No More Queens Messenger Passports
Messenger passports, as shown below, are gone with her passing and becoming valuable passport historical items. But make no mistake, these documents must be returned after duty. Finding such a document on the collectors/auction market will most likely be impossible. Queens Messenger Passports
The end of the Queen’s Messenger passports and a new area for Kings Messengers
Elizabeth II, born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21, 1926, reigned as monarch of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth states from February 6, 1952, until her passing on September 8, 2022.
She served as the head of state for 15 realms at the time of her death, and as the queen regnant of 32 sovereign states during her lifetime. Her 70 years and 214 days of confirmed rule made her the longest-reigning female monarch in history and the longest reign of any British monarch.
I have several exciting articles on this type of passport online. You will easily find them in the search bar. There is also an astonishing article about a man who showed up at the UK Antique Roadshow with SIX of such messenger passports. Don’t miss reading that one, and watch the video too. Queens Messenger Passports
History Queens Messenger Passports
The English monarchy’s retinues clearly show the formal position and title of “Royal Messenger,” whether to the King or Queen, dating as far back as the early 12th century. Whether they traveled on foot or a horse, they were referred to as “Nuncii” or “Cursores” and were paid generously. Individuals with this capacity can be found in records from the reigns of Kings John, Henry III, and the first three Edwards, demonstrating the importance of their position. On behalf of the government, they sent messages across England and other nations.
They traveled in circuits so that the King and his staff could receive regular updates on the orders given. They served as the primary method of communication with local authorities like mayors and sheriffs. Additionally, they occasionally moved items or money across the nation. There were between 30 and 60 people working. Queens Messenger Passports
John Norman, a famous King’s Messenger of the 15th century, was chosen in 1485 by King Richard III to carry classified secrets personally. Charles II designated four dependable individuals to deliver messages to the Royalist forces in England while he was in exile. The King gave each man one of the four silver greyhounds he had broken from a bowl familiar to royal courtiers as a token of their authority.
Thus, a silver greyhound was chosen as the Service’s emblem. Male messengers wear ties with a covert greyhound motif when working, and the Queen’s Messengers wear this symbol from a ribbon on more formal occasions.
In 1824 the messengers became a formal part of the UK Foreign Office.
Tom Topol | Passport History Expert & Author.
Featured in media incl. CNN, BBC, Newsweek. Awarded by the U.S. Department of State.
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