Welcome to the official web site of the British Monarchy.
Dating back over ten centuries, the Monarchy plays an important role in the UK and Commonwealth. This web site provides information on the work of The Queen in modern society, biographies of the Royal Family, a history of kings and queens through the ages, background on Royal residences and art collections, and coverage of recent Royal events.

CHRISTMAS BROADCAST 2008

View the traditional Christmas Broadcast or ‘Queen’s Speech’
on YouTube from 15:00 GMT on Christmas Day.

View the first ever televised Christmas Broadcast of 1957.

Find out more about the history of Christmas Broadcasts.

THE DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER

Her Royal Highness visits troops in Iraq.

FOCUS
View a gallery of Royal Christmas images to celebrate the festive season.
GALLERY
The Prince of Wales visits Cotswold Care Hospice in Gloucestershire.