Happy Birthday to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be celebrating her 95th birthday this month. Every birthday deserves a party, especially if you're the Queen of the Commonwealth. Six years ago she became the longest reigning English monarch in history - she is a shared grandmother to all of us. 

In honour of the Queen's official birthday we wanted to share our top 10 Queen Facts:

1. Why the 2 Birthdays?

Even though the Queen was born on April 21st 1926, the royal family has a tradition of celebrating birthdays that dates back to the 1700s. George II decided that it would be too cold to have the Trooping the Colour parade in November on his actual birthday so decided to have a birthday in June instead. Since then all monarch have celebrated their birthday on the second Saturday of June. 

2. She served in WWII

Queen Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1945, where she trained to be a medic and drove an ambulance. She was the first female member of the Royal Family to join the Armed Services as a full-time active member. 

3. She has owned over 30 corgis

When we think of QEII, it's hard not to picture her surrounded by a wonderful array of fluffy corgis. It comes as no surprise that she has owned over 30, and even bred them herself. 

She also owned two sloths given her on a state visit to Brazil, which she donated to London Zoo.

4. She loves washing up (allegedly)

Rumour has it that the Queen loves washing up, apparently doing her own dishes during her summer break to Balmoral. She also allegedly eats fruit out of yellow tupperware.

5. She doesn't need a driver's license, a license plate, or a passport

All British passports are issued in the Queen's name, yet she doesn't need one. She also doesn't require a driver's license to drive, or a license plate on her car.  I suppose this also means she can't get points on her license...

6. Her crown snapped on her wedding day

The stunning tiara made in 1919 for Queen Mary, snapped on Her Majesty’s head as the hairdresser was securing the veil with the tiara. 

7. The Queen owns all the swans and dolphins in the UK waters

Thanks to a rule dating back to the 1300s the Queen claims rights to all swans on open water in the country and certain stretches of the Thames, and all of the whales, sturgeons, porpoises and dolphins up to 3 miles off the coast of the UK.

All swan-related royal duties are handled by the Keeper of the Swans. Every year, the Queen and her swan helpers count each and every swan on the Thames as part of a conservation programme. 

8. She has a glass of champagne every night

If we were to image what it would be like to live like a Queen it would involve regular glasses of champagne. Thanks to the Queen's cousin, Margaret Rhodes, we now know that this is not far from the truth, Her Majesty has a glass every night. We suspect it might be Bollinger. 

Gin, martinis and Dubbonet are apparently favourites of the royal household.

9. Her purse is used to signal her staff

Never spotted without a handbag, the Queen's tote is more than just a necessity to carry her belongings. It is said that if she places it on a table, it means she wants to leave within five minutes. If she puts her bag on the floor, it shows she's not enjoying the conversation and wants to be rescued. 

10. She hosted Buckingham Place's first ever women-only event

In 2004, The Queen hosted a "Women of Achievement" luncheon at Buckingham Palace. Women from business, politics, fashion and the arts were invited over to lunch with Her Majesty, making it the first women-only function to take place at the palace.