Top 10 Facts About the British National Anthem

‘God Save the Queen,’ also known as ‘God Save the King’ during a king-governed period, is the closest thing to a British royal and national anthem. If you go to a sporting event in the United Kingdom or find yourself lucky enough to attend a changing of the Guards in London, you will hear this song played in person – 

10. The US Has a VERY Similar Song…

Nearly every American citizen has heard the song ‘My Country ‘Tis of Thee’ – right? Even those not born and bred in the US of A surely have heard of this song once in their lifetime. What many people might not know, however, is this song was to be sung to the tune of ‘God Save the Queen.’

Created by Samuel F. Smith, this song was written in 1832 and rivaled only ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ in terms of national popularity. This song served as one of the national anthems of the United States before ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ became the official US Anthem in 1931. 

9. Who Really Wrote The Anthem?

It is believed the anthem was written by a famous Englishman – but which one, we do not know. The various options for ownership and creation of this beloved anthem trace back to either John Bull, Thomas Ravencroft, Henry Purcell, or Henry Carey. 

8. Henry Purcell Had A Strong Influence on the English Musical Renaissance

One of the potential writers of the song, Henry Purcell, was an Egnlish composer who was known for his unique form of Baroque music. Typically considered to be one of the greatest English composers, he rivals the popularity and infimacy of Edward Elgar, Gustav Holst, and Benjamin Britten. 

After Purcell’s death, he was honored by many of his contemporaries due to his strong influence on the English musical composers in the Renaissance era.

7. Henry Carey Was The Cousin of Elizabeth I

Henry Carey was no stranger to influence and opulence. Even if he was not the original creator of ‘God Save the Queen,’ he was not a person who had to worry about his political or financial status. 

Henrey Carey was an English nobleman and courtier who was the patron of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men and the second child of William Carey and Marey Boleyn – the sister of the infamous Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII. 

Carey served as a Member of Parliament between 1547-1550 and 1554-1555 and was knighted in late 1558. He was later appointed Captain of the Gentleman Pensioners in 1564 by none other than Queen Elizabeth I of England.

6. This Tune Is The Anthem For More Than Just England…

‘God Save the Queen’ is the national and/or royal anthem for various countries across the world. Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and the United Kingdom all use this song as the song of their country.

5. There Isn’t Just ONE Version

After the first verse, which remains constant in all variations throughout the world, ‘God Save the Queen’ has many historical and modern versions depending on the people singing the song and the region where the song is used. Since the first publication back in the late 18th century, different verses have been added and taken away depending on the current political and social climate. 

Even today, different variations include numerous selections of verses in differing orders based on the adoption. Typically, only one verse is sung in ceremonies and royal use. 

4. The First Six Bars Is Known As The Vice-Regal Salute

During the first six bars of the anthem, other members of the Royal family besides the sovereign are saluted, such as the Prince of Wales. This section of the song is known as the Vice Regal Salute in some parts of the world outside the UK. For example, in Canada, the first six bars are known as the Vice Regal Salute or the ‘Salute to the Governor-General/Lieutenant Governor’ and are used in conjunction with their own anthem, ‘O Canada.’ 

3. The First Published Version Appeared in 1744

The first published version of the modern tune you hear nowadays during a royal occasion in the United Kingdom first appeared in 1744 in Thesaurus Musicus. The earliest version was popularized in Scotland and England in 1745 once Charles Edward Stuart came to the island. Charles Edward Stuart, also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, was the Jacobite pretender to the thrones of Scotland, Irelan, and England. 

The manuscript that published the song had the tune slightly different from what we hear today, with changes as early-on as just the first bar, but is otherwise quite similar in tune and words to the modern-day anthem. 

2. England Has No National Anthem

Yes, you read that right. There is no OFFICIAL anthem of England. However, ‘God Save the Queen’ is treated as the anthem when England is represented throughout the world, like at sporting events or during royal ceremonies in the country. 

Although there has been a push to establish an English national anthem, with contenders like ‘Land of Hope and Glory,’ ‘God Save the Queen’ is still revered as the number one choice. 

1. Scotland and Wales Have Their Own National Anthem

Although ‘God Save the Queen’ is used in the entirety of the United Kingdom, which comprises England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Scotland has its own national song, and Wales has its own national anthem for political and national events. 

Usually, Wales’ national anthem is ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau,’ and Scotland uses various songs, like ‘Scotland the Brave’ and ‘Flower of Scotland.’