DOCSLIB.ORG

The Succession to the Crown Bill

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Succession to the Crown Bill HOUSE OF LORDS Select Committee on the Constitution 11th Report of Session 2012–13 The Succession to the Crown Bill Report Ordered to be printed 16 January 2013 and published 21 January 2013 Published by the Authority of the House of Lords London : The Stationery Office Limited £price HL Paper 106 Select Committee on the Constitution The Constitution Committee is appointed by the House of Lords in each session with the following terms of reference: To examine the constitutional implications of all public bills coming before the House; and to keep under review the operation of the constitution. Current membership Lord Crickhowell Baroness Falkner of Margravine Lord Goldsmith Lord Hart of Chilton Lord Irvine of Lairg Baroness Jay of Paddington (chairman) Lord Lang of Monkton Lord Lexden Lord Macdonald of River Glaven Lord Pannick Lord Powell of Bayswater Baroness Wheatcroft Declarations of interests A full list of members’ interests can be found in the Register of Lords’ Interests: http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/standards-and-interests/register-of-lords-interests Publications All publications of the committee are available at: http://www.parliament.uk/hlconstitution Parliament Live Live coverage of debates and public sessions of the committee’s meetings are available at: http://www.parliamentlive.tv General information General information about the House of Lords and its committees, including guidance to witnesses, details of current inquiries and forthcoming meetings, is available at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/lords Committee staff and legal advisers The current staff of the committee are Nicolas Besly (clerk), Luke Wilcox (policy analyst) and Hadia Garwell (committee assistant). Professor Richard Rawlings and Professor Adam Tomkins are legal advisers to the committee. Contact details All correspondence should be addressed to the clerk of the Select Committee on the Constitution, Committee Office, House of Lords, London, SW1A 0PW. The telephone number for general enquiries is 020 7219 5960. The committee’s email address is [email protected] The Succession to the Crown Bill 1. The Succession to the Crown Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on 13 December 2012. Both second reading and Committee of the Whole House have been scheduled for 22 January 2013. Given the subject matter of the bill, it is legislation of first-class constitutional importance. The Act of Settlement 1700 confirmed the fundamental constitutional principle that Parliament determines the title to the Crown.1 In reference to the current bill, the Deputy Prime Minister has spoken of “a historic moment for our country and our Monarchy”—legislation “which will make our old fashioned rules fit for the 21st Century”.2 2. On 9 January we took evidence on the bill from the Deputy Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Nick Clegg MP, and the Minister for Political and Constitution Reform, Chloe Smith MP.3 In particular, we raised the issue of the proposed use of fast-track legislation for this measure. The principal object of this report is to advise the House of our conclusions on that matter. The Perth agreement 3. The bill follows the “Perth agreement” of 28 October 2011, made at the bi- annual Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The 16 Commonwealth Realms4 which currently recognise Her Majesty as Head of State all agreed to modernise the existing laws on succession to the Crown.5 The system of male preference primogeniture would be abolished, together with one of the vestiges of a distinctively “Protestant constitution”6: the bar on those who marry Roman Catholics from succeeding to the Throne. Led by the government of New Zealand, the 16 Realms further agreed to work together to enable the necessary measures to be given effect simultaneously in their respective jurisdictions. The explanatory notes to the bill underwrite this: the Government expect to bring the substantive provisions into force “at the same time as the other Realms bring into force any changes to their legislation or other changes which are necessary for them to implement the Perth agreement”.7 4. A third matter was referred to the other Realms by the Prime Minister: the requirement of the Monarch’s consent to certain marriages. On 2 December 2012 the UK Government received final written agreement8 from all the 1 In order to secure the Protestant succession, section 1 of the Act of Settlement 1700 constructed the order of succession through Princess Sophia, Electress of Hanover. 2 Deputy Prime Minister, Royal succession rules will be changed, press release, 4 December 2012. See further, House of Commons Library, Succession to the Crown Bill 2012–13, Research Paper 12/81 (December 2012). 3 As part of our annual evidence session with the Deputy Prime Minister: the full transcript is available on the Committee’s webpages. 4 Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, St Christopher and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and the United Kingdom. 5 The text of the Perth agreement is in Annex 1 of the resulting report by the House of Commons Political and Constitutional Reform Committee, 11th report (2010–12): Rules of Royal Succession (HC 1615). 6 Originating in the realm of Henry VIII with statutes including the Act of Supremacy 1534. 7 Para 42. 8 ibid., para 11. 4 THE SUCCESSION TO THE CROWN BILL other Realms regarding all three aspects of the proposed reform. The following day the Duchess of Cambridge’s pregnancy was announced. 5. We welcome the close consultation and co-ordination between the Realms. Considerations of mutual respect and friendship among sovereign states, and of uniformity9 and decorum, demand nothing less. More particularly, the approach accords with the clear expression of will in the preamble to the Statute of Westminster 1931 that “any alteration in the law touching the Succession to the Throne or the Royal Style and Titles shall hereafter require the assent as well of the Parliaments of all the Dominions as of the Parliament of the United Kingdom”.10 The provisions of the bill 6. Clause 1 of the bill removes the element of gender discrimination in the existing common law rules whereby an elder daughter is displaced by a younger son in the line of succession. It is thus provided that the gender of a person born after the making of the Perth agreement (i.e. 28 October 2011) “does not give that person, or that person’s descendants, precedence over any other person (whenever born)”. 7. Clause 2 removes an element of religious discrimination deriving from the Bill of Rights 1688 and section 2 of the Act of Settlement 1700. Clause 2(1) provides that “a person is not disqualified from succeeding to the Crown or from possessing it as a result of marrying a person of the Roman Catholic faith.” Reflecting as it does a historical struggle between the forces of Protestantism and Catholicism in Europe, the existing disqualification is unique. In evidence, the Deputy Prime Minister said:11 “Under the present provisions an heir to the throne can marry someone of another religious denomination—someone of the Hindu or Muslim faiths … What we are doing is simply removing a very specific act of discrimination against Catholics”. Clause 2 is retrospective in that those who have married Roman Catholics will regain their places in the current line of succession. However, in the words of the explanatory notes, “this does not affect anyone with a realistic prospect of succeeding to the Throne”.12 8. Clause 3 will repeal the Royal Marriages Act 1772, which (subject to exceptions) renders void the “marriages” of descendants of George II who fail to obtain the Monarch’s permission to marry. This is thought to apply to several hundred people, “many of whom will be unaware of the Act or its impact”.13 The requirement of the Sovereign’s consent is not abolished entirely, however. Rather it is (a) narrowed so as to apply only to the first six in the line of succession and (b) softened, such that failure to comply is no longer a matter of invalidity but of disqualification of that person and of that person’s descendants from succeeding to the Crown. As such, clause 3 better 9 In face of the principle of divisibility of the Crown, whereby Her Majesty is Queen in each of the Realms separately. 10 Three of the present 16 Realms were dominions at that time: Australia, Canada and New Zealand. 11 Unrevised transcript of evidence, 9 January 2013, Q8. 12 Para 28. 13 ibid., para 5. THE SUCCESSION TO THE CROWN BILL 5 respects the right to marry.14 Clause 3(5) removes the broader effects of the 1772 Act retrospectively in most cases. 9. Clause 4 and the Schedule make consequential amendments. In particular, clause 4(3) provides that relevant Articles in the Union with Scotland Act 1706 and the Union with England Act 1707, and in the Union with Ireland Act 1800 and the Act of Union (Ireland) 1800, are subject to the provisions of the bill. The Regency Act 1937 is also amended, so that a person subject to, and failing to comply with, the reworked requirement of consent to royal marriages is disqualified from being Regent. 10. Clause 5 provides that the substantive provisions of the bill will come into force on such day and at such time as is specified by order made by the Lord President of the Council.15 Constitutional process 11. We began our 2011 report The Process of Constitutional Change16 by observing that:17 “the constitution is the foundation upon which law and government are built. The fundamental nature of our constitution means that it should be changed only with due care and consideration … Process is critical in terms of upholding, and being seen to uphold, constitutional values: particularly those of democratic involvement and transparency in the policy-making process.” We drew attention in that report to a number of weaknesses in the current practice of legislating for significant constitutional change, including the lack of constraints on the Government, failure to have regard to the wider constitutional settlement, changes being rushed and lack of consultation.18 12.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Welsh Seal of the National Assembly for Wales
    The Welsh Seal of the National Assembly for Wales The Great Seal of the Realm is the chief seal of the Crown, used to show the Monarch's approval of important state documents. The practice of using this seal began in the reign of Edward the Confessor in the eleventh century, when a double-sided metal matrix with an image of the Sovereign was used to make an impression in wax for attachment by ribbon or cord to Royal documents. The seal meant that the monarch did not need to sign every official document in person; authorisation could be carried out instead by an appointed officer. Between 2007 and 2011 proposed Measures passed by the National Assembly for Wales were subject to “Royal Approval”. Separate Great Seals exist for Scotland and Northern Ireland and, from 2011, a Seal for Wales now exists. Royal Assent Royal Assent is the Monarch's agreement to make a Bill into an Act of the National Assembly for Wales. Royal Assent is conferred by the Monarch signing Letters Patent under the Welsh Seal. The Monarch's agreement to give her assent to a Bill is automatic. Student Research Look for examples of Seals using your school library, local library and the internet. Also research Signet Rings which were worn as jewellery and used by individuals to seal their initials or coat of arms into wax seals on important documents and letters. Form of Letters Patent “ELIZABETH THE SECOND by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the
    [Show full text]
  • The Governor Genera. and the Head of State Functions
    The Governor Genera. and the Head of State Functions THOMAS FRANCK* Lincoln, Nebraska In most, though by no means all democratic states,' the "Head o£ State" is a convenient legal and political fiction the purpose of which is to personify the complex political functions of govern- ment. What distinguishes the operations of this fiction in Canada is the fact that the functions of head of state are not discharged by any one person. Some, by legislative enactment, are vested in the Governor General. Others are delegated to the Governor General by the Crown. Still others are exercised by the Queen in person. A survey of these functions will reveal, however, that many more of the duties of the Canadian head of state are to-day dis- charged by the Governor General than are performed by the Queen. Indeed, it will reveal that some of the functions cannot be dis- charged by anyone else. It is essential that we become aware of this development in Canadian constitutional practice and take legal cognizance of the consequently increasing stature and importance of the Queen's representative in Canada. Formal Vesting of Head of State Functions in Constitutional Governments ofthe Commonnealth Reahns In most of the realms of the Commonwealth, the basic constitut- ional documents formally vest executive power in the Queen. Section 9 of the British North America Act, 1867,2 states: "The Executive Government and authority of and over Canada is hereby declared to continue and be vested in the Queen", while section 17 establishes that "There shall be one Parliament for Canada, consist- ing of the Queen, an Upper House, styled the Senate, and the *Thomas Franck, B.A., LL.B.
    [Show full text]
  • Luke Death As He Said, "Lord, Lay Not This Sin to Their
    ample opportunity for you to repent and forget about your past experiences in order to have eternal life. This therefore, calls for forgiveness to one another. Follow the exemplary life of our Lord Jesus Christ. He forgive His enemies even on the Cross as He said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. " (Luke 23:34). Similarly, Stephen also forgave those who stoned him to death as he said, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." (Acts 7:60). If you do not ask for and forgive the sins of your offenders, salva­ tion will elude you. If our Lord Jesus Christ did not forgive His enemies, He would not have risen. It is said, "Rejbice with these who are rejoicing and mourn with those who are mourning. " When somebody is befallen with a calamity and you go about laughing at him, when the vicissitudes visit you, another person will laugh also at you. A chpter has therefore, been opened and the trend continues. Yvu are however, advised against this attitude. Pray always for the ability from the Father to be able to practise this gospel. at you. A chapter has therefore, been opened and the trend continues. You are however, advised against this attitude. Pray always for the ability from the Father to be able to practise this e:ospel. May the good Lord bless His Holy Words, Amen. SERMON DELIVERED BY THE SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAO LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU. THE KING OF KINGS WITH HIS ROYAL IDGHNESSES First Lesson: 2 Peter 3:13-14 "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heaven and a new earth, wherein dw:lleth righteousness.
    [Show full text]
  • His Serene Highness Prince Sithiporn Kridakara ( ·
    I His Serene Highness Prince Sithiporn Kridakara ( · His Serene Highness Prince Sithiporn Kridakara passed away on 22 June 1971. Prince Sithiporn was born on 11 April 1883, the fourth son of His Royal Highness Prince Krisdapiniharn, Krom Phra Nares Voraridb. He was thus a grandson of King Mongkut and a nephew of King Chulalongkorn. He was educated at Harrow and the City and Guild's Technical College, now a part of London University. Returning to Siam in 1901, he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as one of the Secretaries to the General Adviser. Four years later, he was transferred to the Ministry of Finance's Opium Department of which he rose to become Director-General. He resigned in 1921 to live in the country and to start an experi­ mental farm as Bangberd, 400 kilometres south of Bangkok. There, he experimented with may new crops hitherto unknown to Siam. To UBITUAHIES stimuiate new ways of thinking about agriculture, he co-founded a monthly agricultural journal called Kasikorn or The Fanner in 1927. In 1931, he was recalled to become Director-General of the Agricultural Inspection Department. Prince Sithiporn at once established three agricultural experimental stations in the North, the Northeast and the South. These stations were later expanded to become agricultural schools, demonstrations farms and extension agencies. This second period of government service was terminated by the 1932 Revolution which brought in its train more than 0 a decade of great misfortune for Prince Sithiporn. In 1944 Prince Sithiporn went back to Bangberd to rehabilitate hi s farm. He was recalled to be Minister of Agriculture in the Kbuang Abhaiwong cabinet of 1947-1948.
    [Show full text]
  • His Royal Highness the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
    Speech By Dr Christian Rowan MEMBER FOR MOGGILL Record of Proceedings, 21 April 2021 MOTION OF CONDOLENCE His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Dr ROWAN (Moggill—LNP) (12.01 pm): As the state member for Moggill and as a life member of the Australian Monarchist League it is an honour to rise in support of today’s motion and pay respects to a friend beloved by the people of Queensland as well as citizens across various state and territory jurisdictions of the Commonwealth of Australia and also many countries around the world. I wish to place on record my formal condolences to Her Majesty the Queen for the unimaginable grief that Her Majesty is enduring and for the sheer weight of the loss for both the Queen and her family—the loss of a husband, a father and a grandfather. For more than 73 years there have been countless stories that have been written and shared about Prince Philip. These stories have ultimately been stories of both love and sacrifice. There can be no doubt that there was an unwavering love and unbreakable bond between Prince Philip and Her Majesty the Queen. For almost 74 years Prince Philip had been the Queen’s constant companion and, in her own words, her strength and stay. With Her Majesty’s coronation in 1952, Prince Philip also eventually became the longest serving consort of a reigning British monarch. Their marriage has been a true embodiment of partnership, companionship, loyalty and support. Always by Her Majesty’s side, Prince Philip never sought or permitted his own position or voice to dominate that of the Queen such was the ultimate love and respect he had for the monarchy, the associated royal institution and Her Majesty.
    [Show full text]
  • Canada's Evolving Crown: from a British Crown to A
    Canada’s Evolving Crown 108 DOI: 10.1515/abcsj-2014-0030 Canada’s Evolving Crown: From a British Crown to a “Crown of Maples” SCOTT NICHOLAS ROMANIUK University of Trento and JOSHUA K. WASYLCIW University of Calgary Abstract This article examines how instruments have changed the Crown of Canada from 1867 through to the present, how this change has been effected, and the extent to which the Canadian Crown is distinct from the British Crown. The main part of this article focuses on the manner in which law, politics, and policy (both Canadian and non-Canadian) have evolved a British Imperial institution since the process by which the federal Dominion of Canada was formed nearly 150 years ago through to a nation uniquely Canadian as it exists today. The evolution of the Canadian Crown has taken place through approximately fifteen discrete events since the time of Canadian confederation on July 1, 1867. These fifteen events are loosely categorized into three discrete periods: The Imperial Crown (1867-1930), A Shared Crown (1931-1981), and The Canadian Crown (1982-present). Keywords: Imperial, the London Conference, the Nickle Resolution, the British North America Act, Queen Victoria, Sovereignty, the Statute of Westminster 109 Canada’s Evolving Crown Introduction Of Canadian legal and governmental institutions, the Crown sits atop all, unifying them by means of a single institution. This Crown has remained both a symbol of strength and a connection to Canada’s historical roots. The roots of the Crown run deep and can be traced as far back as the sixteenth century, when the kings of France first established the Crown in Canada in Nouvelle-France.
    [Show full text]
  • King's Speech
    FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION 2010 BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY David Seidler THE KING'S SPEECH Screenplay by David Seidler See-Saw Films/Bedlam Productions CARD: 1925 King George V reigns over a quarter of the world’s population. He asks his second son, the Duke of York, to give the closing speech at the Empire Exhibition in Wembley, London. INT. BBC BROADCASTING HOUSE, STUDIO - DAY CLOSE ON a BBC microphone of the 1920's, A formidable piece of machinery suspended on springs. A BBC NEWS READER, in a tuxedo with carnation boutonniere, is gargling while a TECHNICIAN holds a porcelain bowl and a towel at the ready. The man in the tuxedo expectorates discreetly into the bowl, wipes his mouth fastidiously, and signals to ANOTHER TECHNICIAN who produces an atomizer. The Reader opens his mouth, squeezes the rubber bulb, and sprays his inner throat. Now, he’s ready. The reader speaks in flawless pear-shaped tones. There’s no higher creature in the vocal world. BBC NEWS READER Good afternoon. This is the BBC National Programme and Empire Services taking you to Wembley Stadium for the Closing Ceremony of the Second and Final Season of the Empire Exhibition. INT. CORRIDOR, WEMBLEY STADIUM - DAY CLOSE ON a man's hand clutching a woman's hand. Woman’s mouth whispers into man's ear. BBC NEWS READER (V.O.) 58 British Colonies and Dominions have taken part, making this the largest Exhibition staged anywhere in the world. Complete with the new stadium, the Exhibition was built in Wembley, Middlesex at a cost of over 12 million pounds.
    [Show full text]
  • The Decline and Fall of Imperialism in Canada: a Cultural Analysis of the Great War
    UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY The Decline and Fall of Imperialism in Canada: A Cultural Analysis of the Great War By Ryan Flavelle A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF STRATEGIC STUDIES CENTRE FOR MILITARY AND STRATEGIC STUDIES CALGARY, ALBERTA SEPTEMBER, 2011 ©Ryan Flavelle 2011 Library and Archives Bibliotheque et 1*1 Canada Archives Canada Published Heritage Direction du Branch Patrimoine de I'edition 395 Wellington Street 395, rue Wellington OttawaONK1A0N4 Ottawa ON K1A 0N4 Canada Canada Your file Votre reference ISBN: 978-0-494-81413-0 Our file Notre ref6rence ISBN: 978-0-494-81413-0 NOTICE: AVIS: The author has granted a non­ L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive exclusive license allowing Library and permettant a la Bibliotheque et Archives Archives Canada to reproduce, Canada de reproduire, publier, archiver, publish, archive, preserve, conserve, sauvegarder, conserver, transmettre au public communicate to the public by par telecommunication ou par I'lnternet, preter, telecommunication or on the Internet, distribuer et vendre des theses partout dans le loan, distribute and sell theses monde, a des fins commerciales ou autres, sur worldwide, for commercial or non­ support microforme, papier, electronique et/ou commercial purposes, in microform, autres formats. paper, electronic and/or any other formats. The author retains copyright L'auteur conserve la propriete du droit d'auteur ownership and moral rights in this et des droits moraux qui protege cette these. Ni thesis. Neither the thesis nor la these ni des extraits substantiels de celle-ci substantial extracts from it may be ne doivent etre imprimes ou autrement printed or otherwise reproduced reproduits sans son autorisation.
    [Show full text]
  • Press Release Upon the Occasion of the Death of His Royal Highness The
    Press release upon the occasion of the death of his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh from Patrick Taylor, Vicar of Holy Trinity Stratford- upon-Avon with All Saints ’Luddington and St Helen’s Clifford Chambers. The Duke of Edinburgh put his own needs and career to one side for the sake of the people of this nation and the Commonwealth. He gave up his Greek and Danish royal titles and became a naturalized British subject in order to marry the then Princess Elizabeth. When she became queen in 1952 he left active military service, leaving his career as a high ranking officer in the Navy in order to support his wife in her new role. In all this he has been a fine example of a loyal and committed husband. Not only has he remained beside the Queen through all the joys and challenges of her reign, but he has also empowered many thousands of young people through the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme, one of the things for which he will be especially remembered. By the time Prince Philip retired from public duty in 2017 he had completed over 22,000 solo engagements. He was a patron, president, or member of more than 780 organisations and the longest-serving consort of a reigning British monarch. He worked tirelessly for the sake of others and will be remembered with great affection for serving our country by supporting our Queen. We commend him to God’s love and are praying for the Queen and Royal family at this time of loss.
    [Show full text]
  • For Immediate Release His Royal Highness Prince Philip Duke Of
    For immediate release His Royal Highness Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, champion of people affected by leprosy, is remembered by Lepra COLCHESTER, ESSEX - It is with great sadness and regret that Lepra has learnt of the passing of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh one of our great and most respected supporters. His Royal Highness, has been a long standing supporter of Lepra, along with Lepra’s patron Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth. In the past His Royal Highness supported Lepra’s Child Adoption Scheme sponsoring boys and girls affected by leprosy in Africa. This scheme enabled children to receive treatment and continue their education thereby enabling them to pursue independent and fulfilling lives. Lepra’s Dr. Doug Coffin, writing from the Itu settlement in 1940 wrote of the Child Adoption Scheme, “A child, if they are to grow into a normal healthy adult, free from any major complexes, needs to be brought up in the company of other children, to experience kindliness from their elders, receive education and not suffer anxiety about their shelter and food.” In 1956, during the Royal visit to Africa and as a part of their support of Lepra, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness met with many people affected by leprosy. Prince Philip visited many sick and disabled people in their homes, clinics and communities. His Royal Highness was notably warm, sympathetic and supportive of all those he met with leprosy. These included a young boy sponsored by His Royal Highness. All the children were very grateful to the Royal Family for their personal support.
    [Show full text]
  • Biography of His Royal Highness the Grand Duke
    Biography of His Royal Highness the Grand Duke His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri was born on 16 April 1955 at Betzdorf Castle in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Grand Duke Henri, Prince of Nassau, Prince of Bourbon-Parma, is the eldest son of the five children of Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte. On 14 February 1981, the Hereditary Grand Duke married Maria Teresa Mestre at the Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Luxembourg. They have five children: • Prince Guillaume (born in 1981), the Hereditary Grand Duke, • Prince Félix (born in 1984), • Prince Louis (born in 1986), • Princess Alexandra (born in 1991) • Prince Sébastien (born in 1992). He became Head of State of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on 7 October 2000. Preparing his role as future Head of State Prince Henri completed his secondary education in Luxembourg and France, where he passed his baccalaureate in 1974. He trained at the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst in Great Britain and obtained the rank of officer in 1975. Prince Henri then enrolled at the Institut des hautes études internationales (Graduate Institute of International Studies) in Geneva, Switzerland, where he graduated with a Licence ès Sciences Politiques in 1980. Prince Henri met his future wife Maria Teresa Mestre during their university studies. Service Presse et Communication 1/7 In 1989, he was appointed Honorary Major of the Parachute Regiment in the United Kingdom. He also travelled extensively overseas to further his knowledge and education, particularly to the United States and Japan. As Hereditary Grand Duke, Prince Henri was an ex officio member of the Council of State from 1980 until 1998, which gave him insight into the legislative and institutional procedures and workings of the country.
    [Show full text]
  • Heraldry for Beginners
    The Heraldry Society Educational Charity No: 241456 HERALDRY Beasts, Banners & Badges FOR BEGINNERS Heraldry is a noble science and a fascinating hobby – but essentially it is FUN! J. P. Brooke-Little, Richmond Herald, 1970 www.theheraldrysociety.com The Chairman and Council of the Heraldry Society are indebted to all those who have made this publication possible October 2016 About Us he Heraldry Society was founded in 1947 by John P. Brooke-Little, CVO, KStJ, FSA, FSH, the Tthen Bluemantle Pursuivant of Arms and ultimately, in 1995, Clarenceux King of Arms. In 1956 the Society was incorporated under the Companies Act (1948). By Letters Patent dated 10th August 1957 the Society was granted Armorial Bearings. e Society is both a registered non-prot making company and an educational charity. Our aims The To promote and encourage the study and knowledge of, and to foster and extend interest in, the Heraldry Society science of heraldry, armory, chivalry, precedence, ceremonial, genealogy, family history and all kindred subjects and disciplines. Our activities include Seasonal monthly meetings and lectures Organising a bookstall at all our meetings Publishing a popular newsletter, The Heraldry Gazette, and a more scholarly journal, The Coat of Arms In alternate years, oering a residential Congress with speakers and conducted visits Building and maintaining a heraldry archive Hosting an informative website Supporting regional Societies’ initiatives Our Membership Is inclusive and open to all A prior knowledge of heraldry is not a prerequisite to membership, John Brooke-Little nor is it necessary for members to possess their own arms. e Chairman and Council of the Heraldry Society The Society gratefully acknowledges the owners and holders of copyright in the graphics and images included in this publication which may be reproduced solely for educational purposes.
    [Show full text]