Q: Sharon Brown - Leeds
My great grandfather worked for Garrards for over 50 years and we have photos of him cleaning the Crown Jewels. Where can I find out more information about the process of cleaning the Crown Jewels?
The Crown Jewels are cleaned by the Crown Jeweller in situ at the Jewel House at the Tower of London every January, following an inspection of the condition of the Jewels in December. They are cleaned during the evenings when the Tower of London is closed to the general public, ensuring that all pieces are on display when the Tower is open. The process usually takes approximately ten days. Next year, the Jewels will be cleaned between 10 and 21 January.
In addition to this annual cleaning period, any pieces which are required for ceremonial use by members of the Royal Family over the course of the year are dusted before they leave the Jewel House and are checked and cleaned again if necessary on their return.
The cleaning is undertaken by David Thomas, the Crown Jeweller, and his team. At one point, rouge and whiting powders were used, but once their abrasive qualities were recognised they were rejected in favour of good old fashioned soap, water and tender loving care.
Q: Arthur Prince - Cape Town
Has The Queen visited South Africa since Nelson Mandela became president? If so, did she visit the president?
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visited South Africa 19 - 25 March 1995. On arrival, the Royal party was greeted by President Mandela. The Queen presented the President with the very special distinction of the Order of Merit.
During their visit, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh also attended a Human Rights Day service at St. George's Cathedral in Cape Town with President Mandela and Archbishop Tutu and visited a number of community based projects, centres and schools, including the Vukuzakhe High School at Umlazi Township.
Since then, The Queen has met president Mandela on a number of occasions when he has paid private visits to the UK.
Q: Lander L. Blockton Jr. - Atlanta, Georgia; United States
I plan to visit London in February-March 2005 and I would like to visit Frogmore and Queen Victoria's Mausoleum. Will this be possible?
Unfortunately, Frogmore House will not be open during the period of your visit. However, please find below opening hours for 2005:
The Garden and Mausoleum are open 10:00 - 17:30 (last admission 16:00) on 25 May 2004 and over the August Bank Holiday (27-29 August 2004)
Frogmore House is open to pre-booked groups of 15 or more on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 2 August and 29 September. Tours run every half hour from 10:00 until 15:00 and last for approximately 1 hour.
Q: Albert - Vancouver, Canada
Why is it that the fleur-de-lis of France was included on Her Majesty's Royal Standard for her upcoming State Visit here in Canada? Does this symbol represent the former French authority before Britain ruled Canada and included it to her vast overseas Empire?
The fleur-de-lis was a symbol of French sovereignty in Canada from 1534, when Jacques Cartier landed and claimed the new world for France, until the early 1760s, when Canada was surrendered to the United Kingdom. Although a number of French military flags were used in Canada during this period, including the white flag of la Marine royale after 1674, the fleur-de-lis held a position of some prominence. Still used today on Her Majesty's Royal Standard for Canada, the fleur-de-lis recognises the influence of French Sovereignty and culture on the Canada of today.
Q: Eliza - New York
Has the Queen ever been to the Vatican? If so, was she received by the Pope?
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh went on a State Visit to Italy from 2 to 5 May 1961. The Royal party travelled on Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia. Whilst in Italy they visited Naples, Venice, Florence and Rome. The final day of the State Visit was set aside for a State Visit to the Vatican City, where they were received by Pope John XXIII.
The Queen has also visited the Vatican City on 17 October, 1980, and again on 17 October, 2000.
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