Queen Elizabeth 11

Queen Elizabeth of England celebrated her 90th birthday on 20th April. However, there are many things you may not know about her. Here are some of them as revealed by the BBC:

9 of the Queen’s Strangest Powers and Privileges

By Vicky Chandler

In addition to living in the lap of royal luxury, there are some other truly unique perks to being monarch.

Here are nine strange powers the Queen has…

1) SHE CAN DRIVE WITHOUT A LICENSE.

She is the only person in the UK who doesn’t legally need a license number or a number plate. The Queen first learned how to drive during World War II, when she operated a first-aid truck for the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service.

2) SHE DOESN’T NEED A PASSPORT TO TRAVEL.

Though other members of the Royal family still have to have them, because all UK passports are issued in the Queen’s name, she doesn’t need one herself.

3) SHE GETS TO CELEBRATE TWO BIRTHDAYS.

She’s so important she has two days of the year to celebrate her birthday: her official one on April 21st, and then another in June.

4) SHE HAS HER OWN PRIVATE CASH MACHINE.

The Queen has her own cash machine installed in the basement of Buckingham Palace, courtesy of the posh bank, Coutts.
5) SHE OWNS A LOT OF ANIMALS.

In addition to her gang of corgis, the Queen also owns all the swans in the River Thames, all the dolphins in British waters, AND sturgeons and whales, too.

6) SHE DOESN’T HAVE TO PAY TAX.

Though she doesn’t have to, The Queen voluntarily began paying her fair share in 1992.

7) SHE CAN BASICALLY NEVER BE ARRESTED.

After all, she’s completely immune from prosecution. She and her family are also spared from all Freedom of Information requests, meaning they don’t have to give anyone access to their information.

8) SHE HAS HER OWN POET.

The current poet laureate is Carol Ann Duffy. The honorary position is given to a poet whose work is of national significance.

9) SHE IS HEAD OF A RELIGION.

Along with her royal title, the Queen is also the Head of the Church of England. This means she’s not allowed to convert to any other religion or church. If she does, her title can be removed and another head be appointed.

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/features/news/a15233/queens-strangest-powers-and-privileges/