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Royals don't have much of a private life. Everything they do is of interest to their public, and the job of a monarch often comes before the needs of their family and friends.
Learning from the example of her parents, the young Elizabeth always knew how important the public's support of the monarchy is. To reinforce her love of the empire, the 21-year-old Princess dedicated her entire life to her future subjects:
I declare before you all, that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and to the service of my great imperial family to which we all belong.
Since her coronation in 1952, the Queen Elizabeth's life has been dominated by her role as Head of State, Head of the British Commonwealth, and Head of her Family.
The tabloids often report on Elizabeth's role as the Head of her Family, but they don't often report on her other duties. Read on...
Parliament is the legislative branch of the government in the UK. It is comprised of the House of Lords (hereditary officials) and House of Commons (elected officials) and the Queen.
In Parliament, Elizabeth's role is formal and not political. She is required to give the Royal Assent to all bills on the advice of her ministers. Without the Royal Assent a bill would not become law, but the Assent has not been refused since 1707.
Elizabeth also has the duty of opening Parliament in person every year. She addresses both the House of Commons and the House of Lords during The Queen's Speech. This speech, which outlines the policies for the coming season, is not written by the Queen, but by the current government.
Because the Monarch is required to be apolitical, Elizabeth can't publicly voice any of her opinions about legislation or policy. However, she is entitled to a weekly meeting with the current Prime Minister. In this confidential meeting, Elizabeth has the duty to warn, advise, and express her own opinions about the current government. According statements made by her former Prime Ministers, this is a duty Elizabeth takes very seriously.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent countries, almost all of which were formerly under British rule. These countries work together to promote human rights, economic and social development of poorer countries, and non-governmental social programs.
The 1.6 billion people of Commonwealth countries make up over a quarter of the world's population, and over 50 per cent of the population of the Commonwealth is under 25. The great majority of Commonwealth members are parliamentary democracies.
Elizabeth's role in the Commonwealth has no constitutional basis and is completely symbolic. But she is also the Commonwealth's best advocate. She reinforces the ties between the nations involved by attending the yearly Commonwealth Conference and the Commonwealth games and by independently meeting with the heads of state.
Throughout history, monarchs had had the enviable privilege of honoring those who have proven themselves in service to the crown. In the old days, the monarchs gave land and money.
Today, Queen Elizabeth confers honors at an Investiture. Twice during the year, the lists of people who will receive honors are published: the Queen's Birthday Honours and New Years Honours. The Prime Minister's office chooses most of the honorees from nominations they receive.
Elizabeth also has a group of honors she can award at her own discretion: the Order of the Garter, the Order of the Thistle, the Order of Merit, the Royal Victorian Order and the Royal Victorian Chain, Royal Medals of Honour, and Medals for Long Service.
Although these honors no longer represent land, money, or political power, the awarding, removing and/or stripping of honors is highly symbolic.
Go to royal.gov.uk for more information on honors
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