Magnetically drawn to thrones whose power is solely symbolic, Queen Elizabeth II visited another prop monarchy—one that similarly enthralls millions who are mostly in it for the sex—by dropping by the Belfast set of Game Of Thrones. On hand to greet her were cast members Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Rose Leslie (Ygritte), Maisie Williams (Arya), Sophie Turner (Sansa), and a surprisingly well-coiffed Conleth Hill (Varys), all of who were no doubt very polite, while a confused Elizabeth attempted to negotiate a treaty with their kingdom. And today Britain rejoices, as Westeros has pledged to protect her against marauding giants.
Lena Headey, however, was not so given to bowing and scraping: The much more powerful queen can be seen giving Elizabeth a very bemused, Cersei-like look as the former considers, but ultimately declines to sit on the Iron Throne. Perhaps Elizabeth recognized that those who do generally aren’t long for this world. Or maybe she just didn’t want a sword up her queenly bum. But most likely, the Queen knows that she, above all others, must respect the power of fancy chairs.