The entire composition is the musical salute for the monarch and royal consort, while other members of the royal family who are entitled to royal salute (such as the Prince of Wales, along with his spouse) receive just the first six bars. Sometimes two verses are sung and, on certain occasions, three. Since its first publication, different verses have been added and taken away and, even today, different publications include various selections of verses in various orders. In Switzerland, it is known as ' Rufst du, mein Vaterland'.īeyond its first verse, which is consistent, 'God Save the King' has many historic and extant versions.

The melody was also used for the national anthem ' Heil dir im Siegerkranz' of the German Empire from 1871 to 1918 and as ' The Prayer of Russians', the imperial anthem of Russia from 1816 to 1833. The melody is used for the American patriotic song ' My Country, 'Tis of Thee' (also known as 'America'). The melody continues to be used for the national anthem of Liechtenstein, ' Oben am jungen Rhein', and the royal anthem of Norway, ' Kongesangen'. In countries not part of the British Empire, the tune of 'God Save the King' has provided the basis for various patriotic songs, though still generally connected with royal ceremony. It is also the royal anthem-played specifically in the presence of the monarch-of the aforementioned countries, in addition to Australia (since 1984), Canada (since 1980), Belize (since 1981), Antigua and Barbuda (since 1981), The Bahamas (since 1973), and most other Commonwealth realms. 'God Save the King' is the de facto national anthem of the United Kingdom and one of two national anthems used by New Zealand since 1977, as well as for several of the UK's territories that have their own additional local anthem. The author of the tune is unknown and it may originate in plainchant, but an attribution to the composer John Bull is sometimes made. ' God Save the King' or ' God Save the Queen' (depending on the gender of the reigning monarch) is the national and/or royal anthem of the United Kingdom, most of His Majesty's Dominions (Commonwealth realms), their territories, and the British Crown Dependencies.

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