Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her 50th anniversary on the throne this year, although technically tomorrow is the 49th anniversary of the day she was crowned.

        How can this be? She ascended the throne in 1952 following the death of her father, King George VI. She wasn't crowned until June 6, 1953.

Queen Elizabeth II mingles with the crowd during a parade Tuesday. (Associated Press photo) | ZOOM |

        According to the Queen Elizabeth II Library at Memorial University of Newfoundland, these are answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about the British monarch.

        Question: What is her real name?

        Answer: Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor.

        Q: What is the line of succession to the British throne after Queen Elizabeth?

        A: Succession is usually through the male blood line, with the eldest son of a monarch having precedence over other sons, and then come daughters. Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales (the Queen's eldest son) is the first in line. Following him are:

        2. Prince William (Prince Charles' oldest son).

        3. Prince Henry (Prince Charles' youngest son).

        4. Prince Andrew, the Duke of York (the Queen's second eldest son).

        5. Princess Beatrice (Prince Andrew's eldest daughter).

        6. Princess Eugenie (Prince Andrew's youngest daughter).

        7. Prince Edward (the Queen's youngest son).

        8. Princess Anne (the Queen's daughter).

        Q: Why isn't the queen's husband, Prince Philip Mountbatten, king?

        A: The husband of a female British monarch does not have any recognized special status, rank, or privileges. However, the wife of a male monarch takes on her husband's rank and style upon marrying, becoming Queen.

        Q:When is Queen Elizabeth II's birthday?

        A: She was born on April 21, 1926 in London, but her birthday is officially celebrated on the third Saturday of June each year.

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