They came from across the globe — or sent in glowing video tributes — for a grandfatherly figure whose post is largely ceremonial, with little ability to forge peace with the Palestinians.
A Hartlepool Borough Council spokesman said: "This is a personal matter which does not affect his ability to be ceremonial mayor or a councillor".
The position of governor general in Papua New Guinea is largely ceremonial, but its functions include the ability to give formal assent to the appointment of a new prime minister.
It also became apparent the policy was largely ceremonial in terms of limiting the ability of powerful interests to fund campaigns.
The groups sought compensation for a number of acts, including the construction of public works, on their land which extinguished native title and impacted their ability to conduct spiritual and ceremonial activity.
With William Christie conducting the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, though, the music couldn't be better presented; Christie's ability to give conjure up ceremonial grandeur, tender intimacy and rhythmic variety may be sleight of hand from the greatest Rameau interpreter of our time, but it's totally compelling.
Politicians and pundits from left and right are questioning Mr Wulff's ability to survive in his largely ceremonial role, in which he is meant to embody the conscience of the nation.
Mugabe's repressive policies and economic mismanagement had wreaked havoc on the country, and at 93 years old he had lost the ability to perform even some basic ceremonial duties ― leading to bitter infighting over who would succeed him.
For all of those soothing words, Saeb Erekat, the chief Palestinian negotiator, has questioned Mr. Peres's ability to forge peace, noting his largely ceremonial role.
Workaholics both, Brzezinski and Carter were equally impatient with the ceremonial side of governing and blessed with a stunning ability to absorb and retain mounds of raw data.
