Note from the editor: For the record, I’m an American too. I’ve been paying attention for a long time to Brits correcting Americans on how things work across the pond. Since we’re all about setting historic facts straight for kids, this seems like a relevant topic as we pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away yesterday, the same day we launched this blog. May she rest in peace.

Queen Elizabeth II was not the Queen of England, but Queen Elizabeth I was.

England was still a kingdom during Elizabeth I’s reign (November 17, 1558 to March 24, 1603.) But in 1707, England and Scotland came together to form Great Britain. And then an Act of Union in 1800 added the Kingdom of Ireland to form a new name of the kingdom: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Even though England is part of the kingdom, it’s not the name of the kingdom. So, it’s incorrect to call Elizabeth II the “Queen of England.”

 

The Monarchy of the UK really is useful.

In the old days, the king or queen got to lay down the law. But not anymore. Today, the British Monarchy is a constitutional monarchy. While the democratic Parliament is responsible for making laws, The Sovereign gives the countries of the United Kingdom a sense of unity and stability. That’s kind of nice when the people disagree on political issues. There’s always something greater than that to hold them together. (Note: This wasn’t how it worked back in 1776 when we rejected a monarchy. At that time we had no say in the laws that governed us. I’m also not saying we should have a monarchy today. Our democracy works and we’re not multiple countries in need of a single figure head.)

 

The Monarch doesn’t get to choose who comes next

There is an order of succession that everyone must follow. Even if the next in line doesn’t want it, he or she has no choice. Only one person in the history of the British Monarchy has ever abdicated (that means to give up the title). But he still got the title of king first before he gave it up.

 

Elizabeth II became queen because she had no brothers

Back then, the crown went to boys first. But today, the line of succession includes girls. The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 changed the laws so that the eldest child (regardless of gender) born after October 28, 2011, is the next in line. Even so, the line is secure with male heirs for the next several generations with the current King Charles III, then Prince William, Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge and then Prince George of Cornwall and Cambridge. If George (now age 9) grows up and has a daughter first, she will be next in line.

Suggested Reading

In honour of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee 2022, this once in a lifetime history book for kids tells the story of a young princess who grew up to become our longest reigning monarch, and celebrates the achievements, people and places that have become part of her remarkable legacy.

Get Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee book

How well do you know your British history facts and trivia? Great Britain has a wealth of history to bask in, learn about and be astounded by so if you want to test your knowledge, make a gift to a history buff or prepare for a quiz, this book has plenty of questions to get you flexing your history muscles.

Get the British History Quiz Book