Q: Ben - Australia
I would like to ask you a question regarding the new appointment of the Royal Colonel of The Light Dragoons in the person of HM King Abdullah of Jordan. Is this title an honorary one only? Does such a colonel have any kind of authority? Do they pledge obedience to HM The Queen? Are other non-British people also colonels in the same way HM King Abdullah of Jordan is?
King Abdullah of Jordan was appointed Colonel in Chief of The Light Dragoons at the beginning of July this year. He replaces Princess Margaret, who formerly carried out the role.
The position of a Royal Colonel or Colonel-in-Chief is an honorary appointment by tradition held by the Sovereign, members of the Royal Family, and by foreign monarchs. Such Colonels are kept informed of all major regimental or corps matters and consulted when decisions are needed on any matters of tradition, regimental procedure, etc. The regimen or corps concerned has the right of direct access.
Appointments are normally for life, and Royal Colonels will visit their regiment or corps and meet the senior officers when they are appointed. When a Royal Colonel dies, the post is not instantly or automatically re-filled. In the case of King Abdullah, he is a former graduate of Sandhurst.
There are other non-British Colonels: Queen Margrethe of Denmark is Colonel of The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (Queen's and Royal Hampshire), whilst the former Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Grand Duke Jean, is Colonel of the Irish Guards.
Q: Liz Maynard - Chichester, United Kingdom
What is the difference between official visits and State visits, for example the recent State visit of President Putin and Mrs. Putina of Russia?
Both official and State Visits are made on the recommendation of the Government, and are distinguished by the degree of ceremonial involved in the visit.
A number of Heads of State will make official visits to the UK for one or two days to hold talks with the Government, and during such visits they will pay a courtesy call on The Queen which is usually accompanied by a Guard of Honour in the Quadrangle at Buckingham Palace.
State Visits, of which there are two each year, are more formal. The visiting Head of State will come at the invitation of The Queen, to be welcomed in a formal ceremony on Horse Guards (or Home Park in Windsor) attended by the Government figures and other dignitaries. The Head of State then travels in a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace (or Windsor Castle) and stays at The Queen's Royal Residence, including a formal State Banquet at the end of the first day.
Other features of a State Visit usually include a day of engagements for the visiting Head of State outside London, accompanied by a member of the Royal Family, together with a banquet hosted by the City of London at Guildhall. The visitor will reciprocate with a return banquet on the last evening of their visit, which The Queen and other members of the Royal Family attend.
Q: Mariann - United Kingdom
Are all female members of the Royal Family entitled to wear the Royal Family Order of The Queen or do they have to be conferred upon that particular person?
The Royal Family Order is a badge worn by female members of the Royal Family, personally bestowed by The Queen. They date from the reign of George IV and have been instituted in one form or another by Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George V, King George VI and The Queen. Family Orders are worn pinned to the left shoulder at formal evening occasions when other orders and decorations are worn.
The Royal Family Order is personally bestowed by the Sovereign. The Queen herself wears the Family Orders of her father King George VI and her grandfather King George V. Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, has those of King George V, King George VI and The Queen. Princess Alexandra has those of King George VI and The Queen. Those who wear that of The Queen only are The Countess of Wessex, The Princess Royal, The Duchess of Gloucester and The Duchess of Kent.
The Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II depicts The Queen in evening dress wearing the riband and star of the Order of the Garter. The miniature, painted on ivory, is bordered by diamonds and surmounted by a Tudor crown in diamonds and red enamel. The reverse, in silver-gilt, is patterned with rays and depicts the royal cypher and St Edward's Crown in gold and enamel. The watered silk ribbon is chartreuse yellow and formed into a bow.
Q: Michael Oliver - London
Who lives at St. James's Palace since The Prince of Wales moved to Clarence House, the former home of the Queen Mum?
Other members of the Royal Family who still have apartments at St. James's Palace are The Princess Royal and Princess Alexandra. The offices of The Duke of Kent and the Royal Collection are also based there.
Q: Nina - New York City
How tall is Prince Harry? Is he taller than William or are they about the same height?
Prince Harry is 6'2" and his elder brother is 6'3".
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