Official Birthday : The official birthday of the sovereign, at present the second Saturday in June. It is marked by the trooping of the colours and by the announcement of the Birthday honours. The day is not the sovereign's true birthday (Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21^st, 1926), and it is not a bank holiday, although many civil servants are given a day off.

old school tie : A distinctive, often striped or crested, tie worn by an old boy (former student of a public school) as a member of an association of former students. The tie is regarded as typifying the attitudes and values held, or thought to be held, by public schools students, in particular loyalty, superiority, snobbishness, and sportsmanship. Compare school tie.

Old Trafford : A well-known football stadium and cricket ground in southwest Manchester. The stadium is the home ground of Manchester United, and the cricket ground is used for test matches and other important matches.

Order of the Garter (the) : The highest order of knighthood, together with the Order of the Thistle. According to tradition, the Order was founded in 1348 by King Edward III, who is said to have picked up a garter dropped by the Countess of Salisbury at a court festival and gallantly tied it round his own knee, saying, 'Honi soit qui mal y pense' (Shame on him who thinks evil of it) words which today form the motto of the Order. The Order holds its special services in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. A Knight of the Order places the initials KG after his name (full title, 'The Most Noble Order of the Garter')

Order of the Thistle : The highest order of knighthood, together with the Order of the Garter. It was founded in 1687, and is mainly given to Scottish noblemen (limited to 16 in number) hence its name. A Knight of the Order places the initials KT after his name. (full title, 'The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle)

Oxford University : One of the two oldest and most famous universities in England, the other being Cambridge University. It was founded in the 12^th century. There are at present 35 colleges, two are for women only and the rest take both men and women. Among the best-known colleges are Christ Church (founded in 1546), Magdalen College (1458), All Souls College (1437) and New College (1379). There are at present between 9,000 and 10,000 students in residence, of whom a third are women.

Peer : 1.(hereditary peer) A titled member of the aristocracy who has the right to speak and vote at the House of Lords provided he is 21 or older. When a peer dies, the title is inherited by his closest male relation, usually his son. Occasionally a woman can inherit a title. Since 1963 a peer has had the right to renounce to his title during his lifetime, although this does not prevent that peer's heir from inheriting the title in the ordinary way. Women peers are called 'lady peers' or sometimes 'peeresses'. 2. (life peer) A person who is given a title during his or her lifetime, usually as a reward for public service. Life peers have the right to speak and vote in the House of Lords. Women life peers are addressed in the same way as a hereditary peer. A small number of peers have the right to sit in the House of Lords because of the office they hold. Among them are some members of the Church of England (e.g., the Archbishop of Canterbury) and the Law Lords (e.g. the Lord Chancellor).

Piccadilly Circus : A well-known road junction in central London where a number of famous streets meet, including Piccadilly, Regent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue. The junction is famous for its brightly lit neon advertisements, its memorial popularly known as Eros, and its pigeons.

pint : A liquid measure equal to 0.568 litres, still used for milk and beer.

popular paper : A daily or Sunday newspaper whose format and content is designed for the undemanding reader. Most popular papers are tabloids, and have brief and direct news reports and a large number of photographs. Emphasis is put on personal stories (especially when sensational, or involving a public figure such as a member of the royal family), and importance is also given to sport and entertaining features such as cartoons and contests. Leading daily newspapers are the Daily Express, the Daily Mail, the Daily Mirror, the Star, the Sun, leading Sunday popular papers the Sunday Express, the Mail on Sunday, the Sunday Mirror, the News of the World, Sunday Sport ... Compare quality papers.

Prime Minister : The head of the government who presides over the Cabinet and gives posts to ministers. The Prime Minister sits in the House of Commons and, among other responsibilities, recommends a number of appointment to the sovereign, including senior clergy in the Church of England, high legal offices such as Lord Chief Justice and many others. He or she is also Minister for the Civil Service. See the PMs in history.

Prince of Wales : The title of 'Prince of Wales' is traditionally given by the British sovereign to his or her eldest son, who is heir to the throne. The earliest recorded bearer of this title is Edward II in the early 14^th century. The present Prince of Wales is Prince Charles (born 1948), eldest son of Queen Elizabeth. Prince Charles was invested with the title of Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle, as all his predecessors have been.

pub (public house) : An establishment where alcoholic - and non-alcoholic - drinks and sometimes snacks and meals are served. The pub is a traditional feature of almost every town and village, and is often a building of 'character' or even historic interest. For many people, it is a kind of club, meeting-place, where one can relax, talk with friends, listen to music, play games (billiards or darts) and enjoy drinking and eating. Children under 16 are not admitted to a pub, although they may sit outside with adults in the garden, if there is one. Children under 18 may not buy and drink alcohol.

public schools : An independent, usually fee-paying school for students aged 11 (or 13) to 18. Many of Britain's public schools are long-established and have gained a reputation for their high academic standards, as well as their exclusiveness and snobbery. The boys' schools include such well-known schools as Eton, Harrow, Westminster, Winchester, and Rugby. Most of the members of the British establishment were educated at public schools. See comprehensive school and grammar school.

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