An Expert's Guide to International Protocol

Preface to the original edition by His Royal Highness Prince Carlos de Bourbon de Parme 9
Prologue 11
Acknowledgements 13

1. International protocol 17
Introduction 17
Protocol vs Etiquette 17
Etiquette and its History 18
Protocol and its History 20
Protocol and cultural differences 24
Interview with Professor Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, former Secretary- General of NATO 292. Precedence 41
Introduction and history 41
Comparison of countries around the world 44
Various facts, trivia, and guidelines 48
Protocol and the International Court of Justice by Dame Rosalyn Higgins, DBE, QC, former President of the International Court of Justice in The Hague 53

3. Seating arrangements and order of processions 59
Introduction 59
Tables 60
Conference settings 70
Posing for official group photographs 74
Seating plans during audiences and press conferences 74
Order of receiving lines 74
Order of processions 75
Seating in vehicles 76
Protocol at the United Nations and at Think Tanks – A Comparative Perspective by Dr Abiodun Williams, former President of The Hague Institute for Global Justice 77

4. Flag protocol 87
Introduction 87
Designs and colours 91
Flag Codes 95
Rules for using flags 97
Flag protocol and flag order 98
Application of flag protocol 100
Trivia 116
A genuine experience, protocol in an international institution , the European Parliament by Mr François Brunagel, former Head of Protocol of the European Parliament 117

5. Invitations and dress codes 125
History and introduction 125
General guidelines for composing an invitation 127
Forms of address 130
Examples of invitation texts 131
Dress codes 140
Diplomatic language and formal language : a code with a double meaning by Professor Olivier Arifon, former Professor at the Université libre de Bruxelles in charge of the chair in communication 152

6. Gifts and honours 165
Gifts 165
Honours 167
State visits by His Excellency Mr José de Bouza Serrano, former Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic to the Netherlands 176

7. Ceremonies 183
Introduction 183
Meaning of a Ceremony 183
Organising a Ceremony 184
Components of a Ceremony 185
State Ceremonies 186
State Visits 188
Laying of wreaths 197
Presentation of credentials 199
State funerals 204