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The fast food joint is one of the many properties in her vast property portfolio.
By Leah Groth
August 3, 2022
In case you didn't know, Queen Elizabeth is the world's biggest landowner. Business Insider reports that HRH owns up to 6.6 billion acres of land, including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Canada, Australia, and the Falkland Islands. Okay, well the Queen doesn't exactly own those countries in entirety, but her own personal royal estate includes six residences, half of the UK's shoreline, almost all of Regent Street in London, and Trafalgar Square. Many of the businesses lease land from her, meaning she technically owns them. Well, according to a report, the Queen even owns a McDonald's.
1 The Queen Reportedly Owns a McDonald's in Banbury
According to multiple sources, the Queen's McDonald's is located at the Banbury Gateway Shopping Park in Oxfordshire, approximately 80 miles away from Buckingham Palace. The fast food joint sits on the land that is part of her Crown Estate, owned by the Sovereign. So, technically, the Queen owns a McDonald's.
2 The Location Is Actually Quite Regal
Apparently, the Queen's Mickey D's is a little fancier than most. Delish reports it is set up with leather sofas, digital menu boards, and Eames chairs. The Mirror reports that this McDonald's location is open to the public, so if you want to kick back in luxury and scarf down a McFlurry, you can do so. It also is equipped with a drive-thru – just in case you don't feel like walking in.
3 The Queen Owns Other Stores There
Other businesses on the property, which opened in 2015, include Costa Coffee, Starbucks, Marks & Spencer, and Primark. So the Queen owns those too.
4 According to Reports, Royals Have Never Dined There
So, do the royals feast on fast food at their McDonald's? Apparently, while they have been seen in Banbury (way back in 2008 when the Queen visited) she hasn't held court at her franchise. "We really don't think any of the Royal family go to McDonald's and they certainly haven't been to the one at Banbury Gateway," a representative from Visit Banbury told Today.
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5 This Is the Second McDonald's Owned By Her Majesty
This is the second McDonald's owned by the Queen. Apparently, she once owned a franchise at the Bath Road Retail Park in Slough. However, in 2016 the land was sold for £177 million and her Big Mac rights were revoked.
Leah Groth
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. Readmore
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As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of royal estates, property ownership, and business affiliations, let's delve into the fascinating details of Queen Elizabeth's unexpected property portfolio, which includes a surprising gem: her own branch of McDonald's.
Firstly, the claim that Queen Elizabeth is the world's largest landowner is indeed grounded in reality. According to Business Insider, Her Royal Highness owns an extensive 6.6 billion acres of land, encompassing Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Canada, Australia, and the Falkland Islands. While she doesn't outright own these countries, her personal royal estate boasts an impressive array, including six residences, half of the UK's shoreline, almost all of Regent Street in London, and even Trafalgar Square.
Now, let's focus on the intriguing revelation that the Queen reportedly owns a McDonald's, situated in Banbury Gateway Shopping Park in Oxfordshire. This information is supported by multiple sources and is linked to her Crown Estate, making her the technical owner of the fast-food establishment.
The location of this royal McDonald's is not just your average fast-food joint. Reports suggest that it is quite regal, featuring leather sofas, digital menu boards, and Eames chairs. Furthermore, the McDonald's is open to the public, allowing commoners to enjoy a touch of luxury while indulging in their favorite fast-food treats. The inclusion of a drive-thru adds a convenient touch for those who prefer a quick snack on the go.
Surprisingly, this is not the Queen's first foray into the world of McDonald's ownership. Previously, she owned a franchise at the Bath Road Retail Park in Slough. However, in 2016, the land was sold for £177 million, and her rights to Big Mac were subsequently revoked.
It's worth noting that the Banbury Gateway property is not limited to McDonald's alone. Other businesses on the estate, which opened in 2015, include familiar names such as Costa Coffee, Starbucks, Marks & Spencer, and Primark—all of which are under the Queen's ownership.
Despite the royal ownership, reports indicate that members of the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth, have not been spotted dining at their McDonald's franchise. Even though the Queen visited Banbury back in 2008, it seems she hasn't held court at her fast-food establishment.
In conclusion, the unexpected intersection of fast food and royalty adds a unique dimension to Queen Elizabeth's extensive property holdings, showcasing a side of her estate portfolio that may surprise many. The inclusion of a McDonald's franchise, complete with luxurious amenities, further highlights the diverse nature of her real estate ventures.
