God Save the Queen

Meanings

1. The national anthem of the United Kingdom when the current monarch is a female.

1. An expression of one’s patriotism and hope for the long life of the monarch, especially in her presence.
2. A formal statement at the end of many proclamations issued by the queen of the UK or in her name.
3. A formal declaration following the death of a reigning monarch when the next monarch is female.

Etymology

First known to be used during the reign of Queen Mary I during certain royal proclamations, likely popularized after William Shakespeare's Richard III c. 1592–1593 due to quotes containing it with its current patriotic meaning that borrowed from some royal proclamations of Queen Elizabeth I.