Queen proposes reducing Royal family

Here in Britain, Queen Elizabeth has put forward proposals to reduce the number of people in the Royal Family who could use the title, Royal Highness.

The proposals follow discussions involving senior family members and officials.

They have been looking at ways of modernising the monarchy following criticism of it in recent years, particularly over its handling of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Under the plan only the closest relatives of the sovereign would use the Royal title so reducing the cost of the privileges which go with it.

This would not apply to those who already use it, but to future generations.

The Palace has also issued a letter explaining that bowing and curtseying to the Queen is voluntary.

But the letter indicates that if people want to follow tradition, that will be gratefully received.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service