Royal Names Memorialisation Public Guidance (HTML)
Published 4 July 2023
© Crown copyright 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-royal-names-memorialisation-guidance/royal-names-memorialisation-public-guidance-html
Use of names and titles of Queen Elizabeth II for Memorialisation
Permission to use the title ‘Royal’, or the names and titles of members of the Royal Family, including the name of the late Queen, and other protected Royal titles is a mark of favour granted by the Sovereign, acting on the advice of his Ministers.
The protected Royal titles are sparingly granted and strict standards are applied. As a matter dealt with under the Royal Prerogative, information about any criteria which may exist and the reasons for the grant or refusal of an application are not disclosed.
Communities, organisations and individuals may wish to mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and commemorate her extraordinary reign through the use of her name and title, for example by naming a park, garden or street.
Requests that incorporate ‘memorial’ or ‘remembrance’ in a proposed name are likely to be looked upon favourably, where possible. The full title of Queen Elizabeth II will continue to be closely protected and only be granted for applications with strong Royal connections.
To ensure the use of Queen Elizabeth II’s name continues to be undertaken in a dignified and appropriate manner, approval will be required. Requests should be directed to the relevant teams below. It is suggested that the following information be included in any request:
- Reason(s) why the name is being sought
- A history of the organisation/body
- Details of any Royal connections or associations (where applicable)
- Any other information that is considered appropriate
- The application should be made by the senior officer of the organisation, e.g. Chairman, President, Chief Executive, or Honorary Secretary.
Careful consideration will be given in due course to the commissioning of an official national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II.
Anyone may create and erect or display an unofficial statue or portrait, subject to the usual planning regulations and approvals. Formal approval is not required unless there is a commercial element to the project. However, for any large-scale, public-facing projects, organisations may wish to write to the Private Secretary’s Office at Buckingham Palace for information purposes as a courtesy.
Contact information
England & Northern Ireland: royalnames@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Scotland: protocolandhonours@gov.scot
Wales: brandingqueries@gov.wales and royalnames@cabinetoffice.gov.uk