God Save the Queen

English en God Save the King Etymology First known to be used during the reign of Queen Mary I during certain royal proclamations,The Age of Elizabeth likely popularized after William Shakespeare's Richard III 1592–1593 due to quotes containing it with its current patriotic meaning that borrowed from some royal proclamations of Queen Elizabeth I.Queen Elizabeth's Proclamation to Forbid Preaching (1558) Proper noun God Save the Queen en The national anthem of the United Kingdom when the current monarch is a female. Interjection God Save the Queen en UK Australia Canada NZ en An expression of one’s patriotism and hope for the long life of the monarch, especially in her presence. en UK en A formal statement at the end of many proclamations issued by the queen of the UK or in her name. en UK en A formal declaration following the death of a reigning monarch when the next monarch is female. en The King is dead! God save the Queen! Usage notes Used in countries of the British Commonwealth and historically in countries of the former British Empire. Coordinate terms en God Save the King when the current monarch is a king Derived terms en God Shave the Queen References Further reading en sentences subjunctive expressions en National anthems United Kingdom Monarchism Australia Canada New Zealand