Q: Douglas, Honiton
When The Queen holds a Privy Council where does the meeting take place?

The Privy Council, of which The Queen is Head, meets on average once a month in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace.  Occasionally, meetings of the Privy Council take place at Windsor Castle or at Balmoral.  

Attendees, including Her Majesty, stand for the duration of the meeting.  This practice was introduced by Queen Victoria as a mark of respect when her Consort, Prince Albert, died in 1861, and has continued ever since.

Q: Julia, West Wittering
I would like to know about the Country Park at Sandringham.  When is it open and is entry restricted to those who visit Sandringham House and Gardens?

In 1968 an area of 350 acres (142 hectares) of The Queen's private Estate at Sandringham was designated a Country Park.  It has subsequently been enlarged and today comprises an area of 600 acres (nearly 243 hectares) of woodland and heath. 

The Park is open every day, entry is free and there is no charge for parking.  Public access is unrestricted.

For visitors to the Country Park, there are two waymarked Nature Trails, one 1½ miles long and the other 2½ miles long, as well as many other woodland paths to explore.  Tractor and trailer tours run from April to October and, for a small charge, take passengers around parts of the Estate not normally open to the public. 

Also set within the woodland of the Country Park is the Visitor Centre where you will find a restaurant, gift shop and plant centre. 

Q: Chloe, Sandwich
I am getting a puppy for my tenth birthday.  What are the names of The Queen's dogs so I can choose one for my new dog.  Thank you.

The Queen currently has nine dogs.  Her Majesty has five corgis: Emma, Linnet, Monty, Holly and Willow, and four dorgis: Cider, Berry, Candy and Vulcan.

Q: Valerie, Harrogate
Is it too late to visit Balmoral this year?  I have heard that the Castle is only open at certain times because it is a private residence of The Queen.

The grounds, gardens and exhibitions are closed to the public during October as
The Queen is in residence.  However guided tours will be available on selected dates in November and December 2007. 

Further details about the tours, including times and admission charges, are available at www.balmoralcastle.com.

Q: Ted, Westchester, United States of America
When did The Queen conduct her first Investiture? Do any other members of the Royal Family ever conduct them?

The Queen held the first Investiture of her reign on 27 February 1952, three weeks after succeeding her father, King George VI

Her Majesty usually conducts Investitures, of which there are approximately twenty two a year at Buckingham Palace, one or two at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and one in Cardiff.  If The Queen is unable to conduct a ceremony, for example owing to an overseas engagement, The Prince of Wales or The Princess Royal hold the ceremony on behalf of Her Majesty.