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Harry is the traditional English diminuitive for the French name, Henry, and has been for centuries, since the 1066 Norman Conquest, in fact. It represents English attempts to pronounce Henry (On-ree) which eventually transformed into 'Harry'. In Shakespeare's play, Henry V, the English...

The problem is, as I see it, that too many cannot discriminate between the Constitutional and the personal. The Constitutional debate is something which I welcome and endorse - all modern, 'grown up', democratic societies should continually examine its governance, rules and regulations, else...

I'd like to thank HRH The Prince of Wales for his wonderful, sensitive and moving reading at the Dawn Service at Gallipoli, yesterday. That letter bought tears to my eyes, and, my son who was there, said that many thousands were similarly affected, even some of the top brass and...

Australians do, indeed, know of the other nations taking part and also losing vast numbers, but there's always been a difference. To the British Command it was a monumental cock-up amongst any number of monumental cock-ups: to Australia, it was a...

It's about to start in Australia but I've ordered the box set anyway, based on the superb reviews which I've read. And this, too, is one of my 'special periods' so I'm eagerly awaiting it. If it's half as good as the novel then I will find it outstanding, I'm sure: nothing like as slipshod...

I think that Harry's visit is purposeful and sensitively considered. He will be bonding further with Australian troops prior to joining the Remembrance service , with his father, at Gallipoli. This will be an occasion of great importance and an emotional challenge for Australians and New...

The Monarch, of course, must do what his/her Ministers advise. However, we know that the Monarch has the right to be consulted, the right to encourage and the right to warn. Whereas none of us knows Her Majesty's personal political opinion on any subject, her ministers and in particular...

Yes, Roslyn, yesterday was an historic moment for all, whether republican or Monarchist. I'm surprised that only those of us in Australia who read specialist news and commentaries seem to be aware of it - and Rudolph in Canada, of course. I think, too, that most people all thought that it was...

No, that's not so. As from 11.00 a.m. 26/3/15 (yesterday) these new succession laws came into effect, internationally and simultaneously. Everything's now been finalised, and in Australia's case, it didn't need any approval from the UK. I refer you to Professor of Constitutional Law, Anne...

I agree with Osipi. Given that the Cambridges are now called the world's most popular family and have an almost rock-star impact on much of the globe some still apparently believe that it's up to Catherine alone to decide when, where and how she'll appear in public and at what functions. Not...

The Duchess is doing very well indeed and the Palace and the Family are to be congratulated with her growing confidence and marital comfort and happiness. Those whose memories are short should reflect on the bad management and poor treatment of Diana when she was first married and a mere 19...

Sorry, Dman (post 1748).:smile: Who curties to whom? The Queen altered the Order of Precedence in the Royal family twice in recent times: first, following the Prince of Wales' marriage and second, after William's. The new Rules of Court make it clear that the Duchess of Cambridge, when she...

I agree with Osipi. First, Her Majesty paid for all the work on the Duke and Duchess' new home at KP. The money was allocated from the new Sovereign Grant which included repairs to Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Victoria and Albert Mausoleum. The work on Apartment 1A, last...

This is, by far, my favourite of all of Her Majesty's brooches - the Wattle Brooch (surprise, surprise!) and it's obviously one of hers, too, as she wears it so often. Sprays of wattle are depicted by yellow diamonds, with blue-tinged diamonds signifying the leaves, surrounded by ti-tree...

This is a little late in the discussion but Ish is quite correct when she says - "As for George, he came to the throne during a crisis. His name choice didn't necessarily reflect his feelings regarding his name but rather a desire to stress the connection with his father." I believe that it...

As chance would have it, at a dinner party the other night we were discussing hereditary titles. During the last few decades there have been scant few, viz - The Earl of Stockton (Harold Macmillan) - Conservative PM. Title currently held by his grandson. 1st Viscount Tonypandy (George...

A few points - First, as someone with more than one university degree, I can say, quite categorically, that expertise in public speaking has no part in any strictly academic syllabus, the only aim of which is to encourage learning and promote research, not turn students into a Demosthenes...

Well, well - let's not fall out over the Duchess' appearance and performance. There's really no need: to those who matter most, she's a winner! It's been said, frequently, that The Palace is absolutely delighted with her. Personally, she's popular with the entire Family who admires her...

About the Duchess' hair which seems to be the most important of topics, my view is that it may well be her husband's choice! This doesn't mean that she's merely 'the wife', with no opinion of herself or her appearance. I well recall my own experience when first married and my...

As it hasn't been acknowledged here, I think it appropriate to mention the sad death of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, a scion of the Thembu Royal Family and thus a royal, himself. Mandela was one of the towering giants of C20 and brought honour and dignity to all humankind. Deepest...

Thank you, Muhler, for all of that excellent detail. It was interesting to read and I found it valuable in helping to more fully appreciate the painting. I laughed at myself when I read that my 'cavalry officer' was, in fact, Gorm the Old, which makes perfect allegorical sense. (Sometimes...

Thank you, Binz, for the links and references - they are much appreciated. Truly, the more I see of this work in detail the more I admire it. I find myself regretting that I know so relatively little about Denmark's history (before Mary's arrival, I only knew about Denmark's great...

It is an immensely interesting painting so far as I can tell and one which will engender a lot of debate. However, I've learnt over the years (and often the hard way) that it's best to see an original work of art before commenting on it: there is frequently a vast chasm...

It was a delight to see the prize giving at the spectacular Opera House on television; one hopes that Utzon would have been so proud of his elegant masterpiece and its place in international architecture's top 100, his Crown Prince and Princess and the fact that his wonderful building has...

Such a bonny little boy! He's somewhat better looking (to my eyes) than William was as a small child and it will be interesting to see whom he resembles most as he grows. It's difficult to say at this age, particularly as baby's change so much, but he seems a little more Middleton to me...