07/25/2020 - 9:01
- Clarín.com
- International
The crude number serves to understand the magnitude of the matter: in her almost 70 years of reign, Elizabeth II toured more than 100 countries. And she did it without having a passport.
The question, then, is inevitable: how can it be that one of the most powerful and influential people on the entire planet does not have a passport, nor does he ask for it when he tries to enter another country?
There is an explanation, of course. On the throne since February 6, 1952, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary (such is her English name) is one of the few people in the world who can afford not to have or need this document.
Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne since February 6, 1952. (Photo: AFP)
The official website of the British Royal Family is clear and does not leave double readings: "When traveling abroad, the Queen does not require a British passport ," they explain.
There, in addition, they detail that the cover of a British passport "is in format of the European Union, of maroon color and presents the Royal shield ". And that on its first page it contains another representation of the shield.
Queen Elizabeth does not need to have a passport. (Photo: Buckingham Palace via AP)
In addition, it can be read: "Her British Majesty's Secretary of State requests and requires,on behalf of Her Majesty, to all who are concerned to allow the wearer to pass freely without hindrance or hindrance and to provide the wearer with the assistance and protection that is necessary. "
So like every British passport in the name of "Her Majesty" (that is, Queen Elizabeth), she need not possess one.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1962. (Photo: AP)
Clarification is necessary: all other members of the Royal Family , including the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales, have their corresponding passports .
And there is more: this is not the only "special permit" granted to the Queen, who turned 94 on April 21.
Queen Elizabeth II does not need to have a driver's license. (Photo: AFP)
For example, you can drive a car without the need to have a driver's license and you do not have to pay taxes , although you decided to do so from 1993 with the aim of improving your image in the face of the popularity crisis that it had suffered. at that time (he began to pay the British Treasury 40% of his private income each year).