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"God Save the King" is a well-known British patriotic anthem, and it has an interesting history:

1. Origins: The song's origins can be traced back to the early 18th century. It was first performed in London in 1745 during the reign of King George II. Originally, it was titled "God Save the King" to honor the current monarch.

2. Adaptation for Queen: The lyrics were adapted to "God Save the Queen" when Queen Victoria ascended to the throne in 1837. Since then, the anthem has been used to honor the reigning British monarch, with "King" or "Queen" appropriately substituted in the lyrics.

3. National Anthem: "God Save the Queen" is not only the national anthem of the United Kingdom but also the national anthem of several other countries within the Commonwealth realms, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Each country adapts the lyrics to refer to their respective monarchs.

4. Controversy and Criticism: Over the years, there have been debates and criticisms regarding the anthem's lyrics, with some questioning its relevance and inclusivity. Efforts have been made to update the lyrics to make them more gender-neutral, but this has been met with mixed reactions.

5. Pop Culture: The melody of "God Save the Queen" has been used in various forms in pop culture. One notable example is the punk rock band Sex Pistols' controversial song "God Save the Queen," released in 1977, which criticized the British monarchy and government.

6. International Recognition: The tune of "God Save the Queen" is so iconic that it has been used in other national anthems, such as that of Liechtenstein. This demonstrates the enduring influence and recognition of the melody worldwide.

While "God Save the King" is an interesting historical reference, it's important to note that the anthem is now commonly referred to as "God Save the Queen" or "God Save the Monarch" depending on the reigning monarch's gender.