10 Lesser Known Facts About Queen Elizabeth II
2. A Day In The Life Of The Monarch
Her Majesty starts her day at her desk and begins by reading the daily newspapers and going through her mail. Following meetings with her Private Secretaries, the Queen grants private audiences with various dignitaries, such as overseas ambassadors, newly appointed bishops and judges, senior members of the armed forces, etc.
All investitures (where the great and the good receive honors or medals) start at 11.00 and normally last over an hour. The Queen usually lunches privately before starting the afternoon agenda. The afternoons will see her visiting various regions of the UK making speeches, opening events and buildings and unveiling plaques. If the engagement is outside London she travels by RAF helicopter or aircraft. Where possible the Queen will finish the afternoon with a meeting of the Privy Council made up of Government ministers.
The evening may see the Queen having her weekly meeting with the Prime Minister at 6.30. At 7.30 a daily record of Parliament procedures arrives at the Palace which she reads on a same day basis. Buckingham Palace holds many official receptions for the charitable organizations of which she is patron. Other evenings may include attending movie premieres or concerts for good causes.