The role of the queen
What purpose does the queen serve many might ask, can England function without a queen? Although the Queen is no longer responsible for governing the country, she carries out a number of important tasks on behalf of the nation.
Head of State
As Head of State, the Queen goes on official State visits abroad. She also invites other world leaders to come to the United Kingdom. During their visit, Heads of State usually stay at Buckingham Palace, or sometimes at Windsor Castle or Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Head of the Armed Forces
The Queen is also the Head of the Armed Forces. She is the only person who can declare when the country is at war and when war is over, although she must take advice from her government first.
Head of the Church of England
The Queen is Head of the Church of England - a position that all British monarchs have held since it was founded by Henry VIII in the 1530s.
The Queen appoints archbishops and bishops on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The spiritual leader of the Church of England is the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Government Duties
Every day 'red boxes' are delivered to the Queen's desk full of documents and reports from the government ministers and Commonwealth officials. They must all be read and, if necessary, signed by the Queen.
Represents the Nation
The Queen represents the nation at times of great celebration or sorrow. One example of this is Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph monument in Whitehall. The Queen lays a wreath there each year to honor the members of the armed forces who have died fighting for their country.
Royal Garden Parties
At least three Royal Garden Parties are held at Buckingham Palace each year and about 8,000 guests attend each one.
Visits
Alongside her other duties the Queen spends a huge amount of time traveling around the country visiting hospitals, schools, factories and other places and organizations.
