7 Powers Of Queen Elizabeth That Will Blow Your Mind

People often see Queen Elizabeth visiting charities, hosting diplomats and going to church on Sundays with her bright outfits. As the reigning monarch, she holds more power than any other woman in the United Kingdom. Her power is so great that she even holds dominion over British swans. Here are the incredible and bizarre powers of Queen Elizabeth you probably have not heard of before.

1. She owns all the dolphins and many other aquatic animals in British waters

This rule has been around since 1324, during the reign of King Edward II. Queen Elizabeth has dominion over all the dolphins, whales and sturgeons in the waters of Britain. When any of these water creatures is caught within three miles of UK shores, the one who claims it must do so on behalf of the Queen.

2. She can declare wars

The Queen is the only person in England who has the power to declare wars. Luckily for the Brits, Queen Elizabeth has never declared one throughout her reign.

3. She has the option of not paying taxes

Queen Elizabeth does not have to pay taxes. Since 1992, however, she has been voluntarily paying income tax and capital gains tax to the U.K. government.

4. She is also the Queen of Australia

Her dominion extends to Australia and many other commonwealth realms, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.

5. She can fire the Australian government whenever she wants

The last time the Queen practiced her power over the Australian government was in 1975, when she had her representative in the country at that time, Gov. Gen. Sir John Kerr, to fire the Australian prime minister. A few hours later, she commanded the dismissal of the entire Parliament.

6. She withdraws and deposits money in her private cash machine

Queen Elizabeth has her own cash machine, and it is found in the basement of Buckingham Palace. She lets the other members of the royal family use it, too.

7. She has her own poet

The monarch appoints this honorary position in the British society. The Queen’s private poet receives £200 a year from Queen Elizabeth, as well as a butt of canary wine and a barrel of Sherry.