Issue

05
December 2012

Britannia
A BMS Publication

The new BMS membership cards and wrist bands have arrived! Available with Silver, Gold and Diamond membership. See back page for details.

Happy Christmas and best wishes from the BMS!

Quarterly Newsletter of the British Monarchist Society Www.BritishMonarchistSociety.org.uk To contribute to our newsletter or other publications please email MemberServices@BritishMonarchistSociety.org.uk

Update from the Chairman

With the festive season in full motion, Christmas has descended rapidly upon London and in fact the world with an early present for all of us: The Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant! It will be a very exciting time in the coming months to see how the Duchess progresses with her pregnancy having just been released from King Edward VII Hospital after suffering an intense bout of morning sickness. As the Duchess lay in hospital, the media has begun to speculate as to whether or not she will bare twins or even triplets in the New Year. Regardless of how many children The Duchess may be carrying, the fact of the matter is that it is her health which should first and foremost be considered at this time. Our thoughts, prayers and hope for increased health are with The Duchess at this stressful and emotional time for her. With a Christmas gift such as the aforementioned given to us this early in December, we have all the more reason to celebrate the season this year. News of a birth is a great cause for celebration and as celebrations surround the Christmas holiday, the British Monarchist Society held their annual Directors holiday dinner on the 1st December at the Millennium Hotel's Avista Restaurant. The evening was filled with fun and festivity, crackers, champagne, grab bag gifts and presents, as special guests Dr. Barry Twigg MBE of the Constitutional Monarchist Association and Mr. David Boss of the Royalist Party were in attendance. The celebratory dinner was the climax to a wonderful year for the Society in which experienced phenomenal growth,

As the city lights up for the festive season, the Palace will begin its long seasonal slumber as Her Majesty and the court will head to Sandringham for the Christmas holiday. Do not forget to tune in at 15:00 on Christmas Day for Her Majesty's annual Christmas Broadcast! As we wrap up a year of not only Diamond celebration for Her Majesty The Queen, but celebrations for the world in general with the success of the London Olympic games, we have a lot to look forward to over the next year.

2013 will see more royal events such as the 60th Anniversary of Her Majesty's Coronation and the birth of an heir to our throne. We look forward to what 2013 has in store for our royal family, our nation and the British Monarchist Society. Until the New Year, may you have a Happy Christmas and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2013. God Save The Queen and may He watch over the Duchess of Cambridge as she prepares to welcome new life into these old islands. Happy Christmas! Thomas Mace Archer DeLacroix Mills, Chairman.

increased membership, positive publicity and concentrated direction in regard to defending, promoting and protecting the crown. The 2nd of December saw the Private Palace event at the Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace sponsored by the British Monarchist Society. 50 of our members braved the freezing cold to attend a wonderfully intimate evening of art and culture at the Queens Gallery with a glass of wine and 20% off the gift shop especially for the BMS! This event was so successful that it sold out in nine days. We are pleased to make our member base aware that we will be booking the same event for next year.

As the temperature has dropped and the air has become crisp and dry, the lights of Regent and Oxford Streets have been illuminated in their fine festive glow as the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has arrived to be the centre piece of the London Christmas season. Somerset House is hosting their annual skating experience as shop windows and department stores ready themselves for the increased hustle and bustle they experience this time of year.

Left, a Christmas tribute to Her Majesty from member Sheraz Rais.

Campaign Update
As the year draws to a close the British Monarchist Society has much to celebrate. After being founded this past April the BMS and its member have come a long way in forming our membership programme, meeting members, getting our name in the media on radio and TV, and most importantly representing monarchists against the noisy republican minority. The BMS board of directors first Christmas dinner was also held this month alongside our final meeting of the year. We looked ahead to an exciting 2013 with many upcoming events including a monarchist convention and our first AGM.. Dr. Barry Twigg MBE speaking to members at the BMS Buckingham Palace evening viewing. 2nd December saw the British Monarchist Society attend an exclusive private evening event at The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace. The Queen's Gallery became a private sanctuary for art, culture, and companionship as all in attendance to the exhibit of the "Northern Renaissance: From Durer to Holbein", led by no other than BMS Honorary Member Dr. Barry Twigg BME. Dr. Twigg has been guiding tours at The Queens Gallery for many years, in which his knowledge of the pieces we were able to see was vast and thorough. The evening started out perfectly as the Chairman of the Society, Thomas J. Mace Archer Mills greeted the members and issued their membership packs for the evening, as the Deputy Chairman, Scott Pepe and Treasurer were also in attendance to meet and and greet the members of the Society. As the evening progressed, the collection was explained and discussed as the suits of armour and other artefacts were seen by curious and interested BMS members over a span of one and a half hours as they walked through the halls of the Queen's Gallery. As the time quickly passed, the group was escorted into the foyer where members of the Royal Household were there to serve complimentary wine and offer an additional 20% off in the Palace gift shop which stayed open especially for this British Monarchist Society event. With the beautiful towering Christmas Trees illuminated in white lights with large gold crowns, the foyer of the Gallery was resplendent in the finest Christmas decor one could imagine. The warm colours of the ribbons and bows against the backdrop of festive garlands in the most regal of colours were perfectly complemented by the shimmer of white lights, which added that special magical touch that accompanies the festive feel of Christmas at Buckingham Palace. As the British Monarchist Society congregated and conversed over Buckingham Palace wine, members shopped and engaged the BMS officers in conversation as to the beautiful new membership card and wristbands, whilst inquiring about future events for 2013. Photos were permitted in the Gallery as well as in the foyer, where our officers posed for photos with members and each other in front of the Queens Christmas Tree. A great part of belonging to the British Monarchist Society is the ability to come together with other like-minded people who support the crown and what it stands for in a modern 21st century Britain. This was proven on this night, as two Grenadier Guardsmen from the East Kent branch of the Grenadier Guards Association stumbled upon each other where they did not know either was a member of the society. As the evening went on these two Grenadier Guardsmen conversed and enjoyed reminiscing upon time past, as well as discussing future plans. This private event was a great success in which everyone in attendance received more than they ever thought they would. For more information on upcoming events in 2013, please visit our website or contact memberservices@britishmonarchistsociet y.org.uk.

Our progress was aptly demonstrated this past month by our first official members event held this month at the Queens Gallery, Buckingham Palace. At the sold out event members were given a tour of the Royal Collections Northern Renaissance exhibition by our newest honorary member Dr. Barry Twigg, who was this year made an MBE for services to education. The event was very much enjoyed by members.

L-R: Gideon Bendyk, Director of Education, Thomas Mace Archer Mills, Chairman, The Director of Public Relations, Matthew Follows, Director of Member Services, The Treasurer and Scott Pepe, Deputy Chairman..

Meeting members Simon Steele Law (left, centre) and Grenadier Guardsmen (above).

BMS CAMPAIGN MANAGER PROVIDES AN INSIGHT INTO BMS VS. REPUBLIC DEBATES
The British Monarchist Society was involved in its second debate in as many months, this time at the Barbican centre London. Despite the heavy Republican leaning, the event was a success for the monarchists. The event was organised jointly between The British Monarchist Society and the Institute of Ideas. On the panel were Scott Pepe the Deputy Chairman of The British Monarchist Society, Rafe Heydel-Mankoo, Royal expert and BMS patron against Graham Smith the Chairman of Republic and Tessa Mayes, republican journalist and director of 'The Queen Us'. The debate was chaired by Richard Swann. Smith's opening remarks revolved around on depicting the monarchy as an undemocratic, expensive and unaccountable system. In turn, Mayes argument depicted an alleged illusion of the popularity of The Monarchy, saying that all the opinion polls that suggest the huge popular support for The Queen must be taken into account with the 'bias media', 'palace PR machine' and other factors. Rafe Heydel-Mankoo countered this in his opening remarks, pointing out that many of media outlets in this country are republican! The Guardian and The Independent newspapers are two obvious examples and it is important to remember that Rupert Murdoch is also an avid republican. Republic gets a huge amount of airtime on the BBC given how little public support they have. Rafe then went onto ask: 'if not our system, what?' building up a strong

Debate Insight Republic Watch

It has been another great year for the British Monarchy in 2012 with the hugely successful Diamond Jubilee and the year ends on a high with the latest news that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their first child. As always, republicans claim that it has been a very good year for their cause but polling from respected polling organisations demonstrates that this is the case. The most recent polling conducted by Ipsos Mori in November paints a very clear picture of the Monarchys popularity and highlights one of its strengths. Among the questions asked by Ipsos Mori were the following: Would you favour Britain becoming a Republic or remaining a Monarchy? 79% responded saying they favoured remaining a Monarchy with just 16% supporting a Republic. This is in line with two other polls conducted by Ipsos Mori in the summer (showing 77% and 80% support for Monarchy) and is the highest in almost 20 years of polling. It also showed that a majority in each region / nation of Great Britain and among all age groups overwhelmingly support monarchy rather than a republic. When asked if they were satisfied or dissatisfied with the way the Queen is doing her job as Monarch, 90% were satisfied with just 7% dissatisfied, which means a large number of republicans also agree the Queen is doing a good job. Ipsos Mori has never found more than 75% satisfied with a political party leader and the chart below compares the publics satisfaction rating of The Queens with that of the leaders of the Labour and Conservative party. This demonstrates perfectly how a neutral Head of State above party politics rather than a political president from one of the two main political parties serves as a unifying force for the country.

Would you favour Britain becoming a Republic or remaining a Monarchy?

16%

5%

Monarchy Republic

79%

Don't Know

case against the presidential systems of the world. He strengthened his case by pointing out that politicians also have issues with accountability, spin doctors and expenses! I then wrapped up the opening remarks adding empirical examples to Rafe's theory and pointing out that the most modern, stable and democratic nations are monarchies. I compared the expenditure of Sarkozy and The Royal Family, pointing pointed out election is no guarantor of frugal expenditure - besides, the monarchy generates a huge amount of revenue for the UK. I was also particularly keen to quash the idea that people who support the monarchy have been somehow brainwashed a terribly unrealistic view of the three million people who turned out to the Jubilee. It was then on to the question and answers session and the monarchists were subjected to an unusually harsh audience. Many had come from a previous debate organised by the former Libertarian Marxist magazine.

Questions ranged from remarks against Prince Charles, 'why don't we trust the people' and aren't all elections good elections? The simple fact of the matter is that monarchists do trust the people. Why wouldn't we? We are the people! 90% of us support the current system so why would we wish to change it? It is the republicans, whose big idea has never exceeded 20% popularity who need to think about how out of touch with the people they are. The Prince of Wales is a favourite of republicans to attack. It is important to remember that in presidential elections most of us wouldn't get who we asked for on the ballot paper, whereas a clear majority of people support Prince Charles acceding to the throne and his popularity exceeds that of any politician. The Prince's Trust and his work with rural communities are admirable causes for which he is well respected he is far more popular than The Mail would have you believe! The British Monarchist Society

supports Parliamentary Democracy and Constitutional Monarchy. Democracy and elections are wonderful things but in some instances, such as with football referees, judges, PCC's and heads of state the people do not feel the need to elect someone. We all know the advantages of not electing a head of state: neutrality, continuity, stability, identity. I closed the debate and assured the audience that the British public and I are not plebs, but people who love our history and our Queen and who know he benefits of not filling every office with a politician. Rafe declared republicanism "the biggest political failure of our generation". The heavily republican audience remained republican, with a slight swing to the monarchists. The BMS would like to thank The Barbican theatre and the Institute of Ideas for their hospitality. Scott Pepe Campaign Manager and Deputy Chairman

Results to other questions asked found 60% believe the monarchy will still exist in 50 years with just 27% thinking it will not. It also found that the Duke of Cambridge currently remains the most popular member of the Royal Family with 62% of those asked naming him as one of their most liked Royals. It was not all positive news though. The poll also asked The Royal Family should not receive as much money as it does" to which, 52% agreed and 42% disagreed. This is a big improvement compared to two decades ago when 76% thought the Royal Family should not have received as much.

However, it shows that there is a lot of misunderstanding regarding Royal finances in terms of what the money is spent on and ignoring that the funding is in exchange for revenue from the Crown Estate worth over 200 million a year. In 2013, the British Monarchist Society will be working hard to urge the media to report these facts more clearly.

The Queen

90% 40% 40% 43% 54%

7%

Ed Miliband
David Cameron

Satisfied

Dissatisfied

Jubilee Hour
The BMS was represented at the Jubilee Hour event thanks to our honorary member Anton Lorien. A reception was held at the House of Commons at which the BMS sponsored Jubilee Anthem Like a Diamond was played. Anton and the BMS were thanked for their contribution to the charity project.

THE BMS CHAIRMANS OPINION WAS SOUGHT FOR AN ARTICLE ON THE ROYAL PRGNANCY...THIS ITEM FEATURED IN THE BRAZIAIN PUBLICATION CORREIO BRAZILIENSE
Rt Hon Michael Ellis MP Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Queens Diamond Jubilee, hosted a Jubilee Hour Reception at the House of Commons last Thursday the 6th of December where our Honorary Patron and writer/ producer of the Jubilee Hour Anthem Like A Diamond Anton Lorien was invited to attend afternoon tea and the British Monarchist Society was thanked for their contribution. Founder of the Jubilee Hour John OBrien thanked all participants over the last year for their dedication and enthusiasm in contributing to the Jubilee Hour concept of giving 60 minutes of help to someone in acknowledgement of Her Majestys 60 years of public service and duty. He then read out a letter from the Private Secretary to The Queen thanking everyone for their hard work and contribution this past year. Also speaking were the Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Amanda Carpenter of The Big Society CoOperative as well as Sam Johnson, founder of the Volunteer Army in New Zealand in the aftermath of the two earthquakes in Christchurch. The day after the Royal Palace announced the unexpected pregnancy of the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, the British press heightened their speculation about the heir of the couple. According to the tabloid The Sun, the wife of Prince William, interned at King Edward VII Hospital since Monday due to nausea and vomiting, could lead to the birth of twins next summer. In this case, the British press stated, the third in line to the throne will be the firstborn child. The Duchess was diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, an illness three times more common in pregnant women of two or more children, informed the tabloid who consulted specialists. There is no accurate prediction regarding Kates pregnancy. Yesterday morning, her husband, Prince William, made another visit to the hospital. He arrived in the area with his head down and seemed tense. According to The Daily Mail. The Duchess of Cambridge continues to feel better, informed a spokesperson of St. James Palace to a multitude of journalists. The Duke and Duchess are extremely grateful for the good wishes that they are receiving. She will stay in hospital and the hyperemesis gravidarum will continue to be treated, he stated. Those informed about the future new member of the Windsor Family, Queen Elizabeth II; her husband, Prince Phillip, their grandson Prince Harry and the rest of the Royal Family celebrate the news. Furthermore, the couple received congratulations from various world leaders which is further evidence of the growing popularity of the monarchy. It is an excellent and important moment for Great Britain and the Crown. With the nation enthusiastic about the Queens Diamond Jubilee, as well as the Olympics, this news could not have come at a better time, commented Thomas Mace Archer DeLacroix Mills, president of the British Monarchist Society. of the oldest traditions of royalty: the male preeminence that guarantees the accession to the throne of the first son of the king or queen, independent of the order of birth. Thus, the accession of a queen is only possible if they do not have legitimate brothers as in the case of Elizabeth II. There is no doubt that there will be people against change and more in favour of tradition who will be upset by the new laws of accession. Despite this, as we head into a more modernised century, of which we aspire to equal rights including gender equality, the face of Additionally, yesterday, the the monarchy will not see British government received much change, pondered the final agreement of the Mills. Commonwealth to end one

Michael Ellis MP with Westminster Air Cadets

Media Enquiries - Chairman@BritishMonarchistSociety.org.uk

Founder of Jubilee Hour John OBrien with Sam Johnson and Jonathan Howard Many companies and charities were involved in the Jubilee Hour and the Express newspaper supported and spread the word of its purpose, also issuing an article in the Sunday Express newspaper with a quote from the Palace and David Cameron. Over 2.3 million hours were pledged and still counting!

Read more about the Jubilee Hour event here http:// www.express.co.uk/posts/ view/363446/Jubilee-Hour-a-fantasticboost-

Royal Baby Expected!

Great excitement and mass congratulations overwhelmed the globe when on 3rd December 2012 it was announced by St Jamess Palace that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby. An announcement of the greatest significance, the child will be the third greatgrandchild of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, the first grandchild of the Prince of Wales and late Diana, Princess of Wales, and as the first born of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will be third in line to the throne of sixteen countries.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leaving Edward VII Hospital following the announcement

Regardless of whether the baby is a boy or girl, it will be our future monarch. This is a result of consecutive British Prime Ministers Brown and Cameron introducing changes to the laws which govern the succession to the British throne, which has notionally at least the required acceptance of the governments of Her Majestys realms around the world. Whether you support such changes or not, the case for ending male preference is substantially supported by the remarkable service of our present female monarch and the example of her predecessors such as Elizabeth I and Victoria. The era of male primogeniture is at an end, the succession is now to be decided by order of birth.. The Duchess of Cambridge at a recent engagement

This will be the first time since the reign of Queen Victoria that we will have such a direct line of succession; child, grandchild and great-grandchild. In 1984 Queen Victorias heritage was secure with a son, Prince Albert Edward, The Prince of Wales (Edward VII), grandson Prince George, The Duke of York (George V) and her greatgrandson Prince Edward (Edward VIII), and the following year his brother, Prince Albert, future George VI. The historical significance is apparentthat we will in the coming years again see the iconic depiction of four generations of the line of succession together.

Considering to the truly lifelong commitment, dedication and the thankful longevity of our Royal Family, the baby will likely not become our monarch for many years; most of us will not even be alive to see it. Yet it is significant to each and every one of us who values the Crown; as it represents the safeguarding and continuation of a much loved dynasty, and of the British Monarchy itself. Unlike the republics of the world, so often in the grip of division and conflict, we know who our next two Heads of State will be, and will soon know the third. As we have seen with Prince Charles the longest serving Prince of Wales ever our future monarchs are well prepared. A hereditary monarchy is an institution whereby, due to its very nature, incumbents and successors are readily equipped by a life of service and unmatched learning and wisdom from their forebears to lead the nation. Four Generations: Queen Victoria pictured with the future Edward VII, George V and Edward VIII. An image we will perhaps soon see mirrored.

Amidst the excitement, we are mindful of the fact that, owing to The Duchess of Cambridges medical condition and the inevitable public speculation, the announcement came about much earlier than the Royal couple had intended. For this reason we must be all the more respectful of the familys privacy and considerate of their circumstances. As the Countess of Wessex said in response to the news, it is a perfect end to an amazing year. We at the British Monarchist Society look forward to the year ahead, and wish the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge all the best!

The day of the announcement news the BMS was quick to respond. BMS patron and royal commentator Rafe Heydel-Mankoo appeared on BBC World News to discuss the historical and constitutional significance of the pregnancy. Rafes interview can be viewed here - http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=onLXFCTY8Fc&feature=youtu.be BMS Chairmans interview for French TV1's "50 minutes inside". The segment on the Royal pregnancy begins around 40 minutes into the programme. Our Chairman was interviewed at a number of locations including outside Kensington Palace - http://videos.tf1.fr/50-mn-inside/emission -du-8-decembre-2012-7713255.html

Christmas In The Royal City A Poem for Christmas By: Thomas J. M. Mace Archer Mills Chairman British Monarchist Society

Christmas at Sandringham

Each light and airy snowflake uniquely makes its mark Falling gently upon the grasses of St. James Royal Park As the tourists and city dwellers pass quickly in the cold our family and friends ever closer in the Christmas fold This special season in London is where we all meet Laughing and shopping together under the lights of Regent Street The festive musical spectacle within the famed Hamleys Toys Is a still moment in time for all the wide eyed girls and boys The halls of Westminster stand eerily quiet and bare With no shouts or laughter for the parties to share The crowds linger about in the shops of Oxford Street As divisions of soldiers march to a familiar sounding beat Through the snow filled lanes people progress to Trafalgar Square To each catch a glimpse of the annual tree lighting fair Admiralty Arch majestically decorated in traditional holly Where goodwill Santa's practice their skills in being jolly As holiday excitement fills the crisp city air Thoughts of Father Christmas show that we still care Impatient sweet young children ride the London Eye In order to see just how high Santa and his reindeer will fly Buckingham Palace ready for Christmas Up from above the city's landscape seems stark And off in the distance a Royal Residence sits dark The Thames down below is laden with snow and moving ice As warm we are cozied up with Twinnings Christmas sugar and spice Bravely riding in the elements are a division of Horseguards bold They pass the Palace Guard of Grenadiers patrolling in the cold Soon they trot down the mall towards the direction of Clarence House As the falling snowfall quickly accumulates silent as a mouse Without the Royal Standard many ask where she has been For it is at Sanrdingham we will find our beautiful Diamond Queen In the spectacular lights of Buckingham's familiar Christmas tree In front of Victoira's eyes together it is only you and me As people ice skate in the surround of Summerset House A Christmas proposal on one knee for a soon to be spouse The magic of Christmas is all around complete with gilded decorations For this is stunning London alive with warm greetings and salutations As we all joyously celebrate the season until the stars go dark We have come to realise it is Christmas morning in Green Park As we all gather round the tele for this annual patriotic sight Happy Christmas from Her Majesty and to all a good night. The private Norfolk home of The Queen, Sandringham House is traditionally used as the winter residence of the Royal Family. It was purchased by in 1862 at a cost of 220,000 by The Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) as a home and hunting estate in light of his engagement to Alexandra of Denmark and preparations for a new family life. The house was entirely rebuilt to meet the specifications of the Prince and was completed by 1870. It was widely used for entertaining, and balls were held for Heads of State, gentry, famers and servants. As part of the hunting lifestyle, Edward VII introduced Sandringham Time - half an hour ahead of GMT - in order to improve daylight hours and maximise time spent hunting. This tradition remained until 1936. Sandringham has a significant connection to the Christmas period. George V made the first Christmas broadcast across the airwaves to the Empire, live on Christmas day in 1932. The Queens father George VI, the king who led the country through the Second World War, had a bomb crater at the house made into a duck pond. Like her grandfather before her, The Queen made Christmas history - this time with the first televised Christmas message live from Sandringham in 1957. Today, the Royal Family spend every Christmas at the house. The Queen remains at Sandringham until 6th of February to commemorate her fathers death, who died at the house on that day in 1952.

DEAR OLD SANDRINGHAM, THE PLACE I LOVE MORE THAN ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD KING GEORGE V

Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square

King George V reads the first Christmas broadcast from Sandringham in 1932

Diamond Jubilee Tour Papua New Guinea

Early November Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall departed for the long awaited Diamond Jubilee tour of the Pacific Commonwealth Realms.

The residents of Papua New Guinea have a close affection for The Queen, whom they know as Missis Kwin. The Royal Couple were greeted by a guard of honour and welcomed with garlands and traditional celebratory dances. Speaking in the native Pidgin English, Prince Charles introduced himself as "nambawan pikinini biltong miss kwin" the number one child belonging to Mrs Queen. Prince Charles presented new colours to the countrys Royal Pacific Islands Regiment. The people offered prayers for their Head of State at a Church Service held in the capital, Port Moresby which filled the cities sports arena. Before departing the country, a touching and impromptu meeting took place with several Australian War Veterans a trip to commemorate the Second World War battle of Kokoda Trail, and were staying in the same hotel as the royal party.

Welcome ceremony at the Sir John Guise Stadium

An unexpected meeting with Australian veterans

Australia

Beginning with characteristic wit from the Prince; Im so jetlagged that I feel a few sausages short of a barbie, the Royal couples visit to Australia was very successful and they were warmly welcomed by strong numbers throughout their tour. Charles and Camilla (it was Camillas first time in the country) experienced quintessential Australian lifestyle and culture; meeting the wildlife, crowds, and Australias emergency services. The Duchess was made Colonel-inChief of Australias Military police. The Australian visit concluded in Canberra where the future king held talks with the Prime Minister of Australia and Leader of the Opposition. The Governor-General paid tribute to The Queen; In the six decades since across times of extraordinary and constant change a symbol steadfast - dignity, strength, a source of courage and inspiration to so many people. The final day coincided with Remembrance Day and which the Prince and Duchess visited the War Memorial. The Royal couple paid their respects to the fallen and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Australian crowds welcome The Prince of Wales

Day of remembrance in Canberra

New Zealand

The Royal Family progressed to the final leg of the tour, New Zealand. HRH Celebrated his 64th Birthday in New Zealand. The day was marked with a spirit of camaraderie as HRH celebrated along with the Governor-General of New Zealand, Lt General Jerry Matepare, who shares the same birthday. The impressive film adaptations of JRR Tolkiens world famous Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit novels are a source of great pride in New Zealand the country in which it is filmed. Appreciating this, The Prince of Wales paid homage to the film and visited the workshop and costume studio to meet those involved with the film including New Zealands own Sir Peter Jackson. The Royal party met a number of athletes during the visit including an excited Linda Itunu, rugby player, (above). Their Royal Highnesses attended a reception and dinner (right) for The Princes Trust. Birthday celebrations alongside the Governor-General of New Zealand

Crowds in Auckland

A SELECTION OF FAVOURITE ROYAL IMAGES OF THE PAST MONTH...FROM BMS DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, GIDEON BENEDYK...

The Queen ensured His Royal Highness Phillip Duke of Edinburgh was in check, whilst celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.

The Prince of Wales is having a most jolly time, as seen here, celebrating his 64th birthday in New Zealand!

The Queen was presented by this student with her first ever tablet. The young man was explaining how to use the technology, whilst Her Majesty listened intently and enthusiastically. And the republicans say our monarchy is out of date!

The Prince of Wales cracking a joke with troops who had fought in France in 1944 and 1945. Remembrance day was honoured by all the Royal Family. Interestingly, republic had not put a single Facebook post honouring the fallen on Remembrance Day...

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR TO SUPPORT THE BMS IN ITS CAMPAIGN

Promotional Notices
BMS Christmas Cardslimited stock

Royal themed cards have bee designed especially for us by a British artist and are printed locally in the UK. The designs range from the fun - a Grenadier Guardsman in the snow with children, to the elegant and classic snowy Westminster Abbey and the powerfully evocative image of St Edwards Crown and the Arms of William IV encircled by a holly wreath. Each card also contains an inspiring quote from one of Her Majesty's 60 Christmas speeches on the inside leaf. These high quality cards come in packs of five of multiple designs or a pack of five of a single design, please place your order through our website. Pack 1 contains the designs: Big Ben, Royal Arms, Palace Present, The Queens Carriage and Sandringham post box. Pack 2 contains the Grenadier Guardsman, Westminster Abbey, Heraldic Snowflakes, Christmas Corgi and the Crown and Holly. Packs are 5.95 each or 2 packs for 10 + P&P of 95p per pack (2 packs =11.90)

Wrap up for winter and support the BMS!

www.britishmonarchistsociety.org.uk/christmascards/

Many BMS products available including the pictured hoody, thermal flask and mug perfect for winter. Order these and many more at our website www.britishmonarchistsociety.org.uk

Limited Christmas 50% discount off BMS Chairman's' book: "To The Queen... A Royal Drinkology"!

Reforms to our membership structure.

We are very pleased to announce that we have reformed and simplified our membership levels and application process. We are confident that this refinement of our structure will grow and gain new members new members, helping the Society go from strength to strength. The changes will be in place from as of the 10th of December 2012. This will not affect current members until renewal as the change is not retrospective The main changes are to the free membership level which has gone from a trial period of 6 months to non-expiring.

Email chairman@britishmonarchistsociety.org.uk for more details.

"To the Queen... A Royal Drinkology", is 2012's most exciting, fun, celebratory and historical, yet unconventional tribute to the year long Diamond Jubilee celebration of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. This treasured collectors' edition souvenir is the perfect way to make your own festive party and celebration mobile for years to come. This book overflows with the rich and vibrant Royal history of spirits and liqueurs, 60 drink recipes, fun facts, and quotes of Her Majesty; and is a captivating consumption of Britain's royals and their love of the drink from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II and beyond. 'To The Queen... A Royal Drinkology' is a comprehensive exploration into the world of spirits and alcohols where the British Royal Family is concerned. From the Royal origins of Gin in Britain, to the evolution of French Champagne by an English Professor, to the perversion of our gin drinks by the addition and eventual replacement of Vodka, this interesting book further reveals an in depth look at the Queen's private wine cellars and the further revelations of our past and present monarch's favourite cocktails. In addition to a celebratory flair for Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee, this book takes a deep dive into the glass which is filled with the origins, distillation process and history of each form of alcohol and spirit which is widely consumed throughout the world today. Exploring a fun and "everyday" side of Her Majesty and the Royal Family, this book certainly proves our Royals are just like us in the fact that they too most assuredly enjoy a good stiff drink! Completing this vastly different look into the crown, "To The Queen... A Royal Drinkology" mixes fun and clever quotes on alcohol from some of Britain's most famous people, as well as their thoughts about Her Majesty and the crown. A symbolic 60 cheeky and refreshing drink recipes are evenly placed on the pages of this book, in which quotes from Her Majesty and fun facts about her compliment the ingredients of this tantalising pot-potpourri of Jubilee celebration. Rounding out this one of a kind book, you the reader, will also have an in depth look into the affection for the Queen by Her people, Her Parliament and the societies and institutions that support her on a daily level. A poem of Thanksgiving for Her Majesty, a look into her evolution from Princess to Queen, along with speeches by the Prime Minster, the Lord Speaker and the Speaker of the House of Commons whom each addressed the Queen during special Jubilee year, in which Her Majesty graciously replied - can all be found inside "To The Queen... A Royal Drinkology". Quench your thirst during this Diamond Jubilee Year by reserving your copy of this magnificent book today! Not only perfect for your own collection, this book can be paired with a bottle of your favourite alcohol or spirit, or put together in a basket with glasses to make the perfect gift for the Jubilee, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Christmas and Parties! There are countless ways to enjoy this book, in which you can keep this year long celebration and party going for a lifetime, or as long as the liqueurs holds out! :-) With the foreword written by famed Rafe Heydel-Mankoo, "To The Queen... A Royal Drinkology" meets the expectations of even the most discerning Royal expert. An expert in Monarchy, protocol, honours and British traditions, Rafe is the former editor of the critically-acclaimed Burke's World Orders of Knighthood & Merit and has advised various governments on policy matters. He is a trustee of the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust and a Research Associate at the leading public policy think tank Res Publica. Mr. Heydel-Mankoo is one of few leading royal commentators and is a popular choice with international media, providing expert analysis, interviews and commentary on the crown.

The changes to Silver, Gold, Diamond and Ambassador levels are explained below in the membership table. The other main change is that we are now pleased to offer a 5 discount on any level of membership for Armed Forces, Emergency Services, OAPs and Students. A valid proof of Service, university, college or school attendance or proof of retirement age is required to gain this discount. This cannot be used in conjunction with the free membership upgrade offer. We are now also pleased to offer any paid member a free upgrade to the tier directly above theirs, or if you are a Diamond member 10 off your renewal fee if you help sign up 5 new paid members to the Society on any tier. If you have any queries about these changes, pleased dont hesitate to contact us at secretary@britishmonarchistsociety.org.uk