how come the queen doesn't salute?

[bednobs]

in the rememberance parade today, the queen never saluted. Why is that - after all isn't she commander in cheif?

[dotty.]

was she in uniform?

[bednobs]

no. Do you have to be to salute then?

[bednobs]

ps she WAS in her queens uniform (grandmotherly coat and big handbag)

[Anngel]

Returning a salute is done so, by the officer, on behalf of the queen

[bednobs]

sorry, don't understand what you mean anngel

[Eve]

I thought it was because she was not in miltary uniform.

[dotty.]

yes

[Eve]

As in you are only allowed to salute officially on such occasions if in military uniform.

[dotty.]

correct jenna

[stokemaveric]

as has been said an officer returns the salute on behalf of the queen...

[parkie]

I remember when she used to attend the Trooping of the Colours years ago whilst riding a horse and she was in uniform, she always saluted.
One thing that surprised me today during the Rememberance Day Parade was the Earl of Wessex taking the salute in a uniform.
I remember him only lasting a short while in the Royal Marines. In fact I don't even think he completed his training so I don't know how he comes to don a uniform?

[dotty.]

If you cast your mind back to the Royal Wedding, William saluted as theypassed any band playing the National Anthem but Catherine just lowered her head in respect, it is a very strict protocol

[bednobs]

i wonder why she doesn't wear uniform on this occasion?

[Eve]

Didn't they say something about the Earl of Wessex being in the reserves, or associated with them at least?

[dotty.]

edward is an honorary colonel of the london regiment

[plautus]

Correct. A man in civilian wear returns a salute by removing his hat, if he has one, otherwise by bowing. A woman in civilian clothing merely bows. Servicemen in civilian clothing salute by a smart eyes right/left.

[dotty.]

I cannot remember her ever wearing a uniform on this occasion as she is representing her subjects in their thanks to the armed services, where as at trooping of the colour she is acting as a commander inspecting her troops

[bednobs]

they salute by looking dizzy???

[stokemaveric]

''the london regiment'' in other words...''the london T.A''...

[ABerrant]

The Earl of Wessex is also...

Royal Honorary Colonel of the Royal Wessex Yeomanry
Royal Colonel of the 2nd Battalion, The Rifles
Honorary Air Commodore Royal Air Force Waddington
Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

...so can don five British military uniforms (plus 4 Canadian).

http://en.wikipedia.o...Wessex#Military_ranks