We’re finally here! It is the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee week, with a lovely 4 day bank holiday weekend ahead of us. The bunting is ready, and the Pimm’s is on ice – but do you have any fun facts about what you are celebrating? Here are our top 7 fun facts about the Queen – in commemoration of her Platinum Jubilee.
1. She has sent over 1 million cards
The Queen will honour the big landmarks in other people’s lives. She has sent over 300,000 cards for people celebrating 100th birthdays – and over 900,000 message to those couples who marked their Diamond (60th) Wedding Anniversaries.
2. She has been served by 14 UK Prime Ministers
Her first was Winston Churchill and the most current is Boris Johnson. She has met many Prime Ministers in her time and frequently meets with them to discuss important matters.
She has also met 14 US presidents in her time – that is all who have been inaugurated during her reign, with the exception of President Lyndon b Johnson.
3. She has owned more than 30 Corgis
The Queen is well known for her love of Corgis!
Her first corgi was gifted to her on her 18th birthday in 1944; since then the Queen has had over 30 Corgis and Dorgis – most of which have actually descended from her first corgi Susan! Their names include Willow, Holly, Vulcan, Honey, Berry, Emma and Linnet.
4. She wore 2 crowns on her Coronation Day
On her Coronation day – 2nd June 1953 (actually 1 year after she became queen!), she wore 2 crowns for the day. The St Edward’s Crown was used for the crowning ceremony and then the Imperial State Crown was the one she wore for the return procession and the balcony appearance (plus wave!) at Buckingham Palace.
On her way to Westminster Abbey the Queen wore the State Diadem: a circlet of diamonds which she continues to wear for the journey to and from the state opening of parliament.
5. She has only missed one Christmas Broadcast
The Queen has made a festive broadcast to the commonwealth every year – the only one she missed was 1969. This was because a special documentary film ‘Royal Family’ had been made during the summer and a repeat was shown on Christmas day. The Queen feared the royals had had too much exposure! Instead she issued a written message.
6. The Queen receives unusual gifts!
The Queen often receives gifts during her numerous visits and meet & greets. Some are fabulous, some are ordinary – and some are… animals!
She has received jaguars and sloths from Brazil, an elephant from Cameroon and two black beavers from Canada. These unusual animals are now in the care of Zoos.
7 . She does not have a passport or a driving license
This is a unique privilege only held by the Queen. As British passports and driving licenses are issued in the Queen’s name, she does not require to have one. So, despite her world-wide travels and driving many vehicles – she can do so without the official documentation we all have!
We wish you all a fabulous Platinum Jubilee Week!
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