Q: Jenna - Boston
Could you tell me more about the Church where the Royal Family worship on Christmas Day?
The Royal Family attend services at St Mary Magdalene, Sandringham over Christmas.
Records show that there was a Rector of Sandringham as far back as 1321, but the present church is believed to have been rebuilt in the sixteenth century, then extensively restored in 1857 and again in 1890 and 1909. In 1862 King Edward VII (then Prince of Wales) bought the Sandringham Estate and since then the Royal Family have worshipped at the church when in residence at Sandringham House.
Over the years they have embellished it with many gifts and additions. The church clock was given by King Edward VII, as was the organ, which was presented by the King just months before he died.
The hatchments bearing the Royal arms above the font at the west end of the church were put on the outside of the railway coaches that carried the coffins of King George V and King George VI from Wolferton Station to London. The pulpit was presented to Queen Alexandra on her eightieth birthday in 1924.
Two pews in the chancel are reserved exclusively for the use of the Royal Family, members of the Royal Household and guests.
In the churchyard are the graves of Prince Alexander, the infant son of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and Prince John, fifth son of King George V and Queen Mary.
Q: Michael Hicks - UK
Is the Royal Family subject to General Registration of birth, marriage and death? If so, is Windsor their real "family" name, or an adopted constitutional name?
The Royal Family is obliged, under British Law, to register all births, marriages and deaths with the local registrar. In addition, Royal marriages and baptisms are recorded on the Royal Register.
The House of Windsor came into being in 1917, when the name was adopted as the British Royal Family's official name by a proclamation of King George V, replacing the historic name of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. It remains the family name of the current Royal Family.
Read more about the Royal Family name.
Q: V. Suresh Kumar - Malaysia
What was the menu at the South Korean State Banquet?
The menu for the State Banquet was as follows:
Consommé à la Talleyrand
(Pheasant consommé with pheasant tortellini)
Paupiettes de Sole Royale
(Fillets of sole with salmon mousse and prawns)
Longe de Venaison Balmoral Châtelaine
(Loin of venison with artichokes, mushrooms and truffles)
Pommes Cocottes - cocotte potatoes
Haricot Verts - green beans
Chou Rouge Braisé - braised red cabbage
Salade de Concombre à l'Aneth (cucumber salad with Dill)
Glace à l'Ananas (Pineapple ice cream)
Peaches, black and white grapes, lychees, tangerines
Fresh Coffee and Petit Fours
The wine details were as follows:
Toast Champagne: Louis Roederer, None Vintage
Sherry (with consommé): La Ina Pedro Domecq
White wine: Corton-Charlemagne, Bonneau du Martray, 1997
Red wine: Château Gruaud Larose, en magnum, Saint-Julien, Grand Cru Classé, 1985
Vintage Champagne; Louis Roederer, 1995
Port: Taylors, 1977
Q: Thomas Gill - New York City
I saw a picture of The Queen in what appears to be Boston, Massachusetts during the Bicentennial celebration in 1976. Can you confirm if The Queen has ever been to Boston during her reign and if so, what other cities did she go to that year.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visited the following places in the USA and Canada during their visit for the Bicentenary celebrations and for the opening of the Olympic Games in Canada in July 1976:
6 - 7 July, Philadelphia
7 - 9 July, Washington
9 - 10 July, New York
10 July, Charlottesville
10 July, New Haven
11 July, Boston
13 - 14 July, Halifax
15 July, Fredericton
16 July, Chatham
16 - 19 July and 22 - 26 July, Montreal
20 July, Kingston
21 July, Morrisburgh
During their day in Boston, which was a Sunday, the Royal party visited the Old North Church to attend a Sunday service. They were then given a tour of the Old State House.
From there they walked to City Hall via Washington Street and City Plaza. At City Hall they were given a luncheon by the Mayor of Boston.
They then inspected a ceremonial guard at Faneuil Hall before moving onto the USS Constitution and later hosting a reception on board Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia.
Q: Heidi Cline - London
What is a Royal Warrant?
Royal Warrants are a mark of recognition to people or companies who have regularly supplied goods or services for at least five years to certain members of the Royal Family.
They have always been regarded as a mark of excellence and quality, and are highly prized.
From earliest times tradesmen and women have served their sovereign by providing goods and services - from making robes and regalia to repairing roofs and painting walls.
The first rewards for this loyal service came in the form of Royal Charters which were granted to the trade guilds, later known as livery companies.
The earliest recorded Royal Charter was granted to the Weavers' Company in 1155 by Henry II. In 1394 Dick Whittington helped obtain a Royal Charter for his own Company, the Mercers, who traded in luxury fabrics.
By the 15th century Royal tradesmen were recognised by means of a Royal Warrant of Appointment - a practice that continues to this day. An early recipient was William Caxton, the first English printer, who was appointed King's printer in 1476 after setting up his press at Westminster.
As years passed Royal life and tastes changed. Henry VIII appointed Thomas Hewytt to 'Serve the Court with Swannes and Cranes' and 'all kinds of Wildfoule'.
Charles II's list of Royal tradesmen in 1684 included a Sword Cutter, an Operator for the Teeth, and a Goffe-club Maker, whilst among the tradesmen supplying the Royal Household in 1789 were a pin maker, a mole taker, a card maker and a rat catcher.
In the late 18th century Warrant Holders began displaying the Royal Arms on their premises and stationery. However, it was Queen Victoria who ensured Royal Warrants gained the prestige they enjoy today.
During her 64 year reign the Queen and her family were responsible for granting more Royal Warrants than ever before - more than 2000, eight times as many as the Queen's uncle, George IV.
They included companies such as Fortnum & Mason, Schweppes, and Twinings, all of whom still hold Warrants today. A number of women were granted Warrants including a Modeller of Wax Flowers, a Chronometer Maker and a Silversmith.
Visit the Royal Warrant Association's web site.
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