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How the Queen’s death will affect the United Kingdom’s national anthem

The anthem hasn't been changed since 1952.
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God Save The Queen is one of the most recognised national anthems in the world, but the song is set to change in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.

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Certain lyrics and the title of the United Kingdom’s national anthem will change now.

God Save the Queen will change to God Save the King as the Queen’s oldest son, Prince Charles, takes the throne to become King Charles III.

The anthem’s title will change to “God Save The King.”

(Image: Getty)

All of the lyrics will remain the same, however “queen” will be altered to “king” and “she” and “her” will be replaced with “he” and “him.”

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The anthem will revert to its original title, “God Save the King”, which was written in 1745 and became the UK’s national anthem at the beginning of the 19th Century.

When Queen Elizabeth II took the throne in 1952, the lyrics were “God Save the King,” in honor of her father, King George VI.

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The composer of the words and tune of God Save The Queen is anonymous, according to the official Royal Family website,

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The historically-sentimental tune was first performed as a patriotic song back in 1745, but it didn’t officially become the UK’s national anthem until the early 1800s.

(Image: Getty)

The reverted version, which has not been used since the reign of King George VI, are as follows:

God save our gracious King!

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Long live our noble King!

God save the King!

Send him victorious,

Happy and glorious,

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Long to reign over us,

God save the King.

The anthem also has a second verse which is rarely used:

Thy choicest gifts in store

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On her be pleased to pour,

Long may she reign.

May she defend our laws,

And ever give us cause,

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To sing with heart and voice,

God save the Queen.

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