LONG LIVE THE QUEEN

Queen Elizabeth is in the US for a little visit. Among other things she came here to see the Kentucky Derby. She has the hats for it.

The 81 year old is officially known as Queen Elizabeth II. Her father, King George VI, died in 1952 and she succeeded him. She was crowned in June 1953 as queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth Realms. These realms now include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, Belize and nine other island countries. She technically rules over more people than anyone in the world - about 128 million.

Elizabeth is married to Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh. He is actually her second cousin, once removed and also her third cousin in another branch of their family tree. At her coronation, Phillip had to swear his allegiance to his wife and Queen. I'd say, all this inbreeding explains a few things.

Her son, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, is next in line to the throne of the monarchy. Diana's ex will be King if he outlives his mother. Diana's first son, William, is next in line to follow his father to the throne.