God Save the Queen lyrics: The words to the national anthem

Tom Parfitt
·SEO Editor, Yahoo UK
Updated ·2-min read
God Save the Queen: Queen Elizabeth II watches the horses from her Range Rover at The Royal Windsor Horse Show at Home Park on May 13, 2022 in Windsor, England. The Royal Windsor Horse Show, which is said to be the Queen’s favourite annual event, takes place as Her Majesty celebrates 70 years of service. The 4-day event will include the “Gallop Through History” performance, which forms part of the official Platinum Jubilee celebrations. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
The lyrics to 'God Save the Queen' will be sung across the country to mark the Jubilee. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

The UK is preparing to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee with a bumper four-day bank holiday weekend.

The national anthem, God Save the Queen, will be sung at celebrations across the country to mark the monarch's historic 70-year reign.

But do you remember all the lyrics? In case you need a reminder, we've got you covered.

God Save the Queen lyrics

God save our gracious Queen,

Long live our noble Queen,

God save the Queen.

Send her victorious,

Happy and glorious,

Long to reign over us,

God save the Queen.

Thy choicest gifts in store,

On her be pleased to pour,

Long may she reign.

May she defend our laws,

And ever give us cause,

To sing with heart and voice,

God save the Queen.

When is the mass Jubilee sing-along?

Almost 200 celebrities will sing God Save the Queen at the grand finale of the jubilee festivities on Sunday, 5 June.

Stars including Sir David Jason, Sir Cliff Richard and Holly Willoughby will join Ed Sheeran to serenade the monarch outside Buckingham Palace.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 01: Members of the public walk along the Mall ahead of the upcoming Jubilee events, on June 01, 2022 in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 4, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
The song has been the UK's national anthem since the early 19th century. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Other celebrities taking part in the 'national treasures choir' include Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Sandie Shaw, Joe Wicks and Harry Redknapp.

The Queen is expected to appear on the palace balcony during the patriotic sing-song to bring the national commemorations to a close.

Who wrote God Save the Queen?

Historians are unsure who wrote God Save the Queen, although its melody may date back to a Tudor chant.

It was first publicly performed – as God Save the King – in 1745 to show support of George II during the Jacobite Rebellion.

The song was adopted as the UK's national anthem at the start of the 19th century.

It is also serves as the royal anthem for most Commonwealth countries, including Canada and Australia, although they have their own national anthems.

There is no definitive version of the lyrics, and extra verses have been added over the years. However, it is customary for only the first verse to be sung at official events.

The word 'Queen' will be substituted for 'King' when Prince Charles takes the throne.

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