A Royal Mother Bucks Etiquette

The Royal Standard, according to the etiquette in such matters, can only fly over the residence of the Sovereign, which at present is Marlborough House. Queen Alexandra, at Buckingham Palace, is only entitled to fly the Union Jack, the same as any subject of the King. However, it is said that she prefers to live under the Royal Standard, and accordingly it is at the masthead at Buckingham Palace.

Two Royal Standards Upset English Precedent

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King Allows Mother Unusual Privileges in Flying Banner

LONDON, July 3.—The fact that two Royal Standards are at present flying in London, one over Buckingham Palace and one at Marlborough House, is quite unprecedented and irregular. The Royal Standard, according to the etiquette in such matters, can only fly over the residence of the Sovereign, which at present is Marlborough House. Queen Alexandra, at Buckingham Palace is only entitled to fly the Union Jack, the same as any subject of the King. However, it is said that she prefers to live under the Royal Standard, and accordingly it is at the masthead at Buckingham Palace. 

It is causing some surprise in Court circles that Queen Alexandra has not already left Buckingham Palace and gone to Sandringham, which will be her chief residence in future. Under the King's will she gets the house and gardens at Sandringham, while the estate and shooting, which costs $40,000 a year to keep up, belongs to King George. He is very fond of Balmoral, unlike King Edward, who detested it, and will pass a considerable time there in the autumn. King Edward offered to make him a present of Balmoral some years ago, but the then Prince of Wales did not care to undertake the expense of maintaining it. – Los Angeles Herald, 1910

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