The Richest Woman in the World

No one knows exactly how much money the Queen 1) _____ (have): it is difficult to work out the value of her possessions, many of which she 2) _____ (inherit). Some people say that the value of the royal art collection alone 3) _____ (make) her the richest woman in the world.

The Queen also has a large income which 4) _____ (cover) her “personal” expenditure. Until recently, she 5) _____ (not to pay) tax. However, in November 1992 the Queen 6) _____ (volunteer) to pay tax on her annual private income.

Since the beginning of the 18^th century, monarchs 7) _____ (have) to give the revenues from their hereditary estates to the country. In return, the monarch 8) _____ (receive) an income from the government, known as the Civil List. The Civil List 9) _____ (pay) for the staff and organization needed for the royal family’s official duties. The Queen 10) _____ (get) nearly ₤ 8 million a year for these duties. The Queen will now refund the money the government gives to the rest of the royal family from her private income.

The total cost of the monarchy 11) _____ (be) around ₤ 60 million a year. Many people think the amount is too high.

Vocabulary task

Complete the text with the words from the box.

European Community colonies

commander-in-chief Head of State

Commonwealth Church of England

the Prime Minister

Queen Elizabeth II is the official 1) ______ and for many people she is a symbol of unity of the nation.

Queen Elizabeth II is not only the monarch of the United Kingdom but also of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, as well as many other countries in the 2) ______ (an association of States that were once ruled by Britain). She is also Head of the 3) ______ . However, the Queen has almost no power to influence the church.

As Head of the Commonwealth, the Queen has more freedom from the government. When the Queen was growing up, the British Empire still had 4) ______, and she watched as they became independent members of the Commonwealth. She has met and knows the leaders of these countries. Although she has no executive powers as Head of the Commonwealth, she takes her role very seriously. However, Britain is now a member of the 5) ______ and is moving away from its links with the Commonwealth. In addition, people in some of the major Commonwealth countries, such as Australia and Canada, wonder if they should be connected to a monarch so far away.

The Queen appoints 6) ______ and receives copies of all cabinet papers.

Elizabeth II is the head of the executive, of the judicial power and the 7) ______ of the armed forces of the UK. She also has to fulfil her ceremonial functions such as opening of Parliament, for example.

Over to you

Discuss these questions.

I 1 Is monarchy relevant in the modern world?

2 What arguments do the opponents of the British monarchy give?

3 What changes do the British suggest to perfect the institution of monarchy?

II Using the information from the Unit and other relevant sources, prepare a presentation on one of the following issues:

• Should Great Britain have a Prime Minister or a President to run the country?

• In your opinion, which element of the British executive is most important?

• Whose contribution to the country’s welfare is greater, that of a Departmental Minister or of a top-rank civil servant?

• What are the main governmental institutions in your country? How do they operate?