At the age of 94, Queen Elizabeth II is now the longest-reigning monarch in British history. For five years now, the Queen has held this title, with 68 years, 6 months, and 14 days on the British throne. She broke the previous record held by Queen Victoria, who had reigned for 63 years, 7 months, and 2 days.
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If you thought you knew everything about the Queen of England, you are wrong. There are many unusual facts that you may not have heard about that may surprise you, and which show the power Queen Elizabeth II holds in her hands!
Here are 5 unknown facts about Queen Elizabeth II.
She reigns over 16 countries
Queen Elizabeth II’s name is Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of Windsor, and while she is the Queen of England as everyone knows, she is also the monarch of several other countries. She also reigns over Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, and Saint Kitts and Nevis... Now, that's quite a lot! These are the countries that make up the Commonwealth, the former colonies of the United Kingdom.
She owns the swans on the Thames
Something a little more unusual... Queen Elizabeth II is the owner of the unmarked swans on the Thames. And even crazier, the law of 1324, issued during the reign of Edward II, states that ‘the monarch owns the whales and sturgeons taken at sea or anywhere in the kingdom.’ Moreover, she may, if she wishes, claim in the name of the crown any of these fish or mammals caught at sea within a 3-mile radius of the country's coasts.
You can't talk to hear
Be careful, do not touch the Queen. It is forbidden to touch her or even speak to her if you have not been authorised to do so. This is no laughing matter.
She was announced dead in 2015
On June 3rd, 2015, the BBC mistakenly announced the Queen's death. In a panic, this information was quickly relayed by CNN and a German daily newspaper. Buckingham Palace finally denied the rumour, saying that she was doing very well.
She has her own cash machine
Finally, unbelievable but true, Queen Elizabeth II should never have any problems when it comes to cash. She has a cash machine all to herself in the basement of Buckingham Palace.
Check out the video at the top of the article for more information about Elizabeth II!
