts face a new challenge in addressing Sir Elton John's partner

It was simple in the old days: A knight was a sir and his spouse a lady.

But Sir &to=http://english.pravda.ru/culture/2002/07/04/31778.html' target=_blank>Elton John's civil union has etiquette authorities and other experts wringing their hands in confusion over what title _ if any _ his new partner David Furnish might take.

"He can't be Lady Elton John, now can he?" said Hugh Peskett, a consultant editor for Burke's Peerage as he puzzled over the question.