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Special rules of protocol relate to the performance of the duties of The Governor-General as the representative Head of State. These privileges and courtesies include holding the right of precedence in Jamaica on all occasions except when Her Majesty The Queen, or a Member of the Royal Family designated as Her Majesty’s Representative to specific State events, is present. ADDRESSING THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL The Governor-General and spouse should be styled as “Your Excellency” or “Your Excellencies” when being spoken to directly. When either person is being spoken about outside of their presence they should be styled “His Excellency” or “Her Excellency” respectively, or as “Their Excellencies” when reference is to both. The style of address for the present Governor-General is:
The abbreviated form of addressing The Governor-General in correspondence is:
The address in your correspondence would appear like this: His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick L. Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J Governor-General King’s House Hope Road Kingston 6 Jamaica You would begin the letter: Your Excellency The style of address for the Spouse of The Governor-General is: · Her Excellency the Most Honourable Lady Allen Should you wish to address both The Governor-General and his spouse in writing, the correct format is:
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ATTENDANCE AT PUBLIC FUNCTIONS Invitations In fulfilling his social and traditional roles, The Governor-General and his wife attend many public functions during each calendar year on the invitation of individuals, community and civic groups or organisations. Invitations to Their Excellencies for such events must be submitted in writing and must include the following information:
The letter of invitation, together with printed invitation card, should be sent by post to King’s House, Hope Road, Kingston 6 or by email to kingshouse@kingshouse.gov.jm Invitations are to be addressed to “Their Excellencies” in cases where The Governor-General and spouse are being invited to attend the function. It is recommended that invitations be submitted at least three months in advance. The Personal Secretary to The Governor-General will respond in writing indicating whether or not the invitation is accepted. Should the response be positive, the Aide-de-Camp to The Governor-General will discuss all matters relating to the courtesies that are expected to be extended to The Governor-General at the event. Invitations submitted on a printed card only will not be considered, except for those sent to Their Excellencies by their families and close friends. The Governor-General and his wife should not be invited to adjudicate competitions or to assist in selling tickets for charity or raffles. Arrival The Governor-General always arrives at functions on time. Protocol requires that all guests at any function to be attended by The Governor-General should be in place before the arrival of Their Excellencies. Failure to do so without a reasonably good excuse is regarded as a sign of disrespect. Greeting on Arrival The Governor-General and his wife are to be met at the main entrance of the venue by the Host or other senior official of the organisation who is appointed to receive Their Excellencies. The Aide-de-Camp will introduce the Host or other senior official and his/her spouse to The Governor-General and then to the wife of The Governor-General. At least one week in advance of the date of the event, The Governor-General should receive a copy of the programme as well as a list of high officials who will attend the function. Whenever The Governor-General and/or his spouse visit exhibitions or similar events, a senior official must always be in attendance on them until they depart. The National Anthem On State and other formal occasions, the National Anthem is played when The Governor-General (and his spouse if she accompanies him) stands in the designated place. All persons are expected to rise when Their Excellencies enter the room and remain standing for the National Anthem. Speeches The speakers may first thank the Chairman/Master of Ceremonies, and then address “Your Excellency” or “Your Excellencies” if The Governor-General is accompanied by his wife. Placement on the programme of any remarks to be made by The Governor-General should be discussed with His Excellency’s Personal Secretary as soon as the draft programme is available. The Governor-General’s Team The Governor-General is usually accompanied by an Aide-de-Camp as well as security personnel. Other members of his team may include The Governor-General’s Secretary and the Deputy Secretary (Personal Staff). The number of persons in the party may increase depending on the nature of the event. Her Excellency is usually accompanied by her Lady-in-Waiting and security personnel. When Their Excellencies attend functions together the number of persons in the team may increase. Information regarding the composition of The Governor-General’s team will be communicated to the organisers in advance by The Governor-General’s Personal Secretary or Aide-de-Camp.s. THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S DISTINGUISHING FLAG The Viceregal Lion
The Governor-General’s Distinguishing Flag comprises the St Edward’s Crown, surmounted by a lion statant guardant with ‘Jamaica’ shown on a gold scroll. The field of the flag is Dark Royal Blue. Since Independence, August 6, 1962, the Flag is flown by day and night at King’s House, except when The Governor-General is not in residence and is off the Island. The Flag is used in the same way that the Royal Standard is used by Her Majesty The Queen. It should be flown at any military ceremony at which The Governor-General is present, and a miniature version is flown on any vehicle in which he is travelling. The Flag is usually never lowered, however, on specific occasions, it may be lowered at The Governor-General’s discretion. The design, which was approved by Her Majesty The Queen in July 1962, was prepared by the College of Arms and is registered in the College.
The Flag of the Governor-General’s Spouse
The spouse of The Governor-General also has a personal flag, which is used on designated occasions. It comprises the St Edwards’ Crown on a red field. A miniature of the flag is flown on the vehicle in while traveling on official business.
The Queen’s Personal Jamaican Flag
The Royal Standard of Jamaica is the Personal Flag of Her Majesty The Queen in her role as Queen of Jamaica. The Flag was approved for use in 1962 and the proportion is approximately 4:7~. It is only used by The Queen when she is in Jamaicaor attending an event abroad in her role as Head of State of Jamaica. The Flag consists of a banner of the Arms of Jamaica in banner form defaced with The Queen’s Royal Cypher and Personal Flag which bears the crowned letter E in gold, surrounded by a garland of gold roses on a blue background, with a golden fringe. The crown is a symbol of the Queen’s rank and dignity, whilst the roses symbolise the countries of the Commonwealth The Royal Standard of Jamaica is white and bears a red St George’s Cross with a gold pineapple superimposed on each arm of the Cross. A blue disc taken from the Queen’s Personal Flag is placed in the centre of the Cross. Tours of King’s House Groups may contact King’s House to arrange special tours. Requests for tours must be submitted in writing via postal mail or e-mail (kingshouse@kingshouse.gov.jm). Groups numbering more than six are to be submitted in writing to The Governor-General at least eight weeks before the desired tour date. Smaller groups of one to six persons are to be submitted in writing to The Governor-General at least two weeks before the desired tour date. Tours will be not be facilitated on public holidays, weekends, or on days when functions are scheduled to take place on the property. Tours are offered between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on weekdays. Shorts, tank tops and other similar casual wear are not acceptable dress for tours of King’s House. Non-tertiary student groups should be uniformed. Appropriate Dress for King’s House This depends on the occasion. During the day time, business suits would be most appropriate for meetings and courtesy calls. Invitations to functions at King’s House will state the mode of dress. Medals and national decorations are to be worn for ceremonial occasions. |
Office of His Excellency the Governor-General and Staff
