Royal Visit to the USA

**Chas** · 5th March 10, 05:36 AM

It is my belief that this mixing of black and brown stems from Prince Philip. He took up carriage driving soon after his marriage to Her Majesty. The horses and carriages being then available to him. The vast majority of the Queen's horses are brown and the way of it is that brown horses have black (or very, very dark brown) manes and tails.

All competitors in carriage driving have livery colours for their grooms (1 sitting next to the driver and 2 hanging on at the back). If memory serves, there was some controversy at the time as to what livery colours Prince Philip could or should use. He couldn't use the Royal livery colours, so he had to opt for something else. Nor would it have been acceptable for him to use the Danish or the Greek Royal livery colours.

In the end the livery colours were chosen as Black and Brown - to match the horses. I have seen Prince Philip driving at the Championships at Sandringham, with his head groom and two hanging grooms wearing a mixture of brown and black. If I am remembering correctly all the browns were the same shade - not a mixture of tans and ox-blood and light and dark.

Regards

Chas

**Inchessi** · 5th March 10, 06:02 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

You're not the only one, Jock. On behalf of my country, I apologise.

T.

One persons snide remark does not reflect a countries opinion. Do not apologize for the USA. The fact of his nobility means little to me, I can not comprehend the meaning. This is not meant as any form of disrespect. The fact that he is a veteran does require the utmost respect. As a veteran, I would extend the best I have to offer, regardless of his rank.

Now, I shall climb off my soap box and ask the questions I was wanting to ask.

How do people from England and Scotland perceive our interpretation of the Highland Games?

**Jock Scot** · 5th March 10, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by Inchessi

One persons snide remark does not reflect a countries opinion. Do not apologize for the USA. The fact of his nobility means little to me, I can not comprehend the meaning. This is not meant as any form of disrespect. The fact that he is a veteran does require the utmost respect. As a veteran, I would extend the best I have to offer, regardless of his rank.

Now, I shall climb off my soap box and ask the questions I was wanting to ask.

How do people from England and Scotland perceive our interpretation of the Highland Games?

Since you asked. In a word, appalled.

**macwilkin** · 5th March 10, 06:52 AM

Post deleted. PM sent.

**macwilkin** · 5th March 10, 07:07 AM

Post deleted. I shouldn't read too much into posts sometimes.

**Jock Scot** · 5th March 10, 07:21 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Jock,

Many of us are appalled by what we see at the games over here as well, but as always -- we're not all that way. Many of us colonials do try to show respect the customs and traditions of Highland attire.

Respectfully,

Todd

I understand that full well Todd, but this is why I spend rather more time than I ought on this website to try to stem the tide( a wee bit) of all these misconceptions that people have about Scotland and how we go about things. You and others do know better and I respect that, sadly in your country you seem to be in a minority. I am not expecting to to the "king Canute" thing, that would be impossible, but at least in very small way, I can try to educate(have fun too) a wee bit and if only a wee fraction sinks in, then it will be worthwhile.

**JSFMACLJR** · 5th March 10, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Sandy, is there any chance that you could post those pictures of Prince Edward over to the thread where highlanders are discusing highland attire(some thing like that !)? These pictures illustrate perfectly the way that we wear the kilt over here in that situation. I must say, for a part time kilt wearer the Prince wears the kilt well.

Done!

**macwilkin** · 5th March 10, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I understand that full well Todd, but this is why I spend rather more time than I ought on this website to try to stem the tide of all these misconceptions that people have about Scotland and how we go about things. You and others do know better and I respect that, sadly in your country you seem to be in a minority. I am not expecting to to the "king Canute" thing, that would be impossible, but at least, in very small way, I can try to educate(have fun too) a wee bit and if only a wee fraction sinks in, then it will be worthwhile.

I understand Jock. As a history teacher, I feel the same way about my profession at times -- if at least one student comes away with a greater appreciation for the past, then I've done my job.

Your thoughts are appreciated, my friend.

T.