The British National Anthem in its present form dates back to the eighteenth century. The words and tune are anonymous, and may date back to the seventeenth century.

‘God Save The King’ was a patriotic song first publicly performed in London in 1745, which came to be known as the National Anthem at the beginning of the nineteenth century.

The custom of of greeting or thanking monarchs by singing this song was established after the music director of the Theatre Royal arranged it for a performance after a play.  It was a success and quickly spread to other theatres around London and soon became a custom across the UK.

The words of the National Anthem are as follows, substituting ‘Queen’ for ‘King’ as appropriate to the reigning monarch.

God save our gracious King!
Long live our noble King!
God save the King!
Send him victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the King.

Thy choicest gifts in store
On him be pleased to pour,
Long may he reign.
May he defend our laws,
And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the King.

On official occasions, only the first verse is usually sung.