What does the queen do?

WHAT DOES THE QUEEN DO?

Britain is a constitutional monarchy. This means that the head of state is the Queen. But in reality she has very little power. She has to put her signature on new laws, even if she doesn't like them. Every autumn she opens Parliament, but the speech she makes from the throne, is written by the Prime Minister. The Queen is a symbol of Britain's long history and tradition and her most important function is ceremonial.

She represents Britain when she meets other heads of state.

Once a week she has a meeting with the Prime Minister.

As head of the Commonwealth, she meets and entertains prime ministers of the member states.

Every year she speaks on TV on Christmas day.

She opens new hospitals, bridges and museums.

After disasters, she sends messages to the families of the victims.