Is the UK a Land still "Fit for a King"?
Every week, the Wonder Newsroom asks our community to pose questions on topics confronting our world today.
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II – who passed away last week at the age of 96 – is just days away (September 19th), and many people in the UK and are preparing themselves for the final farewell of Britain's longest-serving monarch (and to some: matriarch).
Shortly after his mother's death on September 8th, King Charles III officially became the 61st British monarch in 1,200 years, an unbroken tradition going back to the first British king, Egbert, who reigned from 827 to 839.
At its peak in the early 20th century, the British Empire controlled at least 25% of the planet's land surface – And while the wounds of a millenia of British colonialism will likely never heal, Brittania & her familial figureheads are responsible for reshaping the world as we see it today.
7 of the world’s 10 richest countries were once either British colonies or protectorates. The popularity and usage of the English language is so widespread today that 3/4 of content on the internet is comprised of a lingua franca now spoken by 1.5 billion people across 106 countries.
This week, Wonder set out to answer your questions about Great Britain and its Royal Family.
MONARCHY IN THE UK, BY THE NUMBERS:
$6B is the estimated cost for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II & coronation of King Charles III.
171 of the 191 UN member states have been invaded and/or occupied by the British Empire at some point in history.
31+ Pembroke Welsh Corgis have been owned by Queen Elizabeth II throughout her lifetime.
2,868 diamonds embellish the Imperial State Crown that King Charles III will wear following his coronation in 2023.
Check out the 11th edition of the Wonder Newsroom below where we ask & answer the most pressing questions about the British Monarchy.
How many Britons did Queen Elizabeth II knight throughout her 70-year reign?
What is the sentiment toward the British monarchy in the UK and globally?
Have any Commonwealth nations discussed not recognizing King Charles III as their ruler?
What are the most surprising rules imposed on the British royal family?
How many countries have been invaded by the British Empire throughout history?
Does the British Monarch possess any direct political power?
What will be the economic impact of Queen Elizabeth’s State funeral?
Who were the most infamous British monarchs throughout all of history?
