The first six bars also form all or part of the viceregal salute in some Commonwealth realms other than the UK (e.g., in Canada, governors general and lieutenant governors at official events are saluted with the first six bars of 'God Save the King' followed by the first four and last four bars of ' O Canada'), as well as the salute given to governors of British overseas territories. 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. The author of the tune is unknown and it may originate in plainchant, but an attribution to the composer John Bull has sometimes been made. ' God Save the King' (alternatively ' God Save the Queen' when the British monarch is female) is the national anthem of the United Kingdom and the British Crown Dependencies, one of two national anthems of New Zealand since 1977, and the royal anthem of most Commonwealth realms.

God Save the King by Laura Purcell