§ 45. Mr. Keelingasked the Lord President of the Council why the words "the Duke of Edinburgh" instead of "Philip, Duke of Edinburgh" have been inserted in the Prayer for the Royal family; and whether a correction will be made.
§ The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)The words to which the hon. Member refers were inserted in the Prayers for the Royal Family because they were not only adequate, but also consistent with recent precedents. As regards the last part of the Question, the answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. KeelingMay we take it that all the precedents, modern and not so modern, were consulted before the words "Duke of Edinburgh" were decided upon?
§ Mr. MorrisonI cannot say about all the precedents, but they are fairly clear. In the reign of George II the Duke of Cumberland was referred to as "the Duke" and nothing else. Then there was reference to the Princess Dowager of Wales, the widow of the eldest son of George II. Other examples are: the Princesses, presumably the daughters of George II; the Prince of Wales who became Edward VII—that is fairly modern; the Prince Consort; the Princess of Wales on various occasions; and the Duchess of Cornwall and York, who is now Her Majesty Queen Mary. I think that is fairly conclusive that the precedents justify this action.
§ Mr. GallacherAre we to take it from this Question that the recording angel may have some doubts about the subject?
§ Mr. MorrisonI think the recording angel often has some doubts about the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher).
§ Mr. ScollanAre we to take it that the Duke of Edinburgh received his title without any consultation with the Scottish people?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat has nothing to do with the Question on the Order Paper.