Lifestyle

The bizarre reason why the Queen doesn’t need a passport

Travelling must be so much easier.
Queen Elizabeth, Duke of Edinburgh, passport

The Queen may have visited more countries than any other British royal (rumoured to be more than 116 nations), but she doesn’t even have a passport to collect stamps in.

The undocumented royal has no need for the identification, although other members of the royal family have passports, including The Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Charles.

The reason the Queen doesn’t need a passport?

Because she issues all British passports, it’s unnecessary for her to have one.

According to the official Royal website, all British passports feature the Royal Arms on the cover and the first page has following statement:

“Her Britannic Majesty’s Secretary of State requests and requires in the name of Her Majesty all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary.”

Does the Queen have any photo identification?

Probably not! UK law states she doesn’t need to carry a driver’s licence either, as she also issues all British licenses.

As one of the most recognisable people in the world, it’s no surprise the Queen doesn’t need a license, as we can’t imagine anyone pulling her over for an RBT. The Queen is also exempt from having license plates on her state cars.

But fear not, she learnt to drive in 1945 when she was 19, so has now been driving for about 72 years and isn’t afraid to take guests around her estates in her favourite cars (the Queen owns two Bentleys and a collection of Land Rovers and Range Rovers).

Next time you find yourself fumbling for your passport to pack for your next trip, spare a though for the Queen who never has to do that. Lucky duck!

Loading the player...

Related stories