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UK Royal Family: Who is in it and how does it work? UK Royal Family: Who is in it and how does it work?
(1 day later)
The UK will have a four-day bank holiday weekend at the beginning of June as part of celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.The UK will have a four-day bank holiday weekend at the beginning of June as part of celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
In February, the Queen became the longest-serving British monarch, and the first to reach 70 years on the throne.In February, the Queen became the longest-serving British monarch, and the first to reach 70 years on the throne.
Who is in the Royal Family?Who is in the Royal Family?
Queen Elizabeth II has been the UK's head of state since 1952, when her father King George VI died. She is also the head of state for 15 Commonwealth countries, including Canada, Australia and Jamaica.Queen Elizabeth II has been the UK's head of state since 1952, when her father King George VI died. She is also the head of state for 15 Commonwealth countries, including Canada, Australia and Jamaica.
The Queen was married to her late husband, Prince Philip, who died in April 2021, for more than 73 years.The Queen was married to her late husband, Prince Philip, who died in April 2021, for more than 73 years.
Princess Elizabeth married Prince Philip in 1947Princess Elizabeth married Prince Philip in 1947
She has four children, eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.She has four children, eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
What powers does the Queen have?What powers does the Queen have?
The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy, but the Queen's powers as head of state are strictly symbolic and ceremonial, and she remains politically neutral.The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy, but the Queen's powers as head of state are strictly symbolic and ceremonial, and she remains politically neutral.
The monarch performs a number of Parliamentary functions:The monarch performs a number of Parliamentary functions:
Appointing a government - the leader of the party which wins a general election is invited to Buckingham Palace, where they are formally invited to form a new government. The Queen also formally dissolves a government before a general electionAppointing a government - the leader of the party which wins a general election is invited to Buckingham Palace, where they are formally invited to form a new government. The Queen also formally dissolves a government before a general election
State opening and the Queen's Speech - the Queen begins the Parliamentary year with the State Opening ceremony, during which she sets out the government's policy plans, in a speech delivered from the throne in the House of Lords. Prince Charles delivered the 2022 Queen's Speech on her behalfState opening and the Queen's Speech - the Queen begins the Parliamentary year with the State Opening ceremony, during which she sets out the government's policy plans, in a speech delivered from the throne in the House of Lords. Prince Charles delivered the 2022 Queen's Speech on her behalf
Royal Assent - when a piece of legislation is passed through Parliament, it must be formally approved by the Queen in order to become law. However, the last time Royal Assent was refused, was in 1708Royal Assent - when a piece of legislation is passed through Parliament, it must be formally approved by the Queen in order to become law. However, the last time Royal Assent was refused, was in 1708
The Queen plays a key ceremonial role in the State Opening of ParliamentThe Queen plays a key ceremonial role in the State Opening of Parliament
The Queen has regular audiences with the prime minister of the day and members of the Privy Council, hosts visiting heads of state, and meets foreign ambassadors and high commissioners based in the UK. She also normally leads the annual Remembrance event at the Cenotaph in London.The Queen has regular audiences with the prime minister of the day and members of the Privy Council, hosts visiting heads of state, and meets foreign ambassadors and high commissioners based in the UK. She also normally leads the annual Remembrance event at the Cenotaph in London.
The Queen is Royal Patron or president of more than 600 charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organisations.The Queen is Royal Patron or president of more than 600 charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organisations.
In the past, she has also welcomed the thousands of people who attend the annual garden parties at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. However, other members of the Royal family will stand in for the Queen at this year's events, the first to take place since the pandemic. In the past, she has also welcomed the thousands of people who attend the annual garden parties at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
However, other members of the Royal family will stand in for the Queen at this year's events, the first to take place since the pandemic.
The Queen had Covid in February, and has cut back on several engagements in recent months, due to mobility problems.The Queen had Covid in February, and has cut back on several engagements in recent months, due to mobility problems.
Who else is in the Royal Family?Who else is in the Royal Family?
Members of the Royal Family celebrated the Queen's official birthday at Buckingham Palace in 2019.Members of the Royal Family celebrated the Queen's official birthday at Buckingham Palace in 2019.
The Prince of Wales (Prince Charles) is the Queen's eldest child and will become king after her death. He is married to the Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla)The Prince of Wales (Prince Charles) is the Queen's eldest child and will become king after her death. He is married to the Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla)
The Duke of Cambridge (Prince William) is the eldest son of Prince Charles and his first wife, Diana, Princess of Wales. He is married to the Duchess of Cambridge (Catherine) and they have three children; Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince LouisThe Duke of Cambridge (Prince William) is the eldest son of Prince Charles and his first wife, Diana, Princess of Wales. He is married to the Duchess of Cambridge (Catherine) and they have three children; Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) is the Queen's second child and only daughter. She is married to Vice Adm Timothy Lawrence. She has two children with her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips; Peter Phillips and Zara TindallThe Princess Royal (Princess Anne) is the Queen's second child and only daughter. She is married to Vice Adm Timothy Lawrence. She has two children with her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips; Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall
The Earl of Wessex (Prince Edward) is the Queen's youngest child. He is married to the Countess of Wessex (Sophie Rhys-Jones) and they have two children; Louise and James Mountbatten-WindsorThe Earl of Wessex (Prince Edward) is the Queen's youngest child. He is married to the Countess of Wessex (Sophie Rhys-Jones) and they have two children; Louise and James Mountbatten-Windsor
The Duke of Sussex (Prince Harry) is William's younger brother. He is married to the Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle) and they have two children; Archie and Lilibet. In 2020, they announced they were stepping back as senior royals and moved to the USThe Duke of Sussex (Prince Harry) is William's younger brother. He is married to the Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle) and they have two children; Archie and Lilibet. In 2020, they announced they were stepping back as senior royals and moved to the US
The Duke of York (Prince Andrew) is the Queen's second son. He has two daughters with his former wife, the Duchess of York (Sarah Ferguson); Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Prince Andrew stepped down as a "working Royal" in 2019 after a controversial Newsnight interview about allegations that he had sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre. In February he paid an undisclosed sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought against him in the US by Ms Giuffre.The Duke of York (Prince Andrew) is the Queen's second son. He has two daughters with his former wife, the Duchess of York (Sarah Ferguson); Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Prince Andrew stepped down as a "working Royal" in 2019 after a controversial Newsnight interview about allegations that he had sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre. In February he paid an undisclosed sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought against him in the US by Ms Giuffre.
What celebrations are taking place to mark the Queen's Jubilee?What celebrations are taking place to mark the Queen's Jubilee?
Various events are planned across the UK and the Commonwealth, including a special four-day Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend which begins on Thursday 2 June.Various events are planned across the UK and the Commonwealth, including a special four-day Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend which begins on Thursday 2 June.
Many street parties were held to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012Many street parties were held to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012
The Queen is due to attend a special Trooping the Colour ceremony, as well as a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, although this will be confirmed nearer the time.The Queen is due to attend a special Trooping the Colour ceremony, as well as a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, although this will be confirmed nearer the time.
Members of the Royal Family will attend the Derby horse racing event at Epsom, and the Platinum Party at the Palace, a live concert. The Platinum Jubilee Pageant will tell the story of the Queen's reign, featuring military personnel, dancers and puppets of corgis.Members of the Royal Family will attend the Derby horse racing event at Epsom, and the Platinum Party at the Palace, a live concert. The Platinum Jubilee Pageant will tell the story of the Queen's reign, featuring military personnel, dancers and puppets of corgis.
Prince Harry and Prince Andrew will not appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony with the rest of the Royal Family during the celebrations.Prince Harry and Prince Andrew will not appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony with the rest of the Royal Family during the celebrations.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and other senior royals will tour the UK over the weekend.The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and other senior royals will tour the UK over the weekend.
Pubs, bars and nightclubs in England and Wales will be able to stay open until 01:00 BST between 2 and 4 June.Pubs, bars and nightclubs in England and Wales will be able to stay open until 01:00 BST between 2 and 4 June.
Search for events in your areaSearch for events in your area
Platinum Jubilee: Queen's life in picturesPlatinum Jubilee: Queen's life in pictures
Photo map of Queen's visits released to mark jubileePhoto map of Queen's visits released to mark jubilee
How does succession work?How does succession work?
The order of succession sets out which member of the Royal Family takes over as monarch when the existing one dies or abdicates.The order of succession sets out which member of the Royal Family takes over as monarch when the existing one dies or abdicates.
First in line - the heir to the throne - is the monarch's first-born child.First in line - the heir to the throne - is the monarch's first-born child.
Royal succession is governed by rules dating back hundreds of years. These were amended in 2013 to ensure that sons no longer take precedence over their older sisters.Royal succession is governed by rules dating back hundreds of years. These were amended in 2013 to ensure that sons no longer take precedence over their older sisters.
Prince Charles is the Queen's heir. His eldest son, Prince William, is second in line, and William's eldest child, Prince George, is third.Prince Charles is the Queen's heir. His eldest son, Prince William, is second in line, and William's eldest child, Prince George, is third.
As heir to the throne, Prince Charles would act as "regent" if his mother was not able to rule due to ill-health. This would mean he would take on the role of the monarch, without officially taking the position.As heir to the throne, Prince Charles would act as "regent" if his mother was not able to rule due to ill-health. This would mean he would take on the role of the monarch, without officially taking the position.
Royal Family tree and line of successionRoyal Family tree and line of succession
Why is Meghan and Harry's son Archie not a prince?Why is Meghan and Harry's son Archie not a prince?
What happens at a coronation?What happens at a coronation?
When a monarch dies, the heir immediately becomes king or queen.When a monarch dies, the heir immediately becomes king or queen.
The coronation, the ceremony at which the monarch is formally crowned, takes place later, after a period of mourning for the previous king or queen.The coronation, the ceremony at which the monarch is formally crowned, takes place later, after a period of mourning for the previous king or queen.
The central elements have barely changed for hundreds of years.The central elements have barely changed for hundreds of years.
More than 20 million people watched the Queen's coronation on television on 2 June, 1953.More than 20 million people watched the Queen's coronation on television on 2 June, 1953.
The coronation is performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The monarch is anointed with "holy oil", receives the orb and sceptre - which are symbols of royalty - and is crowned with the St Edward's Crown, the centrepiece of the Crown Jewels.The coronation is performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The monarch is anointed with "holy oil", receives the orb and sceptre - which are symbols of royalty - and is crowned with the St Edward's Crown, the centrepiece of the Crown Jewels.
Where does the Royal Family get its money?Where does the Royal Family get its money?
Every year, the UK government gives the Queen a single payment called the Sovereign Grant, which supports official royal duties and maintains occupied royal palaces.Every year, the UK government gives the Queen a single payment called the Sovereign Grant, which supports official royal duties and maintains occupied royal palaces.
The grant is based on 25% of the Crown Estate's revenue from two years previously.The grant is based on 25% of the Crown Estate's revenue from two years previously.
The Crown Estate is an independent commercial property business. It includes the 4,800-acre Windsor Great Park and the Ascot racecourse in Berkshire, as well as residential and commercial property.The Crown Estate is an independent commercial property business. It includes the 4,800-acre Windsor Great Park and the Ascot racecourse in Berkshire, as well as residential and commercial property.
The grant is worth £86.3m for 2021-22.The grant is worth £86.3m for 2021-22.
The Queen also receives an income from the Duchy of Lancaster, which includes a large collection of investments, private land and properties in England and Wales. In the year ending March 2021, the Duchy of Lancaster's profit was just over £22m.The Queen also receives an income from the Duchy of Lancaster, which includes a large collection of investments, private land and properties in England and Wales. In the year ending March 2021, the Duchy of Lancaster's profit was just over £22m.
Prince Charles receives an income from the Duchy of Cornwall, a separate portfolio of property and investments which brought in £20.4m in the most recent year for which accounts are available.Prince Charles receives an income from the Duchy of Cornwall, a separate portfolio of property and investments which brought in £20.4m in the most recent year for which accounts are available.
Where does the Queen get her money?Where does the Queen get her money?
Where does Prince Andrew get his money?Where does Prince Andrew get his money?
Where do Harry and Meghan get their money?Where do Harry and Meghan get their money?
Where do members of the Royal Family live?Where do members of the Royal Family live?
The Queen's official London residence is Buckingham Palace. However, in March 2022, it was reported that Windsor Castle in Berkshire would become her permanent home.The Queen's official London residence is Buckingham Palace. However, in March 2022, it was reported that Windsor Castle in Berkshire would become her permanent home.
The Queen's other properties include Sandringham House in Norfolk and Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire.The Queen's other properties include Sandringham House in Norfolk and Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall live in Clarence House in London and at Highgrove in Gloucestershire.Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall live in Clarence House in London and at Highgrove in Gloucestershire.
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge live in Kensington Palace in London. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live in California.Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge live in Kensington Palace in London. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live in California.