The text first appeared in England in the late 1590s, with the publication of Shakespeare's Richard III (Act 4, Scene 1). Lady Anne says to Queen Elizabeth: "Were red-hot steel to sear me to the brains! Anointed le… See more

Like many aspects of British constitutional life, "God Save the King" derives its official status from custom and use, not from Royal Proclamation or Act of Parliament. The variation in the UK of the lyrics to "God Save the Ki… See more

"God Save the King" was exported around the world via the expansion of the British Empire, serving as each country's national anthem. Throughout the Empire's evolution into the Commonwealth of Nations, the song declin… See more

The melody has often been used, with lyrics slightly or significantly altered, for royal or national anthems of other countries.
During the 19th century, it was used officially in … See more