British Royal Family

The United Kingdom is a parliamentary democracy; its head of state being a member of the British royal family - the Windsors. The current British sovereign is Queen Elizabeth II, who is the sixth woman to be crowned Queen in the country’s history. In Britain, her official title is, Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. Dating back over ten centuries, the Monarchy plays an important role in the UK and the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne of the Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1952; she celebrated her Golden Jubilee in 2002, marking the 50th year of her reign.

Until the end of the 17th century, British rulers were executive monarchs; they could make and pass legislation. However, since the eighteenth century, they have become constitutional monarchs, which mean they too, like ordinary citizens are bound by the rules and conventions of the land and remain politically impartial. On almost all matters, they act upon the advice of a council of ministers. But the Sovereign does have an important political role as Head of State, formally appointing prime ministers, approving certain legislation and bestowing honours.

Queen Elizabeth II was born in London on 21 April 1926, the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, subsequently King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Five weeks later she was christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary in the chapel at Buckingham Palace . The Princess's early years were spent at 145 Piccadilly, the London house taken by her parents shortly after her birth; at White Lodge in Richmond Park; and at the country homes of her grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary, and the Earl and Countess of Strathmore. The Queen’s official residence in London is the Buckingham Palace.

The Queen is married to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and has four children - Princes Charles, Andrew & Edward and Princess Anne. Charles, being the eldest will be his mother’s successor and was invested as the Prince of Wales, the title the British Crown Prince bears until he becomes king, in 1969. He married Lady Diana Frances Spencer in 1981 at St Paul’s Cathedral in London . They have two sons-William and Harry. The Princess adored by millions, died tragically in a road accident in 1996 and Charles’ current consort is Lady Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Prince Charles remains active in public life and heads the Prince’s Trust which has assisted over 33,000 young people in setting up businesses.

The British Queen is also the head of the Commonwealth-a voluntary organisation of 53 countries that were formerly colonies of the bygone British Empire . Most of these countries have progressed from British rule towards independent self-government and the Commonwealth now serves to bolster international co-operation and trade links among the peoples across the world. During her reign, Queen Elizabeth has visited all the Commonwealth nations, going on ‘walkabouts’ to interact directly with people from all walks of life.

In addition to the United Kingdom, the Queen is also the head of a number of Commonwealth realms, including Australia , Canada and New Zealand . In her role as Head of State, the Queen is supported by members of the Royal Family, who carry out a wide range of public and official duties. In the United Kingdom, the Queen acts as a focus for national unity, presiding over ceremonial functions, visiting local communities and representing Great Britain around the world. She is the President or patron of over 700 organisations & charities and heads the Armed forces and the Church of England.

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