Ten interesting things about Queen Elizabeth ll

1. She speaks fluent French and often uses the language for audiences and state visits. She does not require an interpreter.
2. The Queen has received over 3 million items of correspondence during her reign.
3. Elizabeth is patron of more than 620 charities and organisations.
4. During her reign, she has made more than 256 official overseas visits to 129 different countries.
5. Elizabeth learnt to drive in 1945 when she joined the Army. 
6. She has attended 34 Royal Variety performances.
7. She has opened 15 bridges in the United Kingdom.
8. She has given over 91 State banquets during her reign.
9. She has launched 23 ships in her lifetime. The first was HMS Vanguard which she launched - as Princess Elizabeth - on November 30, 1944 in Clydebank. Her first launch as Queen was Britannia, also from Clydebank .
10. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh have sent about 37,500 Christmas cards during her reign.