Most people refer to the Queen of England as Elizabeth II with utmost formality. But only one person was allowed to call her by her name.
Well, this doesn’t really surprise us nor does it surprise the Queen.
So, we all already know, that there are many rules when it comes to being a member of the British royal family. Moreover, there are also many rules for us ‘common folk’ if we ever meet the royalty. All these rules are very strict, especially for people meeting The Queen, which obviously makes sense.
You have to curtsy, refer to her appropriately (Your Majesty will suffice), and avoid being overly familiar or over-friendly in her presence. All those people who are not immediate members of the royal family need to refer to the Queen by her official title.
Also read: What sweet nickname did Nelson Mandela give to Queen Elizabeth?
The list even includes the likes of politicians, heads of state, and even royalty from other countries. However, there was, only one exception to this rule.
Nelson Mandela famously called the monarch ‘Elizabeth’ whenever they were together: Royal Commentator, Richard Fitzwilliams, revealed that there was one person who called Queen Elizabeth by her first name.
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Speaking to The Royal UK, he said: “Mandela was”. “He called her Elizabeth and his affection for her was warmly reciprocated by her majesty.” “Her state visit to South Africa in 1995 when he was President was one of the highlights of her reign.”
Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, and Queen Elizabeth had a famously unusual friendship. Nelson Mandela regularly used to ignore royal custom. In her book, Mandela’s former assistant revealed some intimate insight into the famous friendship.
Also read: Queen Elizabeth’s secret royal affair: The man who captured the young monarch’s heart.
She wrote: “On a visit to Britain, I was struck by the warm friendship between Madiba and the Queen.” “I think he was one of the very few people who called her by her first name and she seemed to be amused by it.” And WILDLY, Nelson allegedly once said to the Queen: “Oh, Elizabeth, you’ve lost weight.” Can you imagine?
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