I fear that for the past month I have been engaged in a constant process of marking, so had little time to contribute to the blog as often as I would wish. I thought I would catch up with a quiz that focuses on the relationship or links between the Crown and Parliament. As usual, the first two readers to supply the correct answers will be the winners. Grand prize winners receive an invitation to tea at the Palace, Westminster that is.
1. During her reign, the Queen has attended every State Opening of Parliament, bar two. Which were the two years she was unable to attend?
2. Which member of the House of Lords has not only served as Private Secretary to the Queen, but also has connections through marriage to the Royal Family?
3. Who was the last ‘royal’ (not a royal by birth) to speak in the House of Lords?
And two historical questions:
4. Who was knighted by Queen Victoria when she arrived to open Parliament on 3 February 1852?
5. The present Queen is renowned for keeping her views to herself. The only other monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee was not so discreet. Which Prime Minister was described by Queen Victoria as ‘that half-mad firebrand who wd. soon ruin everything and be a Dictator?’
1. I am not sure of the precise years, but it was when she was pregnant with Princes Andrew (1959) and Edward (1963).
2. Lord Fellowes (He is married to the sister of Diana, Princess of Wales and hence uncle by marriage to Princes William and Harry)
3. The Earl of Snowdon
4. Presumably Charles Barry, as this was the year that the New Palace of Westminster was used for the first time.
5. Again this is guesswork, but I presume from the language, it would be Gladstone, for whom she had no love lost.
1) 1959, 1963
2) Lord Fellowes
3) Snowdon?
4) Charles Barry
5) Gladstone
Any excuse to have tea is always most welcome:
1. 1959 and 1963
2. Lord Fellowes
3. The Earl of Snowdon
4. Sir Charles Barry
5. William Gladstone
1. 1959 and 1963
2. Lord (Robert) Fellowes
3. Lord Snowden
4. Not sure – it would have been fitting for Charles Barry to have been knighted then…
5. Gladstone
1)59/63 (andrew/edward)
2)Fellowes
3) Earl of Snowdon?
4) Hmm Barry was ’52 but not parliament.
5) Gladstone
There is also Julian Fellowes of Downton abbey fame, so not to be confused. ( of West Stafford. Interesting quiz though!
Congratulations to all those who contributed: everyone was correct. Princeps Senatus and Chris K got in first, Princeps Senatus not only supplying the correct answers but also the relevant explanations. The historical questions were designed to provide clues as to the answers.
Gareth Howell: Julian Fellowes is, as you indicate, Lord Fellowes of West Stafford. He had to include a territorial designation in his title given that there was already a Lord Fellowes.