4 Misconceptions About Queen Elizabeth II Debunked

Everyone knows Queen Elizabeth II, what she looks like and how she adores corgis — thanks to “The Crown.” But not all, not even her British constituents, are really aware of what she does.

Myths and misconceptions about her monarchy were the topic in the thread of the popular site Quora. And here are some of the glaring falsehoods that need to be debunked right away.

1. Queen Elizabeth is powerless, and the royal family is just a symbol of the great superpower that the British empire used to be

This is definitely not true. A user named Burney Marsh clarified that the Queen’s approval is still needed to enact a bill into law. Without royal assent, a law would have to be brought to the Parliament for further debate and ratification. At times, royal prerogatives give ministers the power to “act on behalf of the crown.”

2. Queen Elizabeth’s presence is just for show, and she’s only there to attend functions and bestow awards

Again, this is false. “Her main duty is to remain fully informed and current about what is going on with her government to be able to fully perform her duties in her weekly meetings with her Prime Minister,” Marsh added. Apparently, she still has the last say and has also retained major defense functions, such as declaring war during a state of emergency.

3. Queen Elizabeth’s only subjects are the British people

Well ... according to a TIME article, the Queen still owns the sturgeons, whales and dolphins around the UK, as stated by a statute from 1324 during the time of King Edward II. These sea creatures are considered as “fishes royal.” As such, they can be claimed in behalf of the Crown when captured within 3 miles of UK shores.

4. The Queen loves no other animals than dogs, specifically corgis

Though she has lots of corgis, Queen Elizabeth is also into horses and racing. At 4 years old, she was gifted a pony by her grandpa, King George V. She also continues to ride and breed horses, and it is said that horses bred at royal studs have won every race in the UK.