# Is there any way I could ever meet the Queen of England? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 15, 2000, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820 "2000-12-15T23:55:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![melchizedek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7cd45c/32.png) [@melchizedek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melchizedek)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2000, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/21 "2000-12-17T13:39:07Z")
Although the Duke of Windsor was crowned an Edward, he was known as David initially (or so myhistory teacher told me many summers ago.) ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2000, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/22 "2000-12-17T13:48:29Z")
> [@](#): > > Charles II wasn’t that great Are you nuts? Charles II who presided over the literary efflorescence of Restoration drama, and the rapid growth of science and philosophy in England? I thought his reign was regarded as one of the most intellectually brilliant in history after the Elizabethan period. ---
**Author:** ![waterj2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/858c86/32.png) [@waterj2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/waterj2)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2000, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/23 "2000-12-17T19:21:04Z")
Well, I suppose it would be a good idea to become a British citizen before trying to get myself knighted. That takes at least five years in and of itself. It would be worth it to be able to use “sir” before my name, though. ---
**Author:** ![Lissa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissa)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2000, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/24 "2000-12-17T21:05:01Z")
Considering I’m female, it might take a bit of doing to get myself knighted. Sir Lissa, indeed! 🙂 If I knew where she was going to be about 6 months or so in advance, I might be able to show up at the orphanage and pass her some flowers or something. Hubby bet me that it couldn’t be done, and after the first initial posts I had conceeded my loss, but now I have some hope. I told him about Queen Margrethe II, but he said that the Queen of Denmark wouldn’t count. Had to be Queen Elizabeth. He even upped the bet saying that if I knew for a fact I could get in, he would book the trip. When this initially came up, I thought (don’t laugh) that if I could get a letter from my state representative that I was okay security-wise that perhaps I could get into one of her functions. (Hey, it worked when I wanted to tour the White House!) Perhaps if I wrote Queen Elizabeth a nice note saying there was $50 bucks riding on this she would see it my way. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2000, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/25 "2000-12-17T22:15:24Z")
For what it’s worth, women and men alike can be knighted, but women so honored are styled “Dame” rather than “Sir” (Dame Agatha Christie is the only name that comes to mind). I tend to think that “Dame Lissa” would roll off the tongue nicely, no? ---
**Author:** ![Lissa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissa)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2000, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/26 "2000-12-17T23:14:38Z")
I would much prefer Her Imperial Highness, Empress Lissa, but I don’t think it’s gonna happen. ---
**Author:** ![DAVEW0071](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e19b73/32.png) [@DAVEW0071](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DAVEW0071)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2000, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/27 "2000-12-18T02:18:18Z")
> [@](#): > > For what it’s worth, women and men alike can be knighted, but women so honored are styled “Dame” rather than “Sir” (Dame Agatha Christie is the only name that comes to mind). Dame Mae Whitty, Dame Judith Densch and Dame Judith Anderson also belong in there. No doubt there are others. Seems to me fewer women than men employ the title once it’s conferred. We could probably rattle off a half dozen “Sirs” in no time. ---
**Author:** ![Major\_Feelgud](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3be4f8/32.png) [@Major\_Feelgud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Major_Feelgud)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2000, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/28 "2000-12-18T03:10:38Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by waterj2 \* > \*\*Well, I suppose it would be a good idea to become a British citizen before trying to get myself knighted. That takes at least five years in and of itself. It would be worth it to be able to use “sir” before my name, though. \*\* There is no need to wait. I don’t mind calling you that right now, Sir waterj2. ---
**Author:** ![Major\_Feelgud](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3be4f8/32.png) [@Major\_Feelgud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Major_Feelgud)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2000, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/29 "2000-12-18T03:13:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ishmintingas \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > Charles II wasn’t that great > > Are you nuts? Charles II who presided over the literary efflorescence of Restoration drama, and the rapid growth of science and philosophy in England? I thought his reign was regarded as one of the most intellectually brilliant in history after the Elizabethan period. \*\* I don’t remember a great deal from my history classes, but Charles II’s reign was shaky considering the fact that his father was beheaded, he had to mind his p’s and q’s. As regarding the growth of science and philosophy, that would have gone on with or without him as the King. ---
**Author:** ![APB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e8cbc/32.png) [@APB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/APB)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2000, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/30 "2000-12-18T10:14:57Z")
The assumption is that Prince Charles might not wish to be linked with the best known of all royal adulterers. The best way to meet his mother is probably the obvious one. Stand outside a public building which she is due to visit (get there early) and hope that she shakes your hand on the way in. Having a bunch of flowers to present to her would help. What would really increase your chances is if you’re a cute child aged about five. ---
**Author:** ![Moonshine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5e9695/32.png) [@Moonshine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonshine)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2000, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/31 "2000-12-18T11:14:11Z")
My flat is part of the Queen’s Estates, I’ll put in a word for you next time I have Brenda 'round to take a look at my leaky spiggot Lissa. Ooops, there goes my chance of an MBE… ---
**Author:** ![Pnuk\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ba0ec/32.png) [@Pnuk\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pnuk_Guy)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2000, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/32 "2000-12-18T12:12:23Z")
I’m not waiting to get knighted! i’ll just change my name by deed poll (it saves time) Sir Pnuk (sounds like a cough medicine) ---
**Author:** ![Moonshine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5e9695/32.png) [@Moonshine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonshine)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2000, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/33 "2000-12-18T13:31:36Z")
Bless you! ---
**Author:** ![WIGGUM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ce7236/32.png) [@WIGGUM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WIGGUM)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2000, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/34 "2000-12-18T14:13:41Z")
Isn’t Elizabeth Taylor a Dame as of just recently? ---
**Author:** ![Duke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e8c25b/32.png) [@Duke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2000, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/35 "2000-12-18T17:40:31Z")
**StephenG** : It _is_ possible for a US citizen to receive a real honest-to-goodness MBE, knighthood or other award from the Queen, but there are some very convoluted hoops to jump through before this happens. The easiest of these is to be a UK citizen, then move to the States and renounce your UK citizenship and become a US citizen. (So, for example, a US citizen could come to the UK and become a citizen, etc.) AFAIK UK citizens do **not** have to renounce awards when taking US citizenship–there are a few US citizens on my Oxford database who retain their titles. Actually, the real problem for US citizens becoming an MBE, knight, etc. is not that the Queen won’t do it (there are “ways and means,” if you know what I mean, ie ££££££) but that the US government does not allow its citizens to receive honors from a foreign head of state. But you can still meet the Queen, as other posters have said. A good way of meeting the Queen Mother, if you so wish to do, is to attend church services at St. James’ Palace. Technically you have to be an Anglican, or be a member of a Protestant church which believes in the Trinity, but it’s not as if they stop and interrogate you on your theological beliefs. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Lissa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissa)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2000, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/36 "2000-12-19T03:04:57Z")
> [@](#): > > What would really increase your chances is if you’re a cute child aged about five. She goes for cute kids, eh? Do you know where I could rent one? > [@](#): > > A good way of meeting the Queen Mother, if you so wish to do, is to attend church services at St. James’ Palace. They do allow the public inside? That would win the bet, because technically, she WAS Queen of England. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2000, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/37 "2000-12-19T03:43:02Z")
Technically, neither Elizabeth II nor the Queen Mother are/were Queen of England. The last Queen of England was Anne, who died in 1714. In 1707, upon the union of England and Scotland, Anne’s title changed to Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, and all of the subsequent monarchs have held variations on that title. Queen Elizabeth’s formal title for UK purposes is “Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.” (Announced by proclamation, May 28, 1953: _Halsbury’s Laws of England,_ Vol 8 (4th ed., 1974), para. 870.) ---
**Author:** ![Lissa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissa)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2000, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/38 "2000-12-20T03:04:47Z")
> [@](#): > > Queen Elizabeth’s formal title for UK purposes is “Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.” I’ve always wondered at the fact that the British monarchy continues to use “Defensor of the Faith” considering King Henry VIII and all of that. I’m sure she has other titles that she doesn’t use. Why do they chose to continue with that one? ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2000, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/39 "2000-12-20T04:50:08Z")
two reasons: 1. Because she is head of the Church of England; 2. To irritate the Pope. (The last may not be as strong a motive nowadays as it was for Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.) ---
**Author:** ![Celyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9dc877/32.png) [@Celyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Celyn)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2000, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820/40 "2000-12-20T04:53:21Z")
Because Lizzie is silly? And even (prince)Charles of the spaniel ears suggested that he might prefer to be defendor of “faiths” rather than any one faith in particular. Rather too late and too pointless, by now, but it was, perhaps, meant well. (At least, so we are told). Anyway, there would be no point in my reiterating arguments that can be found better expressed elsewhere; the “Guardian” for instance, is likely to be looking at the monarchy notion at present. Anyway, back to the original thing, Ronald Reagan met the queen - why not Lissa? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-i-could-ever-meet-the-queen-of-england/45820.md?page=3)