Buckingham Palace [antikvár]

INTRODUCTION afc. THE QUEEN is Head of State of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. She is alsó Head of the Commonwealth. The Monarch's direct powers these days are limited: as a constitutional sovereign The Queen normally acts on the advice of her Ministers, nevertheless the Government, the Judges and the Armed Services all act in The Queen's name and she is an important symbol of national unity. She is kept closely informed about all aspects of national life and the Prime Minister comes to Buckingham Palace for a weekly - and entirely priváté - audience with The Queen. The Queen has certain important residual 'prerogative' powers - particulary to appoint the Prime Minister and to grant the dissolution of Parhament. As well as being Head of the Commonwealth, The Queen is Head of State of sixteen of its fiftythree member countries. She is kept informed of events throughout the Commonwealth, and is present for each of the two-yearly meetings of the Commonwealth Heads of Government. Many of The Queen's duties are ceremóniái and a reminder of the United Kingdom's long history. They include the State Opening of Parhament, The Queen's Birthday Parade, State Visits and Remembrance Sunday. The Queen alsó has an important role in recognising achievement and excellence in all walks of national life through Investiture and visits throughout the United Kingdom. The Queen and all the Royal Family are particularly active in the charity field and voluntary sector.