The Monarchy Today > How the Monarchy works > The Queen's working day

The Queen’s working day

The Queen attends an evening reception

The Queen attends a gala evening to mark the 50th anniversary of ITV in 2005
© Press Association

EVENING

The Queen’s working day does not stop at the end of the afternoon.

Early evening may see a meeting with the Prime Minister. The Queen has a weekly meeting alone with the Prime Minister, when they are both in London (in addition to other meetings throughout the year).

This usually takes place on Wednesdays at 6.30pm. No written record is made of such meetings; neither The Queen nor the Prime Minister talk about what is discussed between them, as communications between The Queen and the Prime Minister always remain confidential.

At about 7.30pm a report of the day’s parliamentary proceedings, written by one of the Government’s Whips, arrives. The Queen always reads this the same evening.

On some evenings, The Queen may attend a film première, a variety of concert performances in aid of a charitable cause, or a reception linked to organisations of which she is Patron.

The Queen also regularly hosts official receptions at Buckingham Palace (usually with other members of the Royal Family), such as those for the Diplomatic Corps and The Queen’s Award for Industry.

How the Monarchy Works
	The Queen’s working day The Queen attends an evening reception The Queen attends a gala evening to mark the 50th anniversary of ITV in 2005 © Press Association EVENING The Queen’s working day does not stop at the end of the afternoon. Early evening may see a meeting with the Prime Minister. The Queen has a weekly meeting alone with the Prime Minister, when they are both in London (in addition to other meetings throughout the year). This usually takes place on Wednesdays at 6.30pm. No written record is made of such meetings; neither The Queen nor the Prime Minister talk about what is discussed between them, as communications between The Queen and the Prime Minister always remain confidential. At about 7.30pm a report of the day’s parliamentary proceedings, written by one of the Government’s Whips, arrives. The Queen always reads this the same evening. On some evenings, The Queen may attend a film première, a variety of concert performances in aid of a charitable cause, or a reception linked to organisations of which she is Patron. The Queen also regularly hosts official receptions at Buckingham Palace (usually with other members of the Royal Family), such as those for the Diplomatic Corps and The Queen’s Award for Industry.
Queen and State Queen and public Queen and Commonwealth Ceremony and symbol Royal finances The Royal Household	Other receptions mark the work of particular groups in the community, such as those recently given for members of the British design and music worlds. The Queen has numerous private interests, which can coincide with her public work, to complete her working day. The Queen also attends the Derby and the Summer Race Meeting at Ascot, a Royal occasion. As a keen owner and breeder of racehorses, she often sees her horses run at other meetings. As owner of private estates at Balmoral and Sandringham, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh oversees the management of the estates which are run on a commercial basis. She takes a close interest in all aspects of estate life, particularly in the tenant farmers and employees who live and work on the estates. Through her public and private work, The Queen is well-briefed and well-known. She has met many more people from all walks of life both in this country and overseas than her predecessors. This takes time and effort. Often, one of the last lights on in the Palace at night is The Queen finishing her ‘red box’ of official papers. Have you seen… The Queen A biography of the Head of State SUGGESTED LINKS Parliament