BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?

Subject: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Wolfgang
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 02:45 PM

Be warned that this is a silly thread.
German adopts several English expressions. One of them is 'First Lady'. So journalists write about 'First Lady' in the middle of a German sentence whenever the spouse of a head of state comes into the picture.

We had never a problem in this respect with the USA. But German journalists have some difficulties with this expression when they refer to Germany or Britain. The wife of our chancellor, Doris, is sometimes called 'First Lady' (though she is his fourth wife and he isn't head of state).

And recently, Cherie Blair has been named 'First Lady' of Britain in some German newspapers. Would that make Elisabeth the Second Lady (isn't she called Elisabeth the second anyway)? This question had to be solved and DER SPIEGEL has asked readers to vote who should be named 'First Lady' in/of Britain. Several choices we had, M. Thatcher for instance for being the first Lady prime minister, but the winner was

Prince Philip (and Elisabeth, once more, was only second).

Somehow, I didn't have the impression that all readers of DER SPIEGEL did take the survey with the necessary seriousness.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 02:51 PM

Prince Philip holds the equivilant position to 'First Lady'

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: GUEST,pdq
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 02:52 PM

Not serious? Good, then I nominate Elton John.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Ebbie
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 03:18 PM

Prince Phillip is the 'First Gentleman', I'm sure.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Hrothgar
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 04:29 PM

Where does Prince Charles fit into this?

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 04:52 PM

Prince Phillip is the Prince Consort. Being married to the Queen doesn't make you a King, whereas being married to the King does make you a Queen. Rather sexist, what?!

If the US ever get a female President how will their spouse be known?

After all,Cary Grant "Was A Male War Bride"

Nigel

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 05:22 PM

"Britains first Lady Who?" there was some suggestion of Sophie Aldred, who previously played "Ace" to Sylvester McCoy's Doctor!

Nigel

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 05:46 PM

Only one possiblity
























Paula Radcliffe as she leaves all the rest far behind

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: GUEST,Lyle
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 05:53 PM

What is wrong with you folks????

Everybody knows it's LTS!!!!!

Case closed

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 08:56 PM

since Philip is Duke of Edinburgh, wouldn't that make him first laddie?

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Peace
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 09:14 PM

So, who's the Duke of Earl?

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: LadyJean
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 11:56 PM

I believe it was the English press who invented the term for the wife of the president of the United States, first applying it to Mary Lincoln. As the English press despised her husband this is very interesting indeed.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 03:52 AM

Hyacynth Bucket

RtS

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Gurney
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 04:37 AM

Was Philip naturalised? He used to be Greek, didn't he.

If you are going to accept immigrants, I'd vote for Granny Kumar.

Posh Spice (Currently) or Una Stubbs.(Eternally)

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 06:53 AM

According to the bible, Eve is/was the first lady.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 07:47 AM

Correct, Dave. if your bible is the expurgated christian version, which removed all references to Adam's first wife, Lilith - who was 'removed' for being too feisty.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Micca
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 07:57 AM

and who were the "other people" that Cain went to "live amongst" in the land of Nod???

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 08:30 AM

Space aliens, Micca ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Gavin
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 06:06 PM

Bush's missus.

Given that the whole panoply of monarchical pomp and circumstance is to be used as a (cheap?) back-drop for Bush's re-election adverts this next week.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Trevor
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 06:15 PM

Prince Philip neutralised? Bit late for that.

Anyway, its Juliette Binoche. I know she's French but I don't care - she's THE first lady. (Well maybe first-and-a-half, after my lovely Helen)

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Mickey191
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 06:33 PM

Questions Please-There was another lady previous to Eve? God banished her for being Cheeky? Was she a product of his rib? Or his cheek bone?

Wasn't Prince Philip mainly German who was by act of state turned into a Greek? Shazam--You're Greek!!

I'd like a Shazam too. Shazam! You're Slim.

Who is LTS??

Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: GUEST,pdc
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 06:33 PM

Ha! One of the reasons Lilith was removed was because she preferred the on-top position. (She also messed around with demons, which doesn't say much for Adam, does it?)

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 07:16 PM

Nobody ever calls the husband of a First Lady a First Gentleman that I heard.

In local government when there are mayors the situation is more formalised -

"The honorary title of Lady Mayoress is bestowed on the wife (or female partner) of the Lord Mayor.

The husband (or male partner) of a lady Lord Mayor is known as the Consort or Escort. A female member of the family or close friend can be nominated as escort in the event of the Lord Mayor not having a partner.

It is the usual practice for the Lady Mayoress or Consort to be accorded precedence alongside the Lord Mayor, although they are not included in the official Order of Procession.

The postholder is expected to carry out a number of engagements on his/her own. (That's from the City of Newcastle website.)

Mind, it's been known for cities to dig in in favour of tradition and insist that the Mayor's consort is called "The Lady Mayoress" even when it's a bloke. Fair enough - that's perfectly consistent with using the term Mayor rather than Mayoress for the actual officer.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Mickey191
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 09:15 PM

Guest, Pdc - Please, what did God do with Lillith?
Was there death, divorce or she just evaporated into the nether world? I did not know Eve was the second Mrs. Adam. It actually says she shunned the missionary position? Is this in the King James Version? Thanks for any info--I find it quite interesting.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?Thanks
From: Mickey191
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 09:40 PM

Forget my questions--just did a search. According to Summerian Legend, it seems she lived in a tree. The title of the Site is "Lilith, The first Uppity Jewish Woman." I find it hard to fathom, that the first uppity Jewish woman lived in a tree. It's a failing I've suffered with all my life. Perhaps in the next life I'll be more accepting of mythology.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 02:27 PM

Prince Philip was born on the Greek island of Kyrkyra, AKA Cofu, and was known then as Prince Phillip of Battenberg, son of Prince Andrew of Greece, and a direct descendant of Queen Victoria. His name was changed to Mountbatten due to a little local difficuty around Europe between 1939 and 1945.

Her husband's cried the Duke o' Edinburgh
He's wan o' they kilted Greeks
But dinna blaw his kilt awa
Fur Lizzie weers the breeks.

An approximation of a verse from the song A Scottish Breakaway.

Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: lady penelope
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 05:52 PM

The term "first lady" is only applied to the U.S.A. set up. It deffinitley doesn't apply to our set up in Britain.

I am deffinitely going to have to get me a bible. Who needs soaps when you got this stuff going on.....?

TTFN Lady P.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 07:23 PM

"...if your Bible is the expurgated christian version" I don't think you'll find any mention of Lilith in any book accepted by Jews as part of the Bible.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 04:04 AM

Oh Kevin expugated that sounds painful, almost like it might involve Senna pods.[The screens nurse quick!!]
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: zanderfish3 (inactive)
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 10:43 AM

Phil the Greek aint a lady just a big gobshite

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: GUEST,Adam
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 12:22 PM

Mickey191
If God had any sense he lay back and enjoyed Lilith being on top.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 12:34 PM

She had a sister called Lilo who had a different perspective on things.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Ebbie
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 01:47 PM

Nobody ever calls the husband of a First Lady a First Gentleman that I heard.

McGrath, my statement needed a smiley.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Peace
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 04:17 PM

First Stud?

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Teribus
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 10:55 AM

Goik,

I think the name change from Battenberg to Mountbatten came about during an earlier ruck in Europe between the years 1914 to 1918. Same reason as all German Shepard Dogs all of a sudden became Alastians. The Royal Navy of the time also lost a fairly capable Admiral as a result as he refused to change his name.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 11:06 AM

Same time they changed the family name from Saxe-Coburg to Windsor, for the same reason. Going by precedent, as and when Charles or William inherit, they ought to be known as Mountbattens.

But the cakes are still known as Battenbergs, because nobody got round to changing them. Maybe if this was America they'd have been renamed "Freedom cakes" or something - here is a recipe.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Cllr
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 11:35 AM

My mother was a Mayor and I was the Mayors escort last year/earlier this year, for the London Borough of Hillingdon. The Mayor 0r Madame mayor if they are female is the first citisen of the area they represent. Lord Mayors are different (my late stepfather was the Lord Mayor of Westminster back in the Sixties). the situation has become even more complicated with the advent of elected mayors. cllr

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: Peace
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 09:39 PM

McGH: I heard or read that the hamburger became the Salisbury steak during WWII for a similar reason.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: smallpiper
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 07:03 PM

Hey I didn't think we were citizens but rather subjects in this here kingdom (and yet I constantly hear talk of the british constitution and citizenship well I didn't know we had one, well not a written one anyway),Phill the greeks misus is the first lady owa here

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 03:48 AM

Well, my passport says I'm a British Citizen. Subjects live in overseas protectorates, ISTR

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 06:39 AM

The old blue-black British passports used to say "British Subject", but I believe that now they've gone over to the maroon coloured EU version they say "citizen", like everyone else's - though it's also correct to describe British citizens as subjects as well. People make out there's some massive distinction between the two terms, but that's always seemed codswallop to me.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: An Pluiméir Ceolmhar
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 12:57 PM

If Gerry Adams ever checks into the Mudcat Café, he might at last realise that the lady whom he calls Mrs Windsor should more properly be called Mrs Battenberg.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 10:23 PM

I f the qualities and achievements of Maggie Thatcher during her horrid tenure as Prime Monster of the U.K. are used as units of measurement in her "first lady" claim, then I think the title should quite naturally fall to Barbara Amiel---lady Conrad Black , ex-Canadian.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: GUEST,Strollin' Johnny
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 08:41 AM

My nominations for UK First Lady - Kate Rusby, Kathryn Roberts and Emily Druce. No particular order - they're so close you can't get a fag-paper between 'em.
Johnny

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 09:22 AM

If there's a folk Furst Lady to be nominated it's surely got to be Norma Waterson.

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: GUEST,Strollin' Johnny
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 12:36 PM

Each to his own, my friend. Norma's one of the 'Greats' - maybe nowadays she'd qualify as the UK Folk 'Queen Mother'? (Sorry Norma, no offence intended) :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Britain's First Lady?
From: LadyJean
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 01:08 AM

Helen Hayes was dubbed the First Lady of the American Theater.