Seven Facts You Didn’t Know About The Queen
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She might be a public figure, but did you know….
She’s been on the throne for seventy years, but how many of these facts about Queen Lizzie’s life do you actually know?
She doesn’t need a driving licence…
Queen Elizabeth trained as a driver and mechanic during World War Two, and is well known for jumping behind the steering wheel and enjoying a drive around Balmoral. But did you know, she’s never had a driving test and she doesn’t need a licence! According to British law, because all licences are issued in her name, she just doesn’t need one. She’s excluded from the regulations and laws governing the road, which means she doesn’t need a number plate either.
She was e-head of the times…
Tim Berners-Lee may have created the World Wide Web in 1989, but there were different forms of e-communication before then. And in 1976, the Queen visited the Royal Signals and Radar Establishment, and using a computer network called ARPANET, sent the first ever royal email! The email announced the arrival of a new programming language, and was signed off with a rather informal ‘Elizabeth R’, which she has used on all her digital communications since!
She owns all the swans…
ALL OF THEM! No seriously. Since the 12th Century, the Crown has held the right to claim ownership of all unmarked mute swans swimming in open waters across the country. Historically, this legislation was created because swans were eaten as a prized food at banquets and feasts. Obviously that doesn’t happen now, but the rule still stands. And don’t worry, the Queen's Swan Marker (obvs) monitors the health of the local swan population, advises organisations about swan welfare and works closely with swan rescue groups.
She invented a new breed of dog…
When people think of the Queen, they often think of her being followed by a pack of corgis. But did you know, she’s actually credited with inventing a new breed? According to stories passed down, once upon a time Princess Margaret’s pet dachshund Pipkin had a moment alone and a little fumble with one of The Queen’s Corgis…and just like that, a new breed - the dorgi - was created!
She loves a bit of footy…
For a long time, the Queen remained quiet on what football team she supports - in favour of a neutral stance and cheering everyone on. However, back in 2009 it was revealed that she’s actually a West Ham fan, dating back to the 1960s and 1970s when Ron Greenwood was in charge of the club. She’s also shown love for Arsenal though, after meeting the team and their ex-manager, Arsene Wenger, during a private function at Buckingham Palace. Apparently she was particularly impressed with Cesc Fabregas and chatted to him about King Juan Carlos of Spain. Casual.
She got on the property ladder early…
The Queen owns six royal residences around the country, from Buckingham palace in London to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. But it all started long before she took to the throne. One her sixth birthday, in 1932, a straw thatched cottage in the grounds of the Windsor Royal Lodge was given to the Queen and Princess Margaret in the name of the people of Wales. Talk about a big birthday present!
She had a ration-al wedding dress…
When it was announced that the Queen would be getting married, rationing following World War Two was still being imposed on the British public. The Royal Family understood that the wedding needed to reflect the mood of the country, but still felt it was an opportunity to give the public some much-needed relief from everything that had been happening over eight years. So, then Princess Elizabeth, at 21 years old, saved her rationing coupons and was given an extra 200 from the government to buy the materials for her wedding dress. Thank goodness!
Happy Platinum Jubilee to Queen Elizabeth II!
