Many charities, using her name and influence to help them to raise money. In January and June the Queen presents medals or "honours" at Buckingham Palace. She gives them to people who have done something special. "The honours list" includes famous people such as top actors, musicians, politicians, scientists as well as ordinary people whose actions have benefited their local community. When foreign kings, queens and presidents visit Britain, they often stay at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. But the Queen doesn't just entertain Heads of State. Four times a year there are also "Royal Garden Parties". The Queen invites all kinds of people. Some are famous, but other people have just worked hard for charities for a long time. Nine thousand people are invited to the parties which take place in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. Prince Philip and other "royals" often come too, so the royal family can talk to as many people as possible. In 1969, the Queen wanted to "open a window" on to the royal family. That year television cameras came into the royal home and filmed the family in private for the first time. Forty million people watched the programme. They saw a different side of the royal family. The programme brought the royal family closer to people, but it also helped to make problems for the future. Now the public wanted to see more and more of royal private life. It was harder to keep the reporters out. In the last thirty years there have been a lot of documentaries, series and interviews about the royal family. Before the days of television they seemed formal. Today they seem informal and friendly. As well as TV programmes, there are also newspaper stories, books and magazines about the Queen and her family. Hundreds appear every year. Some are good — many are bad, but almost all of them are popular.

The Queen's Public Engagements and Media Presence

The Queen plays an active role in public life, supporting numerous charities by using her name and influence to help them raise funds. Twice a year, in January and June, she presents medals or "honours" at Buckingham Palace to individuals who have achieved something special. The "honours list" comprises a diverse group, including prominent figures like actors, musicians, politicians, and scientists, alongside ordinary citizens recognized for their contributions to their local communities.

Britain's royal family, including the Queen, frequently hosts foreign dignitaries, often accommodating them at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. Beyond official state visits, the Queen also hosts "Royal Garden Parties" four times a year, inviting a wide array of guests. These parties are not limited to the famous; many attendees are individuals who have dedicated long periods to charitable work. Approximately nine thousand people attend these events, held on the grounds of Buckingham Palace, often graced by the presence of Prince Philip and other "royals," providing opportunities for the royal family to interact with the public.

In 1969, a significant event occurred when the royal family allowed television cameras into their private residence for the first time, aiming to "open a window" into their lives. This program was watched by forty million people and offered a different perspective on the royal family. While it aimed to bring the family closer to the public, it also inadvertently created future challenges by increasing public curiosity about their private lives, making it harder for the royal family to maintain privacy from media attention.

Over the past thirty years, there has been a surge in documentaries, television series, and interviews focusing on the royal family. While royal appearances may have seemed more formal in the pre-television era, they are now perceived as informal and friendly. In addition to television programs, the Queen and her family are subjects of numerous newspaper articles, books, and magazines, with hundreds of publications appearing annually. Although the content varies in quality, with some being critical, the majority of these media portrayals remain popular with the public.