The Governor-General receives Courtesy Calls from individuals and groups ranging from Heads of State and Diplomatic Representatives to heads and/or executive members of civic, religious, business, or not-for-profit organizations, including those that have been granted Patronage by Their Excellencies.
A request for a Courtesy Call must be submitted via the King’s House website at least six (6) weeks before the desired date of the Call.
The formal letter to be uploaded to the website should include:
- The name of the individual/group wishing to make the Call
- The purpose of the Call. Documentation pertinent to the Call should be provided at the time of the request
Once the Call is agreed, the following information should be communicated no later than 48 hours prior to the appointment date and time:
- The name and credentials of the person/group making the Call
- The name and credentials of the coordinator or senior member of the group
- The number of group members expected to be in attendance
- The vehicle details (registration and licence numbers), and names of all drivers transporting persons on the Call
- Cancellation of appointments must be communicated no later than 48 hours prior to the date and time of the Call.
The correct form of addressing His Excellency/Their Excellencies is:
- “Your Excellency” or “Your Excellencies” – when being spoken to directly. As the conversation progresses, Their Excellencies may be addressed as “Sir” or “Ma’am” respectively.
6. Individuals or groups desirous of presenting gifts to Their Excellencies at the Call should so indicate at least seven (7) days prior to the date of the appointment. This will allow sufficient time for proper guidance to be provided.
7. Guests should indicate whether wheelchair access and/or any other special assistance will be required.
8. Videotaping of Courtesy Calls is not permitted; however, still photographs may be taken with written permission and guidance of the Public Relations Unit. Requests to take photos of the interior of King’s House must be formally submitted and are subject to approval.
9. The average length of a Courtesy Call is 20 minutes.
10. All vehicles and persons visiting King’s House are subject to search.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to the following:
- Food and beverages.
- Narcotics or drugs.
- Pointed objects or items deemed to be potential safety hazards.
- Aerosol containers.
- Firearms, ammunition, stun guns, and knives. Firearms must be declared and left at the Police Guard Room for safe-keeping until the end of the visit.
- Video recorders.
Individuals who arrive with prohibited items will not be allowed to enter King’s House. The King’s House Police reserve the right to prohibit any other personal items, such as umbrellas, wallets, car keys, or cell phones. Special consideration will be given for items needed for medical purposes. Guests are reminded that cell phone use is prohibited during the Calls.
Dress Code
The highest standard of dress is expected at King’s House:
- Individuals should be well-groomed.
- Modest attire is recommended.
- With the exception of athletes in official uniforms, sportswear is not allowed.
- T-shirts, shorts, sneakers, flip flops or similar attired are not permitted.
- Males are not allowed to wear sleeveless shirts, and females are not allowed to wear spaghetti straps.
- Males are required to wear a belt and socks.
Visitors are asked to note that King’s House is a smoke-free environment.
When submitting the electronic application. Please ensure that the documentation is uploaded correctly.
For further information, you may contact the Office of The Governor-General in our contact section.