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LONDON, Apr 10, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Buckingham Palace has listed 80 items of interest about Queen Elizabeth II, who's owned more than 30 corgis, as Britain prepares to mark her 80th birthday.
The queen has received more than 3 million pieces of correspondence since ascending to the thrown in 1952. And mail is a two-way thing for the queen, she and Prince Phillip have sent about 37,500 Christmas cards during her reign, the palace said.
The palace said Queen Elizabeth has given regular Tuesday evening audiences to 10 British prime ministers, starting with Winston Churchill to current Prime Minister Tony Blair. There have been a like number of U.S. presidents during her reign.
The queen had visited 129 countries during her 256 officials trips away from England, with Canada, 23 visits, and Australia, 15, her most common stops.
The queen has launched 23 ships, opened 15 bridges and given out some 78,000 Christmas puddings to staff.
The queen turns 80 on April 21, although it will officially be celebrated on June 17.
The Buckingham Palace Web site, www.royal.gov.uk/output, has a link to send the queen a birthday greeting.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
