Q: Allan Hughes - Georgia, USA
I saw a piece in 'In the Spotlight' for November on the State Opening of Parliament. Can you tell me what the Great Sword of State is?
The Great Sword of State is one of the insignia of royalty. It is 47 ¾ inches long and symbolises sovereign power and authority. The scabbard bears silver gilt motifs: the portcullis for Westminster, the rose for England, the thistle for Scotland, the harp for Ireland and the fleur-de-lis for France, plus the Royal Arms of King William III.
Q: Robert Wastell - Reading, Berkshire, UK
Who was the first monarch to use Buckingham Palace as a residence?
Queen Victoria was the first Sovereign to occupy Buckingham Palace. The Palace was purchased by George III and the main design work carried out in the reign of his son, George IV.
The work was completed during the reign of King William IV before Queen Victoria moved to the Palace in 1837.
Queen Victoria made some additions to the Palace herself. The entire front section was added, making the building a complete quadrangle, while in 1855, the ballroom was built.
Since the days of Queen Victoria, Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the Sovereign.
Q: Ivan Oschenku - Moscow, Russia
Is there an exhibition planned of Fabergé objects from the Royal Collection any time soon?
An exhibition of works by Carl Fabergé is planned for 2003-04. The works by Fabergé in the Royal Collection are unparalleled in size, range and quality.
Many of them were acquired through the exchange of personal gifts between the Russian, Danish and British Royal families.
King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra's enthusiasm for Fabergé's work encouraged the Russian jeweller to open a London branch in 1903.
A special exhibition will incorporate the results of new research in Russian archives, and will chart the royal passion for Fabergé through over 300 of his finest pieces.
The exhibition will open at The Queen's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh on 11 April 2003 and run until 12 October 2003. It will then travel to The Queen's Gallery, London, lasting from 21 November 2003 to 7 March 2004.
Q: Ruth Kennedy - Buffalo, New York State, USA
Where did The Queen live before she moved to Buckingham Palace on the death of her father?
The Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, was born at 17 Bruton Street, London. This was the London home of her mother's parents.
The young Princess grew up at the family homes at 145 Piccadilly and Royal Lodge, Windsor Great Park. Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret even had their own little house at Royal Lodge - Y Bwthyn Bach (the little cottage) - presented by the people of Wales.
When her father became king, the family moved to Buckingham Palace, but after her wedding, Princess Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh lived in Clarence House.
After King George VI's death, The Queen moved into Buckingham Palace.
Q: David Barnes - Woking, UK
How many investitures are there every year and how do you nominate people for awards?
There are approximately 22 investitures every year, including one held at the palace of Holyroodhouse. The Prince of Wales usually holds an investiture in Cardiff on St. David's Day. Investitures are normally carried out by The Queen, but The Prince of Wales also carries out investitures on behalf of Her Majesty.
Nominations should be made through the Honours Unit at the Cabinet Office. Visit their web site. |