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The Queen is Britain’s longest-reigning Queen, having taken up the mantle of the crown in 1953. She immediately succeeded her father, the King that led the country through one of its darkest times. Much like King George VI, she remains a figurehead vital for the British spirit but relatively neutered in comparison to some former rulers.

How much power does the Queen have?

The Queen technically has all the powers vested in every monarch who has led Britain over the past nearly 10 centuries.

The crown bestows on her “reserve powers” which mirror those of former Kings and Queens, allowing her to appoint a Prime Minister, open Parliament, approve legislation, and head up the armed forces.

The primary difference between the modern monarchy and their descendants’ abilities lie in the law.

Technically, the Queen is nearly all-powerful in the UK, but like her namesake on the chessboard, the real power lies in the hand that moves her.

She can technically do as she pleases, but the Government uses her abilities, as numerous constitutional manoeuvres have placed them in their hands.

In effect, the Queen has no personal discretion, which now lies with voters and their elected representatives.

For instance, her “appointment” of the Prime Minister is a formality which confirms a public vote, and her approval of legislation comes after votes in Parliament.

But the Queen isn’t completely declawed, as she still serves as a “soft power” for the UK.

Where monarchs now had formal control of the country, the Queen has influence.

As viewers of The Crown’s latest season will have observed, she regularly meets with the Prime Minister.

Whether in person or via phone call, the two heads of state will discuss pertinent issues for the country and offers the Queen a chance to deliver her thoughts.

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Each Prime Minister will ultimately speak with a woman who has spent more time studying the inner-workings of a country than they have spent alive.

As such, they may take her thoughts into account, meaning she could ultimately affect the UK’s governance.

The way monarchs influence their officials depends on their individual temperament.

Experts have praised the Queen for keeping her distance from the political scene and allowing ministers to make the decisions, but this may not always end up the case.

Philip Murphy, director of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at University College London, said the role of the monarch comes from their persona.

He said: “In that sense, you can’t distinguish between the functioning of monarchy in modern Britain and Queen Elizabeth II.

“She’s been there so damn long. She’s of a particular kind of character. She’s very discreet.

“She isn’t given to expressions of emotions. She isn’t keen to tell everyone her views.”

Other monarchs don’t have to conduct themselves as the Queen has, and Mr Murphy noted Prince Charles, her eventual successor, is “notorious for writing long, rather hectoring letters to ministers” about his views.

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