No wonder it seems they always enjoy a life of leisure at Buckingham Palace. Even though they are having a street party to celebrate the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on 29 April, 10 Downing Street is where the real business of government takes place. 10 Downing Street in London, colloquially known in the United Kingdom as "Number 10", is the official residence and office of the First Lord of the Treasury of the United Kingdom. It is the headquarters of Her Majesty's Government and the residence of the First Lord of the Treasury, who is now always the Prime Minister. Buckingham Palace is the London home and primary residence of the British monarch. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focus for the British people at times of national rejoicing and crisis. The official website of the British Monarchy pretty much clears up the idea that The Queen and her royal family really has much to do with the actual legislative process in the UK. No wonder they are revered and held in such high honor. Unlike politics in the United States, the English version of the first family is shielded from the scrutiny, criticism and downright nastiness of heading up the legislative branch of government. As Head of State, The Queen has to remain strictly neutral with respect to political matters, unable to vote or stand for election. The Queen does have important ceremonial and formal roles in relation to the Government of the UK. In fact, she and her royal family have plenty of obligations. Every year the Royal Family as a whole carries out over 2,000 official engagements throughout the UK and worldwide. These engagements may include official State responsibilities. Members of the Royal Family often carry out official duties in the UK and abroad where The Queen cannot be present in person. The Prince of Wales and The Princess Royal, for example, may present members of the public with their honours at an Investiture. When official events such as receptions, State banquets and garden parties are held, the Royal Family supports The Queen in making her guests welcome. Members of the Royal Family also often represent The Queen and the nation in Commonwealth or other countries, at events such as State funerals or national festivities, or through longer visits to strengthen Britain's diplomatic and economic relations. The Royal Family also plays an important role in supporting and encouraging the public and charity sectors. About 3,000 organizations list a member of the Royal Family as patron or president. The huge range of these organizations covering every subject from education to the environment, hospitals to housing, allows members of the Royal Family to meet people from a wide spectrum of national and local life, and to understand their interests, problems and concerns. 2,000: the number of official engagements carried out by the Royal Family each year in the UK and overseas. 70,000: the number of people entertained each year to dinners, lunches, receptions and garden parties at the Royal residences. 100,000: the number of letters received and answered each year by the Royal Family. Some members of the Royal Family have also established their own charities, for example, The Prince's Trust, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, a charity that provides advice and support for people acting as carers. The Royal Family also plays an important role in recognizing and supporting the work of the Armed Services. Members of the Royal Family have official relationships with many units of the Forces, paying regular visits to soldiers, sailors and airmen serving at home and abroad. For a quick 101 on the way the government in the UK is organized: The formal phrase 'Queen in Parliament' is used to describe the British legislature, which consists of the Sovereign, the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The Queen's duties include opening each new session of Parliament, dissolving Parliament before a general election, and approving Orders and Proclamations through the Privy Council. The Queen also has a special relationship with the Prime Minister, retaining the right to appoint and also meet with him or her on a regular basis. When one party has an absolute majority in the House of Commons, the Sovereign appoints the leader of that party as Prime Minister who then appoints his own cabinet. The UK Parliament is a 'sovereign parliament' - this means that the legislative body has 'absolute sovereignty', in other words it is supreme to all other government institutions, including any executive or judicial bodies. Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife will be attending the ceremony at Westminster Abbey and then he will no doubt return to his role of being head of the government.
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