Royal Ceremony

From Elgar to Elton John, the British have always had a penchant for pageantry. Royalty is perhaps the best example oftheir flair for ceremony, yet rarely dothey apply the magnifying glass and question why the Queen and those around her do what they do. This comprehensive new handbook explains the history and reason behind it all. It explains the characters involved, from the Queen'sPiper to the Master of Horse; the dress and costume; the principles of coronation; theroyal funeral and royal wedding; and the presentation ofthe monarch in relation to his or her state functions.The author'sexperience as a long standing royal commentator and correspondent makes him the perfect guide through the labyrinth of costume and ritual, both in England and around the world."