Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State of the United Kingdom. She is also the monarch
or Head of State for many countries in the Commonwealth. The UK, like Denmark, the
Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden, has a constitutional monarchy. That means that
the King or Queen does not rule the country, but appoints the government which the
people have chosen in democratic elections. Although the queen or king can advise, warn
and encourage the Prime Minister, the decisions on government policies are made by the
Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The Queen has reigned since her father’s death in 1952. Prince Charles, the Prince of
Wales, her oldest son, is the heir to the throne.

The Queen has important ceremonial roles such as the opening of the new parliamentary
session each year. On this occasion the Queen makes a speech that summarises the
government’s policies for the year ahead.

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