Why does the Queen have two birthdays?

The Queen was actually born on 21 April, but it has long been customary to celebrate the Sovereign's birthday on a day during the summer. Since 1805 the Sovereign's 'official' birthday has been marked by the Trooping the Colour ceremony, normally held on the second Saturday in June.

This is a ceremony which originated when it was essential for soldiers to recognise the flag or 'Colour' of their regiment so that they could follow it into battle. Each year one of the five regiments of the foot guards (Grenadiers, Cold stream Guards, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards) take turns to display their Colour in the ceremony.

The ceremony begins with the Queen leaving Buckingham Palace escorted by the Household Cavalry. She rides down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade and inspects the 500 guardsmen.

The Colour is trooped by being carried along the ranks of guardsmen, and the Colour party then leads the guards on a march past the Queen, accompanied by the massed bands of the foot guards.

No particular annual ceremony is held on the Queen's true birthday, although the Union Flag is flown on public buildings and the national anthem is sung.

Why the heir to the throne is called the Prince of Wales?

The Heir Apparent has, since the institution of the title by King Edward I in 1301, usually been 'created' Prince of Wales. Edward I led the conquest of independent Wales between 1277 and 1283. He subsequently proclaimed his son, Edward, born at Caernarfon in Wales in 1284, the Prince of Wales. There is no succession to the title, which is only renewed at the Sovereign's pleasure. The present Prince of Wales is the 21st in line counting several who were never formally invested!

Prince Charles was created Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle on July 1st 1969.

How should one address someone with a title?

Information on the protocol of addressing holders of honours and titles can be found in 'Whitaker's Almanac' (published annually) and 'Debrett's Correct Form' (Webb and Bower, Exeter).

Some examples are:

The Queen is addressed as “Your Majesty” and subsequently “Ma’am”

A Royal Prince is addressed as “Your Royal Highness” and subsequently “Sir”.

A Royal Princess is addressed as “Your Royal Highness" and subsequently “Ma’am”.

A Knight is addressed as “Sir” and the wife of a Knight as “Lady”.

An Archbishop is addressed as “Your Grace”and a Bishop is addressed as “My Lord”.

An Ambassador is addressed as “Your Excellency”. In writing they should be addressed as “Dear Ambassador” or “Dear High Commissioner” if a representative of a Commonwealth country, or very formally as “Your Excellency”.

What powers does the Queen have?

The Crown, which represents both the Sovereign (the person on whom the Crown is constitutionally conferred) and the Government, is the symbol of supreme executive power. The Crown is vested in the Queen, but in general its functions are exercised by Ministers responsible to Parliament and thus Britain is governed by Her Majesty's Government in the name of the Queen. However, the Queen's involvement is still required in many important acts of government.

Parliament

The Queen summons, prorogues (discontinues until the next session without dissolving) and dissolves Parliament. She normally opens the new session of Parliament with a speech from the throne which is written for her by the Government and outlines her Government's programme. Before a Bill becomes law the Queen must give it her Royal Assent, which is announced to both Houses of Parliament.

Justice

The Queen can, on ministerial advice, pardon or show mercy to those convicted of crimes. In law the Queen as a private person can do no wrong: she is immune from civil or criminal proceedings and cannot be sued in courts of law. This immunity is not shared by other members of the royal family.

Honours and appointments

The Queen has the power to confer peerages, knighthoods and other honours. She normally does this on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, although a few honours are conferred by the Sovereign personally. The Queen makes appointments to many important state offices, on the advice of the Prime Minister or the relevant Cabinet Minister.

Foreign policy

Foreign diplomatic representatives in London are accredited to the Queen, and she has the power to conclude treaties, to declare war' and to make peace, to recognise foreign states and governments and to annex and cede territory.