Q: Adrian Smith - Newport, South Wales
Why does the Queen wear black when she meets the Pope?
The Queen wears black in accordance with Vatican tradition which states that visiting Protestant Sovereigns should wear black and that visiting Catholic Sovereigns should wear white.
The form of attire was formerly evening dress, although over the years this has tended to be less formal.
This tradition of colours does not apply outside the Vatican itself. When the Pope visits The Queen in Buckingham Palace for example, The Queen does not have to wear black.
Q: J Warren
Is there a web site or where can I find a list of the Royal Family's forthcoming engagements?
Engagements for the Royal Family are listed on this website in the Royal Diary. Engagements are usually published six months in advance but additions and amendments are constantly being made, so keep checking regularly.
Q: Chau Ho Man - Hong Kong, China
What does E II R stand for?
E II R stands for Elizabeth II Regina, which means Queen Elizabeth II.
Q: William - USA
Can monarchs ever extend the courtesy title of His Royal Highness to a male who marries into the royal family? Can Prince William's daughter's husband (when Prince William is king) be given the title HRH?
The use of the title HRH is governed by an Order in Council laid down by King George V in 1917. Among various provisions, it was stated that HRH could not be used by a husband marrying into the Royal Family. Thus when Princess Anne married Captain Mark Phillips in 1973 , he was not entitled to be called HRH. It can however be used by a wife marrying into the Royal Family, thus Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones became Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex on her wedding day.
Under the current provisions therefore, the husband of any daughter of Prince William would not be entitled to use the style 'HRH'.
I have read with interest that Prince Charles has taken over the Birkhall estate near Balmoral since the untimely death of the Queen Mother. What is the current status of Clarence House in London and The Royal Lodge in Windsor and what are the future plans for these two historical residences?
After the death of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, it was announced that The Prince of Wales would use Clarence House as his London base and that The Duke of York would move from Sunninghill Park to Royal Lodge.
The Prince of Wales will continue to use Birkhall, which forms part of the Balmoral Estate, owned privately by The Queen.
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