Carol Ann Duffy chosen as UK poet laureate

Jill Lawless
Associated Press Writer
Fri May 1, 2009

LONDON – Britain on Friday awarded the role of national poet laureate to Carol Ann Duffy — the first woman to hold a post that has been filled by William Wordsworth, Alfred Lord Tennyson and Ted Hughes.

Duffy, who once said "no self-respecting poet" should have to write verses about the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II's youngest son, will be expected to produce poems for royal weddings, funerals and other state occasions.

A witty and popular writer whose work is widely taught in British schools, Duffy is also the first openly gay laureate. the rest