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In the line to see Queen Elizabeth II, mourners make history and friends

Rachel Treisman

This portion of the line ran between the National COVID Memorial Wall and the Thames River, with a view of the Houses of Parliament on the other side. Rachel Treisman/NPR hide caption

This portion of the line ran between the National COVID Memorial Wall and the Thames River, with a view of the Houses of Parliament on the other side.

LONDON — Hundreds of thousands of mourners from across and beyond the United Kingdom are waiting more than 10 hours on foot for just a few precious seconds with the late Queen Elizabeth II — the only monarch most have ever known, and the last queen of England many are expecting to see in their lifetimes.

On Friday, the line — referred to in England as the queue — to see the queen lying in state at Westminster Hall hit five miles and had to be paused, as wait times stretched towards 24 hours. The separate accessible queue closed permanently the next day after reaching capacity.

Mourners are waiting for hours in a 5-mile queue to say farewell to Queen Elizabeth

The public had been promised long days, chilly nights and sore calves, but still showed up. More than a dozen devotees NPR spoke to in line and at the hall's exit all agreed that the experience, however draining, was well worth it.

"It's been really strange actually, because if you tell a Brit that they're going to be queuing for that long, they'd rather say 'Why ?'" laughs military veteran Chris Jay, about 10 and a half hours into her wait. "But obviously the queen [is] such an important part to many people in the U.K. and especially those that have been in the armed forces and served and given the oath of allegiance to the queen. I just felt compelled to come down here."

The line to see the queen's casket got so long, organizers kept people from joining

Some people came from other parts of the U.K. and Europe, others traveled from places as far away as Canada and the U.S. Their precise motivations and feelings about the monarchy varied, but they shared much in common: appreciation for the queen's dedication, eagerness to participate in history and a mix of uncertainty and optimism about the future of the monarchy under King Charles III.

After exiting Westminster Hall, Debbie, Stephen and Ashleigh Harvey (L to R) said they were headed to the pub to toast the queen. Rachel Treisman/NPR hide caption

After exiting Westminster Hall, Debbie, Stephen and Ashleigh Harvey (L to R) said they were headed to the pub to toast the queen.

"Everyone was in really high spirits," said Ashleigh Harvey as she finally exited the hall after about 13 hours. "I think so many people were honored to be here for however long it was going to take in the queue, and everyone had accepted that and was more than happy to wait as long as it took just to pay our respects."

The mood was mournful but also joyful, as people gathered together to celebrate the queen. Some dressed for the occasion, like the rugby coach wearing a Union Jack button-up vest and the history buff dressed as a 17th-century royalist, cloak and all. And despite the reported safety issues and crowding concerns , many line-goers bonded with their neighbors and described the shared sense of community as a highlight of their experience.

Stephen Hansen was dressed up as a 17th-century royalist. He estimated he had already walked some 22,000 steps in his leather boots. Rachel Treisman/NPR hide caption

Stephen Hansen was dressed up as a 17th-century royalist. He estimated he had already walked some 22,000 steps in his leather boots.

"I've made friends in this queue — we've exchanged numbers, we've shared food ... there's a group of us who will meet up after this," says 54-year-old Teresa Bhatti. "We've enjoyed every single second of it."

By contrast, the atmosphere inside Westminster Hall was quiet, serene and reverent, people said. That part of the line went by much faster, with less time to process the inevitable flood of emotions. And at least one woman could be seen wiping tears away as she exited the gates.

Ying Shum and Joe Yuen, who moved to the U.K. several months ago, said they were touched by the experience.

Not everyone mourns the queen. For many, she can't be separated from colonial rule

"Very meaningful, especially [because] we are from Hong Kong," Shum said. "And I think most of the people who came here are willing to spend 10 hours, 20 hours — doesn't matter, because the queen has already spent 70 years for her service."

The moment is historic but also personal

People praised the queen for her contributions to the country, particularly for doing her duty for so many years and for being a reliable and reassuring presence in both good and bad times.

She has been a feature of millions of peoples' lives, from bank notes to military medals, explains Bryan Hunt, a civil servant in the Home Office who has been volunteering on the line.

Hunt says he briefly met the queen at a garden party several years ago — he vividly remembers how special she made him feel, as well as "her piercing blue eyes and how tiny she was."

Sandra Napier, who decided to join the line while on a pre-planned visit from Northern Ireland, said the queen wasn't only beloved at home but around the world as an ambassador. She was especially moved by the queen's 2012 trip to Northern Ireland, when she shook hands with former IRA commander Martin McGuinness in what Napier described as a significant gesture of reconciliation and peacemaking — something she said the world still needs.

"The world is in a bit of a precarious situation post-COVID, economically, Ukraine-wise, and I think this has really given people a positive focus and coming together," she says of the event.

Teresa Bhatti, far left, said she was looking forward to meeting up later with some of the new friends she met in line. Rachel Treisman/NPR hide caption

Teresa Bhatti, far left, said she was looking forward to meeting up later with some of the new friends she met in line.

Some people said they braved the long hours because they wanted to participate in an event that will be remembered for generations to come. Everyone had their reasons, and for some, it was largely emotion.

"I just feel as though I need to be here for her," Bhatti said.

People will miss the queen, but are optimistic about her successor

It's hard for people to imagine England without a queen, now and for the foreseeable future. Many described King Charles III as having large shoes to fill, but say they're reassured that he's been preparing for this responsibility for decades.

Rosie Beddows, who was in line with her husband and son, says she thinks that with Camilla by his side, Charles will take the country forward in a perhaps more environmentally friendly manner. And she thinks William and Kate will make a "stunning" prince and princess of Wales and future leaders.

"I think the monarchy is in a very strong position, and if you just look at this queue, this is what monarchy means to the British public," she says, a comment echoed by many others.

Heather Labanya, 39, joined the queue at 7 a.m. on Friday. Some nine hours later, she spoke to NPR about how she reconciles the queen's legacy with that of the British Empire. Rachel Treisman/NPR hide caption

Heather Labanya, 39, joined the queue at 7 a.m. on Friday. Some nine hours later, she spoke to NPR about how she reconciles the queen's legacy with that of the British Empire.

Of course, not all Britons support the institution , which (especially younger) people see as antiquated and colonialist.

Heather Labanya, who is half Zambian, acknowledges there are a lot of views of the monarchy in the U.K. and says she has personally worked to separate the queen from the institution that she represented.

In particular, she mentioned that independence fighters, including the first president of Zambia — a former British colony — had respect for the queen and her role in its democratization.

"I've always felt able to hold the understanding of all these composite parts," she adds. "But the way my parents also raised me was to try to look forward and continue to hold that rich history that we do have as a family, as a culture, with a forward looking at how can we rebuild a future that includes everybody."

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Queen Mary in Long Beach: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley 

Things to Do

Hotel queen mary, tips for your visit, the queen mary.

On your next trip to Long Beach, California, you should stop by the cruise ship that never moves—the Queen Mary.

Originally built in 1937, the ship had a long and fascinating 30-year career before making its 516th and final voyage to Long Beach, California, on Dec. 9, 1967.

Since then, the Queen Mary has been docked in the Long Beach harbor and converted into a hotel and tourist attraction, which some even believe to be haunted. Guides' voices echo in the now-empty engine room, where 27 boilers once generated 160,000 horsepower. In fact, the ship has been in Long Beach longer than it sailed the oceans and is now known as an icon for its home city.

Bigger, faster, and more powerful than its predecessor, the Titanic, the RMS Queen Mary had a long career with 1,001 successful Atlantic crossings. Built at the John Brown shipyard on the Clyde, Scotland, in 1937, the Queen Mary held the record for the fastest-ever North Atlantic crossing.

It carried the rich and famous across the Atlantic for three years in great luxury. During World War II, it carried troops. Afterward, the ship ferried war brides and children to the United States and Canada before returning to service as a transatlantic cruise ship.

In 1967, the ship's owner, Cunard, sold the Queen Mary for $3.45 million. After the boat's final voyage, it became permanently docked in Long Beach and has been there ever since.

It may not be as enormous as today's mega-cruise liners, but the Queen Mary is an elegant reminder of a bygone era. 

The least expensive way to see the ship is the self-guided tour which takes visitors over the 1,020-foot-long Queen Mary, from the engine room to the wheelhouse. Unfortunately, the tour route is poorly marked, and the big ship can be pretty intimidating when toured on your own. You may get more out of your experience if you take one of their guided tours. 

They offer several themed tours, which change from time to time. One of the most popular is Ghosts and Legends of the Queen Mary, which dramatizes paranormal and historical events aboard the ship. You can also take tours in the evening, including haunted explorations and midnight ghost tours led by paranormal experts. You can see a list of current tours on the Queen Mary website .

The Scorpion, a Foxtrot-class Russian submarine, is moored just below the Queen Mary's bow. A tour of the cramped quarters and military conditions (78 crew shared two showers and three toilets) provides an interesting contrast to the Queen Mary in size and luxury.

Events at the Queen Mary

Every Halloween, the Queen Mary is home to Dark Harbor , an intense Halloween experience that features haunted mazes, a 4D theater experience, and live monsters and entertainment.

The ship also hosts seasonal and holiday celebrations, mystery murder dinner shows, a Scottish festival, and other events. You can find their upcoming events on their website .

The ship isn't just a tourist attraction, it doubles as a hotel as well. With authentic wood-paneling, original artwork from the 1930s, and time-appropriate styled decor, you can easily imagine yourself on a transatlantic journey along with Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, and others. The ship includes 347 staterooms and suites, all of which come with standard amenities.

The smaller rooms are reasonably priced but can be a bit dark. For a taste of the luxury of a bygone era, splurge on a Deluxe Stateroom or a Royalty Suite.

• The Queen Mary is open daily, and a reservation is not required for a regular tour.
• There is an admission fee, as well as a parking fee.
• Allow a few hours for a leisurely tour, as there's a lot to see.
• Take a guided tour for a more efficient and educational experience.
• Grab a map on your way in. Certain things, including elevator stops, are labeled in ship jargon, but the map makes things easy to understand.

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Tracing Queen Elizabeth’s steps through the U.S.

By Danielle Paquette | Sep 10, 2022

During her seven-decade reign, Queen Elizabeth II visited more than two dozen cities across the United States. She chatted with Girl Scouts, football players, presidents and Frank Sinatra . She cheered on race horses in Kentucky. She requested a ham sandwich with the crust removed in Texas. She sported a tweed skirt-suit in Yosemite National Park.

Wherever England’s longest-serving monarch went, photographers followed, capturing generations of Americans in the throes of Royal fever (and more than a few signature handbags ).

Oct. 17, 1957 | Washington

Queen Elizabeth II heads to the White House as crowd's line Washington streets to see the royal monarch.

Oct. 18, 1957 | Washington

Queen Elizabeth II accepts a doll for Princess Anne from 7-year-old Pamela Springmann during a visit at Children's Hospital.

Queen Elizabeth II and Vice President Richard Nixon tilt their heads for a better view of the oil paintings on the interior of the Capitol dome during a tour.

Oct. 19, 1957 | College Park, Md.

Co-captains of North Carolina and Maryland meet Queen Elizabeth II before the start of a game.

Oct. 21, 1957 | New York

Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a mink stole, and Prince Philip, standing next to a viewing telescope, view New York City from the observatory roof of the Empire State Building. The Queen said, "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

Queen Elizabeth II, in a plastic domed car, rides up lower Broadway through a shower of ticker tape and confetti during procession to City Hall.

Queen Elizabeth II addresses the United Nations General Assembly.

Her Majesty kicked off a seven-city tour of the nation’s east in 1976 with a stop in Philadelphia, where she unveiled a gift for the City of Brotherly Love: a Bicentennial Bell to celebrate 200 years of American independence from English rule. (The bell remains in storage .)

July 7, 1976 | Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip walk down the ramp of their aircraft near Washington.

July 7, 1976 | Philadelphia

Queen Elizabeth II is greeted by the Girl Scouts of America.

July 8, 1976 | Washington

Queen Elizabeth II arrives at the U.S. Capitol.

On her New York leg, Elizabeth was spotted squeezing through city throngs, underscoring the lighter security protocols of yesteryear.

July 10, 1976 | New York

Thousands surround Queen Elizabeth II as she walks from the Federal Building up Wall Street to Trinity Church with Mayor Abraham Beame.

J Walter Green

July 10, 1976 | Charlottesville, Va.

Queen Elizabeth II tours Thomas Jefferson's Monticello home.

July 11, 1976 | Boston

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip wave to spectators below from the balcony of the Old State House before the Queen descended to street level to address the crowd. The location is the site of the Boston massacre, an event which led to the Revolutionary War.

Elizabeth returned in 1983 for a trek through the West Coast. She visited a Southern California retirement home, led a champagne toast with then-president Ronald Reagan and absorbed the mountain views at Yosemite National Park.

Feb. 26, 1983 | San Diego

Queen Elizabeth II reviews the U.S. Marine Corps honor guard as she arrives for a State visit.

Feb. 28, 1983 | Sierra Madre

Queen Elizabeth II shares a smile with 97-year-old Sibyl Jones-Bateman after the monarch was presented with a bouquet during tour of the British Home retirement community near Los Angeles.

March 3, 1983 | San Francisco

President Ronald Reagan and Queen Elizabeth II raise their glasses in a toast during a state dinner at the M. H. de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park.

Ed Reinke/AP

March 5, 1983 | Yosemite, Calif.

Park superintendent Bob Binnewies points out highlights from Inspiration Point to Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Yosemite National Park.

The queen, a horse racing enthusiast, landed in Kentucky five times between 1984 and 2007, according to the Courier-Journal . She was known to turn up at horse farms, admiring the mares and foals.

May 23, 1986 | Versailles, Ky.

Queen Elizabeth II puts out her hand to her filly foal by the mare Christchurch and Alydar during a visit to Lane's End Farm.

May 27, 1986 | Lexington, Ky.

Queen Elizabeth II exchanges pleasantries with a line of Fayette County (Ky.) and Kentucky State Troopers on the tarmac as prepares to depart following a five-day visit.

Amy Sancetta/Associated Press

May 26, 1989 | Lexington, Ky.

Queen Elizabeth II is welcomed by a child upon her arrival during a private visit to the U.S.

David Banks

During her 1991 visit, Elizabeth addressed Congress. Lawmakers gave the monarch a standing ovation, while opponents of British occupation in Northern Ireland protested outside the Capitol.

May 14, 1991 | Washington

Queen Elizabeth II and President George H.W. Bush review the troops after the Queen's arrival at the White House.

May 15, 1991 | Washington

Queen Elizabeth II holds flowers presented to her at Drake Place, a housing project.

May 16, 1991 | Washington

Queen Elizabeth II is applauded by Vice President Dan Quayle and House Speaker Thomas Foley before her address to the U.S. Congress.

Doug Mills/AP

Elizabeth’s last U.S. state visit came in 2007, when she arrived for the 400th anniversary of England establishing its first permanent North American settlement in Jamestown, Va.

She dined with then-president George W. Bush, watched the Kentucky Derby through bulletproof glass and checked out Washington memorials.

May 4, 2007 | Lexington, Ky.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip look out of the window of an SUV as they leave the Bluegrass Airport after arriving.

Morry Gash/AP

May 5, 2007 | Louisville, Ky.

Queen Elizabeth II chats with Prince Philip as Susan Lucci (black hat) looks on at the 133rd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Rob Carr/AP

May 7, 2007, | Washington

President Bush smiles at Queen Elizabeth II before the start of a State Dinner at the White House.

Evan Vucci/AP

May 8, 2007 | Washington

Queen Elizabeth II and U.S. Park Service Director Mary Bomar walk around the National World War II Memorial during a visit by the Queen and Duke.

TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

May 8, 2007 | Greenbelt, Md.

Queen Elizabeth II accepts flowers from children while walking during a visit to the Goddard Space Flight Center.

Larry Downing

Elizabeth made her final stop on American soil in 2010 to address the United Nations General Assembly. “I believe I was last here in 1957,” she deadpanned to her New York audience.

July 6, 2010 | New York

Queen Elizabeth II leaves a wreath of flowers at the site of the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attack during her visit.

Lucas Jackson

Queen Elizabeth II speaks at the United Nations Headquarters.

Seth Wenig/AP

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Queen Mary is back in business after 2-plus years. Free tours fully booked

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The Queen Mary is back in business.

Beginning Thursday, fans of the aging Long Beach tourist attraction will be able to tour sections of the vessel for the first time since March 2020, the city of Long Beach announced this week . To celebrate, the city is offering free guided tours for a limited time.

The hour-long tours include biographical lessons, including some haunted history, about the Queen Mary and access to select areas of its promenade deck, all led by a docent. Tours were full by Tuesday morning , according to the city’s website.

The hotel, restaurants, bar and other amenities will remain closed until plumbing and other repair work are completed in early 2023 , according to the city.

Queen Mary to get $1 million more in repairs ahead of reopening in Long Beach

Millions of dollars have been poured into repairing the Queen Mary, which was closed due to the pandemic in 2020 and is expected to reopen this year.

Nov. 2, 2022

The occasion comes after the pandemic shuttered the converted British ocean liner to the public and a series of renovations, including critical structural repair work , delayed its reopening. Several studies have estimated the vessel needs hundreds of millions of dollars of upgrades to continue operating. A 2021 report called for $23 million in immediate repairs to prevent the ship from capsizing.

The city has previously said that about 75% of the process — largely plumbing, mechanical and other metalwork — should be completed by the end of the year. All internal repairs should be wrapped up in early 2023, allowing the city to work on aesthetic projects, like painting and flooring.

“The Queen Mary has been an icon of our Long Beach shoreline for 55 years,” Councilmember Mary Zendejas said. “We remain dedicated in our efforts to preserve the ship’s history and structural safety. I look forward to welcoming the community back on board!”

Over the last 50 years, Long Beach has brought in several firms — including Walt Disney Co. — to try to convert the former ocean liner-turned-floating hotel into a profitable tourist attraction, with mixed results. Disney planned in 1990 to incorporate the ship into a $3-billion sea-themed amusement park but ditched the idea a few years later.

Long Beach had considered sinking the 86-year-old ship after taking control of the vessel last year from the previous lease operator, Eagle Hospitality Trust, which filed for bankruptcy and defaulted on lease agreements. But even scuttling or scrapping it brought an estimated $190-million price tag , officials learned.

Keeping the Queen Mary afloat has cost an estimated $6 million since the restoration project got underway earlier this year . But officials say the price tag is offset because the ship generates revenue through special events and filming opportunities, including a popular Halloween celebration .

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Alexandra E. Petri is a former Los Angeles Times staff writer who covered trends and breaking news. She previously covered live news at the New York Times. A two-time reporting fellow with the International Women’s Media Foundation, she graduated from Penn State with a degree in journalism and international studies.

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How Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family Really Travel

From private planes to helicopters, motorbikes, and custom-made cars, here's how the British monarch's family gets from place to place.

Here are the details on how the royals really travel.

Private planes are used, but so are scheduled flights.

Travel arrangements for official visits are determined by the Royal Travel Office, who take into account security, cost, and logistics before coming up with a plan. Sometimes, this involves a charter plane which can enable royals and their entourage to more easily stop off in multiple countries or islands—such as when Prince Charles and Camilla visited Cuba and the Caribbean earlier this year . For that trip, which cost £416,576 (roughly $506,286), they used the U.K. ministerial jet, the Royal Air Force’s VIP Voyager, which is available to royals and British government officials.

For other visits, commercial flights are deemed more appropriate, like when Prince Harry and Meghan traveled first class with Qantas for their tour of Australia and New Zealand in 2018 . During this trip they also used a charter plane, which cost £81,002 (roughly $98,444) to travel to Fiji and Tonga.

Usually the British public pick up the bill for official overseas travel except when the royals are visiting Commonwealth Realms (countries where the Queen is also Head of State), in which case the host country pays.

While off-duty, members of the royal family have been known to use both private planes and budget airlines.

Prince William and Kate, for example, have borrowed the private jet belonging to the Duke of Westminster for family vacations in Europe. When they holiday on the Caribbean island Mustique , they usually travel first class with British Airways to St. Lucia before taking another 30 minute flight to the private island. However, the couple have also been spotted on the budget airline EasyJet while heading on a skiing break.

Harry and Meghan were also seen sitting in economy on a scheduled British Airways flight to Nice in December 2017 en route to ring in the New Year. However, they have also both used private jets, with Harry recently taking one to Google’s Climate Change summit and Meghan returning from her baby shower in New York on one.

They like to take the train, and are not immune to delays

No one covering Prince Harry and Meghan’s trip to Cardiff in January 2018 could forget the stormy look on Harry’s face when he stepped out of the car an hour late thanks to a train delay. The couple had boarded the first class carriage of a regular rail service from London Paddington that morning but found themselves held up when the train was moved to a slower track.

Other regular train journeys have gone more smoothly and the young royals in particular often choose this mode of transport, especially to visit major cities.

The Queen also uses a regular train service every year to start her Christmas break at Sandringham , boarding at London’s King’s Cross and disembarking at Norfolk’s King’s Lynn station. This all appears pretty frugal; however, there is also the small matter of the Royal Train, which is still occasionally used by members of the family.

Costing several thousands of pounds per trip, it is often cited when the royals reveal their annual financial reports as one of the more lavish expenditures. Last year, examples of journeys taken were Prince Charles using it to travel from Euston to Port Talbot at a cost of £20,049 (or roughly $24,370) and the Queen and Meghan’s trip to Cheshire , which came in at £29,714 (or roughly $26,115).

They use of helicopters—sometimes to travel between their houses.

One of the quickest ways royals can get around the U.K. is to travel by helicopter. Between April 2018 and April 2019, 204 journeys were made on royal helicopters which cost a total of £688,845. Regulations permit the royals to use public funds to travel from residence to residence, trips they often make by helicopter. The Queen’s Helicopter Flight currently has two helicopters in operation, which are based at RAF Odiham (a Royal Air Force Station in the English town of Odiham).

While he doesn’t usually fly himself to or on official engagements, Prince William still likes to get behind the controls of a helicopter following his years spent in the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue and later as an air ambulance pilot. He took the opportunity to fly one for the cameras in January 2019 to highlight the work of the London Air Ambulance.

Sometimes, nothing but a car will do, and the royals like to drive themselves .

When it comes to getting around on a day-to-day basis, nothing beats the convenience of four wheels. The royals arrive at almost all their engagements by car (when they do take helicopters or planes, a local diplomatic vehicle is waiting to pick them up). Specifically, the Queen travels in her Bentley State Limousine which was created for her Golden Jubilee in 2002. The car was specially designed to make it possible for well-wishers to more easily see inside and with doors and a higher roof so Her Majesty can more easily get out of the vehicle.

British manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover also enjoy the patronage of the royal family, with members frequently seen in and behind the wheel of its vehicles. Despite the fact they could be driven everywhere if they wanted, the royals enjoy the independence of driving themselves. William drove Kate and all their three newborn children home from hospital and the Duchess of Cambridge has been spotted behind the wheel heading through the gates of Buckingham Palace.

The Queen has also been seen driving herself to church in Windsor many times, as well as driving visitors around the Balmoral estate. Prince Philip was still driving at age 96 until a crash forced him to decide to surrender his license .

Both William and Harry love to ride motorbikes.

The brothers were in their element when they took part in an eight-day 1,000 mile charity bike ride across South Africa in 2008. William also currently owns a 1198S Ducati, but his wife Kate isn't such a fan. In 2015, she admitted, “It always fills me with horror when he goes out on it‎. I'm terrified.”

Fortunately for her, the prince revealed in November 2017 that he has put biking on the back burner since having his children.

Finally, there’s the mode of transport they don’t use any more: the royal yacht .

Once upon a time, the royals took to the seas for official visits on the Royal Yacht Britannia. However, that all stopped when the vessel was decommissioned in 1997—a date often cited as one of the only times the Queen has shed a tear in public.

Over the course of 40 years, Britannia traveled more than one million nautical miles to 600+ ports in 135 countries. Now, it is moored in Edinburgh as a popular tourist attraction. Some British politicians have suggested bringing back a royal yacht but this has yet to catch on.

Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures , released in 2021. 

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Queen Elizabeth II: a travel icon

By Luciana Bellini

Throughout her long and illustrious reign, travel always played a hugely important role in the Queen’s life . As our most well-travelled monarch, she spent decades learning from other cultures around the world, repeatedly crossing the globe during her residency at Buckingham Palace. And let’s not forget that her reign actually began on foreign soil – the 25-year-old then-princess was staying at the Treetops Hotel in Aberdare National Park, Kenya , when she first learnt about the death of her father, George VI, on the night of 6 February 1952. Whether it was travelling the high seas in the Royal Yacht Britannia or turning far-flung locations into must-visit holiday destinations, the Queen always knew how to circumnavigate the globe in style. Here we take a closer look at, and celebrate, her life in travel.

The Queen in Windsor Great Park in the grounds of Windsor Castle 

The Queen was the most well-travelled monarch ever 

It’s not for nothing that she is known as the ‘million mile Queen’ – as our most travelled monarch, she covered at least 1,032,513 miles and visited 117 different countries during her reign. To put it in perspective, that’s the equivalent of 42 journeys around the entire circumference of the earth. She has visited every country in the Commonwealth and many more besides, carrying out an incredible 290 state visits since 1952. Her first trip as Queen was meeting the governor of Kenya, Sir Philip Mitchell, on 6 February 1952, where she heard the news of her father George VI’s death, while her last tour was a trip to Malta with the Duke of Edinburgh in 2015, a fitting end to a life of overseas travel, as this was where the royal couple lived for a period when they were first married in 1947.

 Queen Elizabeth II at the Windsor Horse Show

The Queen carried out a number of historic trips, including becoming the first British monarch to visit China in 1986, and the first in a century to tour the Republic of Ireland in 2011, but there are still places she never visited, including Israel, thought to be due to political reasons, and Greece, because of Prince Philip’s family history in the country. She always regarded travel as a vital part of her reign; as she said in her 1953 Christmas broadcast, which was recorded in Auckland, New Zealand: “I set out on this journey in order to see as much as possible of the people and countries of the Commonwealth and Empire. I want to show that the Crown is not merely an abstract symbol of our unity, but a personal and living bond between you and me.”

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in a field with some highland cattle at Balmoral, Scotland, 1972

The Queen had her own airline

For someone who travelled as much as the Queen, it seems only fitting that she should have had her own airline – or at least a dedicated fleet of planes devoted to serving her and the Royal Family. Established as an elite Royal Air Force unit in 1936 during the reign of King Edward VIII and known originally as ‘The King’s Flight’, these aircraft were charged with the duty of transporting members of the Royal Family by air on short-haul and long-haul flights. 

The Queen at Trooping The Colour riding her house Burmese, which was a gift from the Canadian Mounted Police

Amy Abrahams

Rick Jordan , CN Traveller

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

Olivia Morelli

It was renamed ‘The Queen’s Flight’ when Her Majesty came to the throne in 1952 and continued to fly her around the globe in a series of smart fixed-wing planes and helicopters embossed with the Royal Crown until it was disbanded in 1995. As well as carrying the sovereign in style, The Queen’s Flight was also used to train members of the Royal Family to fly, most notably the Duke of Edinburgh, who received his private pilot’s licence in 1959 and was often seen in the cockpit during the couple’s tours around the world.

Queen Elizabeth II leaves Fiji during her royal tour, February 1977. Prince Philip is just visible behind her.

The Queen preferred sustainable travel methods

While naturally the Queen spent much of her life hopping on and off planes, it was certainly not her preferred mode of transport and in fact she hadn’t flown in years, not since her final trip to Malta in 2015. After that, she preferred to carry out her domestic engagements via train – she notably chose to take the Royal Train to the G7 summit in Cornwall in 2021, rather than follow in Boris Johnson’s footsteps by taking a 20-minute private flight – or her fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles. She was often spotted in her hybrid Range Rover, while her collection also included a Renault Twizy, a BMW i3 and a BMW hybrid 7-series, as well as an eco-friendly electric Nissan van used by Buckingham Palace’s gardening team.

Queen Elizabeth II meets the crowds during her royal tour of New Zealand, 1977

Her favourite way to travel, however, was said to have been aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, which the royal couple spent several months on during the Seventies. The plushly appointed yacht came with mahogany woodwork and chintzy sofas and armchairs, designed to recreate all the comforts of home. Over the course of 40 years, Britannia travelled more than a million miles and completed 968 official voyages before being decommissioned in 1997 – a date that is often cited as one of the only times when the Queen has shed a tear in public. Now it is moored at Leith in Edinburgh, where it draws more than 300,000 tourists each year.

Queen Elizabeth II visits an ancient pyramid during her state visit to Mexico, 1975

The Queen was the original travel influencer 

When the Queen first ascended to the throne in 1952, most members of the public could only dream of travels to foreign climes, and millions in Britain lived vicariously through her glamorous and intrepid tours. But that all changed with the advent of the package holiday, which first took off in the Sixties, a period that is often hailed as the “Golden Age” of travel. Now suddenly many could emulate the sovereign’s travels. African safaris , Caribbean jaunts and Brazilian beach trips have all become de rigeur since the Queen first went on them. And while she visited Canada the most often, having travelled to the North American country a staggering 27 times, it is actually in Australia where the Queen spent the most time, on one trip staying for just under two months – no wonder it remains so perennially popular with travelling Brits.

Queen Elizabeth II visits the Town Hall in Sydney with Emmet McDermott in May 1970

Millions of people have visited the UK to see inside Buckingham Palace 

While the journey of her sovereignty can be told through her numerous excursions abroad, the Queen has been just as much of a travel icon in her own home. Tourists from all around the world flock to the UK for a glimpse inside one of her royal residences, with Buckingham Palace regularly receiving more than half a million visitors during its summer opening each year, when ticket holders get the chance to see 19 of the palace’s magnificent state rooms and take a tour of the garden where her famous annual garden parties are held. Research by VisitBritain revealed that more than 60 per cent of overseas visitors that come to Britain are likely to visit places associated with the royal family, and almost one-third of all inbound trips to the UK include a visit to castles or historic houses. Since 2018, Windsor Castle and Frogmore House have actually eclipsed Buckingham Palace in popularity, with almost 1.6 million people visiting every year. This trend started when the Queen decided to live at Windsor Castle permanently and no longer use Buckingham Palace as a full-time residence.

Queen Elizabeth II with two dogs at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, 28th September 1952

The Queen knew how to travel in style

The jet-setting monarch was the owner of the ultimate travel wardrobe , and any royal tour was always carried out with true sartorial flair, and cultural sensitivity. The Queen always travelled with at least three outfit changes a day, all numbered and packed in steel wardrobes with wheels, along with one all-black ensemble for mourning purposes, just in case. 

 The Queen on a visit to Blois in France

This was one travel must-have that she learned the hard way – when flying back from Kenya after the death of her father, it was discovered that she only had a floral dress with her to wear. The plane had to wait on the tarmac in London until a black coat could be brought to her onboard, which she changed into before disembarking.

 The Queen with Prince Philip at the badminton horse trials

It’s no coincidence that the Queen often dressed in bright colours on her tours: this was deliberate, so that she would be “seen to be believed” (as the words of her famous motto go), and her senior dresser, Angela Kelly, was known to travel to future destinations weeks in advance to make sure that the outfits chosen didn’t clash with backdrops. To ensure there were no unfortunate wardrobe mishaps, weights were sewn into the hems of her skirts and dresses, so she never had to worry about a rogue gust of wind.

Queen Elizabeth II sitting on a coach to tour the Sicarsta Steel Works in Acapulco, Mexico, 18th February 1983

The Queen was always an intrepid traveller

The Queen never shied away from carrying out her duties abroad, whether for personal reasons – her 2002 Golden Jubilee tour, which took in New Zealand , Australia and Canada, started in Jamaica just nine days after the death of her sister – or political ones. In 1961, she travelled to Ghana amid fears for her safety, during a difficult period when the Ghanaian president, Kwame Nkrumah, was under threat of assassination. In 1991, she found herself clinking glasses with Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe, when in Harare for a summit of Commonwealth leaders.

The Queen at the Royal Windsor Horse Show

 But perhaps most famous of all was her trip to Ireland in 2011, when she became the first British monarch to set foot in the Irish Republic (the last sovereign to visit had been her grandfather, George V, a full century earlier). The four-day visit came with unprecedented security measures, with 8,000 police and soldiers on the streets. During a stirring address at the end of her visit, the Queen referred to the IRA’s murder of Earl Mountbatten, the Duke of Edinburgh’s uncle, but emphasised that we should “bow to the past, but not be bound by it.”

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in a state coach, a Bicentennial gift from Australia

Queen Charlotte Islands

Travel guide.

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Planning a Trip in Queen Charlotte Islands

Getting There

By Ferry -- BC Ferries (tel. 888/BC-FERRY [223-3779] in B.C., or 250/386-3431; www.bcferries.bc.ca) crosses between Prince Rupert and Skidegate, on northerly Graham Island. The 6 1/2- to 7-hour crossing can be quite rough; take precautions if you're prone to seasickness. Ferries run daily in summer; call ahead to reserve. The one-way high-season tickets are C$39 for a passenger and C$140 for most passenger vehicles.

By Plane -- Air Canada Jazz (tel. 888/247-2262; www.flyjazz.ca) provides daily flights from Vancouver to Sandspit Airport on northern Moresby Island. Pacific Coastal Airlines (tel. 800/663-2872 or 604/273-8666; www.pacific-coastal.com) provides daily service from Vancouver's South Terminal to Masset during the summer and service three times a week during the shoulder and winter season. North Pacific Seaplanes (tel. 800/689-4234 or 250/627-1341; www.northpacificseaplanes.com), based in Prince Rupert, offers floatplane service to Masset, Sandspit/Queen Charlotte City.

Visitor Information -- The Queen Charlotte Islands Visitor Info Centre, 3220 Wharf St., Queen Charlotte (tel. 250/559-8316; www.qcinfo.ca), is open May through September daily from 8am to 8pm. The info center now offers a booking and reservation service.

Getting Around

In the Queen Charlotte Islands, the island-to-island Skidegate-Alliford Bay ferry operates 12 daily sailings between the main islands. The fare is C$6 each way or C$14 per vehicle. With so few roads on the islands, it's fair to ask if it even makes sense to take a car on a short trip. Budget (tel. 250/637-5688 ) has a bureau at the Sandspit airport; Rustic Car Rentals (tel. 250/559-4641 ) has a bureau at the BC Ferry terminal. Some lodgings also offer car rentals.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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How to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda

Sitting on 764 square miles of land, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited in Uganda. It borders Uganda’s Kibale National Park and is an extension of Congo’s Virunga National Park. Some of the districts neighboring the park include Kamwenge, Rukingiri, Rubirizi and Kasese, all in the western part of Uganda.

How did the park get the name? When Queen Elizabeth II visited Uganda in the mid-50’s, she had an amazing safari in what was then known as Kazinga National Park. It was decided by the colonial government at the time to rename the park in remembrance of the Queen’s visit.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is made up of lakes, savannah plains, forests, woodlands and other breathtaking features. Her moderate weather, with a fair share of the rains, has contributed a lot to the natural beauty of the park. Apart from marveling at the beautiful features, travelers can enjoy amazing sights of different wildlife species including the famous Uganda kob, hyenas, the sitatunga, leopards, hippopotamus, elephants, crocodiles and buffalo. There are also primates like chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys among others. In all, Queen Elizabeth National Park has over 95 species of mammals.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is arguably also one of the best places to spot lions in East Africa. With over 200 of them, lions are favorites for many travelers who visit the park. Queen Elizabeth is the best park to spot tree climbing lions in the world.

How to access Queen Elizabeth National Park

For travelers setting off from Kampala (using private or public means), you will have to pass via Mbarara to the park. After about 420 kilometers and not more than 7 hours of driving, you will have arrived at the park. For those who cannot endure the 8 hours on the road, which is actually an amazing experience by itself, you can make a stopover at Lake Mburo National Park. Continuing from that point to the park will take about 4 hours.

Worth noting is that you are better off using a private or hired tour van to avoid any delays and other inconveniences that come with traveling by public means in Uganda. You can book your entire trip with a good tour operator in Uganda like Gorilla Tours Africa . They organize both gorilla trekking and general wildlife safaris.

You can also save yourself from the long hours on the road and hectic traffic by taking a local flight straight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airstrip to Kasese, Mweya or Ishasha where you can easily access the park in no time.

After the fun-filled trip to the park and checking into a hotel to recuperate from the long journey, next on the agenda is always what brought you to the park – traversing it. International visitors to this park will never run short of activities. In fact, they might find themselves struggling to complete all of them. The key attractions are nature walks, games drive, boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking, the tree climbing lions and bird watching.

Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game Drives

Like most national parks in the Pearl of Africa, game drives are the most popular activity in the park. Without a game drive in the park, you are depriving yourself of a chance to see some of Africa’s great mammals. Aboard a private or tour operators’ van in the morning, tourists can be seen excitedly anticipating which wild animal they will spot first. Usually, many would be expecting to chance on a lioness returning from the night’s hunt or any predator calmly resting under a shrub.   

Speaking about lions, a big number of tourists always look out for the tree climbing lions in the park. With the guidance of a tour guide, tourists will be taken to Ishasha, where these lions can be found, and the sight of them climbing trees is just exhilarating. But it is not only the Lions that you will see as you cruise through the plains, forests and acacia woods. The drive cuts through three sections of the park – the Kasenyi plains which is next to the Kazinga channel, Ishasha section, where tree climbing lions are mostly available and Katwe Crater fields. At the Katwe Crater fields is where travelers will find large craters and salt lakes that are thousands of years old.

The Kasenyi plains are home to most of the wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park . Here, tourists are bound to spot a plethora of wild animals like Uganda kob, buffalo, elephants and predators like lions and hyenas. With your eyes wide open through the car window, maybe borrowing extra vision from a pair of binoculars, all that will be left is to listen intently to the tour guide for information about the different species of mammals and birds. The day game drives take between 3 to 4 hours.

After game drives, birding is probably the second most sought for activity in the park. This assertion may be a subject of debate, depending on a traveler’s overall interest in the other activities in the park. Birders on a tour of Queen Elizabeth National Park will be impressed with the amazing collection of birds inhabiting Maramagambo forest, the Kazinga Channel, the savannah plains, craters and gorges like Kyambura. During certain seasons of the year, millions of migratory birds come to escape the harsh winters in Europe making the park a true birders paradise.

Some of the bird species the park houses include yellow throated cuckoo, wood sandpipers, winding and carruther’s cisticolas, white-winged warbler, white-tailed lark, white and abdim’s storks, water thick-knee, verreaux’s eagle owl, spotted redshank, ringed plower, red-chested sunbirds, pink-backed pelican, papyrus gonolek, shoebill stock, pin-tailed whydah, open-billed stork, malachite pied kingfishers and martial eagle among others.  

Chimpanzee Trekking

While some travelers think the best chimpanzee tracking experience can only be got in Kibale National Park, that is not entirely true. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to chimpanzees in Maramagambo forest and the amazing Kyambura gorge. Only the chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge are open to tourism. This forest gorge is where chimpanzees and others primates like baboons, red-tailed monkeys and colobus monkeys roam about without fear of being attacked by the big cats.

The 2 to 4 hours chimpanzee tracking at the Kyambura gorge costs $80 and only eight permits are issued daily. All the chimpanzees in the valley are habituated and bookings are done at the Information Centre in Mweya. The chances of seeing chimps are very high in the morning, though not compared to Kibale National Park.

The Kazinga channel

Undoubtedly one of the most outstanding features of the park, the Kazinga channel connects Lake George to Lake Edward. But that is not what is unique about the channel. Here, various animals gather to quench their thirst, take a bath and rest during the heat of the day. Animals like hippos, crocodiles, elephants, leopards and antelope can be seen on the shallow ends of these waters as they go about their business.

From a boat, travelers can get an uninterrupted view of these animals and the beautiful views surrounding the water. For ardent birders, this may turn out to be one of the best moments of your safari in Uganda. The overall concentration of birds along the channel needs to be seen to be believed. The activity is organized in shifts throughout the day with an option of using cheaper government boats or more expensive private boats owned by Mweya Safari lodge.

Cultural Tours

After all the nerve-wrecking activities in the park, a visit to the neighboring local communities during a cultural walk is inevitable. Visiting the local community helps you understand their way of life and economic activities. One of the best cultural groups to visit is the Kikorongo Equator Cultural group. Visiting this group will expose you to the unique fashion secrets that the people of that area and Uganda at large hold as treasures. They make crafts using locally curated fibers which can be bought by tourists as souvenir. The cultural facets also expand to food and how the various dishes are prepared.

A trip to Lake Katwe salt mines

While it may not come off as a typical tourist attraction, Lake Katwe is one of the few salt lakes in Africa. This information is enough to attract the attention of any inquisitive traveler. The lake is a goldmine for the communities living in the area. On a typical visit to the lake, expect to find hundreds of men and women busy mining salt from the lakes. The salt mined from the lake ends up in the dishes of almost 90% of Ugandans. It is even exported to other countries in East Africa. Salt mining has been carried out here using rudimentary methods for many generations and there is a lot that the miners can share with you during your visit.

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park

With all the amazing activities mentioned above, you need accommodation that offers comfort during those beautiful evenings in the park.  There are several lodges within and outside the park that offer high quality services to travelers. They range from simple budget tents to super luxury lodges offering world class services.

Mweya Safari Lodge

For travelers who look for high quality when it comes to their choice of accommodation, Mweya Safari Lodge may be what you are looking for. The lodge not only offers quality rooms but is also built overlooking the thrilling Kazinga channel. Regardless of whether you travel in a small or large group, the lodge has spacious rooms which are tailored to all kinds of guests. Guests can be treated to a self-contained double, twin or family cottages. The lodge also has a special boat to take residents to the Kazinga channel.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Remember the tree climbing lions? Well, this is the best lodge to go to if you wish to spend more time with these amazing cats. The ambience of Ishasha Wilderness Camp is something you don’t what to miss after an exciting view of the lions and other wildlife in this section. Ishasha Wilderness Camp is built next to the banks of River Ntungwe hence offering guests a chance to watch animals and birds coming for a drink. The lodge has comfortable beddings, a fully stocked bar and restaurant.

Katara Lodge

Located in the serene neighborhood of Katara village, this particular lodge is one that offers simplicity in design, but without compromising on quality. From the eye-catching grass covered cottages/units to the inside architecture, everything looks perfect. But that is not all because Katara Lodge also has a swimming pool, bar and lounge for relaxation. Good food is in plenty and you are assured of continued pampering during your stay. Outside the rooms, guests are privy to the amazing view of Lake Edward and the rest of the park.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Lost away from the rest of the park’s busy areas, Kyambura Gorge Lodge is another tranquil spot, perfect for an uninterrupted time to relax. The lodge is constructed banda-style and with 8 self-contained units which are all curated perfectly for a holiday in the wild. Kyambura Gorge Lodge isan excellent choice for those who are interested in Chimpanzee tracking and nature walks inside the gorge.  

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Queens Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Queens travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Queens is one of the most diverse and interesting boroughs in New York City. There are many things to do in Queens that will suit every traveler. Whether you’re looking for museums, culture, sports, food, or offbeat activities, Queens has you covered.

Are you wondering what to do in Queens and where to go in Queens to have the best time?

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Queens in New York City .

Note: This ultimate Queens guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Use this Queens tourism map to begin planning your trip to this incredible destination!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Things To Do In Queens

17 Awesome Things To Do In Long Island City, Queens

20 Best Views Of The Manhattan Skyline From Queens

New York City Travel Tips

Best Views In NYC For Free

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27 Of The Most Instagrammable Cafes In NYC

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21 Best Views In NYC At Night To Take in The Manhattan Skyline

61 Quirky & Delicious NYC Restaurants

73 Romantic Things To Do In NYC (Beyond The Empire State Building)

My Favorite Streets Of New York (Not Broadway)

31 Uniquely NYC Experiences That Shouldn’t Be Missed

41 Unique Ways To Explore NYC In Spring

5 Places To Go Hiking In Manhattan

A Fun Guide To Walking The Manhattan Bridge (Itinerary Included!)

Best Bottomless Brunch In NYC: 31 Must-Try Boozy Restaurants

41 Fun Things To Do By Yourself In NYC

64 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do in NYC

41+ Best New York Souvenirs & Authentic NYC Gifts

17 Things To Do In NYC After Midnight

Why Is New York So Popular? 15 Reasons To Love NYC!

Ultimate Guide To Living In A Hotel In NYC

15 Best New York Architectural Tours By Walking, Boat & Helicopter

Is There A Walmart In NYC? Ultimate Guide!

59 Best Things To Do In NYC On A Rainy Day

Is NYC An Island? New York Geography + Island Hopping Guide

15 Best Night Tours In NYC

Best Queens Tours

Explore local culture with a Queens tour guide through these unique NYC excursions :

• Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx Private Tour with a Driver-Guide
• Asia In Queens: Exploring NYC’s Largest Chinatown
• Boroughs of NYC: Harlem, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn & Coney Island
• NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Contrasts, Color and Character

Click here for a full list of NYC travel tours!

Getting Around Queens

Most of the neighborhoods in Queens typically visited by tourists, like Astoria and Long Island City , are very walkable. This is one of the best ways to get around as it’s free and allows you to feel the beat of the borough!

Love cycling? Citi Bike stations are all over Queens, and offer a budget-friendly way to get around in an eco-friendly fashion that also allows you to see the sights.

In terms of public transportation, the best way to get around Queens is via subway, which gets you anywhere you may need to go for just $2.75 — no need to wait in traffic.

Additionally, Queens (and the rest of NYC) is connected via other public transportation options like buses and even ferries. While buses are operated by the MTA, just like the subway, you’ll want to download the NYC Ferry app to see schedules and buy tickets for the ferry.

Prefer a private car service? Uber and Lyft are plentiful in Queens, though do note that cabs tend to be much cheaper. You can hail a cab on many main streets, which is typically your cheapest option, or use an app like Arro or Curb to order one.

Driving? It’s much easier to find parking in Queens than it is in Manhattan, though you can always use the SpotHero website and app to snag super discounted parking spots. This is especially recommended if you end up driving into Manhattan, where finding parking is a nightmare.

Renting A Car In Queens

Need a rental car for your Queens trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Hotels In Queens

Click here to browse the best hotels in Queens!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use the map below to search for local stays. It’s set to Long Island City, but you can easily change the location to your specific destination:

Queens Travel Insurance

When visiting Queens — or anywhere else in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Queens travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Queens Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Queens in NYC .

Q: What are some fun facts about Queens?

Queens has a fascinating history. Here are some interesting facts you may not know about Queens:

1. The borough of Queens was actually named after a Queen. It got its name in honor of Queen Catherine of Braganza, the wife of King Charles II in England.

2. Steinway pianos have been produced in Astoria, Queens since 1853.

3. Both of New York City’s major airports, LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, are located in Queens.

4. The first European settlers in Queens were the Dutch, who colonized the area now known as Flushing. Speaking of Flushing, the neighborhood got its name from its former Dutch name “Vlissingen” which was shortened to “Vlishing” and eventually anglicized to “Flushing.”

5. Queens is home to Citi Field, where the New York Mets play.

Q: How should I spend one day in Queens?

If you have one day in Queens, start off the morning at one of the borough’s world-class museums, like MoMA PS1, Museum of the Moving Image, or the Noguchi Museum. Keep in mind, too, that museums tend to have excellent gift shops, especially if you’re looking for the best souvenirs from New York .

Next, there are many more activities in Queens you can do. Spend some time outdoors and check out the Queens Botanical Garden, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, or Rockaway Beach. Or hit another museum like the New York Hall of Science.

One of the best places to visit in Queens in the evening is Gantry Plaza State Park, where you can watch the sun set over Manhattan. This is truly one of the best places to view the Manhattan skyline from Queens .

Then head to one of Long Island City ‘s many restaurants for dinner, or take the subway to Flushing for their famous night market.

Q: Is Queens safe to visit?

Like the rest of New York City, Queens is very safe to visit. In fact, it is ranked above Manhattan , Brooklyn , and The Bronx in terms of safety.

However, you should always exercise basic safety precautions and be vigilant of your surroundings.

For example, avoid walking around unfamiliar areas or isolated streets alone at night. When taking the subway, choose a subway car with more passengers in it instead of an empty one.

Q: What are the top attractions in Queens, New York?

Why is NYC so popular ? For one, the many things to do!

Queens is home to some of the best (and most under-rated) attractions in New York City.

For museum lovers, check out the world-class Queens Museum, an art museum located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which was home to the 1964 World’s Fair.

Socrates Sculpture Park and the Noguchi Museum are two more art museums in Astoria that can be visited together.

And finally, the MoMA PS1, part of the Museum of Modern Art, should not be missed. This is also a great option for rainy days in New York City since it’s indoors.

For sports fans, you can catch a Mets game at Citi Field or tour the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the US Open is held every year.

If you want to enjoy the outdoors, head to the Queens Botanical Garden or Gantry Plaza State Park, which has incredible views of the Manhattan skyline.

During the summer months, Rockaway Beach is a popular local getaway and it’s the only beach in New York where you can go surfing!

Want to explore NYC after midnight ? Queens is home to a number of late-night clubs, parties, and event spaces — such as the Knockdown Center in Maspeth.

Q: What are some top Queens neighborhoods to visit?

Queens contains 91 distinct neighborhoods, the most of any borough! With limited time, it’s impossible to visit them all, but these are some of the top neighborhoods to check out.

Long Island City is just across the Queensboro Bridge from Manhattan, and has transformed from an industrial area to a hip neighborhood with tons of restaurants, high-rise apartments, art museums and galleries, and Gantry Plaza State Park with its great waterfront views.

Astoria is another neighborhood that is easily accessible from Manhattan. It has more of a family-friendly neighborhood feel and is also full of great restaurants and bars, like the Bohemian Hall beer garden. Along the waterfront, Astoria Park also offers Manhattan views and is a popular spot to hang out.

Bordering Brooklyn’s trendy Bushwick neighborhood, Ridgewood is a cool neighborhood in Queens that is home to over 30 breweries.

Flushing is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Queens, and is known for its large Chinatown. Don’t miss the Queens Night Market, where you can sample delicious street food.

Q: How far is Queens from New York City?

Queens is actually located within New York City! It’s one of NYC’s five boroughs along with Manhattan , Brooklyn , The Bronx , and Staten Island .

Q: How much spending money do you need for a week in New York?

The average traveler spends about $240 per day in New York City on accommodations, transportation, food, activities, and other travel expenses.

That being said, there are certainly ways to save money in the city — like staying in hostels, considering Couchsurfing, cooking your own meals, sticking to public transportation, and enjoying some  budget-friendly NYC activities .

Q: How long can a tourist stay in New York?

Most visitors from abroad who are allowed to enter the United States — the country New York State is located in — can stay for up to six months. Entry requirements and allowances vary depending on where you are from, so definitely check the US government website .

Q: Do I need a travel visa for New York?

Visa requirements vary depending on where you are from. You can visit the US government website to see if you need a visa and what type.

Q: Where is Queens, New York?

Queens is one of the five boroughs of  New York City , which is located in the southeastern part of New York, a state located in  the United States . Along with Brooklyn, it sits on Long Island’s western end.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in New York?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted around New York City, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Queens?

Yes, you can drink the tap water in Queens.

Q: What is the local currency in New York State?

The local currency in New York is the US Dollar (USD).

What would you add to this Queens travel guide?

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• Hotel Rooms Choose from 200 original first class staterooms and suites Specials & Packages Packages & Special Offers Services & Amenities Modern amenities and world-class service Fitness Room Rejuvenate with our fitness options
• Attractions Tours & Exhibits Get an up close and personal look at the Queen Mary with our exciting tours & exhibits Summer Event Series Explore exciting activities and special events on The Queen Mary all summer long Supper Club Enjoy dinner and a show aboard the Queen Mary Fourth of July Celebration Celebrate an all-American 4th of July aboard The Queen Mary! Queen Mary Heritage Foundation Membership Experience everything the Queen Mary has to offer with a tour package
• Dining Casual Dining Enjoy inspired meals and quick bites at our restaurants Chelsea Chowder House A contemporary restaurant offering memorable seafood dishes Bars Enjoy the 1930's classic sophistication of the Queen Mary bars Royal Sunday Brunch A local favorite, voted “Best Brunch” by OpenTable Group Dining Distinct dining options for groups of 15 or more
• Meetings & Weddings Meetings Explore one of the most unique meeting and conference venues in Southern California Weddings The Queen Mary has been host to unforgettable weddings for over 70 years Socials The Queen Mary is the ideal location for any social occasion Event Spaces Over 80,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space across 14 Art Deco salons
• History Timeline Re-live the Queen Mary’s rich history, from her ground-breaking construction to today Stats & Fun Facts Everything you ever wanted to know about the Queen Mary Design & Preservation Learn about the era of elegant Art Deco design and how the Queen Mary is maintained with preservation projects Press Releases Press Releases about the Queen Mary Amateur Radio Discover the on-board radio stations starting in the 1960s
• Visit Hours & Parking Find open times for the Queen Mary and its dining and parking. On-Board Shopping An array of unique shops featuring souvenirs, one-of-a-kind treasures, clothing, memorabilia, historic documents, artwork and more Nearby Attractions The Queen Mary is a great central hub to all of Southern California’s most popular attractions Directions Your guide to getting to the Queen Mary
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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

General admission.

WHAT ATTRACTIONS DOES THE QUEEN MARY OFFER?

The Queen Mary offers multiple attractions varying from:

Self guided exhibits such as the Engine Room, Propeller Box, and Bridge area (Please see Guide Map to view further exhibits) to guided tours, such as Glory Days, Haunted Encounters & Paranormal Tours. (Please see Tours Page for a more detailed description).

DO I NEED A TICKET IF I JUST WANT TO TOUR ON MY OWN?

All guests onboard the Queen Mary are required to have an  ADMISSION TICKET or ROOM KEY.

WHAT ARE THE OPERATING HOURS OF THE ATTRACTIONS?

Most historic exhibits are open daily from 11AM to 6PM. Guided tours tend to fall within that same time frame with the exception of night tours. Please click here for specific hours.

Note: Hours may vary during special event days/holidays.

WHERE CAN I BUY TICKETS FOR THE ATTRACTIONS?

Tour tickets for the Queen Mary can be purchased onsite at the Queen Mary Ticket Booth, online at www.queenmary.com

WHAT DIFFERENT TOURS DOES THE QUEEN MARY OFFER?

The Queen Mary offers different tour options:

Glory Days Historical tour (1 Hr): Guided tour focusing on the ships history from its Glory Days as a luxury cruise liner, to its use as troop transport during WWII. For more detailed information click here .

Haunted Encounters tour (45 min - 1 Hr): Guided tour focusing on the haunted history of the Queen Mary. Guests get to enjoy learning about the paranormal hotspots of the ship. For more detailed information click here .

Paranormal Shipwalk (2 Hrs): Offered at night; this guided tour offers guests an insight on the ship's history and a detailed explanation as to why the Queen Mary has been dubbed one of the most haunted areas in the country. Guests are able to explore those paranormal areas that are normally closed to the general public. For more detailed information click here .

Dining with the Spirits (7 PM - 11:30 PM): Offered Fri. & Sat. this is a dinner & a tour package which starts guests off with a group dining experience at our award-winning Sir Winston's Restaurant from 7PM-9PM, followed by a Paranormal Shipwalk tour. For more detailed information click here .

Paranormal Investigation (2+ Hrs): Available Fri.-Sun. Paranormal Investigation is a hand-on tour with Paranormal Investigator Matt Schultz. Guests are able to explore paranormal hotspots onboard the ship while using tools in hopes of experiencing paranormal activity. For more detailed information click here .

WHAT TIMES ARE THE TOURS AVAILABLE?

Generally times for guided tours are as followed:

Glory Days: 11:15 AM - 6:16 PM; running daily every hour on the : 15's.

Haunted Encounters: 12:30PM - 6:30PM; running daily every 2 hours on the :30's.

Paranormal Shipwalk: Offered at 8:00 PM Sun-Thurs., and 8:00 PM & 9:30 PM Fri. and Sat.

Paranormal Investigation: Offered at 11PM Fri & Sat & 10PM on Sunday.

Note: Tours are subject to change during special event days/holidays. Please visit www.queenmary.com for times for specific days.

WHAT ARE THE PARKING RATES FOR THE QUEEN MARY?

Self-Parking Day Rates: $0 0-20 Minutes $10 21-59 Minutes $25 Daily Maximum

Overnight Guests: $30 Per Night Please note that special hotel parking is located adjacent to the entrance of the ship.

Restaurants: Discounted $10 Per Vehicle with Validation

Meet Me at the Mary Tuesdays: Discounted $10 Per Vehicle with Validation

Special Events: Rates Subject to Change Per Event Parking rates are subject to change during special events. For a list of event dates click here .

Hotel Packages

I WANT TO STAY OVERNIGHT, ARE THERE ROOM PACKAGES AVAILABLE?

Yes, we offer very attractive hotel rates which include benefits unavailable anywhere else. When you book a room onboard the Queen, you get self guided admission to the historic exhibits as well as discounts on day tours.

Food & Beverage

ARE THERE FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPTIONS AVAILABLE INSIDE THE QUEEN MARY?

Guests can enjoy multiple dining options aboard the World Famous Queen Mary. CLICK HERE  for Queen Mary dining options.

DO I NEED AN ADMISSION TICKET TO GO ON THE SHIP TO EAT OR DRINK?

All guests onboard the Queen Mary are required to have a TOUR TICKET or ROOM KEY .

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Call toll-free  (888) 217-1153  or local  (562) 435-3511

Agents available for assistance 7AM-9PM PT

After-hour inquiries will be addressed within 24 hours.

The Queen of travel

Queen Elizabeth II 1926 - 2022

Queen Elizabeth II leaves Fiji during a royal tour in February 1977. Serge Lemoine/Getty Images

The Queen of travel Journeys of a lifetime

By Francesca Street and Mark Oliver, CNN September 13, 2022

S he was traveling the moment she ascended to the throne, and for much of the next seven decades, Queen Elizabeth II criss-crossed the world. Newly married and still just a princess, Britain’s future monarch was in Kenya with husband Prince Philip in February 1952 when she learned of her father’s death and her new regal status.

During her reign she would visit more than 120 countries, witnessing first-hand the revolutions in global travel that shrank the world as her own influence over it diminished.

The Queen lived through the advent of the Jet Age, flew supersonic on the Concorde, saw regimes change, countries form and dissolve, the end of the British Empire and the rise of globalization.

Here are some of the most memorable travel moments from her 70 years as monarch.

November 24-25, 1953

Less than six months after she was crowned at Westminster Abbey in London, Queen Elizabeth set off on her travels again. Her debut official state trip was an epic six-month tour of the Commonwealth -- the alliance of nations which were once British colonies. Traveling by air, sea and land she visited several countries, accompanied by her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. First stop was the North Atlantic island of Bermuda, a British territory she would visit a further four times during her reign. The trip would go on to include stops in Jamaica, Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, Cocos Islands, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Aden (now part of Yemen), Uganda, Malta and Gibraltar.

December 19-20, 1953

At Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in June 1953, Queen Salote Tupou III of the Polynesian kingdom of Tonga won over the British public when she sat, rain-soaked, in her open carriage. They also took an interest when Elizabeth returned the visit later in the year. The two queens enjoyed an open-air feast, watched Tongan dancers and admired a tortoise that legend said was presented by explorer Captain James Cook to the King of Tonga in 1777.

December 23, 1953 – January 30, 1954

New zealand.

The Queen voyaged to New Zealand during the Antipodean summer of 1953-4. Over the course of the trip, it’s estimated that three out of every four New Zealanders got a glimpse of her. In preparation for the Queen’s visit, some New Zealand sheep were dyed in the UK flag colors of red, white and blue. The Queen returned to the country nine times over the years, including in 2002 as she marked half a century on the throne.

April 10-21, 1954

Ceylon (now sri lanka).

A visit to Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, coincided with the Queen’s 28th birthday. She visited the city of Colombo where crowds joined together to sing her “Happy Birthday.” She also visited the central city of Kandy, where she watched a procession featuring a reported 140 elephants and met local chiefs.

April 8-11, 1957

The Queen had visited France as a young princess, but her first state visit as monarch was a glamorous affair. She attended the Palais Garnier opera house in Paris, visited the Palace of Versailles, and dined at the Louvre with then-President Rene Coty. The Queen also laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe and visited the Scottish Church of Paris.

October 17-20, 1957

United states.

Having met President Harry S. Truman in Washington in 1951 during a visit before ascending to the throne, Elizabeth was no stranger to America when she arrived on her first trip as Queen. Her 1957 visit marked the 350th anniversary of the first permanent British settlement on the continent, in Jamestown. The monarch attended a college football game at the former Byrd Stadium in Maryland where she watched the home team lose to North Carolina. She met with President Dwight D. Eisenhower in the White House and later traveled to New York, where she and Prince Philip drove through the streets and admired panoramic views of the city from the Empire State Building.

February 1-16, 1961

The Queen and Prince Philip visited Pakistan in 1961, arriving in the port city of Karachi after completing a visit to India as part of a wider tour of South Asia. She drove through the streets of Karachi in an open-top car, before going on to visit Lahore, where a torchlight military tattoo took place in her honor and Prince Philip played in a game of polo.

February 26 to March 1, 1961

In Nepal, the Queen inspected troops in Kathmandu and met Gurkha ex-servicemen in Pokhara. The monarch rode on an elephant and visited the Hanuman Dhoka Palace complex in Kathmandu. She took part in the rather grim spectacle of a tiger hunt although didn’t shoot any animals herself. She instead recorded the experience on cine camera – a recording device that she often carried with her on her earlier foreign trips.

March 2-6, 1961

The Queen visited pre-revolution Iran at the end of her 1961 South Asian tour. Hosted by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, she toured ancient monuments including the ruins of Persepolis, once a capital of the Achaemenid Empire, later declared a World Heritage Site. She also saw Sheikh Lotfollah mosque in Esfahan and admired collections of the Archaeological Museum of Iran.

May 5, 1961

Vatican city.

In 1961, Elizabeth became the first British monarch to visit the Vatican. Dressed all in black, the Queen had an audience with Pope John XXIII, also attended by Prince Philip. She returned to the Vatican three more times during her reign, meeting Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis.

November 9-20, 1961

Bombing incidents in the capital Accra left officials worried about the safety of the Queen’s visit to Ghana but, after deliberation, UK Prime Minister Harold Macmillan confirmed it would go ahead. During the trip, the Queen famously shared a dance with Ghana’s then-president, Kwame Nkrumah. At the height of Cold War uncertainty, this seemingly innocuous moment was seen as significant in ensuring Ghana remained affiliated to Britain and not the USSR.

May 18-28, 1965

West germany (now germany).

The Queen’s visit to West Germany and West Berlin was viewed as a symbolic gesture of goodwill in the post-World War II landscape. It was the first royal trip to German territory for more than 50 years and photographs such as one of the Queen and Prince Philip in a car driving past the Brandenburg Gate had symbolic resonance.

November 5-11, 1968

Queen Elizabeth became the first reigning British monarch to visit South America when she landed in Brazil in late 1968. During the trip, the Queen wore a striking jewelry set made of Brazilian aquamarine, gifted to her in 1953 by the Brazilian president and added to over time. The monarch also attended a football match between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, and presented the winner’s trophy to Brazilian footballer Pele.

October 18-25, 1971

On the first of two trips to Turkey -- the second took place in 2008 -- the Queen visited the Gallipoli peninsula to remember the Allied soldiers who died there during World War I. The monarch also explored the ruins of the ancient Greek empire city of Ephesus. A media highlight of the visit came when she was photographed leaping ashore from a barge, after disembarking from her ship, the Royal Yacht Britannia.

February 10-15, 1972

Accompanied by Prince Philip and daughter Princess Anne, the Queen was greeted on arrival in Bangkok by a carpet of flower petals. The monarch was given a golden key to the city of Bangkok, attended a state banquet and visited Bang Pa-In Palace, the Thai royal family’s summer residence, north of the capital.

October 17-21, 1972

The Queen’s visit to Yugoslavia was her first trip to a communist country. The Central European country no longer exists -- the areas that the Queen visited are now part of Croatia. During her trip, she met Yugoslav political leader Josip Broz Tito and traveled on his famous Blue Train.

February 15-16, 1974

New hebrides (now vanuatu).

The Queen and Prince Philip visited the Pacific island archipelago of Vanuatu, then known as the New Hebrides, in 1974. It’s said the royal couple’s visit to Vanuatu may have strengthened the belief among some locals on Tanna island that the Duke of Edinburgh was a divine being.

February 24-March 1, 1975

On her first of two visits to Mexico, the Queen toured ancient sites -- including the pyramids of Uxmal, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monarch also received local crafts, met school children and attended a banquet. While she was driven through Mexico City, the Queen was showered in confetti.

February 17-20, 1979

Saudi arabia.

In 1979, the Queen became the first female head of state to visit Saudi Arabia, on a tour of Gulf States. At Riyadh Airport, she was met by King Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, pictured. The outfits she wore on the trip were carefully designed in accordance with Saudi Arabia’s conservative dress code for women. The Queen arrived on a British Airways supersonic Concorde aircraft and during the visit attended camel races and toured the National Museum.

October 26-27, 1982

The Queen visited Tuvalu, a group of nine islands in the South Pacific, in 1982. Upon arrival, the Queen and Prince Philip were carried in a flower-filled canoe from sea to shore. Thirty years later, in 2012, Prince William visited Tuvalu with his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, who drank a coconut from a tree planted by Queen Elizabeth on this 1982 visit.

February 26 – March 6, 1983

On a star-studded trip to the United States, the Queen toured the 20th Century-Fox studios in Hollywood with then-First Lady Nancy Reagan and met Frank Sinatra, who she’d previously met in the 1950s, at a party given in her honor. The Queen and Prince Philip also visited Yosemite National Park in California, pictured.

November 10-14, 1983

The Queen returned to Kenya in 1983 for a state visit. When she was there 31 years previously, she'd learned that her father had passed away and she had become Britain’s reigning monarch. In 1983, the Queen and Prince Philip revisited the Treetops hotel, pictured, where they were staying at the time she was told the news.

October 12-18, 1986

The Queen’s trip to China was the first -- and, so far, only -- state visit by a British monarch to China. With Prince Philip by her side, the Queen visited the Great Wall of China, pictured, as well as the Forbidden City in Beijing.

October 17-20, 1994

In 1994, in another royal first, the Queen visited Russia. Over the three-day trip, the Queen met Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov, pictured here with the monarch outside St Basil’s Cathedral, as well as Russian President Boris Yeltsin. The Queen also attended the Bolshoi Ballet. In her traditional Christmas Day speech broadcast later that year, the Queen reflected on how times had changed, noting she “never thought it would be possible in [her] lifetime” to attend a service in Moscow’s famous cathedral.

March 19-25, 1995

South africa.

In 1994, after apartheid ended, South Africa rejoined the Commonwealth as a republic. The following year, the Queen traveled there, in a visit designed to renew ties between the two countries. The Queen met with President Nelson Mandela, pictured, and presented him with the Order of Merit.

October 12-18, 1997

The Queen visited India for the third time in 1997, her first public engagement since Princess Diana’s funeral just weeks before. The trip marked 50 years since India’s independence from Britain. Most memorably, the monarch visited the site of the Amritsar massacre, also known as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, of April 13, 1919. She also expressed regret at a state banquet in New Delhi for the “distressing” episode in which British soldiers gunned down hundreds of unarmed civilians. The gesture was seen by some as inadequate. “The Queen is doing everything she can to make India like her. But so far it does not seem to be working,” wrote the UK’s Independent newspaper at the time.

October 4-15, 2002

The Queen visited Canada many times. In 2002, her trip to the North American country coincided with her Golden Jubilee festivities, celebrating 50 years of her reign. During the trip, the Queen attended an ice hockey game between the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks, and dropped the ceremonial puck.

March 11-16, 2006

The Queen visited Australia 16 times as Head of State. In 2006, she traveled to Melbourne to open the Commonwealth Games. She was greeted by a welcoming party in Canberra, visited the Sydney Opera House, attended a Commonwealth Day service in St. Andrew’s Cathedral and toured Admiralty House, the Sydney residence of the Governor-General of Australia.

May 17-20, 2011

The Queen’s trip to Dublin was the first time a British monarch had set foot in the Irish Republic since its 1922 independence. At Dublin Castle the Queen delivered a well-received speech on the history of Anglo-Irish relations. In County Tipperary, she also toured the medieval Rock of Cashel, pictured, once a seat of power for Ireland’s ancient kings.

November 26-28, 2015

From 1949 to 1951, before she was Queen, Elizabeth and Prince Philip lived in Malta. In 2015, the monarch paid her last visit to the island, touring the Grand Harbour in a Maltese fishing boat and waving to members of the British Royal Navy.

United Kingdom

In the later years of her reign, the Queen cut back on foreign travel, passing on the mantle to the younger royals. In more recent years, royal tours have also been looked at with more skeptical eyes, as Britain reckons with its colonial past.

While she didn't travel abroad in the later years of her reign, the Queen continued to vacation in the UK. Most notably, the Queen’s ties with Scotland remained strong throughout her reign and her residence there, Balmoral Castle, was a favorite refuge. It was at Balmoral that the Queen died on September 8, 2022.

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• Ticket timing for...

Ticket timing for Westminster Abbey and Queens Galleries

My wife and I are planning to visit Westminster Abbey. In addition The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries looks like a great add for 5 pounds. I'm unsure about how to plan it because of the strict ticket times. The Galleries tickets are sold in half-hour slots. The length of our Abbey tour is variable, so I'm not sure what ticket time I should get for the Galleries (unless we see it first, before we see the Abbey). If I was sure I could just buy the Galleries tickets when I arrive so that I could get advice from the ticket seller I would do that, but the web site wording is confusing about that. Plus, it doesn't look like I could buy the tickets online separately from the Abbey tickets, so I'd have to hope I could buy them there if I change my mind after I purchased Abbey tickets.

Anybody have a good idea how I should do this? By the way, I emailed the Abbey but I'm still waiting to hear back from them.

Hello, Mike. You will need to purchase your tickets for Westminster Abbey and the Queen’s Jubilee Galleries at the same time (can’t purchase separately). The abbey is a popular tourist spot and the queue for tickets will be long for those who didn’t purchase their tickets in advance online.

Hey Mike! Here's what happened to us. We bought the tickets at the window and then added on the Queen's Jubilee right then and there. We went right over to the back corner, hopped on the elevator, and went straight up and did the Queen's Jubilee first. That leaves PLENTY of time to do the Abbey, and there was no rush to get us out of the upstairs either. You had it straight, do the upstairs first then the Abbey itself. Have Fun!

Kilts and Viking,

Thanks for confirming that the tickets have to be bought together. And it's good to hear that doing the gallery first worked out well. That sounds like the surest way to make sure we don't waste time or waste a ticket!

Thanks again!

I visited the Abbey this past December right before Christmas and I purchased the tickets for the Queen’s Jubilee Galleries after our verger tour. It worked out as the verger made sure that we were on time for our entry. Because there were limited hours that week, however, we did not get as much time as we would have liked in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries. I wish had the advice from Kilts and Viking and took the tour before.

If you have time, I would highly recommend the verger tour. I have toured the Abbey a number of times, and this tour was fantastic. With a verger, you’ll get to see special parts of the Abbey, such as the Tomb of St Edward the Confessor, not accessible to general visitors. The verger will also take you to see Poets' Corner, royal tombs, the Lady Chapel and the nave – and provide an expert commentary.

Space is limited for these tours and commentary is in English only. You book the tours at the Abbey.

Tour times April to September

Monday-Friday: 10.00am, 10.30am, 11.00am, 2.00pm, 2.30pm

Saturdays: 10.00am, 10.30am, 11.00am

October to March

Monday-Friday: 10.30am, 11.00am, 2.00pm, 2.30pm

Saturday: 10.30am, 11.00am

Thanks for the advice about the Verger's tour. I've heard a lot of excellent reviews about it. I'm definitely considering it.

For the record, I just heard back from Westminster Abbey. The rep suggested waiting 90 minutes after the Abbey tour to time the Gallery ticket. She said that if my time in the Abbey were to run short, I could take a break to see the Gallery and then return to the Abbey. She also said that if I chose not to buy a Gallery ticket online with my Abbey ticket, I could purchase one on arrival, but warned about possible time slot unavailability.

I'm going to stick to the plan of buying both tickets now and seeing the Gallery followed by the Abbey, which seems like the most efficient way to me.

Thanks for everyone's advice!

Great thread-I wonder if I can jump in and ask a couple related questions-we are planning a visit to Westminster in early June. I wanted to go when they open (9:30) and do a verger tour (I think the first one is at 10) and also see the Jubilee galleries. How long do the verger tours last? And how much time do you think the Jubilee galleries will take, approximately (I know some ppl like more time and some less, but what is the average-over an hour?) Should I book the Jubilee for 11? Or is that too early? Thanks!

For all those planning to visit on a certain day, check the Abbey calendar. For instance, tomorrow (Wednesday) is the Florence Nightingale Celebration and the Abbey is closed to visitors.

Good advice Dougmac! I had to rearrange my itinerary based on the abbey being closed on a Monday when they are usually open on Mondays. I have checked opening times and closures etc but just not sure of the timing of things.

Ferrin, the verger tours takes about an hour and a half. We got tickets for the 10am verger tour and entry to the Jubilee Galleries at 11:30-12:00. We ran over a little bit on the verger tour (GREAT experience BTW!) but with the 30 minute window to enter the Galleries, this was no problem. It worked out perfectly.

Thanks julie! That is great because I purchased the exact same tickets for our visit coming up! :) How long did you spend in the Jubilee galleries? Not sure how long to plan for being there. :)

Hi Ferrin! I think it was probably around 45 minutes to an hour. I had anticipated enjoying the displays in the gallery; I didn't realize how much I would enjoy standing at the openings and enjoying the birds-eye perspective of the cathedral. The design and atmosphere of the space was very well done and a great place to just be for a while. Definitely recommend it. :)

I visited Westminster Abbey 3 weeks ago for the first time in many years mainly because I wanted to see the Queen’s Gallery. It worked well for me to do Gallery first then the rest of the abbey. I was in the gallery around 30 minutes and was very impressed by it.

Thank you Elizabeth and Julie! I am really excited to get that view (in addition to seeing the gallery of course). And 30-45 minutes sounds like it will be perfect. thanks again!

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

What to Do at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park

Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver is situated at the highest point in the city, but the majestic panoramic views of our skyline and North Shore Mountains are just the beginning.

You’ll find there are tons of amazing things to do at Queen Elizabeth Park.

Let’s visit Queen Elizabeth Park together and see what’s on offer.

Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park

Aside from world-class Stanley Park there’s no greater jewel in the Vancouver parks crown.

The 130-acre municipal park on Little Mountain, just minutes from Downtown Vancouver was once an old growth forest with its own salmon stream, then later became a basalt quarry providing material for Vancouver’s roads.

It was only in 1936 at the urging of the BC Tulip Association that the space was handed over to the Vancouver Parks Board and beautified into a lush urban oasis of flowers, trees, and gardens.

Today it’s one of the top things to do in Vancouver and an automatic on any Vancouver itinerary .

Things to Do at Queen Elizabeth Park

The bloedel floral conservatory.

In our list of things to know before visiting Vancouver we may have mentioned a drop of rain or two.

In fact, the gloomy Vancouver weather is the inspiration for the Bloedel Floral Conservatory and its triodesic dome that’s a tropical rain forest, subtropical rain forest, and desert all in one.

The vision here? A conservatory of simulated climates and their tropical plants, free flying bird species, and tropical fish ponds.

In all, a frolic through here is like a vacation to South America with its waterfalls, bridges, talking parrots, orchids and more – I like grabbing a bird checklist and trying to check the 20+ species off.

The warmth here feels amazing so it’s one of the top things to do in Vancouver in winter .

Related : Best Tours of Stanley Park

Panoramic View of Vancouver

With all due respect to Grouse Mountain , you’ll know where the best panoramic view in the city is – because there have been three life-sized bronze statues posing for photos here since 1984.

This Vancouver icon called Photo Session was created by American sculptor J. Seward Johnson, Jr.

You’ll probably have to wait your turn to pose with the smiling, lifelike characters but it’s well worth the wait.

This is the best view in the park (152 metres above sea level, the highest point in Vancouver proper) and the only place you can truly appreciate just how much our city gets dwarfed by the Coast Mountains.

Seasons in the Park Restaurant

Seasons in the Park is the only Queen Elizabeth Park restaurant, and it has been a fantastic special occasion place for locals dating back to 1989 – Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin even ate here in the 90’s.

From a food standpoint it compares with many of Vancouver’s best restaurants , but as far as West Coast atmosphere goes the garden/skyline/mountain combination is unbeatable.

The Pacific Northwest menu is also a great place to try local Vancouver food . Careful though, you’re paying for fine dining with a view so expect entrees to run upwards of $45.00.

Related : The Best Vancouver Food Tours

The Quarry Gardens

Just west of the Bloedel Conservatory is this meticulously landscaped garden.

Going for a walk through its weaving trails, rhododendron bushes, and beautiful annuals selected for foliage and flower is almost like a mini day trip from Vancouver , if not for the fact you’re right in the middle of the city.

The oriental horticulture influences provide great contrast to local specimens, and the stream and cascading waterfall is a nice touch.

Just below the Bloedel Conservatory you’ll find the highest point in the Quarry Gardens, from the wooden bridge (seen in photo above) you’ll get the best view.

Dancing Waters Fountain

It’s nice to break up the gardens, views, and tropical plants every now and then.

I like doing it with this 70 jet fountain show that runs on 85,000 litres of recirculating water from Vancouver’s main drinking water reservoir.

The programmed fountain creates an enthralling water dance effect, changing heights and dazzling with pumps and drops in unison.

At night a warm white light illuminates the fountain for an even more superior visual. This is a great night cap after a dinner at Seasons in the Park – in fact, the fountains are just a 2 minute walk away.

Painters’ Corner

If you’re looking for a unique gift to take home from your Vancouver visit then this the place.

In fact, though we’ve raved about Gastown and Granville Island being the best souvenir spots in the city this is a place you’re guaranteed an original, local product.

All the artists here are vetted to be Lower Mainland residents, and are chosen for superior landscape, photography, and portrait skills.

In spring in Vancouver that’s when they start beautifying the park with their easels, near the Bloedel Conservatory.

Related : Best Time to Visit Vancouver

The Arboretum

Canada’s first civic arboretum started off very local in scope, an ideal spot for local timber species blocks featuring subalpine spruce and Douglas fir.

You can also see some fantastic Coast Redwood trees here, the tallest species of tree in the world that can reach up to 350 feet.

Over 1500 trees grow here now, with some dating back to at least 1949. The highlight here though, especially in spring, is decidedly exotic: the billowy pink and white blooms of the Cherry Blossom.

Our city has over 50,000 of these trees and even hosts the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival .

The QE Rose Garden

If you’re visiting Vancouver in summer it’s worth a visit to the city’s biggest rose garden. Over 2,500 roses are found here, planted in the shape of Queen Elizabeth’s crown.

Although I’ve never seen the aerial photography evidence I’ll have to take their word for it. That said, seeing the roses up close is spectacular.

Expect to see some hardy hybrids that were created right here in Canada – in fact, the entire garden was created to honour Canada’s centennial birthday in 1967. The Parkland variety was developed to survive our harsh winters, so you may even see them out of season.

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Pitch and Putt Golf

If you’re looking to get active, challenge a friend, or just plain have a laugh hacking your way through a short golf course then Queen Elizabeth Park Pitch & Putt is a great idea.

This works both for seasoned golf pros and for golf-curious folks who don’t have the time to practice – or even learn the game at all. The average skill level is quite low, so much so that beginners can get by with a couple practice swings (and maybe a beer).

All you’ll need is one iron and a putter, both rentable at the ticket booth.

Looking for an even more picturesque course? Stanley Park has a great pitch and putt course too.

How to Get to Queen Elizabeth Park

You’ll find the main entrance of Queen Elizabeth Park at the intersection of 33rd and Cambie Street in Vancouver.

If you’re taking public transportation it’s a 10 minute walk from the King Edward Skytrain station, which is just 4-5 stops from downtown Vancouver.

Expect a trip with public transit to take about 30 minutes in total.

There are three entrances to the park:

• Ontario Street (ideal for cyclists)
• West 33rd Ave (the main entrance for cars)
• West 37th Ave (between Columbia and Mackie streets)

Parking at Queen Elizabeth Park

As of 2019 there is no more free parking at Queen Elizabeth Park. All of the parking spaces are pay only and the prices are seasonal:

• October 1st – April 30th: $2.75 an hour ($7.50 daily maximum)
• May 1st – September 30th: $3.75 an hour ($13.75 daily maximum)

That said, there is free parking outside the park along a street called Kersland Drive – it’s denoted in the map above with a green line.

How to Visit Queen Elizabeth Park

• Parking can be expensive so try and park for free along Kersland Drive
• If it’s raining book the Bloedel Conservatory and make it the focus
• Leave about 60-75 minutes to explore the park well
• Looking for romance? Bring a lock and leave it at the Love in the Rain monument
• There is a large grassy area below the pitch and putt that’s one of the city’s best off-leash spaces
• Tennis lover? Bring a racket as there are tons of free tennis courts
• In summer try to time a visit with a Vancouver Canadians baseball game (5 min away)

Queen Elizabeth Park Vancouver FAQ

How much does it cost to go to Queen Elizabeth Park?

Entrance to Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver is free. This includes the Quarry Gardens, the Rose Garden, Painters’ Corner, and the Arboretum.

Other QE Park attractions like the Bloedel Conservatory and the Pitch and Putt Golf Course are pay only.

 Is parking at Queen Elizabeth Park free?

No. There are two parking lots at Queen Elizabeth Park, one by the pitch and putt golf course and another near the Seasons in the Park restaurant. Rates start at $2.75 an hour.

That said, along Kersland Drive just below the park there is free parking in the residential area. It is about a 10 minute walk from the main attractions in the park.

Can you picnic at Queen Elizabeth Park?

Yes, there are some great picnic spots in Queen Elizabeth Park, especially in the grassy areas to the west of the pitch and putt golf course.

On the north side of the park just west of Duck Pond you’ll also find picnic tables and BBQ pits (May to October) as well as portable toilets.

Is Queen Elizabeth Park open 24 hours?

Yes, entrance to the park is open 24-7 (including the Rose Garden, Quarry Gardens etc.) so you’re allowed to explore any time, though some attractions like the Bloedel Conservatory operate on their own hours.

Visiting Queen Elizabeth Park?

I’d hate for you to go in unsure about anything. That’s why I’m inviting you to write me in the comments below – with any Vancouver question you could have – for a guaranteed response within 24 hours.

Also, I’m curious to hear your Queen Elizabeth Park reviews. Did QE Park live up to your expectations or is there something you’d change?

Looking forward to hearing from you 🙂

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Is Elizabeth park suitable for people with walking difficulties. Is there a shuttle to take people round or wheelchairs. Maybe it’s not a huge park?

Unfortunately there are no shuttles or wheel chairs to take you around but luckily most of the major attractions listed here are up by the top parking lot. You can walk through most of it in 20 minutes, it is not that big at all. It might be a bit of challenge to go to the lower part of the gardens, but you can still get an amazing view from up top.

See the bronze, corgi-adorned statue honoring Queen Elizabeth II on her 98th birthday: Photos

Queen Elizabeth II – and her love of dogs – are being celebrated in her native England.

The late British monarch, who died in September 2022 , was honored posthumously with a statue in Oakham, England, on Sunday, coinciding with her 98 th birthday. The statue also marks "the first permanent memorial to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," according to an Instagram post from the Rutland County Council (Oakham is based in Rutland County.)

The bronze statue shows Elizabeth striking a formidable pose while donning a gown, regal cape and crown. The memorial also features a set of smaller corgi statues surrounding the queen, a tribute to Elizabeth's lifelong love of the Welsh dog breed.

"The bronze statue of Britain's much-loved and longest reigning monarch was created by Hywel Pratley and has been funded by generous donations from local businesses and members of the public," the Rutland County Council wrote.

The statue unveiling was conducted by Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland Dr. Sarah Furness, Bishop of Peterborough Debbie Sellin and U.K. Parliament member Alicia Kearns. Music was provided by the Harrington School Band and Oakham School Band, as well as the playing of bagpipes and the U.K. national anthem.

Queen Elizabeth II and corgis: The British monarch had so many corgi dogs, Princess Diana reportedly called them 'a moving carpet'

Queen Elizabeth II's love of corgis explained

Throughout her life , Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgi dogs , according to the  American Kennel Club . She was "one of the most prolific and dedicated Pembroke Welsh corgi breeders and ambassadors that the world has ever seen," per the AKC.

Corgis are athletic dogs originally bred in Wales for herding cattle. They’re recognizable by their short legs, originally a genetic condition called  canine Chondrodysplasia . The short legs are bred into the dogs to keep them  low to the ground  and make it easier for them to evade kicks from cattle.

All the queen's corgis: Family tree shows Queen Elizabeth II's lifelong passion for signature dogs

Elizabeth's lifelong love affair  with the breed began as a 7-year-old princess in 1933 when she got her first dog, a Pembroke Welsh corgi named Dookie, as a present from her father King George VI. Dookie was the first of the queen’s estimated 60 corgis and dorgis, a corgi and dachshund mix. Many came from a  breeding program  that spanned decades at Windsor Castle.

But Susan, given to Elizabeth in 1944 as a present for her 18th birthday, cemented the future queen's love of the breed. Susan accompanied Elizabeth on her honeymoon with Prince Philip in 1947.

Susan was later bred and became the  common ancestor of Elizabeth's corgis.

Contributing: Mike Snider, George Petras, Janet Loehrke and Veronica Bravo, USA TODAY

Camilla makes touching tribute to late Queen Elizabeth during latest visit

Watch: Queen Camilla during a formal trip to the Isle of Man

By Hannah Ross

Published: 23/04/2024

Queen Camilla visited the Royal Lancers as its Colonel-in-Chief on Monday

• Camilla wore a brooch with her outfit that previously belonged to her late mother-in-law
• The late Queen Elizabeth II previously held the role of Colonel-in-Chief
• Have your say: Did you like Camilla’s outfit? Just click the comment button above now

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Camilla made a touching tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II during her latest visit.

On Monday, Queen Camilla made her first official visit to the Royal Lancers as its Colonel-in-Chief.

This position was formerly held by Queen Elizabeth II, following the Regiment’s formation in 2015.

In tribute to her former mother-in-law, Camilla accessorised her outfit with a brooch which once belonged to Elizabeth.

Camilla wore a brooch that once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II

The glittering brooch featured the regiment’s skull and crossbones symbol and was also worn by the late Queen to visit the Royal Lancers.

Camilla also wore a blue dress by designer Fiona Clare paired with black leather gloves and the Queen’s classic knee-high boots.

Camilla’s outing was also a sweet nod to her late father, Major Bruce Shand, who died in 2006.

Commissioned in 1937, Major Shand served with the 12th Lancers during World War Two.

The brooch features the regiment's skull and crossbones symbol

During her visit, the Queen made a speech stating: “The Lancers have always struck me for their family spirit, whose comfort and support I experienced as a daughter of the Regiment, and I’m delighted to see so many families and members of the Old Comrades Association here today.

“Particularly now, as so many of your loved ones look to deploy overseas."

Camilla has made many touching tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth through her clothing.

At the Maundy Thursday Service at Worcester Cathedral last month , Camilla wore a pair of brooches that once belonged to the Queen.

Queen Elizabeth speaks to soldiers following the amalgamation parade of The Queen's Royal Lancers in 2015

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The late Queen Elizabeth was pictured wearing the two gold brooches with blue gems at The Derby in 1995.

Furthermore, in October last year, Camilla wore one of the late Queen’s favourite tiaras for a dinner at Mansion House.

The diadem was gifted to the late Queen by her grandmother, Queen Mary, as a wedding gift in 1947.

The Royal Family commonly pass down clothes and accessories through the generations.

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Queen Elizabeth statue with corgis unveiled on what would have been her 98th birthday

A small English town has immortalized a group of iconic British figures: Queen Elizabeth II and her corgis.

The memorial statue to the late monarch was unveiled on April 21 in Oakham, England — a bronze monument of the queen in royal regalia with her cherished dogs at her feet.

An official celebration marked the unveiling of the statue created by sculptor Hywel Pratley, which stands near the town's library, according to Rutland County Council 's post on Instagram. The RCC wrote that the statue is the "first permanent memorial" to the late queen.

The ceremony was held on what would've been Queen Elizabeth's 98th birthday. She died at 96 in 2022 after a 70-year run as Britain's longest-reigning monarch.

The statue was commissioned by Dr. Sarah Furness, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, who appeared at the event along with other local dignitaries, high school bands and bagpipers, according to the RCC. The design for the corgi dogs was created by local children, the RCC stated.

“What most of us remember about Queen Elizabeth is her warmth,” Furness said in a speech, according to The New York Times . “By showing Queen Elizabeth’s love of dogs, we show her humanity."

Funding for the statue was raised from donations by the public and local businesses, according to the BBC . The ceremony brought fans of Queen Elizabeth from around the country.

“I miss (the Queen), and I wanted to come and see what the statue was like," spectator Jodie Paterson told the BBC.

The statue is the latest monument to the queen in the 18 months since her death. Another statue of the late monarch was unveiled at London's Royal Albert Hall in December 2023.

Scott Stump is a trending reporter and the writer of the daily newsletter This is TODAY (which you should subscribe to here! ) that brings the day's news, health tips, parenting stories, recipes and a daily delight right to your inbox. He has been a regular contributor for TODAY.com since 2011, producing features and news for pop culture, parents, politics, health, style, food and pretty much everything else. 

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Why Queen Letizia of Spain Sat to Greet Guests in Her Ballgown at State Banquet in the Netherlands

The Queen of Spain had a relatable reason for saying hello while sitting down

Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.

Alamy Live News

Queen Letizia of Spain was in sparkling form at the state banquet during her royal visit to the Netherlands, but some wondered why she was seated while greeting guests at the glittering gala. 

The Queen of Spain, 51, wore the Diamond Loop Tiara with a voluminous blue ballgown by Spanish brand The 2nd Skin CO. at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam on April 17, where she was photographed sitting down while greeting guests. Queen Letizia was the only royal seated during the ceremonial welcome with her husband, King Felipe , and their hosts, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, for a relatable reason.

It's widely reported that Queen Letizia suffers from foot problems, and her seated position may have been more comfortable at the state banquet. The royal has also recently stuck to stylish flats or kitten heels rather than sky-high stilettos in her shoe choices.

Queen Letizia also sat for a formal portrait that preceded the diplomatic dinner, taking a spot in the front row alongside the also seated King Felipe, 56, King Willem-Alexander, 56, and Queen Maxima, 52.

Three other members of the Dutch royal family rounded out the ranks by standing behind the monarchs and their wives. Willem and Maxima’s eldest daughter, Princess Catharina-Amalia , 20, the future queen of the Netherlands, stood at the center, flanked by her great-aunt Princess Margriet and her grandmother Princess Beatrix, the former queen who abdicated in 2013.

Patrick van Katwijk/Getty

Queen Letizia stood to raise a glass following the Kings' speeches at the glam banquet, which capped the first night of the two-day state visit. Both King Willem-Alexander and King Felipe spoke about the special relationship between their nations and referenced the sweet fact that Willem-Alexander and Maxima first met in Spain.

"Spain has a special place in our hearts. First of all, because it was in your country that our life together began. We were at the Feria de Abril in Seville 25 years ago. The sparks began to fly. The rest is history," King Willem-Alexander said in his address, which prompted a bright smile from his wife and laughs from the Spanish royal couple.

Willem-Alexander met the Argentinian-born Maxima Zorreguieta at Seville’s spring fair in April 1999, where the future King introduced himself simply as "Alexander." Maxima, who then worked in banking in New York, reportedly didn’t believe him when he eventually revealed his identity as a member of the Dutch royal family!

After a transatlantic courtship, the couple announced their engagement in March 2001 and married in February 2002. They went on to welcome three daughters — Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia, 18, and Princess Ariane, 17.

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During his address at the state banquet, the monarch expressed his gratitude to Felipe and Letizia for their part in making it possible for Princess Amalia to safely study abroad in Spain. The Princess of Orange is a student at the University of Amsterdam, but she quietly studied in Spain after security threats prevented her from continuing to live in student housing in her home country in 2022.

"Last year, circumstances required her to live in Madrid. From there, she was able to continue her studies at the University of Amsterdam. This was made possible by the kind efforts of many of your compatriots and yourselves," King Willem-Alexander said. "A touching demonstration of friendship at a difficult time. I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to you and to everyone else who helped arrange this."

The state banquet held in honor of the Spanish royals doubled as an exciting milestone for the Princess of Orange — her first state banquet. Though Princess Amalia is currently focused on school (like many other royal heirs to the throne of her generation), she occasionally joins her parents for special occasions like royal weddings.

On April 18, she tagged along for the final reception of Queen Letizia and King Felipe’s state visit to the Netherlands.

Carlos Alvarez/Getty 

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Category is: All Star Charity Extravaganza! 

Paramount+ and World of Wonder have officially announced the Season 9 cast of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” which will consist of eight alumni of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stretching from its first season to Season 14. It’s the first season of “All Stars” — other than the all-winners seventh season — to feature just eight queens.

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The returning queens for “All Stars” Season 9 are:

Angeria Paris VanMichaels (Season 14) : This Atlanta-based queen won two main challenges during her season — including the challenge in which she coined her catch phrase, “you ug-aly bitch” — en route to the finale, where she tied for third. She’s playing for the National Black Justice Collective, “America’s leading national civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer+ and same gender loving (LGBTQ+/SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS,” according to a release.

Gottmik (Season 13): The first trans man to compete on “Drag Race” became a major fan favorite for her performance as Paris Hilton in the Snatch Game challenge, which earned Gottmik one of two main challenges wins; she ultimately came in third on the show. She’s playing for Trans Lifeline, “a grassroots hotline, advocacy and micro-grants non-profit offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis.”

Nina West (Season 11): The Columbus, Ohio queen won two main challenges, came in sixth place in her season, and won Miss Congeniality from her fellow contestants. Since the show, she played Edna Turnblad in the national tour of “Hairspray,” and played the drag icon Divine in 2022’s “Weird; The Al Yankovic Story.” She’s playing for The Trevor Project, “the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people.”

Plastique Tiara (Season 11): While Plastique has the lowest showing in her original season among the “All Stars” Season 9 queens — winning one main challenge and coming in eighth place — she has since amassed the largest social media following of anyone from the show, according to a release, including 11.6 million followers on TikTok. She’s also starred in “RuPaul’s Drag Race Live.” She’s playing for The Asian American Foundation, which was created “in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and to address the long-standing underinvestment in Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.”

Roxxxy Andrews (Season 5, “All Stars” Season 2): One of the most iconic “Drag Race” alumni as the first queen to debut the double-wig reveal in a lip sync, Roxxxy earned a spot in two finales: She was a runner-up in Season 5 with two main challenge wins, and came in fourth place in Season 2 of “All Stars.” She’s playing for Miracle of Love, which provides “accessible HIV/AIDS prevention programming and supportive assistance to service the multicultural needs of communities in Central Florida.”

Shannel (Season 1, “All Stars” Season 1): The first queen ever to step foot inside the “Drag Race” werk room, Shannel came in fourth in her season, and then tied for third in Season 1 of “All Stars.” She’s playing for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “a global nonprofit committed to advancing research and helping people overcome anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder and related conditions.”

Vanessa Vanjie (Season 10, Season 11): Her cry of “Miss Vanjie” after being the first queen eliminated from Season 10 made Vanjie an overnight viral sensation, so much so she was invited back for following season, where she came in fifth place. She’s playing for the ASPCA, the animal rights group that “has been on the frontlines to save, transform and protect the lives of millions of dogs, cats, equines and farm animals in the fight against animal cruelty and homelessness.”

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Adored ostrich at Kansas zoo dies after swallowing staff member's keys

TOPEKA, Kan. — A beloved ostrich at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center in Kansas has died after swallowing a staff member’s keys.

The zoo announced in a social media post Friday that the 5-year-old ostrich named Karen had reached beyond her exhibit’s fence and grabbed and swallowed the employee’s keys. Staff consulted with experts around the U.S. “to undergo surgical and non-surgical efforts to minimize the impact of the keys. Unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful,” the zoo said.

Karen was euthanized Thursday and “passed away in staff’s hands,” Topeka Zoo Interim Director Fawn Moser said in an email.

“We are devastated by the loss of Karen,” Moser said in a statement. “She was not just an animal; she was a beloved member of our community. Our thoughts are with our dedicated animal care team, who formed deep bonds with Karen during her time with us.”

The adored ostrich had been at the zoo since March 2023. She was known for her love of playing in water “and, best of all, being our ‘dancing queen!’” the zoo said.

The zoo said it undertook an investigation and “is taking appropriate actions regarding the team member involved.” The zoo also said it would review and enhance safety protocols for its animals.

The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is home to more than 300 animals exhibited throughout 35 acres, according to its website.

The Associated Press

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