The Queen of England has many incredible privileges, all of which are clearly outlined in the constitution.
Queen Elizabeth II of England is famously known for her modesty, simplicity, and elegance, partly because she has never abused her power to violate the laws of her country.
However, did you know that as a queen, you have the right to do things that are truly unbelievable, and no one can do anything about it? Don’t mistake this for an abuse of power, as it is all stipulated in the British Constitution.
1. No Speed Limits for the Queen
As a queen, you can drive slowly on the highway or zoom at lightning speed through the city without breaking any laws. But as mentioned, Queen Elizabeth has never abused her power in this area.
2. The Queen Does Not Need a Driver’s License
All drivers in the United Kingdom must have a driver’s license, issued in the name of the Queen. However, the Queen herself does not need a license, nor does she need to undergo any standard driving training.
The Queen once drove an ambulance during World War II.
However, Queen Elizabeth II is a skilled driver. At the age of 18, she participated in driving ambulances for the military during the war. She is also the only female member of the royal family to have served in the military during World War II.
3. Travel Anywhere Without a Passport
Even the President of the United States needs a passport to travel abroad, but the Queen of England does not. She has never held a passport in her entire life but still travels around the world.
4. No Income Tax Obligations
All citizens worldwide, including presidents, must pay income tax. But according to the British constitution, the Queen is exempt from this obligation.
However, Queen Elizabeth II voluntarily began paying tax on her income since 1992.
5. Cannot Be Sued
Legally, no one can sue the Queen of England in court. She also has the right not to provide any evidence in court and cannot be prosecuted.
6. Owns All Unmarked Swans on the River Thames
By regulation, all unmarked swans on the River Thames are owned by Queen Elizabeth II.
However, “the Queen’s power only applies to certain sections of the river and its surrounding branches,” according to the official website of the British Royal Family.
7. Owns All Whales, Dolphins, and Sturgeons in British Waters
The Queen of England owns various aquatic species in British territorial waters, including sturgeons, whales, and dolphins. According to Time magazine, this law has been in existence since 1324, during the reign of King Edward II.
8. Has Two Birthdays
Although the official date recorded for Queen Elizabeth II is April 21, she also has another birthday celebrated on a Saturday in June (this marks the day she was crowned as Queen of England at Buckingham Palace).
Both of the Queen’s birthdays are celebrated with formal cannon fire.
9. Has a Private ATM
A personal ATM is installed in the basement of Buckingham Palace. This special ATM was set up by Coutts, one of the most prestigious banks in England, for the Royal Family.
10. Has a Personal Poet
According to the official website of the British Royal Family, the position of the Queen’s poet is a highly prestigious role. Currently, this position is held by Carol Ann Duffy.
As the Poet Laureate of the Queen, Carol Ann Duffy receives £200 each year along with a barrel of Canary wine.
She will hold the position of poet until 2019.
11. Has the Right to Sign Legal Documents
The Queen of England plays an essential and necessary role in enacting any bill into British law.
After a bill has been passed by both houses of Parliament, it is sent to the Royal Family for approval, a process known as “Royal Assent.”
12. Has the Authority to Appoint Members to the House of Lords
The Queen has the power to appoint members to the House of Lords, but this is only done “on the advice” of government ministers.
13. Knighthood Bestowal
Of course, knights today no longer charge around on horseback to display their chivalry.
However, the title of knight still exists and is personally conferred by the Queen. Today, knights are individuals who play significant roles in the economy, arts, military, and other areas of the nation.
14. Not Bound by Freedom of Information Laws
All information regarding the Royal Family is exempt from disclosure, even when freedom of information advocacy groups request it.
15. The Queen of England Can Dismiss the Entire Australian Cabinet
As the head of state of Australia, the Queen has certain powers within this government. In 1975, Governor-General John Kerr, who represented the Queen in Australia at the time, dismissed Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.
16. The Queen of England is Also the Head of Many Other Nations
These nations include Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu. All of these countries are part of the British Commonwealth.
The Queen is the head of the Church of England.
17. Head of a Religion
Queen Elizabeth II is the head of the Church of England, the first established state religion after King Henry VIII separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century.
18. Donates Money to the Elderly
Maundy is a special coin that the Queen of England gives to retirees at the Anglican Cathedral during the annual Easter celebration. The number of recipients corresponds to the Queen’s age.
