Understanding the many misconceptions about the British monarchy helps separate fact from fiction, especially when it comes to titles, taxes, and royal traditions.
Common Misconceptions About the British Monarchy
10 Queen Of England
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is frequently mislabeled as merely the Queen of England. In reality, she reigned over sixteen sovereign states, making the title “Queen of the United Kingdom” a more accurate description. Each realm even grants her a distinct style; for instance, in New Zealand she is officially styled “Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God Queen of New Zealand and Her Other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.”
9 Princess Diana
Despite the worldwide nickname “Princess Diana,” she never actually held the title of princess in her own right. She was Princess of Wales by marriage, not by birth. Royal convention dictates that wives adopt their husband’s titles, so Diana should have been styled “Her Royal Highness Princess William of Wales.” The same rule applies to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who is often mistakenly called “Princess Kate.”
8 Prince Philip Is King
Although Prince Philip enjoyed a prominent place as the consort of the sovereign, tradition prevents him from being styled as king. In the United Kingdom, a woman adopts her husband’s title, but the reverse does not occur. Consequently, Philip received the Dukedom of Edinburgh upon marriage, while Elizabeth retained her title of Princess before becoming queen.
7 The Queen Pays No Taxes
It’s a myth that the monarch is entirely tax‑free. King George VI once argued that paying tax was a royal prerogative, but later legislation required Elizabeth II to pay income tax on her private estates, such as the Duchy of Lancaster. She still enjoys exemptions on stamp duty and inheritance tax, but she does contribute to the public purse.
6 The Queen Has Two Birthdays
Elizabeth II was born on 21 April 1926, yet the nation celebrates her official birthday on the first Saturday of June during the Trooping the Colour. The tradition began with Edward VII, who moved the public celebration to summer for better weather. The actual birthday is now a private affair, marked by a 41‑gun salute.
5 Driving Illegally Without a License
During World War II, the then‑Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, learning to repair and drive cars. As a result, she technically never needed a driving licence, number plate, or passport—though she does possess a licence she never tested for. Other royals, like Prince Philip, must follow ordinary rules.
4 The Queen Rules Over Us
Since the Magna Carta of 1215, no British monarch has wielded absolute power. The Queen reigns, not rules, working alongside elected officials in a constitutional monarchy. That distinction is why the anthem says “Long to reign over us,” not “Long to rule over us.”
3 The Queen Wears Her Crown All The Time.
While the monarch owns a collection of ceremonial headpieces, only the Imperial State Crown sees regular use—primarily at the State Opening of Parliament. The crown is so heavy that the Queen rehearses wearing it for several days before the ceremony to avoid fatigue.
2 “We Are Not Amused.”
Queen Victoria never actually uttered the famous line “We are not amused.” It is more likely that one of her ladies‑in‑waiting said it, and the quote was later misattributed to the monarch herself. The “Royal We” has long been a formal way for sovereigns to refer to themselves in official statements.
1 Charles Isn’t Going to Be King
It’s not a matter of popularity—Prince Charles has been groomed for the throne for over sixty years and cannot simply opt out. The only way Prince William could become king first is if Charles abdicates, a step only Edward VIII ever took voluntarily, and one fraught with historical stigma.