 Publication of an early version in The Gentleman's Magazine, October 1745. The title, on the contents page, is given as "God save our lord the king: A new song set for two voices". | |
National or royal anthem of the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth realms[a] | |
| Also known as | "God Save the Queen" (when the monarch is female) |
|---|---|
| Music | Composer unknown |
| Adopted | September 1745 (United Kingdom) (De Facto) |
| Audio sample | |
"God Save the King", performed by the United States Navy Band | |
"God Save the King" (alternatively "God Save the Queen" when the British monarch is female) is the de facto national anthem of the United Kingdom,[5] one of two national anthems of New Zealand,[1] and the royal anthem of the Isle of Man,[6] Canada and some other Commonwealth realms.[2] The author of the tune is unknown and it may originate in plainchant, but an attribution to the composer John Bull has sometimes been made.
Beyond its first verse, which is consistent, "God Save the King" has many historic and extant versions. Since its first publication, different verses have been added and taken away and, even today, different publications include various selections of verses in various orders.[7] In general, only one verse is sung. Sometimes two verses are sung and, on certain occasions, three.[5]
The entire composition is the musical salute for the British monarch and royal consort,[8] while other members of the royal family who are entitled to royal salute (such as the Prince of Wales, along with his spouse) receive just the first six bars. The first six bars also form all or part of the viceregal salute in some Commonwealth realms other than the UK (e.g., in Canada, governors general and lieutenant governors at official events are saluted with the first six bars of "God Save the King" followed by the first four and last four bars of "O Canada"), as well as the salute given to governors of British overseas territories.
In countries not part of the British Empire, the tune of "God Save the King" has provided the basis for various patriotic songs, ones generally connected with royal ceremony.[9] The melody is used for the national anthem of Liechtenstein, "Oben am jungen Rhein"; the royal anthem of Norway, "Kongesangen"; and the American patriotic song "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" (also known as "America"). The melody was also used for the national anthem "Heil dir im Siegerkranz" ("Hail to thee in the Victor's Crown") of the Kingdom of Prussia from 1795 until 1918; as the anthem of the German Emperor from 1871 to 1918; as "The Prayer of Russians", the imperial anthem of the Russian Empire, from 1816 to 1833; and as the national anthem of Switzerland, "Rufst du, mein Vaterland", from the 1840s until 1961.
- ^ a b "God Save The King anthem". Ministry for Culture and Heritage. New Zealand Government. 8 October 2023.
- ^ a b c d "National anthem". The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ "Australian National Anthem". Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Australian Government. 19 January 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ www
.canada .ca /en /canadian-heritage /services /royal-symbols-titles /royal-anthem .html - ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
royal familywas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Tynwald: Votes and Proceedings" (PDF). Tynwald. 23 January 2003. Motion 27.
- ^ cf. the versions in the hymn books English Hymnal, Hymns Ancient and Modern, and Songs of Praise
- ^ "Thatcher funeral: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip arrive". YouTube. Archived from the original on 14 March 2016. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
- ^ "United Kingdom – God Save the King". NationalAnthems.me. Retrieved 23 November 2011.
Cite error: There are <ref group=lower-alpha> tags or {{efn}} templates on this page, but the references will not show without a {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} template or {{notelist}} template (see the help page).