Could you do the Queen's job?

If we were Queen for a day...

She’s served on the throne for 60 years, but what exactly does her majesty’s life entail; and what would you do if you had it?

Would you simply hide in Buckingham Palace enjoying some 1-2-1 time with the corgis, or would you use your power to make change? We asked seven celebrities and the Stylist team to share their vision of what life would be like if they were Queen for just one day and invite you to join in on Twitter using #queenforaday.

1. Holly Willoughby, Presenter

I would go straight to the Tower of London, get all of the jewels and diamonds, and put them all on at the same time. Then I would make it the law that somebody would have to invent a chocolate that wouldn’t make you put on weight but still tasted exactly the same. But you can’t rule a kingdom on chocolate alone, so I’d need someone sensible by my side to keep me in order. Phillip Schofield; he would make a great king.

2. Kate Humble, Presenter

If I were Queen, I’d try to change my inability to feel comfortable in anything other than wellies and jeans. I could be wearing a beautiful tiara and kind of let the side down by basically being muddy and badly dressed. One day I’d love to feel comfortable in a kind of Vivienne Westwood creation but it’s never gonna happen.

3. Tracey Emin, Artist

First reaction, I would turn [the sovereignty] down. But actually, I think I would do a bit of a Mary Portas. I’d work with industries that are unique to Britain; a ‘best of British’ kind of thing. I’d put a lot of money into many different areas; from artisans to fashion to everything. As artists, we could offer a lot to the role.

4. Grayson Perry, Artist

I would support the people, you know? The great makers of this country; the people that make stuff in this country that is very British and very wellcrafted. We have something to offer the world as British people and we should embrace that. We should embrace our culture.

5. Imelda Staunton, Actress

Oh, golly. Well, there’s a part of me that would take it very seriously. I’d want everyone to have a job and to have a home and be safe. Apart from that, I’d treat everyone to very good canapés and champagne. Unfortunately, I’m working through this Jubilee, but I’ll celebrate somehow.

6. Olivia Colman, Actor

If I were Queen for just one day, I’d throw a massive free party – nationwide of course – and everyone would get a day off work for it. And everyone has to rub my feet, which would probably end up taking the whole day; it would be lovely. If I had longer, I’d do good deeds. But if it was one day, I think I’d get bladdered…

7. Davina McCall, Presenter

I wrote to the Queen when I was seven – and when I got a letter back I was hooked so I have been writing to her ever since. I’d fly the flag for British products. There is so much amazing manufacturing over here that sometimes we are so busy looking to Asia and India that we forget about the brilliant things that are being made here.

8. Anna Fielding, Online Editor

I would throw a huge rave in a deserted shopping centre, with champagne and cheese and fountains. Then I would redistribute all of the royal family’s wealth to the rest of the country – those most in need get more. I would also call myself Empress – Queen is not enough.

9. Francesca Brown, Production Editor

With Michael Fassbender as my king, together we would end evil doing, homelessness and violence across the land. Or failing that just ban sweetcorn in tuna sandwiches and playing music aloud via your stupid phone’s tinny little speakers on the 236 bus.

10. Susan Riley, Deputy Editor

I’d make it illegal for anyone to queue at an airport departure gate when a) their plane hasn’t even arrived yet and b) they haven’t got a boarding ticket yet anyway and they’re simply getting in everyone’s way. Not that I’d see them; I’d have my own fleet of private jets.

11. Joanna McGarry, Beauty Editor

Send all commuters on a crash course of public transport etiquette, in the hope that there’d be no more deafening chewing, audible issues with excess mucus, lessons in earphone volume control and keeping bodily or food-based smells to a minimum where possible.

12. Lauren Smith, Online assistant

I would order a dessert ban whereby meringues and lemon sorbet were banished – because I don’t see the point of a) a hard lump that tastes of sugar, and b) a cop-out alternative to ice cream. I would also make all gyms free and give everyone an hour on their lunch break.