Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, born 21 April 1926) is Queen of the United Kingdom and 15 other Commonwealth realms and it is a well-known fact that members of the public should never call the Queen by her first name ‘Elizabeth’, and instead refer to her as ‘Your Majesty’ as a first-time greeting and then ‘Ma’am’ thereafter.
The rules are strictest for people meeting The Queen, you have to curtsy, refer to her appropriately (Your Majesty will suffice), and avoid being overly familiar.
Everyone that isn’t an immediate member of the royal family has to refer to the monarch by her official title including politicians, heads of state, and even royalty from other countries.
However, there was, historically, one exception to this rule, Nelson Mandela famously called the monarch ‘Elizabeth’ whenever they were together.
Royal Commentator Richard Fitzwilliams revealed when asked, that this person was Nelson Mandela.
He told the Express: “He called her Elizabeth and his affection for her was warmly reciprocated.
“Her state visit to South Africa in 1995 when he was President was one of the highlights of her reign.”
The two apparently shared a warm relationship – with Mandela often disregarding royal custom. He was even known to comment on her weight.
Zelda la Grange, a personal assistant to Mr Mandela, later described this extraordinary bond in her memoirs, ‘Good Morning, Mr Mandela’.
“On a visit to Britain, I was struck by the warm friendship between Madiba and the Queen.
Nelson Mandela, President of South Africa, and The Queen ride in a carriage along the Mall on the first full day of his state visit to Britain
“‘Oh Elizabeth,’ he would say when he greeted her, and she would respond: ‘Hello, Nelson.'”
“I think he was one of the very few people who called her by her first name and she seemed to be amused by it.”
On another occasion, Mr Mandela allegedly said: “Oh, Elizabeth, you’ve lost weight.”
Mr Mandela describes the Queen as a “gracious lady” and she, in turn, praised him, saying “this wonderful man” at a lunch in 1996.
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