The Queen has launched a new version of her website. Images courtesy of Press Association/British Monarchy. 

The British Monarchy will launch a revamped version of its website today (12 February), as the Queen attends a reception in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace.

Sir Tim Berners-Lee OM, KBE, inventor of the World Wide Web, is travelling from the US for the launch, and will say a few words about the history of the web. He will then introduce a short film featuring students at Kingsbury High School where the Queen launched the first version of the Monarchy website in 1997.

The Queen, 82, who visited Google last year, is keen to make her website, Royal.gov.uk, more user-friendly and relevant to modern-day society – it is visited by approximately 250,000 users from around the world each week.

The new website has a more accessible design and utilises a number of new technological features, such as Google maps integration with the Royal Diary of Engagements, integration with the Royal Channel on YouTube, a password protected Media Centre, a new Personnel module to allow job applicants to apply online, and a new search function.

It also features a wealth of new content including expanded information on the Commonwealth Realms and a new section on Royal animals – such as her infamous pet Corgis and Dorgis.

Rarely seen video and documents from the Royal Archives will also become accessible, including the original recording of the Queen’s first public speech (as Princess Elizabeth) on 13 October, 1940, with a radio address to the children of the Commonwealth.

Visit: www.royal.gov.uk or www.youtube.com/theroyalchannel