The formal name for the Houses of Parliament is Westminster New Palace. Obviously it is not a Royal Palace. Is it so named because it is a large and richly furnished building resembling a Royal Palace, or is there another reason?
Actually it is a royal palace. The old Palace of Westminster was where the monarch would summon the Lords, Knights and Burgesses to to form his parlement.
The police on duty wear the royal arms on their hats because they are royal palaces police.
Thank you. Have since discovered www.parliament.uk which is most interesting and with a full history (sorry, I can't do links - I'm new to this and don't know how!).