Modes of Address

Head of State of Jamaica

The Queen

The full Royal Style and Title of the Queen is: ‘Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of Jamaica and of her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth'.

In formal announcements, the Queen should not be referred to as ‘she' or ‘her'. After the initial mention the Queen should be addressed as: ‘Her Majesty the Queen' or ‘The Queen' or ‘Queen Elizabeth (II)' and ‘Her Majesty'.

The Governor-General  

The Governor-General is the Queen's representative, and performs most of the functions of the Head of State.

The Mode of address in

Writing/Formal Settings:

            His Excellency the Most Honourable

            Sir Patrick Linton Allen, ON, GCMG, CD *

            Governor-General

            King's House

            Kingston

* ON                  Order of the Nation

  GCMG              Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George

  CD                   Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander

 Opening Salutations:

            "Your Excellency,

                                I have the honour to inform/invite/etc ..........         

Closing Remarks:

                               "I have the honour to be, Your Excellency, with highest consideration."

                                                                                        Name

                                                                                        Title

Speech/Subsequent referrals

            ‘Your Excellency' or ‘The Governor-General'

Informal Speech:

            ‘Sir Patrick'

Introduction:

            Your Excellency, may I present .......

            The initials H.E. (The abbreviation for His Excellency), are not for formal usage, but may be used in informal print

            The wife of the Governor-General is formally styled: ‘Her Excellency The Most Honourable Lady Allen.'

Informally, Lady Allen may be referred to as:

                        ‘Your Excellency' or ‘Lady Allen'.

The first name should never be used.

Place Card:

 His Excellency the Governor-General

 Her Excellency the Most Honourable Lady Allen

The formal joint description of Their Excellencies is:

‘Their Excellencies the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, (ON, GCMG, CD, PhD) and the Most Honourable Lady Allen' or ‘Their Excellencies the Governor-General and the Most Honourable Lady Allen'.

At official functions where the Governor-General is attending, the National Anthem should be played to announce the arrival of the Governor-General. All persons attending this function should stand at attention (hands at sides-no talking/laughing or moving around.)