American Reacts to What Does The UK Royal Family Actually Do?

Check out my Patreon for more exclusive videos and to help support the channel: / tylerreacts
I have learned an awful lot about UK Parliament and how it is structured, but one thing I still do not understand is what the British Royal Family does, especially in this day and age. Most Americans like myself assume the Queen and Royal family are simply there for tradition, and that they hold no actual power or government responsibly. Since the USA does not have a royal family I am very interested to see what it is that the United Kingdom royal family does. If you enjoy my reaction feel free to leave a like, comment, or subscribe for more videos like this!

[@garyling2342]

She wasn't actually born to be Queen. Her uncle was king but abdicated the throne, which then meant her Father became king, putting her in direct succession to be the next monarch.

[@helenwood8482]

Saving us from a Nazi King.

[@Nottsboy24]

Gary Ling......that's correct but she eventually would have become queen in the early 1970s when her uncle Edward Vlll died if he was still king 🎓

[@daughterofwolf]

@@Nottsboy24 Since he had no children, it reallt was her destiny.

[@michaels640]

But if Edward had not met Mrs Simpson and abdicated, he might have married and had a child - the next monarch - so she wasn’t born to be Queen.

[@twoofsix3b3g]

@@Nottsboy24 It was kind of assumed that had he been crowned King he would have married someone who could provide an heir to the throne . Princess Elizabeth was not regarded as being in serious line of succession.

[@maggieobrien892]

As a neutral Head of State, she is head of the church, military and governance. In this way, she prevents any tyrant gaining control of ANY of those major bodies. Checks and balances. The Queen represents ALL the people which is why she uses "We"

[@amsodoneworkingnow1978]

Every member of our police, military security agencies, blue light services and all of our civil servants all sign their path of alliance to the ruling monarch which at this point in time is of course Our Gracious Queen Elizabeth II

[@jacquelinedefreitas2221]

So if you upset the Queen you upset all of Her subjects too.

[@TheJthom9]

She is not Head of Government, that is the Prime Minister. She is only Head of State

[@mypointofview1111]

Except she doesn't provide the checks & balances as she signs off all parliamentary bills put before her. Any checks & balances are provided by the House of Lords and these are mostly recorded and can be watched on TV. The monarchy is very much a puppet. Government tell the monarch what to do, this was well illustrated when Boris demanded the Queen prorogue (dissolve) Parliament just before he became PM. There was a huge outcry of a suspected misuse of power and a high profile court case where the Supreme Court decided that there was a misuse of power and the proroguing of Parliament was illegal.

[@istvanglock7445]

@@TheJthom9 Technically correct, but nevertheless the government is _her_ government, the Prime Minister reports to her, and she has to approve all Acts of Parliament.

[@skontheroad]

As an American who is a HUGE Monarchist, I sent her an invitation to my wedding. And received a lovely letter back saying she couldn't make it but wished me well. Just had my 23rd Anniversary!

[@robertlangley1664]

Hope you frame the letter

[@skontheroad]

@Robert Langley LOL! I have been wondering where I put it since I wrote the post!! But you are 100% right! AND... I think I know where it may be!! Thanks for reminding me--going to check right now!! Did I mention I also sent a letter to the President and the Pope? The Pope didn't RSVP! I mean, I didn't order a meal for him or anything, but it is kinda rude. I hope he got the invite... 🤔

[@robertlangley1664]

@@skontheroad The queen was invited to a wedding in Manchester in 2012 ie Manchester town hall it’s on UTUBE check it out if you like belated congratulations on your wedding Anniversary I hope you have many happy years together

[@madyottoyotto3055]

I have three of the queen addressed to my nan/dad One for becoming 100 year's old One for becoming 101 And One addressed to my dad saying we are sorry that it seems that the 101st celebratory letter arrived before the anniversary of her birth we apologize for any upset this may have caused

[@johnritter6864]

Piece of history that!

[@brian9731]

There's a great story about Putin visiting the UK in his early days as leader of Russia. One of the senior ministers at the time was David Blunkett who was (still is) severely visually impaired and has a guide dog. Being a fully trained guide dog, it usually remained calm and did his job but on this occasion he was aggressive towards Putin. Mr Blunkett apologised to the Queen afterwards for his dog's behaviour. The Queen simply replied (in a rare but subtle statement of opinion), "Yes, dogs do have that special instinct, don't they."

[@helenchelmicka3028]

🤣🤣🤣

[@sandram2362]

Our Queen sure have a sense of humor for sure..just love her!

[@alexrafe2590]

Sense of humour with a generous dollop of sense. Of course Putin was happy to indulge in dog games himself. When Putin had meetings with Russia’s ancient enemy Germany in the days of Merkel he would bring his big guard dog into the meeting. It was pretty well known that Merkel had a fear of large dogs.

[@thomasjones6216]

Thats so funny 😂

[@marvinc9994]

Thanks for sharing that with us. Beautiful - just beautiful!!!!! 😂😂😂

[@krieger2077]

America is not a part of the Commonwealth of Nations, nor a Commonwealth Realm. Therefore no, the Queen has not done a tour in America. She has visited America, but not in the context of the Commonwealth.

[@elaineduncanson1474]

AGREED!!! You seem clueless but reasonably intelligent. The USA is not part of our Commonwealth. I am glad you are making an effort to learn about a wonderful tradition. There is much more to learn and I hope you will continue.

[@stpaley]

are you sure? i think Canada is, maybe Belize, Bahamas,,,,,,,,i;m sorry that was bad, i couldn't resist, what can i say i have no will power

[@michaeltaylorceng]

Commonwealth countries were, usually, previously a part of the empire. However, countries can apply to be part of the commonwealth, and they can also be expelled. There is currently an African country that was never previously a colony or dependency. As the US was once a colony I believe it is eligible for admission into the British Commonwealth should it so wish.

[@Stand663]

British West Florida recently applied for commonwealth status

[@ballantynemoyes8019]

@@michaeltaylorceng Quite correct. The three African countries are Mozambique (once part of the Portuguese empire), Cameroon (French and part German) and Rwanda (German and then Belgian).

[@madamelebuff]

Princess Anne is 72 yrs old and she still makes 500 personal appearances at Public Charitiible organisations/schools/hospitals/churches/ sporting events per year. She is briefed on every meeting/appearance & is knowledgeable about every org she attends. Her day often starts at 7 am & finishes at 10 pm. Her whole life has been about Duty & Service to the public wherever needed.

[@lks8775]

I feel there should be a retirement age for active royals. I felt sorry for prince Philip who continued fulfilling royal duties well into his 90's

[@sandram2362]

😊Princess Anne is just a little older than me -so I've known/admired her since then a young girl.

[@madamelebuff]

@@sandram2362 She is an admirable, funny, intelligent lady that's for sure.

[@sandram2362]

@@lks8775 The hardworking Royals + Her Majesty considers it a Job which they regard very seriously the responsibility they took upon & carry on for the rest of their lives until they can't do it anymore or death takes them...for that - I really do have lots of respect & so is the rest of United Kingdom for our Monarchs for their duty towards United Kingdom & its people..not like some moaning wannabes who wants only the titles but not the job that comes with it, cos they feel it is beneath them to shake the hands of "those peasants" as she calls us!

[@sandram2362]

@@madamelebuff Absolutely & United Kingdom loves her too besides all the other "working" Royals.

[@Bob10009]

The Queen can’t do a commonwealth tour to America, because you are not a member of the commonwealth. The tours are not to promote Britain, they are her visiting the countries that she is still the queen of or used to be queen of. They show those nations that they are still important to her and show her support for them. For example, Australia has been independent for a long time but the queen is still their monarch.

[@sandram2362]

I.e. right! I grew up as part of Her Majesty's Commonwealth Nation -we have so much love & respect for our Queen & everytime the National Anthem is played - on TV or Movies, we'd be standing @ attention in respect of HM...ie how much we love HM.

[@silviahannak3213]

She has been in Austria. Not a part of the Commonwealth at all. And Germany as well. She has visited us. So it is a little bit strange cause she also travelled to non Commonwealth Countries..for whatever reason.

[@Bob10009]

@@silviahannak3213 she is allowed a holiday…..she also visited dozens of countries to promote relations and trade. Why would she restrict herself to only visiting nations under her rule ??

[@zo7034]

@@silviahannak3213 She goes to other countries, but only commonwealth tours are done in the commonwealth

[@stirlingmoss4621]

but, both George 6 and Eliza 2 made State visits to the USA to great applause...see YT vids

[@sandramalter9210]

Someone in the UK invited the queen to their wedding. They got a letter back saying she was busy working but it turned out the event was happening at the same place the wedding was so the queen posed for pictures with them.

[@veronicawilliams7427]

I well remember that and remember seeing it i the newspapers and maybe onf the TV News. I am not John and Frances Canning didn't really expect Queen Elizabeth to come to their wedding, but when they learned she was going to be in Manchester, England, on the day of their nuptials, they sent an invitation on a whim. She showed up. Despite their shock, the groom had the presence of mind to bow, and the bride to curtsey as the monarch appeared and congratulated them, amateur video of the event showed.

[@patriciacarline6975]

The Queen is now 96 and still deals with the Red Boxes every day - these contain documents relating to government, military, law, Commonwealth business etc which she must read, comment on and sign - up to 6 boxes every day except Christmas Day - even when she is on holiday or official visits overseas. Every week she meets officially with the Prime Minister to discuss matters of State.

[@anneg5720]

One thing that can be said for the queen she does take her duties seriously and she doesn't like it when her family or inlaws believe they don't have to fufil their duties. One thing is she is definitely not a lazy queen.

[@sandram2362]

Even @ 96, Our Majesty is so busy & her schedule is full...she cancels when her body can't take it -sometimes it pains me to see her walking ever so slowly because her legs just can't handle it -one time she was standing & some dignitaries came to visit her -she showed them she can't move her legs, so she asked them to come over to her so she can shake their hands..that was so hard to watch for me!

[@keithknight6521]

Seventy years on the throne our longest serving monarch, she is very much missed, But of course 'God save the King'. ...

[@Diovanlestat]

​@@keithknight6521Wish he would take things slow before we lose him as well.

[@1962pjh]

CANADA here! She is our Queen too. Personally, I am so grateful to HM for her 70 year reign, and her 96 years of service. Long live the Queen!

[@rockflowerful]

The part of royalty that most Americans seem to miss,is that there is a kind of spiritual aspect.the king or Queen is the living symbol ,that represents the aspirations of the Nation. Imagine if Uncle Sam had been an actual person and that there was a direct genetic link from Uncle Sam in a person today. So the Monarch is the living link to the nation’s history. Being royal is not celebrity…. It is a vocation, a job. It all sounds fun, dressing up etc but when you have dressed up and opened your twentieth new sewage works? Yet you must reward all those who have anything to do, with said sewage works. You have been briefed, show interest and acknowledge the work done. Royalty convey thanks to all those in all work which provide services for us all. As they are not political , any political comments are frowned upon. They must have political opinions but they do not make them public. They are a continuous link in the life of the nation. I am in my eighties and the Queen has always been there in her place uniting us all. Politicians come and go. Intellectually ,I understand why Americans think it weird because it is! But it works, I would say to you, look at all countries that have royals…..on the whole they tend to be the most stable.

[@janined5784]

Absolutely, the monarch is the link that ties us together. During WWI & WWII, many Commonwealth countries came to the aid of Britain and Britain comes to our aid too, look at the Falklands war for instance. 🇦🇺 🇬🇧

[@nudibranch1379]

@Jane Prior thank you for explaining it so well😊

[@Anna_Key]

Well said Jane.

[@Ellen-Walker]

Very well said !

[@clairenoon4070]

All correct, and in Europe at least, there is a strong correlation between monarchy and high levels of democracy (based on 2 well-respected annual measures of democracy around the world). Conversely, there is a pretty long list of European countries that don't have monarchy and score way lower than the monarchy countries on democracy levels. And a surprising number of them are in the EU!

[@honeylacecookie]

As a Canadian Loyal Royalist. I took the oath to Queen and County and not just one County but the entire Commonwealth and our Queen's heirs. It's the British Royal Family because of their place of birth. And the Queen is head of state to the Commonwealth. They do the duties that do so much for the people of the Commonwealth

[@davebooth5655]

When you join the British armed force's you take a oath to Hm the Queen, it is for the rest of your life not just for your time in service, I took my oath in October 1985.

[@gordonsmith8899]

God bless you Dave - I took the oath in 1958

[@davebooth5655]

@@gordonsmith8899 Putties, DMS,303. Listen IN!!!

[@SusanRoseArt]

And I in 1977 😊

[@davebooth5655]

@@SusanRoseArt 🇬🇧x

[@margaretmac50]

Thank you for your service.🇬🇧

[@pammason8662]

The Queen has worked for 70 years. That is my lifetime and yours. She has only recently started slowing down a bit. She met Prince Phillip when she was 13 and married him when she was 20. They were together ever since until his death last year. He was royalty also but had to leave his home in Greece.

[@chriscann7627]

The whole point of a Monarchy is that one should NEVER know what the monarch thinks about the great issues of the day.

[@margaretmac50]

Or about anything that could be offensive to people. That is why Meghan Markle could not understand why she could not talk about womens rights. No matter what you do as your job the last thing anyone wants to hear is someones opinions on everyday issues. As a Nurse we could have no opinions when looking after our patients we were there for them, to support, reassure and answer their questions and concerns.

[@lewis123417]

Not really true though. That tradition was only mostly observed by our late Queen Elizabeth 2nd.

[@COATES77241]

As a Canadian, as part of the Commonwealth under the King, I am impressed by your willingness to learn about how governments operate outside of the USA, Mr. Rumple.

[@OldiesAl]

Just for your interest the Queen has met 13 of the last 14 US presidents (she missed Lyndon Johnson, she would have attended Kennedy's funeral but was pregnant with Prince Edward, Prince Philip stood in for her) from Truman to Biden, more that anyone else in history.

[@lks8775]

Amazing

[@peterc.1618]

She seemed to have got on particularly well with President Obama. It was reported that when she found out that Mrs Obama and their daughters were on a private visit to London, she sent for them to come to tea at the Palace. That kind of nice touch goes a long way in international relations.

[@janecatterson4554]

@@peterc.1618 yeah... Michelle obama is one of few people to have touched the Queen without invitation.

[@janecatterson4554]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4bCYZuvn72Fl68

[@Paula-dl9ky]

The Queen got on famously with President Ronald Reagan ... They had a fantastic friendship ..... They went riding together too ....

[@starrynight1329]

One of my favourite stories about the Queen is .... Ladies around the kingdom sent her Majesty their clothing stamps so she would be able to get her wedding dress. Rationing was still in effect at that time. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@skontheroad]

Mine too! Apparently rationing in the UK was worse AFTER the war (who knew?). I love that everyone sent in their ration books for fabric so that they all felt part of the occasion!

[@samsprrr3548]

That is so lovely.

[@MariaHernandez-rc2eq]

Wow! I didn't know about it!

[@starrynight1329]

@@MariaHernandez-rc2eq the queen stayed humble her whole life. She even said that when people turned up for the jubilees that they weren't there to see her, they came to see the Queen. She was a very down to earth lady ❤️.

[@ianwalker5842]

The Queen actually signs every document to which she assents, by hand in ink, with a fountain pen. She signs herself, "Elizabeth R", an abbreviated form of "Elizabeth Regina" - the Latin for "Queen". If a king is on the throne he also signs, for example, "George R" but the "R" stands for "Rex", which is the Latin for "King". (Definitely no rubber stamps involved, no matter how fancy... LOL 🤣)

[@capablancauk]

She is "in loco parentis". Stops unjust laws being passed.

[@lorrainebishop3520]

She reads everything. British Royal family and commonwealth

[@peterc.1618]

@@capablancauk By the time an Act of Parliament is presented to the Queen for royal assent she would have had ample opportunity to 'discuss' it with the PM at their weekly meetings. She has more experience of politics than just about anyone in the world so is in an ideal position to point out any shortcomings in a bill about to be laid before parliament. I'm pretty sure her red boxes do not contain any surprises.

[@neuralwarp]

@Andrew_koala Regina is the feminine form of Rex, or Regs if we look back to older versions of Latin. Yes, all these words are cognate, and stem back to proto-indo-european "reg³s". The Hindi word is Rajah.

[@TicketyBoo.]

Hi Tyler. I have to admit to a bit of frustration, maybe even annoyance when I first started following your channel. But hey, I've changed my mind. Full respect to you for actually making the effort to learn and share things that the US education system seems to ignore. You often ask 'do people in the UK know that?'. Usually the answer is yes. From a very young age we are taught about the people, politics, history and geography of other countries. We may not remember everything but we are at least armed with the essential facts and more tolerant of their differences. Knowledge is power Tyler so keep up the great work sir.

[@pipprecious2869]

So pleased it’s not just me who thinks this manchild is not only showing his ignorance, he confirms it every time he opens his mouth ! Silly boy.

[@dalemoore8582]

@mary carver I watch several British you tubers who have no idea about the British part of the founding of America and their part of the American Revolution. They say they are not taught about it. They don't think the 4th of July has anything to do with them. Even Harry( I know, he's a real brain trust) thought the 1st Amendment was "bonkers". Apparently your education system is not great since this is your history too. I won't even talk about the Britsish slave trade, yeah Brits are not racist.

[@jn715-i3h]

@mary carver Interesting though how many UK schools teach children and teenagers about the US congress and all of it's related areas? I have never hear any child from the UK discuss the US in this area. So it is a much of a muchness! I guess. It is actually incorrect in terms of you saying that UK children and teenagers are taught about the US government and it's systems. UK children seem to know a lot less about US government and it's systems than Australian children, because the Australian government is a mix of US and UK systems.

[@joannakennedy6005]

@@dalemoore8582 Actually you're absolutely wrong, most British know about our part in the founding of America. We British first set our feet on American soil in 1607, we colonised America! Yes we have thick British people, but so do Americans who do not pay attention! This Brit. did that's why I became a history teacher!

[@joannakennedy6005]

Hello my Scottish neighbour, near the borders of England and Scotland!

[@artj2657]

PLEASE read about Prince Phillip he was REALLY the most AMAZING intelligent man. He said “always make it about OTHERS, it’s never about YOU!” Our Royal family work for us they are interwoven and are part of our history and culture. I wrote to HMTQ and got a reply❗️They help important charities. I love our Royal family! You have a good grasp! Thank you for this video 👌❤️

[@MariaHernandez-rc2eq]

🥰

[@nangee9577]

🇳🇿 Hi Tyler, stumbled into your video just now and really enjoyed observing an American perspective when accessing information about the BRF. I am a New Zealander. New Zealand is a former member of the British Empire and along with most other former members of the British Empire is now a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Although some nations are in the process of choosing to become Republics they can still to opt to remain a part of the Commonwealth, indeed some countries from outside the Commonwealth have actually volunteered to become members ! The Queen is our Head of State in NZ and as you noted re flags, the NZ flag has the Union Jack in the upper left corner indicating our historic connection to the United Kingdom. I grew up aware Queen Elizabeth II was our reigning queen and we have various ceremonies of acknowledgement to that fact. I recall her Majesty visiting NZ when I was a child but all in all didn't really pay too much attention to all things Royal. However I became interested in recent times to actually fill in the gaps and find out more about the Constitution of Royalty. I have to say, like you, I too have been almost blindsided by the sheer volume of works undertaken in the name of royal duty. My respect for those senior royals who undertake what must surely, at times, rank as somewhat onerous tasks knows no bounds ! Simply reflecting on the unremitting hours and hours and hours of costume fittings for a multitude of public engagements alone, never mind other endless navigations involved in appearing in peak condition and to fit not just one appearance but at times two and three such engagements in one day. That has to be pretty exhausting work at times. And that's not covering the overseas trips to the Commonwealth countries with significant time away from families. No small ask in my opinion. And there is so so much more.

[@JP-xu7gh]

👍👍👍👍

[@daphnegermainribble5578]

She is our Head of State. We do not have to vote every 4 years for a President. There is continuation. Furthermore she is apolitical and shows no partiality for any political party. She is there to represent EVERY citizen of the UK and Commonwealth realms which have her as head of State. I appreciate your interest in UK and our Monarchy.

[@ktwashere5637]

i would guess the Americans spend way more on the presidential election than the UK does for the Queen.

[@StarryNightKnitting]

Your enthusiasm is fantastic and it makes learning 'with' you a lot of fun!

[@alancook]

The Queen has refused to signify her consent to parliament. This occurred in 1999, in relation to military action in Iraq. Check out "What Powers Does the Queen of England Actually Have? by 'Today I Found Out.'

[@justme1111]

Yes watch this plz will explain a lot about the queen and her powers

[@helenwood8482]

It went further than that. She refused to let Parliament discuss it.

[@michaelprobert4014]

@@helenwood8482 Though this was on the advice of the Prime minister .

[@joescarecrow]

yes watch that video!!

[@jsemplefelton5348]

Just England?

[@jacquelinedefreitas2221]

During a visit to Seattle a few years ago a young lady asked me what language do they speak in England. I told her “English - the Queen’s English.” A nice young lady, but I was amazed when she asked that question.

[@mikeantonio3163]

Happened to me too. I just said England, English!

[@susansmiles2242]

🤦‍♀️ it amazes me how many Americans ask this question

[@watermelon7998]

of course people in England don't speak "the Queen's English", why did you lie?

[@nick7076]

As far as work goes. The Queen, when still Princess Elizabeth served in WW2 as a mechanic driving ambulances. Her son Prince Andrew served in thr Falklands war. Prince William served in the air force and worked as a helicopter rescue pilot in North Wales. Prince Harry served in Afghanistan. Princess Ann has represented GB at the Olympics. There is so much more that this video doesn't cover

[@jsemplefelton5348]

Prince Charles served in the Navy.

[@aidencox790]

@@jsemplefelton5348And The Duke Of Edinburgh served in the navy being mentioned in dispatches. He served with the British Navy in the Pacific conflict with the Japanese. He was a very well thought of officer by all.

[@jsemplefelton5348]

@@aidencox790 - of course I am aware of Prince Philip's service. I was simply mentioning that the original comment left out Prince Charles from the armed forces amongst the younger Royals.

[@Kissameassa538]

Did you know she was in the 2nd world war, she was a mechanic in the Army. She also handles a gun very well. There is a lot to learn about her .❤️🇬🇧

[@Bob10009]

Watch a video about what power the Queen actually has, that will surprise you. For example, the British armed forces swear allegiance to the Queen, not to parliament. She is their commander in chief and theoretically could take us to war.

[@eamonndoyle4753]

Here's the link - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZqndKqnpdqjoJo

[@Spabsa]

So theoretically if Charles wanted he could send the UK and the commonwealth nations to war without parliaments approval?

[@JRCSalter]

The monarch is also the head of the Church of England, making the UK an actual Christian country, despite us being far less devout than many in the USA, which is emphatically not a Christian country despite what they put on their currency.

[@Bob10009]

@@Spabsa in theory he could also disband parliament and sack them all. He doesn’t have the same powers over commonwealth nations.

[@Spabsa]

@@Bob10009 well then why do they have him as head of state? If he can’t control Canada and Australia like the UK?

[@dunismith3045]

Good for you and your open mind! I am American but know a bit about the BRF. I wish more of my countrymen were willing to learn about this subject. This is the first video of yours I have watched, and I have subscribed to your channel as a result.

[@shaggybaggums]

I'm British and I wish more of my fellow Brits had the desire to learn more as well. Too many of them these days simply assume the Royal Family do nothing and are a drain on our society, a description that might better fit those complaining about them. And it is always humbling when a citizen of another country chooses to learn more about your own I think, so thank you for that.

[@lynneausten1390]

I loved the way that you were so close to getting but just missed it most times! If you think of the UK as the United KINGdom (or QUEENdom) then obviously any country that's part of UK has the Queen as head of state. The full title is Queen of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. She's also Queen of Australia, Canada, etc, countries who are part of the Commonwealth but not all countries in the Commonwealth have the Queen as Head of state. But that's a whole other story! Think it's really nice you're taking an interest in our royal family.

[@sueb3747]

And makes me realise that not everyone knows even as much as most people here in the UK know.

[@jsemplefelton5348]

Exactly Lynne. She is not just Queen of England.

[@amsodoneworkingnow1978]

It's not actually his fault as Americans do not receive any real education in history of any other history than their own. But even in stunned at his comment America never had any involvement with royalty. What does he think the infamous Boston tea party was for. Or how many people on both British and American lives were lost during the revolution. He needs to check out his own countries history

[@dalemoore8582]

@mary carver we fought a war to get rid of this foolishness.

[@mikeantonio3163]

@@dalemoore8582 and aren't you lucky, you got trump and then biden.

[@collywobbles1163]

Another time while at Balmoral. Where HM is more relaxed. She also wears a head scarf. She popped into the local village with her personal security of course and a tourist- I suppose an American asked her. Have you ever met the Queen? She replied no but he has and pointed to her personal security officer.

[@stevecrane6163]

Try and find a documentary on the Queen's father, King George VI this will help explain the character of the Queen. He never wanted to be King and was horrified at the prospect of assuming the throne (watch The King's Speech if you can it is a great film based almost entirely on actual events and very moving) but in my opinion was the greatest monarch this country has ever had as he sacrificed himself for his people in the United Kingdom and a quarter of the worlds population that he ruled. The greatest experience of my life was the day in 1999 when I was formally introduced to the last Queen Empress of India - his wife and the Queen's mother Queen Elizabeth the Queen mother the most charismatic person I have ever met and I have been privileged to meet many hundreds of famous people through my work.

[@MariaHernandez-rc2eq]

🌹

[@WJS774]

When London was being bombed to rubble during the war, he refused to evacuate. He could have gone anywhere in Britain, all the way up to Scotland, or even across the ocean to Canada, but chose to remain in London in solidarity with the people.

[@collywobbles1163]

She personally owns Balmoral and Sandringham umong others. And has a very good sense of humour. To work at Windsor Castle you have to born within the walls of the castle... My parents cousin works on police Royal protection at Balmoral- which is very remote in Scotland and one day in 2019. A little Chinese lady walked up to gate with a suitcase. When questioned, she said I am here to see my mother the Queen. She was briskly taken away.

[@richt71]

The Queen published a photo for the first time of her in her private apartment at Windsor castle sitting room and everyone was amazed how ordinary it was. She had a copy of the radio times ( TV magazine) a satellite remote and a few family photos. At Balmoral (private Scottish home) she's been know to use one room for heating and even though the Royal chief's were there Prince Philip used to like cooking for his family and staff. Her days are very long. Well used to be as they've scaled back all her duties. But she spents 2 hours each morning reading all proposed bills. She then spents another few hours going through correspondence before official lunch meetings, then in the afternoon she goes to opening before evening dinner duties call. Her day originally lasted from 7am till 10pm on average with little down time for herself!

[@juliawigger9796]

She and Philip lived in just a few rooms at Buck House too.

[@maggiem.1539]

We do love our big days, Weddings, Coronations, funerals,Jubilees. NO OTHER country has the displays we can put on. I was at Windsor castle recently, amongst some American tourists, and the Queen appeared to us to get into her car. The Americans turned and said “ wow we just saw the Queen” And I said proudly “yes and she’s OURS” it’s that simple. The UK and Northern Ireland is all part of the same.

[@watermelon7998]

"NO OTHER country has the displays we can put on." That's what your newspapers want you to be believe but have you ever seen what "displays" they put on for the Spanish king? Sweden's? Japan?

[@Gittas-tube]

​@@watermelon7998 👩🏻‍🌾🇫🇮🤴🏻💂🏻‍♂️🏰👑 Well, I have! And everybody agrees that no other European monarchy can match the British one when it comes to putting on an amazing display of pomp and circumstance, a real feast for the eyes. I would say that Sweden comes the closest but on a much smaller scale.

[@herindoors3552]

Imagine having to attend a wedding every day of the week, every year, all day on your best behaviour, meeting strangers, standing a lot, travelling etc, hell no.

[@gordonsmith8899]

Earlier this year HM signed off one address with the words "your servant"

[@kathrynstemler6331]

Well put and on top that, realizing that you can’t complain about you job because no one wants to hear about how hard it is to be the queen.

[@neilwhitfield5026]

I am an Australian and just thought I would quote the Australian Constitution: "The legislative power of the Commonwealth [of Australia] shall be vested in a Federal Parliament, which shall consist of the Queen, a Senate, and a House of Representatives, and which is hereinafter called The Parliament, or The Parliament of the Commonwealth."

[@araptorofnote5938]

Americans ditched the monarchy but clung on to the bit that we Brits despised the most. Neither the Monarch nor the British government can rule by decree - but The President of the United States can.

[@paulmidsussex3409]

We have also scrapped may of the corrupt and tyrannical royal practices that endure in the Amerian quasi monarchy. For example the Queen can pardon people but only does so after a thorough review by her advisors, not just because someone has given her money or was a coconspirator with her in a criminal conspiracy.

[@BlameThande]

The president can also veto bills and unilaterally pardon criminals no matter their crime, which seems terrifyingly mediaeval to us in the UK.

[@stpaley]

@@BlameThande and congress can override a veto, and pardoning of criminals might have limitations too which congress does not want to interfere in case they find themselves in need of the process

[@WJS774]

Literally not true, there are well defined limits on what a US president can do, and what is the job of Congress.

[@janined5784]

The Queen is not "all work". She's a lovely lady with a great sense of humour too and she cares about people. Some time ago a couple in Manchester invited the Queen to their wedding, knowing she'd be in their city on the same day. The Queen actually turned up to wish them well. Isn't that lovely! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoDalpmre6hkf7c

[@JadawinL]

Between 1607 and 1783, what is now the US had 10 "British" monarchs starting with James I and ending with George III. Also parts of the Ohio valley and Louisiana were ruled by French Kings - Florida, Texas, New Mexico the the Kings and Queens of Spain. Louisiana named after King Louis of France. The Carolinas named after King Charles I and Maryland named after his wife, Virginia named for Queen Elizabeth I and the State of Georgia named after King George II. The USA has more royalty in its history than most nations :) The Queen has never made a "Commonwealth Tour" to the United States as the US is not a member of the Commonwealth of Nations

[@vaudevillian7]

And Florida(s) had George III as monarch during the Revolutionary War, just to complicate matters

[@paulmidsussex3409]

The province of New York is named after King James 2 which lead to the naming of New York state and New York City and plenty of important settlements are named after British royalty - Jamestown, Georgetown, Charleston.

[@AnimeManiac1987]

just goes to show how much brainwashing Americans go through in school to where they forget 80% of their own history, yet they consider independence day extremely important. how can it be important if you don't know why. common sense dictates that if a country wins independence from an empire governed by a monarchy then that country once had a monarch, even if they no longer do.

[@leampunkt3678]

At least someone who tries to educte himself. I appreciate that a lot. Most Americans have zero understanding of the concept of Royality yet still they have a lot and a loud opinion on the Royals. There is so much misunderstanding. I think the biggest misunderstanding is the difference between royalty and celebrity. The lifestyle isnt as close as lavish, as Americans think. Of course they live in "palaces" but that means, they live in an appartment within a palace and these palaces are beautiful for sure, but no luxury. They get paid by the taxpayers to do their job. To represent the crown, country, the people, for service, to raise money, to take on the patronages of many many organizations etc. They do not cash in privately. The do give financial reports, like how much taxpayers money was used on what and how much money they raised and their Foundations keeps a 100% of the donations. There is a certain American Duchess who never understood that and never even tried to. I guess she thought she would sit on a golden throne all day long, wear a crown and command and bully her stuff. She in fact did want a lavish lifestyle and she managed to waste more money on clothes in her 2 years, than any female european royal before. It was insane. She did not understand her role and the difference between being a celebrity and a royal. I guess she was dissapointed as well, that she wasnt allowed to use her title and status to privately make deals and cash in from in, while being a working member of the royal family. And now she uses the lack of knowledge amongst the Americans to create a whole new narrative and to build a whole carrer on it. Lying, victimizing and milking and selling her titles for big deals, just because it works in America...unfortunately. She wants to create herself as the American Princess (a title she never had and never would have had) while she never even managed to actual do the job of a Duchess, that she signed up for.

[@MiMi_MoMo]

As an American myself, while I agree that most Americans don’t understand the concept of royalty at all, many of us (including myself) cannot stand Meghan. I saw through her right from the beginning because she’s one of those obnoxious narcissistic types who acts entitled to everything. It’s a good thing she and Harry are living in California, because I don’t think any other state in our nation would take them. Only the land of Hollywood would fall for her stupid ruse.

[@BlameThande]

First of all: Britain and British mean the same as UK; you're thinking of *Great* Britain being different (yes this is confusing). Unfortunately this video's guy gets it a bit wrong, whether because he's American himself or some other reason: all that stuff about the Crown being 'ceremonial' or 'symbolic' or 'traditional' or the monarch's powers being 'limited' is not true. The Crown's power is still the ultimate power, the difference is that it's informally DELEGATED to Parliament (in practice often the Prime Minister) - the idea of limitations and checks and balances being written down on paper is mostly an American idea. In theory there's nothing to stop the monarch ruling alone by decree, but the last time one tried it, Parliament had his head cut off (and when the Queen opens Parliament today, they slam the doors in her face and make her wait in a room with King Charles' death warrant on the wall, just in case she gets any funny ideas). The British constitution runs on accepted precedent rather than it being written down in one place (which, as we've seen in the US, just means you need to get the 'right' supreme court to 'creatively interpret' what it says and then you can do whatever you want, so much for checks and balances).

[@iriscollins7583]

Love your comment.😊😊😊

[@janined5784]

Yes, and we've all seen what a disaster THAT can bring.

[@mintyfrompolo]

Can l just point out two little things. When opening Parliament, the Queen doesn't have the door slammed in her face. She enters the House of Lords, and her Equery goes through to the House of Commons, to summon all the M.P.'s to go into the Lords to hear her speech. The slamming of the door, and Black Rod knocking on it before he walks down to invite the M.P.'s is Ceremonial, and shows the Commkns still has it's powers to refuse. This goes back to when Oliver Cromwell was in power. Also, about the Queen having to wait in a side room, what happens us, she arrives, and her Crown, Orb and Septre arrive in a different car/carriage. On entering the House of Lords building, the Queen then goes into a room to get ready. There, she used to have the Crown put on her head, but as she's now in her 90's, and the Crown is quite heavy, she hasn't worn it for a few years, but it is placed where she makes her speech.

[@jn715-i3h]

I think what should be considered here is the history of the US and UK relations and how that impacts the school education curriculums in both countries. I find a lot of UK children and teenagers don't have much understanding or knowledge of US government systems nor the Australian government systems. I find a lot of UK people on here commenting are getting defensive and are being quite insular in their comments, and attacking the US school system and I can say here the UK education system also has these issues.

[@mintyfrompolo]

@@jn715-i3h There's too many children in the UK don't know anything about their OWN history. Too many left leaning people have got into our education system, who are seeing to that. They're being taught about the 'bad ' Empire and slavery etc, but the rest of our history is disappearing from the curriculum fast. Some universities are dropping subjects such as Shakespeare, for God's sake, and the poor little students are being given warnings about contents of books before they read them etc etc. I really worry about their futures. They've already had any notions of competition removed from their lives. And they wonder why, when these youngsters go out into the 'real', big wide world they can't cope.

[@BackToNature123]

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (William and Catherine) will be going to Boston this year (November I think) for Earthshot Awards so you could try and meet them 😄

[@bds2044]

It's important to note as well that this isn't a chosen life; you are born into it. Lizzie had no choice and was thrusted into it at a young age. She is a great woman 👏

[@Drusille]

she's admirable, she hasn't taken a rest since became Queen and she's 96, no one wants to work till their very last day but this woman will. She's an icon even for non british persone ( i would prefer her than our Letizia

[@tuijakarttunen9164]

And because she wasn`t expected to become The Queen, she was never prepared to that position. Normally, they would have educated her her whole life for the future role as a queen.

[@keep_it_real_1]

She promised to do her duty to her country and that is what she has done. She has been exemplary in her duty and giving herself totally. There is not one bad thing that you say against the Queen. Her reign has been unblemished.

[@neilwilliams929]

Bids even tho your technally correct .that liz was thrown into the job .To say she didn't haven't had a choice is slightly exaggerated .She could just said NO " after all her uncle, did .Even Harry wants to be arms length from being a Royal .So to say she couldn't back the job isn't exactly true .

[@neilwilliams929]

Not back I meant

[@rebamac1939]

Gosh you’re a great young guy! You’re such a joy to listen to. You just popped up in my videos and I will watch all your work. I am Canadian and the monarch is my head of state. Our prime ministers consult with the monarch and her Governor General, who is her majesty”s direct representative in Canada. Thank you for learning about the monarchy and governments she oversees. This is a time when this foundation stone of our governments is under serious threat from sinister forces, not least harry and Meghan- who left their roles because they couldn’t sit around all day doing what they want and prostitute the public good that is their title. When you wear a title you serve the people of the realm. They serve themselves and should not use the titles to make money. One more thing- Charles has actually stepped into difficult life and death situations and negotiated release of common wealth citizens from Arabian nations. He’s saved individual lives more than once. Thanks for being open minded and so cool.

[@DruncanUK]

Most Americans think the Royal Family is just the English branch of the Kardashians. Edit: The idea that the Queen would do a "Commonwealth Tour" of USA had me falling off my chair!!! The USA did not want to be part of the Commonwealth and fought a war with us to prove it!

[@stpaley]

omg; that is so true, that would be the only reality show i would watch, keeping up with the windsors, that would be more hilarious then the original

[@mikeantonio3163]

@@stpaley looks like you'll have to watch keeping up with the markles!

[@wardenblack9734]

English and British are not interchangeable terms.

[@rockybateman2904]

Elizabeth wasn't born to be Queen. It happened because Edward abdicated, so the next in line was her dad, and when he died, she became queen... but she never expected this to happen. Her dad was painful, shy, and her mum never forgave Edward for abdication and causing his death.

[@mesdaf8523]

The Royal Family has a average of 4000 engagements per year. They raise millions for charity

[@jeffthomas2364]

The thing we have to remember about being The Queen is The Queen is never off duty, she is The Queen 24/7 until the day she dies. Elizabeth II became Queen at just 25 years old, she is now 96 years old and still being Queen, at least most people get to look forward to getting some sort of retirement. Being Monarch is gruelling.

[@Distant394]

My mum and dad got a 60th wedding anniversary card from the queen sign by her wishing them a long and happy marriage it’s a tradition the Monarch have done since Queen Victoria as you can imagine my mum and dad was shocked when it arrived in the post they thought it was a prank at first , what they didn’t explain on here is the full armed services swear allegiance to the Queen and not the country although they do protect the country you can see how much power the Royals have if they wanted to use it or misuse it 👍

[@gordonsmith8899]

Checks and balances ensure peace Allan, the armed forces swear allegiance to the monarch BUT parliament holds the money purse.

[@Wesker1984]

@@gordonsmith8899 Parliament may hold the official purse strings, however the Royal treasury is extremely healthy and could pay the military for some time, certainly plenty enough time for a successful coup. It's the potential ire of the people that really holds the Crown in check.

[@gordonsmith8899]

@@Wesker1984 What 'royal treasury' are you referring to?

[@janined5784]

That's why it's SO BAD when tourists disrespect the Queen's Guards at Palaces and the Tower of London and on other official duties. They are fully trained and experienced British Army soldiers and I'm sure they must get so fed up with the antics of ignorant tourists!

[@Distant394]

@@janined5784 without doubt it’s infuriating it’s not just they disrespecting the soldiers they are really having a go at our nation I swear if I was near 1 of those people I wouldn’t hold back against them I’d give them a mouthful at the very least 😡

[@collywobbles1163]

13:40 in yes. That is in Westminster (where Big Ben is) and the palace within the houses of Parliament called the Palace of Westminster. HM has her own private entrance called the Royal Arch and stairs. Which are only used by HM and when HM enters the Houses of Parliament. Clue is pluralism of the word house. Within Westminster.

[@billydonaldson6483]

Shaking hands with foreign leaders is where a lot of our trade deals come from. Meeting and entertaining Saudi Kings etc can lead to £billions in exports for the nation, they prefer to meet with someone in authority such as the head of state.

[@Rebecca-zl9vt]

Prince Phillip’s family history is heartbreaking and fascinating

[@anoldfogeysfun]

By the way, Tyler, there's a short video (well, a recording really) on YT you might enjoy . . . During the Reagan era, where he sent quite a lot of your troops in to land in Grenada (it's in the Caribbean) . . . to do a "rescue" . . . What he forgot though, or what his military top brass also forgot perhaps to tell him, was that Grenada was under the Crown protection of the UK. So the US was actually invading a country protected by the UK by doing so. This was back in the Thatcher/Reagan era by the way . . . I can't remember if Reagan called Thatcher only after it had began, or if it was the other way around now. Let's just say that on the recording, Thatcher said that the Queen was going to be at least very unhappy - and at most furious with what he'd done - seeing as no request for him or his military to do so had been asked for and been allowed to go ahead . . . (Have a listen if you can find it - you may enjoy it . . . !) lol . . .

[@bevanfletcher6563]

The Queen has had a life of service since she was 18 when she joined the ATS (Army Transport Service) in WWII where she learnt to drive an ambulance and to be a mechanic, then after the War when her father King GeorgeVI 's health started failing she took over more of his duties. Since becoming Queen has served the UK and the Commonwealth. She has dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth. Princess Anne also works extremely hard, her days are busy with official duties.

[@helenwood8482]

The Queen's status as head of state is not remotely symbolic. She could dismiss the Prime Minister and appoint a new one, any time she feels like it. She has near absolute power. Imagine a President who rules for life, is considered personally appointed by God and has no checks and balances but his own conscience. Probably sounds scary to you, but it's the secret of the UK's success.

[@oneday458]

That's who Trump wants to be. Is why he admires her so much - he wants to be her.

[@malopephasha5341]

If she does that her subjects may attempt a revolution

[@watfordjc]

The Queen made 6 state visits to the USA, one of which (1959) she visited as Queen of Canada and one (1957) which (according to Wikipedia) she visited as Queen of Canada, Queen of the UK, and head of the Commonwealth (as head of Commonwealth only has a footnote pointing to a page in a book as reference, but that state visit is listed in both the table for As Queen of Canada and the table for As Queen of the United Kingdom).

[@gordonsmith8899]

Now that you're aware of the importance of royal impartiality regarding political issues, you will understand why Meghan Markle doesn't fit the role expected of a member of the RF.

[@lillia5333]

What a racist comment. Did you say the same about Fergie? Or Diana? Or the "have no personality" Kate?

[@gordonsmith8899]

@@lillia5333 It's clear to me that you haven't understood my post. So I'll spell it out for you. 1. As the monarchy represents the whole nation, members of the British Royal Family are required to remain silent on political or controversial matters. Do you follow that? 2. Meghan Markle has made it very clear that she will not honour that code. 3, By refusing to keep away from politics Meghan has disqualified herself - it has nothing to do with her racial background. She'd still be 'unfit' if she was as blonde and blue-eyed as a Barbie-Doll if she wanted to meddle in politics. 4. Fergie, Diana and Catherine* have never made a single political comment - had they done so they would have been censured. 5. Every time you mis-use the 'race card' you undermine it's usefulness - there's nothing 'racist' in my post and your post makes you look like a simpleton. * I suppose if I'd written Meghan didn't have the 'right' personality, you'd be leaping around screaming 'racist' at that too.

[@mikeantonio3163]

@@lillia5333 racist? Being lousy at a job and by choice wanting to leave has nothing to do with her colour, more to do with her character.

[@touchztone]

@@gordonsmith8899 sorry but I’m not aware of any examples of Meghan acting partially on political issues since she married Harry. Please can you provide me with specific examples.

[@gordonsmith8899]

@@touchztone Hello Seph. All and any areas that 'rub up against' political ideologies. Gender politics, 'black' politics, US politics* and 'partying' with US politicians, especially some of whom are known for their antipathy towards the UK *She even got Harry to comment on US internal politics. Members of the RF just do NOT comment on any issues that could be subject to differing political opinions or debate. They HAVE to be neutral. The Duke of Windsor (Edward VIII) when he was Prince of Wales visited a 'distressed' area in South Wales where he saw the dreadful conditions some people were living in. He was moved by what he'd seen and was heard to say "Something must be done." His comment was heavily criticised as being outside his remit as a member of the RF MM is a loose cannon - perfectly OK if she were simply another American living in the US - but she's not just 'another American, she's married to a British Prince, she has a British title, she's a peripheral member of the British RF.

[@northwoodfalls1403]

Lol I am really enjoying your journey into learning more about the Royal Family and the British way of doing things in general. I am Canadian. My father was in the military so he swore his oath to The Queen and he took that oath very seriously. His regiment was named for her. As a consequence I went to schools on military bases and we began each day singing God Save The Queen even before our own National Anthem and every room had a portrait of the Queen. All of our government buildings likewise have her portrait (which will now be changed for King Charles III). Our stamps, our money also have her portraits on them. The highway here where I live is the Queen Elizabeth Way, the ER emblem is on many of the light standards. All this to say, I grew up stewed in the Monarchy and all things British even though my own families people hail from The Netherlands. We have a parliamentary system. We practice British law. Many of us have memories of Royal visits throughout our lifetimes. My parents lived in what is called Loyalist Country here in Ontario. It’s all woven throughout our culture. So, it’s delightful for me to watch an American discover some of all these quirks and traditions and such. It’s unfathomable to me to live in a world where I was totally unaware of these things so it’s really fun to see it all through your experience.

[@cheryla7480]

The Queen has visited Canada more than 22 official visits, starting as a princess in 1951, in place of her father who was two I’ll to travel. My father used to work for the railroad.( CPR ) and used to be part of ensuring the Royal train had an uneventful trip. Many other members of the Royal family are frequent visitors. Our flag ( before the red maple leaf ) also had the Union Jack in the upper left corner.

[@maryterry1531]

Super, super video!! Your mental workout became our mental workout 💪 thank you!

[@mrd4785]

She doesn't represent the UK when touring the Commonwealth. She is the head of state of all of these places - as in she is as much Queen of Australia as she is Queen of England. Her head is on the reverse side of all of our coins. If the Queen visited the US, it wouldn't be regarded as a Commonwealth tour, as the USA chose to become a republic and is in no way part of the Commonwealth. We also have our own mini-olympics called the Commonwealth Games.

[@sandrahilton3239]

Princess Ann was in the Olympics and is a brilliant horsewoman. Her Daughter Zara has followed in her footsteps and was in the London Olympics.

[@grannylong]

Love you are so interested in our Royal family. Many younger ones today think they are just for show but they do so much for Britain.

[@sabrinalennox2004]

I'm old and remember some stores having signs that read " Thank You For Your Patronage"

[@lindylou7853]

HMQ gets a huge red box of papers every single day to read and sign and comment upon. That’s lots of homework to tackle every single day of her life. She can’t opt out. She’s 96 and can’t give up work. Only recently has she started reducing her workload and other royals have begun to take up the slack. Losing Prince Philip was a terrible blow. He’d been beside her for more than 70 years.

[@jackiefruge5884]

Yes, they work hard! I watched so many documentaries, amazed at Princess Anne’s schedule. And smile, and talk, and CARE. I love them. The real royals, not h and m

[@DavidDoyleOutdoors]

@Tyler British is the Nationality of the UK this includes Northern Ireland (although people in Northern Ireland can also choose Irish nationality or both, but British is the default). You’re using Great Britain incorrectly, it’s not a Nation anymore, just a geographical name for the island. When referring to anything British or Royal it’s better to refer to the country as United Kingdom, you can use “Britain” interchangeably but not “Great Britain”, hope that makes sense.

[@RushfanUK]

Great Britain is a designation for the combined countries of England, Scotland and Wales, it is recognised in particular by the IOC and is relevant when talking about the three countries as a whole and not just as a geographical name, it has legal and constitutional uses as well, actually the correct geographical name for the Islands of Great Britain and Ireland along with many small isle including the Isle of Man is The British Isle.

[@DavidDoyleOutdoors]

@@RushfanUK one exception to that rule is in the Olympics were Team GB includes Northern Ireland, it really should be called Team UK

[@michaelprobert4014]

No he isn't . Great Britain , UK and Britain are just fine , especially in colloquial expression.

[@patriciacarline6975]

Rubbish - we are the United Kingdoms of Great Britain and Northern Ireland! William the Conqueror called us Grande Bretagne - Great/large/big Britain as opposed to Petit Bretagne - little Britain, know to us as Brittany in France!

[@michaelprobert4014]

@@patriciacarline6975 Well . the United Kingdom ( singular)

[@annemariefleming]

Her late Majesty has been in the same job for over 70 years. Working almost non-stop, being held to a schedule fixed for months or years ahead, she couldn't just lie in bed all day doing nothing. It's what she knew she was born for, and she has done everything possible to keep her promise to serve all her life.

[@crackers562]

Queen Elizabeth is also officially Queen of Australia.... we are a member of the Commonwealth of Nations (previously the British Empire) :-) The Queen can dissolve our Parliament in very unusual circumstances - such as a "hung" government that can't get anything passed due to a deadlock.... that's power!

[@adamleonpope]

The Queen has and often uses her powers to not endorse laws or bills, often requiring them to be re-written or re-drawn. Notably Iraq and British involvement. As mentioned before you really should check out "what Powers does the Queen actually have" as I think it will surprise you.

[@katydaniels508]

During world war 2 the Queen worked as a mechanic! It isn’t just the lower down members that work 😁

[@lunapuella2611]

I enjoyed your thoughts and curiosity. I subscribed and look forward to watching more.

[@mrd4785]

I've said it a few times and people are probably sick of it but all these videos seem to ignore the fact that the Governor General dismissed the Prime Minister of Australia in the 1970s. I know it is not quite the same as an exercise of her power in the UK, however it is pretty amazing that she still has the power to remove a head of state of a nation that is geographically the size of the USA on the other side of the planet.

[@michaelprobert4014]

The Head of State was Queen Elizabeth or the Governor General. I think you mean Head of Government. It was done , I suspect , on the Governor General's advice.

[@aidencox790]

@@michaelprobert4014 The queens wisdom, or pat of it, comes from the fact that she always listens to those with greater experience on any subject.

[@michaelprobert4014]

@@aidencox790 and that she always does as she is told .

[@brasschick4214]

“May God save The Queen, because nothing will save the Governor General”- Gough Whitlam, former PM dismissed by the Governor General. GG Kerr later lived his life as an outcast/pariah.

[@iriscollins7583]

@@michaelprobert4014 How do you know?

[@FallenAngel9979]

My aunt & uncle were lucky enough to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace a few years ago. I’d love to be invited one day!

[@annvinall6673]

The Queen works every day of the year. She has a suitcase delivered to her with secret and Parliament papers that she must read.

[@heatherfruin5050]

British Royal Family really encompasses all the UK. Princess Anne is one of the hardest working members of the Royal family. No she wasn't born to be Queen. I think at least one other comment explains that.

[@TimeyWimeyLimey]

The thing to always remember about Northern Ireland is that half of the population there want to be considered British, while the other half don't want to be associated with Britain or ruled by Britain.

[@sandrahilton3239]

Remember she is still working at 95. She is loved and respected my most for that very fact, even if not a royalist.

[@lizbignell7813]

When Her Majesty signed the act which allowed same sex marriage she was supposed to have said that at the beginning of her reign it would have been unimaginable. She then said, “Isn’t it marvellous.”

[@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh]

Sorry to jump in again. Before WWI, the royal house was the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, from an area in Germany where Queen Victoria's husband came from. Because of the war with Germany, they disowned most of their German cousins and changed the name of the house to Windsor, the name of a favorite castle and estate. Most close royal relatives carry the last name of Windsor or Mountbatten-Windsor. When Charles becomes king, the "working royal family" will shrink significantly and pretty much everyone will need to get a job. Ahhh - you said - representing the UK. NO she is not representing the UK when visiting the Commonwealth, She is the Queen of Australia, the Queen of Canada, the Queen of Jamaica, etc.

[@m_h_1988]

You say that she was born to be Queen but the interesting thing is, she actually would likely never have been Queen if her uncle hadn't abdicated. Had he been king, the Crown would have passed to his heirs and she would have lived her whole life as Princess Elizabeth.

[@B-A-L]

Actually that's not true because her uncle never had children so that means that his brother would have become king if he had died first but Edward outlived his brother and died in the 1970s and that would have handed the crown to Elizabeth.

[@ffotograffydd]

@@B-A-L But if he’d not abdicated he would have married someone else, probably younger and more able to have children. So it’s highly likely that he would have had heirs.

[@vickicrisp3510]

@@ffotograffydd but he did abdicate to marry “the woman he loved” so the rest is moot.

[@ffotograffydd]

@@vickicrisp3510 The original comment specifically says “if her uncle hadn’t abdicated”, so how is it moot? Also he didn’t abdicate to marry the woman he loved, we now know that he was under investigation on the orders of this father because of his Nazi links. That story was concocted because they didn’t want to tell the British people their King was a Nazi sympathiser. Since the top secret documents were declassified we now know the real reasons behind the abdication.

[@cheryla7480]

When you really think about it, she still would have been Queen. If they had allowed Edward to remain king, and married to Wallace Simpson. The couple were childless, so even though George died before Edward, the Crown still would have passed down to Elizabeth…..just at a much later date.

[@pedanticlady9126]

The Crown Jewels are part of the Royal Collection held in Trust by the Monarch on behalf of the Nation! They are kept in The Tower of London.

[@Diamondmine212]

Fun fact, the Queens grandfather wasn’t born to be king either, his elder brother died not long have he became engaged.

[@cazyaz523]

The irony of you stopping on the face of Prince Harry when talking about “living like Royalty”, having privilege but then talking about living a life of service . Don’t get me started.

[@gavinhall6040]

The funny thing is that the servants serve out of old tupperware stuff the Queen bought years ago saving money, and she insists they still use it. They do cost money but if the queen can save herself a few quid, she will.

[@janesmith8831]

Of course she does…she’s of the “make do & mend” war generation. & yes they did stick to rations & 3 inches of water in the bath at Buck house….just like everybody else.

[@eyeofthasky]

16:47 the "assent" you are talking about is written :D like in _ascending order_ , from latin ad- (towards) + scand- (climb) --- but means almost the same as _approval_ , from latin ad- + sent- (feel, think)

[@elunedlaine8661]

Elizabeth became Queen in 1952, aged 27, after her father died. She was crowned in 1953. During her Coronation, she vowed to dedicate her life to the country and its people. She certainly has done that. She has to be apolitical as she's had 14 different Prime Ministers during her 70 year reign. She is known for her love of corgis and her sense of humour

[@patriciacrangle8244]

The Queen was only 25 years when her father died

[@Diamondmine212]

The day the Queen succeed to the throne she was TWENTY FIVE, by the time she was crowned some16 months later she had turned 27 on the 21 of April 1953. She was the mother of a 6 month old baby girl and 27 month old son.

[@bevanfletcher6563]

I can remember when I was a teenager in the Boy's Brigade and the Queen and Prince Philip Toured New Zealand, They inspected us while we were on parade, I later when on to receive the Queen's Badge, the highest award for anyone in a youth organisation.

[@colbournmck5260]

Now it makes sense whereby so many of our American people doesn't know that English is spoken in the UK or which continent England is located!

[@BlameThande]

It is kind of creepy, and we have to be careful that we're talking about their society and not the individuals who mostly can't help it. Sometimes it feels like the US is behind some kind of iron curtain of media shielding them from awareness of the outside world - it comes to something when even people from countries with communist governments and censored internets, like China, still seem to know more about other countries than the average American does.

[@libertasdemocratiam887]

Yes the Queen has the power to refuse ascent, she has actually done it, rarely though. She did it in the late 90's because the labour government wanted to take the power to order the armed forces and declare war from the crown to the government. There are a few other rare occasionsbut it proves she does have the ultimate say.

[@whitedwarf4986]

She wasn't born to be Queen, that's why she's been such a good one.

[@papercup2517]

The Queen has made official tours to the US but they are not 'Commonwealth Tours' because the US is not part of the Commonwealth. Canada however, as a former part of the British Empire, is part of the Commonwealth. Yes, the 'charm offensive' is a common (semi-jocular) term used for this sort of soft diplomacy, which is about cementing closer personal relations with heads of government and others, to bring the UK and those countries being visited closer together. This can have a wide range of direct and indirect benefits, from helping clinch trade deals to helping avert wars! The Queen's life is one of service to her country; her daily schedule is full on, with long hours, and no concept of retirement. This documentary didn't actually go through all the Queen's duties; one important one is to consult with the Prime Minister at a weekly meeting. This can be invaluable for the PM since the Queen has an incredibly vast knowledge of world affairs and personal knowledge of the leaders and personalities involved, from a lifetime of such meetings and visits, as well as from her first hand knowledge of all the previous PMs, going back decades. Her role is only to support and advise however, she can not give the PM orders. Most PMs value these meetings highly. Oh, yes, and 'assent' means agreement or permission, and is different from the word 'ascent' meaning rising or going up. So Royal Assent is not about elevating anyone (eg with a knighthood), it's about the Queen giving permission for legislation to be passed - ie signing off on Bills of Parliament. Since she's read every bit of legislation for the last 70-odd years, this is another reason she has such a comprehensive and valuable inside knowledge and understanding of government and politics.

[@seanhopton.]

Did you know that the Royal Family surname" Windsor" was adopted in 1917 by king George V. , they don't have surnames they are normally know for the House or Dynasty they represent." The family goes by the surname of "Windsor."Because of the relationship between our country and Germany, it was advised that the " Dynasty" Does not use it's Orginal "Saxe-Coburg-Gotha" title, as the Nation would not like this family title.So we have"the Windsors" and the name " Mountbatten" is also used by the family.❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@collywobbles1163]

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge trained as a helicopter pilot during his time in HM RAF. Once, he finished married and was moved to Cambridge along with his title given by the Queen upon his marriage. He worked for the East Anglia air ambulance for 2 years and donated his salary back to the air ambulance service. Since he's now had children he doesn't fly much anymore. Heirs to the throne and all, strictly managed by others in Buckingham Palace. As to can do's and cannot be done. Anne, Princess Royal once called them the replies. The assination attempt on Anne, The Princess Royal on the Mall was huge. If she hadn't had her witts about her. She would have been killed. One wonders if Diana Princess of Wales had similar witts about her. She wouldn't have come to such an unfortunate end in a tunnel in Paris... Granted she got a raw deal but I do believe she brought herself being in that circumstance upon herself. Because if anyone knew better and from experience. It was on her, the rest were just trying to keep up... Sadly it didn't work and most were killed outright and on impact.

[@susansmiles2242]

Prince William worked for the Air Sea Rescue in Wales on Anglesey after his marriage and as far as I know never lived in Cambridge. However he was given the title Duke of Cambridge on his marriage to Catherine Middleton who became the Duchess of Cambridge

[@mervinmannas7671]

The Queen has made 3 official state visits to the US. But has visited a few more times on other types of visit. She staye with he Regans on their ranch as they were both keen riders. She has made at least two unofficial visits in regards to horse racing and purchaseing race horses. She has met all but one of the US Presidents and that was Lyndon B Johnson as such a visit either by her or him was not possible between the assasination of President Kennedy and the Election which then saw Nixon take the job.

[@pureholy]

Fun fact - if you get a letter personally signed by the Queen, she signs it ‘Elizabeth R’ unless she is writing to children, in which case she signs it ‘The Queen’.

[@lilyliz3071]

If the queen did a commonwealth tour of the US that really would be something as the US is not in the commonwealth, I think we would all be surprised 😀

[@helenchelmicka3028]

I went to a royal garden party they held for the camping and caravanning club for their 100th birthday. I think they've got a royal patron. It was super cool and just like you'd think, amazingly cut sandwiches in triangles, tea in cups and saucers, cakes and desserts with each labelled with a piece of paper with writing in fountain pen served by butlers. The invite said you had to wear a hat too. Shame our Liz wasn't there ☹️ but was awesome anyway! In terms of writing to the late queen, loads of kids wrote to invite her to their birthday parties. Charles will receive tons of invites too 🥰 Rest in Peace Ma'am