The Queen makes appointments to many important state offices, on the advice of the Prime Minister or the relevant Cabinet Minister. Foreign Policy Foreign diplomatic representatives in London are accredited to the Queen, and she has the power to conclude treaties, to declare war and to make peace, to recognise foreign states and governments and to annex and cede territory. The Queen presides over meetings of the Privy Council. At these, among other things, Orders in Council made under the Royal Prerogative or under statute are approved. In nearly all cases acts involving the Royal Prerogative are performed by Ministers who are responsible to Parliament and can be questioned about policies.
Parliament has the power to abolish or restrict a prerogative right.
In addition to being informed and consulted about all aspects of national life, the Queen is free top forward her own views, in private, for the consideration of her Ministers. The Queen was actually born on 21 April, but it has long been customary to celebrate the Sovereign s birthday on a day during the summer. Since 1805 the Sovereign s official birthday has been marked by the Trooping the Colour ceremony, normally held on the second Saturday in June. This is a ceremony which originated when it is essential for soldiers to recognise the flag or Colour of their regiment so that they could follow it into battle. The ceremony beings with the Queen leaving Buckingham Palace escorted by the Household Cavalry.