Q: Dana - California
Could you tell us what happens with all the flowers The Queen gets during her visits?

When The Queen receives a large number of flowers on a public engagement, she frequently asks that some are passed to local hospitals or hospices so that patients can share in the happiness of the day.

Q: Justin - Swansea
In all of the pictures of St. Edward's Crown I've seen, the Cap of Estate inside has always been red velvet. Why, then, is the current crown purple?
The red lining in St. Edward's Crown was replaced with purple lining in 1953 for the Coronation of The Queen, to be in line with the Imperial State Crown, which is purple.

Q: Wilfredo - San Diego, CA
Could you tell me which medals The Duke of York was wearing at the Fleet Review?  Also if you want to write to HRH  where should it be addressed?
At the Fleet Review, The Duke of York wore a  South Atlantic Medal with Rosette, a 1977 Silver Jubilee Medal, a 2002 Golden Jubilee Medal, a Canadian Forces Decoration and a New Zealand Commemorative Medal.   
 
He also wore his KCVO neck decoration and breast star.

If you wish to write to The Duke of York, you should address any correspondence to:
The Household of The Duke of York
Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA.

Tina - Australia
What is the difference between a normal Commonwealth country and a Commonwealth realm? Do I live in one?

A Commonwealth realm, of which Australia is one, is a country where The Queen is the Sovereign. The Queen is Queen not only of the United Kingdom and its overseas territories, but also of the following realms: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, St Christopher and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.

All these countries also belong to the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 53 independent countries, almost all of which were formerly under British rule. While remaining entirely responsible for their own policies, member countries choose to consult and co-operate in certain areas such as strengthening democracy by good government, promoting human rights and working for social and economic development of poorer countries.

Q: Darren M. Mcduffie - United States
How many State Visits has The Queen made to the American continent?

The Queen has been on six State Visits to the American continent:
17-21 October 1957 - USA, visiting President Eisenhower
5-11 November 1968 - Brazil, visiting President da Costa e Silva
11-18 November 1968 - Chile, visiting President Frei
24 February - 1 March 1975 - Mexico, visiting President Echeverria
6-11 July 1976 - USA, visiting President Ford
14-17 May 1991 - USA, visiting President George Bush

In addition, The Queen has also been on 22 official visits to Canada during her reign.

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