The Queen: representing Britain.

The most important function of the Queen is ceremonial. On great occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament, she is driven through the streets in a golden carriage, guarded by soldiers. She gives a state banquet, usually in her home Buckingham Palace, when foreign monarchs or Heads of State visit Britain and soldiers dressed in 18^th century uniforms help her welcome them.

What does the Queen do?

Britain is a constitutional monarchy. This means that the monarch at the moment Queen Elizabeth II, is the head of state. The Queen is also head of the judiciary (all the judges) and of the Church of England, as well as the Commander- in- Chief of the Armed Forces. Her face is on all British bank notes, coins and postage stamps.

A Cosmopolitan Society

Most people in Britain are English, Scottish or Welsh, but in some British cities you can meet people of many different nationalities. There is one London Street, less than 300 metres long with businesses run by Arabs, Greeks, Indians, Jamaicans Nigerians, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish, as well as British.

Pollution

Britain is not a foggy country… but there is a lot of air pollution caused by traffic.

Britain used to be a foggy country. In 1956, smokeless zones were created in towns and cities and the amount of industrial smoke from factories was limited by law. The air in cities became much cleaner. But now, once again, the quality of air is not very good. Pollution or smog is caused by traffic fumes.

The Police

The British Police are wonderful… generally speaking.

You can ask the police for help, if you are lost. Most British police are friendly, helpful and polite. But the police have been accused of treating people, specially black and Asian people, unfairly.

Hooligans

The British are Polite … most of the time

Most British people expect the person in front of them to hold the door open for them. People think you are rude, if you do not do this. But British football supporters have a reputation for violence.

Blur

Blur are an English alternative rock band. Formed in London in 1988 as Seymour, the group consists of singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree. Blur's debut album Leisure (1991) incorporated the sounds of Madchester and shoe gazing. Following a stylistic change—influenced by English guitar pop groups such as The Kinks, The Beatles and XTC—Blur released the Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993), Parklife (1994) and The Great Escape (1995) albums. As a result, the band helped to popularise the Britpop genre and achieved mass popularity in the UK, aided by a famous chart battle with rival band Oasis dubbed "The Battle of Britpop".

Coldplay - Violet Hill

Coldplay are a British alternative rock band formed in London, England in 1998. The group comprises Chris Martin (lead vocals, keyboards, guitar), Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), Guy Berryman (bass guitar), and Will Champion (drums, backing vocals, other instruments).

Lily Allen

Lily Rose Beatrice Allen (born 2 May 1985) is an English pop music singer and songwriter. Known for her songs "Smile", "LDN", her cover of "Oh My God", "The Fear", "Fuck You" and her Mockney style, Allen is the daughter of actor and musician Keith Allen and film producer Alison Owen. From 12 February 2008 Allen hosted her own BBC Three talk show Lily Allen and Friends.