It's hard to imagine what a life in the royal family would really be like.
The entire world's eyes are on you at all times. Your clothing choices are scrutinized just as much, if not more, than your actions. That might just be because your job isn't really to make any radical political statements as part of the royal family. Royalty may almost be like living in some kind of fancy Twilight Zone, by the average citizen's standards, of course.
For example, there are tons of rules, regulations, and standards to become a princess in the royal family. Some of them seem silly, but it makes you wonder what other small things we don't know about, doesn't it?
Being the Queen entitles you to a ton of power and privilege as the sovereign ruler. Some of these powers and perks are expected, but others? Some are pretty weird — just another added Twilight Zone aspect that makes the royal family so interesting to follow.
Did you know the Queen had these powers and priveleges? Please SHARE with family and friends on Facebook!
[H/T: Business Insider]
Thumbnail source: Wikimedia Commons
1. She Can Drive Without A License
The queen is the only one allowed to drive without a license or license plate on her car.
2. She Can Travel Without A Passport
One of the Queen's duties is to visit foreign countries, but much like not needing a driver's license, she doesn't need a passport to travel, since she is the one who issues them.
3. She Can Declare War
Technically, the Queen has the power to declare war on other countries, but in practice, the Prime Minister is the one to do this in conjunction with Parliament.
4. She Has Ownership Of All The Swans
At least all the ones in the River Thames. Swans used to be an important source of food, but now they are a protected species owned by the Queen of England. Every year, they hold a census to see how many swans there are and to assess whether or not any are injured.
5. She Has Ownership Of The Dolphins, Too
That perk also includes the whales, porpoises, and sturgeons as a result of a statute from 1324. She technically owns all of these creatures within a 3-mile radius of UK shores.
6. She Can Get Money Whenever She Wants
As long as she goes down to the basement of Buckingham Palace, she can get cash, because that's where Coutts bank installed an ATM that is reserved for the royal family.
7. She Has Immunity From Prosecution
The sovereign ruler of England cannot, so to speak, think or do any wrong, so he or she is immune from being tried or of giving evidence in court. This is a historical rule, and political scholars say that this immunity could come into question in modern times.
8. She Gets 2 Birthdays
The power to celebrate two birthdays sounds pretty good to me. She has her actual, biological birthday during which many official gun salutes are fired throughout London in her honor. She'll sometimes go on walkabouts with the public on this birthday celebration.
Her "official" celebrations, though, are spent with members of the royal family.
9. She Doesn't Have To Pay Taxes
She doesn't have to, but she has paid all of her taxes since 1992. That seems like a good idea in order to stay in good standing with the public.
10. She Can Fire The Australian Government
Since she's been the Queen of Australia since 1953, she has the power to have her Governor-General appoint a new Prime Minister at any time. If the Governor-General doesn't do as she says, she can appoint a new one of those, too.
Did you know that the Queen had these powers and perks while she holds the throne? Please SHARE with your family and friends on Facebook!
