Q: Mari - Sydney
Could you tell me about Prince Harry's coat of arms and what it symbolises?

Prince Harry received his coat of arms as an 18th birthday present.

The Prince himself was involved in designing the crest which incorporates an emblem from his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales's family arms.

Prince Harry's crest - a lion and unicorn, either side of a shield, topped by a coronet and second, smaller lion - is based on one created for Prince William on his 18th birthday two years previously.

It features a small, red escallop from the Spencer coat of arms. The escallop appears three times on the first, third and fifth points on white collars around the lions, unicorn and shield.

The collars, or labels, as they are called, can only be used in arms of the Sovereign's children or the eldest son of the Prince of Wales. There is no motto.

Peter Gwynn-Jones, who as Garter King of Arms is responsible to The Queen for Royal heraldry, said of the creation of the crest:

"After changing convention for Prince William by using symbols from his maternal Arms, it made sense to develop this further for Prince Harry.

"This is especially significant because, unlike his elder brother who will one day see his Arms alter to reflect his changing responsibilities, Prince Harry will always keep the escallop shells from his mother's Spencer family Arms and, in time, may pass them on to his children.

I understand that both princes are delighted to bear Arms that celebrate both their parents' families, and it has been a pleasure to evolve the rules of Royal heraldry in order to make this possible."

Q: Francoise - America
I would like to send a birthday present to The Queen. How do I do this?

Although kindly meant, unsolicited gifts are not accepted by the Royal Household on behalf of The Queen.

However, if you would like to send a birthday greeting to The Queen, you can write to her at:

Her Majesty The Queen
Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA

Alternatively, you can send a message via The Queen's 80th birthday web site. Visit the official web site for The Queen's 80th birthday.

Q: Iris - Yorkshire
The Queen will be turning 80 soon. Could you tell me what events are taking place to celebrate this occasion?

Details of all events which are taking place to celebrate The Queen's 80th birthday are listed on the official birthday site. Some of these events can be attended by members of the general public, whilst others are more private occasions. Read more about events to celebrate The Queen's birthday.

Q: Laura - Huddersfield
Who are Prince William's godparents, please?

Prince William of Wales's godparents are as follows:

King Constantine of the Hellenes
Lord Romsey
Sir Laurens van der Post
Princess Alexandra
The Duchess of Westminster
Lady Susan Hussey

His Royal Highness was christened on 4 August 1982 in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace by the Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr Robert Runcie)

Q: Tim - London
My great grandfather is a Chelsea Pensioner and celebrates 'Oak Apple Day' each year, which I understand originates from a story about King Charles II. Could you explain?

When Charles II and his Scottish followers were defeated at Dunbar by Cromwell's forces, the young king fled to the Royalist west of England. Cromwell gave chase and on 3 September 1651, the Royalists were again defeated at the Battle of Worcester, and a reward of £1000 was placed on the king's head.

Concealing his identity, he fled and hid for two days at Boscabel. While there, Cromwell's forces searched the district and Charles narrowly escaped arrest by hiding in an oak tree.

Nine years later, when King Charles II rode into London to assume the throne, houses along the route were decorated with boughs of oak in celebration of his escape. Today, on 29 May each year, the Chelsea Pensioners decorate the statue of their founder with oak branches  and parade before it.

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