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As the UK enters day two of the Queen’s jubilee celebrations, curiosity about the royal life is at an all-time high.
Though there are great levels of privilege all across the world, no one’s life is quite like Queen Elizabeth II’s.
We’re all used to seeing the Queen at public events, whether it be the opening of a new building, or more high profile appearances like the Royal Variety Performance.
But there is actually very little known about the Queen’s personal life. Aside from having two birthdays and owning all the swans in Britain, what other privileges does the Queen have?
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For example, does the Queen own a passport? Read on to find out…
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Does the Queen have a passport?
In short, no. The Queen does not have a passport.
As of 2020, it had been reported that the Queen had flown over one million miles in her lifetime – and had visited at least 110 countries.
Apparently, she even travels with her own supply of gin and an emergency pouch of her blood type.
But she does not carry a passport.
The other members of the Royal Family, like William, Harry and Charles, are all required to carry a passport – only Lizzie is exempt.
She must get through the security line in no time!
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So why does the Queen not have a passport?
Well, if you open up your passport, you’ll see why.
Inside, the first page reads:
“Her Britannic Majesty’s Secretary of State requests and requires in the name of Her Majesty all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary.”
So technically, all passports given out in the United Kingdom are done so in the Queen’s name.
Therefore, the Queen is exempt from having to carry one and can travel abroad freely, without the hassle.
Luckily for her, the Queen will never know the feeling of panic when you’re halfway to the airport and you think you may have left it at home!
Another privilege unique to the Queen
There’s actually another very common form of ID that the Queen is exempt from carrying – a driver’s license.
For the same reason as with passports, UK driving licences are given out in the Queen’s name. Therefore, she can drive freely without one.
In fact, not only does she not have a driving license – but The Queen did not even have to take a driving test!
She is the only person in the UK to have this privilege and her vehicles are not even required to carry a registration plate.
As recently as November 2021, the Queen has been spotted driving on her estate.
