* The conquest of Mount Everest so captured the four-year-old imagination of Prince Charles that he climbed over the largest pieces of furniture in the Palace, announcing that he was "mountaineering." He s.n.a.t.c.hed the towels from most of the Palace bathrooms to make "base tents." The conquest of Mount Everest so captured the four-year-old imagination of Prince Charles that he climbed over the largest pieces of furniture in the Palace, announcing that he was "mountaineering." He s.n.a.t.c.hed the towels from most of the Palace bathrooms to make "base tents."

Miniver was a plain white fur esteemed in the Middle Ages as part of a costume. Miniver was a plain white fur esteemed in the Middle Ages as part of a costume.

* The gold state coach was built for George III in 1762 from a design by a Florentine artist, Giovanni Battista Cipriani, who was living in London. The coach, twelve feet high, twenty-four feet long, and eight feet wide, is gilded on the exterior and lined with crimson satin and has been used for every coronation since 1831. The gold state coach was built for George III in 1762 from a design by a Florentine artist, Giovanni Battista Cipriani, who was living in London. The coach, twelve feet high, twenty-four feet long, and eight feet wide, is gilded on the exterior and lined with crimson satin and has been used for every coronation since 1831.

As Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, Dwight D. Eisenhower enjoyed a special relationship with the British royal family, fostered during the Second World War. As Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, Dwight D. Eisenhower enjoyed a special relationship with the British royal family, fostered during the Second World War.

* Each of the three children of Henry VIII became sovereign (King Edward VI, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I) and each died childless. Each of the three children of Henry VIII became sovereign (King Edward VI, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I) and each died childless.

* In 1995 anthropologist Geoffrey Gorer wrote a book, In 1995 anthropologist Geoffrey Gorer wrote a book, Exploring English Character, Exploring English Character, in which he questioned the beliefs, prejudices, and habits of mind of large numbers of the English middle cla.s.s. He found that the English people as a whole are deeply obsessed with restraining any element of violence and rate gentleness very high as a virtue. They regard impatience and loss of temper as major sins. Being considered a gentleman means everything. in which he questioned the beliefs, prejudices, and habits of mind of large numbers of the English middle cla.s.s. He found that the English people as a whole are deeply obsessed with restraining any element of violence and rate gentleness very high as a virtue. They regard impatience and loss of temper as major sins. Being considered a gentleman means everything.

* The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme is operated in more than fifty-five countries, but under a variety of names: the Benelux Award in Belgium; the Crown Prince Award in Jordan; the Gold Shield Award in South Africa. In Australia, Jamaica, and New Zealand, it is called the "Dee of Ee." Prince Philip says, "I don't give a d.a.m.n what they call it as long as it is compatible with the one that runs here." The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme is operated in more than fifty-five countries, but under a variety of names: the Benelux Award in Belgium; the Crown Prince Award in Jordan; the Gold Shield Award in South Africa. In Australia, Jamaica, and New Zealand, it is called the "Dee of Ee." Prince Philip says, "I don't give a d.a.m.n what they call it as long as it is compatible with the one that runs here."

* In later years the Lord Chamberlain's duties were modified so the Queen could visit her divorced cousins, her divorced sister, her divorced daughter, and her two divorced sons, including the heir to the throne. In later years the Lord Chamberlain's duties were modified so the Queen could visit her divorced cousins, her divorced sister, her divorced daughter, and her two divorced sons, including the heir to the throne.

The restrictions on divorced persons being allowed to share the same air as royalty were relaxed slightly after Peter Townsend's divorce. Only those divorced persons who were legally blameless for their divorce were admitted into the company of royalty. This policy allowed Townsend, who was wronged by an adulterous wife, to continue in royal service. From 1950 to 1953 he acted as head of the Queen Mother's household. For the rest of his life, even in exile, his name was listed in The restrictions on divorced persons being allowed to share the same air as royalty were relaxed slightly after Peter Townsend's divorce. Only those divorced persons who were legally blameless for their divorce were admitted into the company of royalty. This policy allowed Townsend, who was wronged by an adulterous wife, to continue in royal service. From 1950 to 1953 he acted as head of the Queen Mother's household. For the rest of his life, even in exile, his name was listed in Whitaker's Almanack Whitaker's Almanack as an extra equerry to Her Majesty the Queen. as an extra equerry to Her Majesty the Queen.

* Years later Princess Margaret said, "I have only twice ever had a row with the Queen. These were probably both about men." She explained to the historian Elizabeth Longford, "In our family we do not have rifts-a very occasional row, but never a rift." Years later Princess Margaret said, "I have only twice ever had a row with the Queen. These were probably both about men." She explained to the historian Elizabeth Longford, "In our family we do not have rifts-a very occasional row, but never a rift."

In his discreet autobiography Townsend wrote that he had been prepared to like Philip but... "When I went into exile in 1953, he did not exactly walk me to the door and say goodbye.... He is a German but he does not look very German. He is certainly trenchant and his views are trenchant. I would say he is intelligent without being an intellectual... he could be abrupt and he has this staccato way of talking, although he will often end things up with a joke or a quip." In his discreet autobiography Townsend wrote that he had been prepared to like Philip but... "When I went into exile in 1953, he did not exactly walk me to the door and say goodbye.... He is a German but he does not look very German. He is certainly trenchant and his views are trenchant. I would say he is intelligent without being an intellectual... he could be abrupt and he has this staccato way of talking, although he will often end things up with a joke or a quip."

* "That particular hour was chosen more for the corgis than for the children," said the Queen's footman, explaining the Queen's daily ritual of feeding her dogs dinner in her sitting room. "One of us brings a tray of bowls to Her Majesty every evening at that time, and the tray contains the individual diets prepared by the kitchen for the Queen's seven corgis." The silver bowls were placed on a plastic sheet on the floor, and the Queen mixed each portion with a silver knife and fork. "That particular hour was chosen more for the corgis than for the children," said the Queen's footman, explaining the Queen's daily ritual of feeding her dogs dinner in her sitting room. "One of us brings a tray of bowls to Her Majesty every evening at that time, and the tray contains the individual diets prepared by the kitchen for the Queen's seven corgis." The silver bowls were placed on a plastic sheet on the floor, and the Queen mixed each portion with a silver knife and fork.

* Unhappy with so many h.o.m.os.e.xuals in the royal household, Philip cheered the footman who had been caught in flagrante delicto with a housemaid. "They sacked him," said the Duke of Edinburgh. "He should have been given a medal." Unhappy with so many h.o.m.os.e.xuals in the royal household, Philip cheered the footman who had been caught in flagrante delicto with a housemaid. "They sacked him," said the Duke of Edinburgh. "He should have been given a medal."

* Charles, eleven, stunned his history teacher at Cheam by not knowing that Britain once had a Prince of Wales who became King Edward VIII and then abdicated to become the Duke of Windsor. Years later Charles shocked another history teacher by defending King George III, who suffered attacks of insanity because of the rare and incurable ailment of porphyria. "I happen to admire, appreciate and sympathise with a lot of things he did," said Charles of the British King who lost the American Colonies in 1783. "He was a marvelous eccentric." Charles, eleven, stunned his history teacher at Cheam by not knowing that Britain once had a Prince of Wales who became King Edward VIII and then abdicated to become the Duke of Windsor. Years later Charles shocked another history teacher by defending King George III, who suffered attacks of insanity because of the rare and incurable ailment of porphyria. "I happen to admire, appreciate and sympathise with a lot of things he did," said Charles of the British King who lost the American Colonies in 1783. "He was a marvelous eccentric."

* About $6 million in U.S. dollars. About $6 million in U.S. dollars.

* Philip's rage over the press coverage given to his marriage and his equerry's divorce surfaced later at a reception. As an official pointed out Gibraltar's famous cave-dwelling monkeys, Philip asked in a loud voice: "Which are the press and which are the apes?" Philip's rage over the press coverage given to his marriage and his equerry's divorce surfaced later at a reception. As an official pointed out Gibraltar's famous cave-dwelling monkeys, Philip asked in a loud voice: "Which are the press and which are the apes?"

* Although Philip had been born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, he renounced his t.i.tle in 1947 when he became a British subject and a.s.sumed the name of Philip Mountbatten to marry Elizabeth. Upon his marriage, he became the Duke of Edinburgh. But most people continued to call him Prince Philip-incorrectly. Technically he was not a prince until his wife made him one. Although Philip had been born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, he renounced his t.i.tle in 1947 when he became a British subject and a.s.sumed the name of Philip Mountbatten to marry Elizabeth. Upon his marriage, he became the Duke of Edinburgh. But most people continued to call him Prince Philip-incorrectly. Technically he was not a prince until his wife made him one.

* The three major U.S. wire services-a.s.sociated Press, United Press, and International News Service-filed four hundred thousand words on the royal state visit. The preceding week they sent out three hundred thousand on The three major U.S. wire services-a.s.sociated Press, United Press, and International News Service-filed four hundred thousand words on the royal state visit. The preceding week they sent out three hundred thousand on Sputnik. Sputnik.

* In 1959 Prince Philip made an extended trip to the Far East for almost four months. The In 1959 Prince Philip made an extended trip to the Far East for almost four months. The Daily Express Daily Express ran a series of articles ent.i.tled "The Woman of the World with an Absent Husband." Philip had made so many trips out of England that upon his return, one newspaper carried the headline "The Duke Visits Britain." ran a series of articles ent.i.tled "The Woman of the World with an Absent Husband." Philip had made so many trips out of England that upon his return, one newspaper carried the headline "The Duke Visits Britain."

The Garter King of Arms, who is in charge of the sovereign's heraldic ceremonies, wrote to the Queen to ask whether the entire College of Arms should attend Princess Margaret's wedding. The Queen shuddered. Her private secretary responded: "While Her Majesty appreciated the loyal feeling of the Officers at Arms, they would understand that for obvious reasons she did not want the wedding to be made more of an occasion of state than was absolutely necessary." The Garter King of Arms, who is in charge of the sovereign's heraldic ceremonies, wrote to the Queen to ask whether the entire College of Arms should attend Princess Margaret's wedding. The Queen shuddered. Her private secretary responded: "While Her Majesty appreciated the loyal feeling of the Officers at Arms, they would understand that for obvious reasons she did not want the wedding to be made more of an occasion of state than was absolutely necessary."

* Three years later the Queen sadly accepted Macmillan's resignation as Prime Minister. In a letter, she thanked him for being "my guide and supporter" in international matters. "There have also been, I am afraid, a number of problems affecting my family... which must have occupied a great amount of your time. I should like to put on record my appreciation and grat.i.tude for the unstinting care which you have taken in giving me your advice about them and helping me to find a solution." Three years later the Queen sadly accepted Macmillan's resignation as Prime Minister. In a letter, she thanked him for being "my guide and supporter" in international matters. "There have also been, I am afraid, a number of problems affecting my family... which must have occupied a great amount of your time. I should like to put on record my appreciation and grat.i.tude for the unstinting care which you have taken in giving me your advice about them and helping me to find a solution."

The The Sunday Express, Sunday Express, one of Lord Beaverbrook's three newspapers, acidly congratulated Prince Philip when the Queen was about to give birth: "We are edified that he was able at last to leave his bird shooting at Sandringham and rejoin his wife at this exciting moment of her life." one of Lord Beaverbrook's three newspapers, acidly congratulated Prince Philip when the Queen was about to give birth: "We are edified that he was able at last to leave his bird shooting at Sandringham and rejoin his wife at this exciting moment of her life."

* Mountbatten made no pretense about favoring his older daughter, Patricia. In 1953 he wrote her a letter saying, "You know how basically fond I am and always have been of Mummy, you know pretty well about my girl friends, but none of them have [sic] had that magic 'something' which you have." He said that he was fond of his second child, Pamela, "but the mainspring of my love [for her] is that she is Mountbatten made no pretense about favoring his older daughter, Patricia. In 1953 he wrote her a letter saying, "You know how basically fond I am and always have been of Mummy, you know pretty well about my girl friends, but none of them have [sic] had that magic 'something' which you have." He said that he was fond of his second child, Pamela, "but the mainspring of my love [for her] is that she is your your sister and sister and you you love her." love her."

In 1946 Lord Louis Mountbatten was created Viscount Mountbatten of Burma. The next year he was created Baron Romsey and Earl Mountbatten of Burma, with "special remainder" to his male heirs, and if no males, to his eldest daughter and her male heirs. This special remainder, which allowed the t.i.tle to pa.s.s to a female, was a rare concession by the monarch and granted only to military veterans with a record of distinguished war service. After the death of his wife in 1960, Mountbatten told his beloved daughter, Patricia, that he could not contemplate remarriage because he might have a son and disturb the plans he had made for her succession to his t.i.tle. In 1946 Lord Louis Mountbatten was created Viscount Mountbatten of Burma. The next year he was created Baron Romsey and Earl Mountbatten of Burma, with "special remainder" to his male heirs, and if no males, to his eldest daughter and her male heirs. This special remainder, which allowed the t.i.tle to pa.s.s to a female, was a rare concession by the monarch and granted only to military veterans with a record of distinguished war service. After the death of his wife in 1960, Mountbatten told his beloved daughter, Patricia, that he could not contemplate remarriage because he might have a son and disturb the plans he had made for her succession to his t.i.tle.

Mountbatten never developed deep affection for David Hicks and never accepted him as a surrogate son the way he did John Brabourne and Prince Philip. In 1972, twelve years after Hicks had married his younger daughter, Mountbatten wrote a letter to Philip in which he said, "Patricia and Pammy could not be sweeter or more affectionate daughters, but one does miss sons-so I am very lucky to have you and John who are both so affectionate and nice to me." Mountbatten never developed deep affection for David Hicks and never accepted him as a surrogate son the way he did John Brabourne and Prince Philip. In 1972, twelve years after Hicks had married his younger daughter, Mountbatten wrote a letter to Philip in which he said, "Patricia and Pammy could not be sweeter or more affectionate daughters, but one does miss sons-so I am very lucky to have you and John who are both so affectionate and nice to me."

* Mountbatten objected to his son-in-law's collaborating on a book. He phoned the writer and invited her for lunch. After a round of drinks he said, "Now, now, Miss Robyns. Be a good girl and give me those tapes." She refused. Mountbatten objected to his son-in-law's collaborating on a book. He phoned the writer and invited her for lunch. After a round of drinks he said, "Now, now, Miss Robyns. Be a good girl and give me those tapes." She refused.

"I couldn't," she said. "I had all of David's old gay boyfriends on tape, saying terrible things about him, and I didn't think it right to release them." Mountbatten threatened to sue her. She gave in. "I couldn't fight a man with his money, so we ended up going to his lawyer's office and burning the tapes." Hicks waited until after Lord Mountbatten's death to contact another writer, June Ducas, to resume work on his life story. "June can write whatever she likes, warts and all," he said in 1995. "I don't give a d.a.m.n."

* When Angus Ogilvy, a commoner, married Margaret's cousin, Princess Alexandra, daughter of Marina, the d.u.c.h.ess of Kent, on April 24, 1963, he refused the Queen's offer of an earldom. "I don't see why I should get a peerage," said Ogilvy, "simply because I have married a princess." When Angus Ogilvy, a commoner, married Margaret's cousin, Princess Alexandra, daughter of Marina, the d.u.c.h.ess of Kent, on April 24, 1963, he refused the Queen's offer of an earldom. "I don't see why I should get a peerage," said Ogilvy, "simply because I have married a princess."

* When the n.a.z.is invaded Poland, Radziwill fled Warsaw for London, where he became a British subject. Legally he forfeited the right to use his hereditary t.i.tle of Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, which had been conferred on his family in the sixteenth century. His insistence on being addressed as Prince Radziwill remained controversial in Britain. When the n.a.z.is invaded Poland, Radziwill fled Warsaw for London, where he became a British subject. Legally he forfeited the right to use his hereditary t.i.tle of Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, which had been conferred on his family in the sixteenth century. His insistence on being addressed as Prince Radziwill remained controversial in Britain.

* The Queen admitted her preference for Churchill when asked, "Which of your Prime Ministers, ma'am, did you enjoy your audiences with most?" She said, "Winston, of course, because it was always such fun." The Queen admitted her preference for Churchill when asked, "Which of your Prime Ministers, ma'am, did you enjoy your audiences with most?" She said, "Winston, of course, because it was always such fun."

* The President of the United States was absent from the a.s.semblage of five prime ministers, four kings, four presidents, three premiers, two chancellors, one queen, and one grand duke, who represented their countries at Winston Churchill's funeral. Lyndon Baines Johnson stayed in his bed at the White House and watched the funeral on television. "The President has a cold," a.s.serted his press secretary, who added that Johnson's previous heart attack made his doctors especially vigilant. That Churchill was half American on his mother's side was a special source of pride to Americans, many of whom were embarra.s.sed that their President did not attend the funeral of the country's most famous honorary citizen and did not send his Vice President to represent him. Instead the President dispatched his Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, who came down with a cold in London and could not attend. So the Chief Justice of the United States, Earl Warren, represented America. Former President Eisenhower attended the funeral because he had commanded Allied Forces during World War II. The President of the United States was absent from the a.s.semblage of five prime ministers, four kings, four presidents, three premiers, two chancellors, one queen, and one grand duke, who represented their countries at Winston Churchill's funeral. Lyndon Baines Johnson stayed in his bed at the White House and watched the funeral on television. "The President has a cold," a.s.serted his press secretary, who added that Johnson's previous heart attack made his doctors especially vigilant. That Churchill was half American on his mother's side was a special source of pride to Americans, many of whom were embarra.s.sed that their President did not attend the funeral of the country's most famous honorary citizen and did not send his Vice President to represent him. Instead the President dispatched his Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, who came down with a cold in London and could not attend. So the Chief Justice of the United States, Earl Warren, represented America. Former President Eisenhower attended the funeral because he had commanded Allied Forces during World War II.

Such an appropriate gesture contrasts with Philip's behavior the day after Churchill's death when he wanted to go on a shoot. Mountbatten said it was inappropriate during a period of national mourning, but Philip was unconvinced. "Well, I won't anyway," said Mountbatten, who refused to accompany him. Philip canceled the shoot. Such an appropriate gesture contrasts with Philip's behavior the day after Churchill's death when he wanted to go on a shoot. Mountbatten said it was inappropriate during a period of national mourning, but Philip was unconvinced. "Well, I won't anyway," said Mountbatten, who refused to accompany him. Philip canceled the shoot.

* The first Court Circular was issued in the eighteenth century by King George III, who became annoyed by newspaper inaccuracies about the royal family's activities. So the King appointed the Court Newsman to prepare a definitive doc.u.ment to be supplied to newspapers every day. The first Court Circular was issued in the eighteenth century by King George III, who became annoyed by newspaper inaccuracies about the royal family's activities. So the King appointed the Court Newsman to prepare a definitive doc.u.ment to be supplied to newspapers every day.

* "It's the lowest honor you can have from Britain," Paul McCartney told "It's the lowest honor you can have from Britain," Paul McCartney told Newsweek Newsweek thirty years later, explaining the honor bestowed no t.i.tle ("not so much as a sir") and little prestige. The milkman, who delivered to the Prime Minister's official residence, received the MBE. This was not lost on Britain's biggest pop star. "It's the thirty years later, explaining the honor bestowed no t.i.tle ("not so much as a sir") and little prestige. The milkman, who delivered to the Prime Minister's official residence, received the MBE. This was not lost on Britain's biggest pop star. "It's the lowest, lowest, " said McCartney. "But you can't sit around saying, 'G.o.d, I wish they'd make " said McCartney. "But you can't sit around saying, 'G.o.d, I wish they'd make me me a sir.' " a sir.' "

The Queen finally bestowed a knighthood on the Beatle in 1997, citing McCartney's "services to music" in her New Year's Honors List. Acknowledging the honor, Sir Paul said, "It's been a hard day's knighthood."

* The Royal Marriage Act of 1772 requires that all relatives of the sovereign who might succeed to the throne-the Earl is seventeenth in line-ask for permission to wed. Reluctantly the Queen gave her divorced cousin permission to remarry, but he paid dearly-for years. He was ostracized from the court. He was not invited to the funeral of his uncle the Duke of Windsor or to the wedding of the Queen's daughter, Princess Anne. He was forced to retire early as chancellor of York University and had to resign as artistic director of the Edinburgh Festival. The Royal Marriage Act of 1772 requires that all relatives of the sovereign who might succeed to the throne-the Earl is seventeenth in line-ask for permission to wed. Reluctantly the Queen gave her divorced cousin permission to remarry, but he paid dearly-for years. He was ostracized from the court. He was not invited to the funeral of his uncle the Duke of Windsor or to the wedding of the Queen's daughter, Princess Anne. He was forced to retire early as chancellor of York University and had to resign as artistic director of the Edinburgh Festival.

* The Palace press secretary was shocked when reporters suggested that Her Majesty hold regular press conferences. "It would be in keeping with a film star," said Commander Colville, "but not with the Queen. The monarchy doesn't need that sort of publicity." The Palace press secretary was shocked when reporters suggested that Her Majesty hold regular press conferences. "It would be in keeping with a film star," said Commander Colville, "but not with the Queen. The monarchy doesn't need that sort of publicity."

* The Duke of Edinburgh was not a rock and roll fan. During a Royal Variety show, he scowled at the performance by Tom Jones and then asked the singer, "What do you gargle with-pebbles?" The Duke of Edinburgh was not a rock and roll fan. During a Royal Variety show, he scowled at the performance by Tom Jones and then asked the singer, "What do you gargle with-pebbles?"

The next day, in a speech to businessmen, the Prince mentioned the singer. "He's a young man of about twenty-five or something, probably worth about three million [$6 million]," said Philip. "It is very difficult at all to see how it is possible to become immensely valuable by singing what I think are most hideous songs."

* The t.i.tle Prince of Wales is reserved for the eldest son of the reigning sovereign, but it is not hereditary. The t.i.tle is conferred only by the sovereign's personal grant. The t.i.tle Prince of Wales is reserved for the eldest son of the reigning sovereign, but it is not hereditary. The t.i.tle is conferred only by the sovereign's personal grant.

* Within a few years the Queen knew she had made a mistake in cooperating with the BBC to make Within a few years the Queen knew she had made a mistake in cooperating with the BBC to make Royal Family. Royal Family. Viewing the film is almost impossible in the United Kingdom. Since the Queen retains the copyright, she requires a viewing fee of approximately $70, plus written permission from the Palace. That permission is rarely, if ever, given. Viewing the film is almost impossible in the United Kingdom. Since the Queen retains the copyright, she requires a viewing fee of approximately $70, plus written permission from the Palace. That permission is rarely, if ever, given.

The film was shown three times in the United Kingdom, twice in the United States, and once in 124 other countries. The Palace declined to divulge the amount of money earned, but industry estimates placed the amount at $2.5 million. The film was shown three times in the United Kingdom, twice in the United States, and once in 124 other countries. The Palace declined to divulge the amount of money earned, but industry estimates placed the amount at $2.5 million.

In deference to her mother, she did not invite the Duke of Windsor to his brother's burial. In deference to her mother, she did not invite the Duke of Windsor to his brother's burial.

* The outtakes-more than thirty-eight hours of film left on the cutting room floor-were shipped to the royal archives at Windsor Castle. The outtakes-more than thirty-eight hours of film left on the cutting room floor-were shipped to the royal archives at Windsor Castle.

* Charles received $500,000 a year from his Duchy of Cornwall properties, plus $125,000 salary as Prince of Wales. By 1995 he received more than $4 million a year from his Duchy properties and paid 40 percent in taxes. Charles received $500,000 a year from his Duchy of Cornwall properties, plus $125,000 salary as Prince of Wales. By 1995 he received more than $4 million a year from his Duchy properties and paid 40 percent in taxes.

Camilla bragged to her brother-in-law that she had been the first woman to seduce Prince Charles. "She told me that she approached him [in 1971], but he didn't know how to have s.e.x," said Richard Parker Bowles. "He didn't know how to do it. She laughed and said, 'Pretend I am a rocking horse.' " Camilla bragged to her brother-in-law that she had been the first woman to seduce Prince Charles. "She told me that she approached him [in 1971], but he didn't know how to have s.e.x," said Richard Parker Bowles. "He didn't know how to do it. She laughed and said, 'Pretend I am a rocking horse.' "

To ill.u.s.trate the entanglement of British t.i.tles: Patricia Mountbatten, daughter of Lord Mountbatten-more correctly Earl Mountbatten of Burma-married John Knatchbull, who inherited his father's t.i.tle and became Lord Brabourne. Patricia Mountbatten Knatchbull then became Lady Brabourne. Her father, having no male heirs, asked the Queen to give his t.i.tle to his eldest daughter. Upon Mountbatten's death, Lady Brabourne became Countess Mountbatten of Burma. Upon her death, her son, Norton Knatchbull, will inherit the t.i.tle. Until she dies, he has the courtesy t.i.tle of Lord Romsey. To ill.u.s.trate the entanglement of British t.i.tles: Patricia Mountbatten, daughter of Lord Mountbatten-more correctly Earl Mountbatten of Burma-married John Knatchbull, who inherited his father's t.i.tle and became Lord Brabourne. Patricia Mountbatten Knatchbull then became Lady Brabourne. Her father, having no male heirs, asked the Queen to give his t.i.tle to his eldest daughter. Upon Mountbatten's death, Lady Brabourne became Countess Mountbatten of Burma. Upon her death, her son, Norton Knatchbull, will inherit the t.i.tle. Until she dies, he has the courtesy t.i.tle of Lord Romsey.

* British students who want to enter a university take A-level examinations in subjects of their choice. The best students take four exams. Average students take three. Poor students take two. Charles took two. British students who want to enter a university take A-level examinations in subjects of their choice. The best students take four exams. Average students take three. Poor students take two. Charles took two.

* While removing himself from the line of succession, Prince Michael retained the standing for his children. He said that any children of the marriage would be raised in the Church of England. So his son, Lord Frederick Windsor, and his daughter, Lady Gabriella Windsor, remain in the line of succession. While removing himself from the line of succession, Prince Michael retained the standing for his children. He said that any children of the marriage would be raised in the Church of England. So his son, Lord Frederick Windsor, and his daughter, Lady Gabriella Windsor, remain in the line of succession.

* Lichfield's mother, Anne, was the daughter of John Bowes-Lyon, brother of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Lichfield's mother, Anne, was the daughter of John Bowes-Lyon, brother of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

* The Sea Scouts are the maritime counterpart of the Boy Scouts. They tie knots and cook sausages in tin cans. Princess Margaret was their honorary patron. The Sea Scouts are the maritime counterpart of the Boy Scouts. They tie knots and cook sausages in tin cans. Princess Margaret was their honorary patron.

* Former MP Willie Hamilton told the author in 1993: "I was subjected to a.s.sa.s.sination threats when I demanded an investigation of royal finances.... The Queen's advisers arrogantly told us to give them the money. 'Never mind what the Queen is worth,' they said. 'Never mind how rich she is. We want more money. You give us the money.' And we very tamely did. They knew they had a subservient government and that we were afraid of doing anything to offend the monarchy-then." Former MP Willie Hamilton told the author in 1993: "I was subjected to a.s.sa.s.sination threats when I demanded an investigation of royal finances.... The Queen's advisers arrogantly told us to give them the money. 'Never mind what the Queen is worth,' they said. 'Never mind how rich she is. We want more money. You give us the money.' And we very tamely did. They knew they had a subservient government and that we were afraid of doing anything to offend the monarchy-then."