2024 UK Quiz: How British Are You This Year?

In a decision that surprised those who hadn’t read the rulebook cover to cover, the BBFC adjusted “Mary Poppins” from a U to a PG rating in February 2024 for “discriminatory language.” Specifically, the term “Hottentots” was used twice in the film to refer to chimney sweeps with soot-covered faces, a term historically used by Europeans in a derogatory manner towards the Khoikhoi people of South Africa. This change occurred as the film was poised to return to cinemas on its 60th anniversary.

David Cameron, once the British Prime Minister, made a grand return to the political stage on Nov. 14, 2024, as the UK’s Foreign Secretary. This move is part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle. Cameron resigned in 2016 after the Brexit referendum. His appointment has stirred the pot in the UK’s political scene, with reactions ranging from applause to raised eyebrows.

The Cenotaph in Whitehall stands as a silent sentinel in the heart of London, solemnly honoring those who laid down their lives in the Great War and subsequent conflicts. During the Armistice weekend in Nov. 2023, a pro-Palestinian march was rerouted to avoid this iconic memorial, which, after a political tango involving the Prime Minister and the Metropolitan Police, agreed to a route that respected the sanctity of the remembrance events.

On Feb. 6, 2023, Avalanche Software released Hogwarts Legacy, an open-world action role-playing game. The launch sparked controversy after J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter fiction, was accused of transphobia. While Rowling may benefit from the game’s popularity, it was developed entirely by Warner Bros.-owned Avalanche Software. Hogwarts Legacy’s official FAQ notes that J.K. Rowling was not directly involved in the game’s development.

With industry experts predicting it would be one of the top preorders of the decade, bookshops in the UK opened early on Jan. 10, 2023. The first week of Prince Harry’s autobiography, Spare, in stores saw 467,183 print copies sales through UK retailers, making it the UK’s fastest-selling nonfiction book ever. This does not include ebook sales or audiobook copies. The book sold over 1,430,000 copies on its first day of sale in the US, Canada, and the UK.

‘The Zone of Interest’ speaks volumes in German, Polish, and Yiddish. It’s the first and only film to win both the Outstanding British Film and Best Film Not in the English Language awards at BAFTA. Directed by Jonathan Glazer, this British-Polish co-production delves into the life of Rudolf Höss, portrayed by Christian Friedel, a German Nazi commandant stationed next to the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Prince Albert Edward was Queen Victoria’s eldest son, who became King Edward VII in 1901. One of the illegal Baccarat card games he attended came to trial in 1891, and the prince was called as a witness. This was the first time the heir to the throne was compelled to appear in court since 1411. In Prince Harry’s June 2023 court testimony, 130 years later, he accused the Mirror Newspaper Group of intercepting his voicemail messages and using other unlawful means to obtain personal information about him and his family. He claimed he wanted to take a stand against the news media he viewed as having “blood on their hands” for their role in his mother, Princess Diana’s death in 1997. The trial is expected to last several weeks.

Piers Morgan was the editor of the Daily Mirror from 1995 to 2004 when he was fired for publishing fake photos of Iraqi prisoner abuse. He faces allegations of phone hacking at the Mirror in a high court trial that began on May 10, 2023. The trial was brought by Prince Harry and other celebrities who claimed the newspaper violated their privacy. Morgan has denied any knowledge of phone hacking or illegal activity at the newspaper. He said he had never hacked a phone or told anyone to do so. On Dec. 15, a London High Court judge ruled that Morgan knew about phone hacking at the Mirror. Following the ruling, Morgan still denied personal involvement in phone hacking. He stated that he had not been called as a witness nor asked to provide a statement in the case.

King Charles III, the monarch who witnessed the world change in countless ways, celebrated his 75th birthday on Nov. 14, 2023. This regal occasion was marked with a slice of cake and the launch of the Coronation Food Project, a noble initiative to tackle food waste and meet food needs. His birthday, a day of royal cheer, was celebrated one day early on Nov. 13, 2023, with a three-tiered cake.

On May 30, 2024, Tatler magazine unveiled a new portrait of the Princess of Wales, Catherine Middleton, for their July 2024 issue. The picture, painted by British-Zambian artist Hannah Uzor, shows Kate in a regal white evening dress and tiara from a state banquet in November 2022. The painting drew inspiration from Kate’s recent public address about her cancer diagnosis, symbolizing her courage and dignity. While some praised the artistic style, the portrait was criticized for its lack of likeness.

Sadiq Khan secured his third term with nearly 44% of the 2024 London mayoral election vote—significantly ahead of his closest competitor. This victory highlighted his continued popularity in London and marked a historical achievement since the mayoral position was created in 2000. Khan’s tenure has been characterized by his focus on inclusive policies, transport affordability, and environmental initiatives.

The Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Marbles, are a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures that originally decorated the Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis of Athens. These sculptures, now in the British Museum, were removed by Lord Elgin, a Scottish nobleman, under controversial circumstances in the early 19th century. Elgin claimed to have obtained permission from the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Greece at the time, through a firman (imperial decree). However, the authenticity and existence of this firman have been widely disputed. Recently, in June 2024, Turkey’s representative at a UNESCO conference publicly denied Elgin’s permission. Zeynep Boz, head of the Turkish Culture Ministry’s department for combating antiquities trafficking, stated that no Ottoman document legitimized Elgin’s actions, supporting Greece’s long-standing argument that the marbles were stolen and should be returned.

Banksy, the enigmatic street artist whose identity is as hidden as the meaning behind his art, typically confirms his works in a very 21st-century way: Instagram. On March 18, 2024, following a weekend of speculation and the appearance of a mural in North London’s Finsbury Park, Banksy took to Instagram to post before-and-after photos of the artwork, thereby stamping his anonymous seal of approval.

In a shimmering tribute that’s music to our ears and a feast for the eyes, Britain’s Royal Mint has rolled out its latest bling in the Music Legends series – a coin celebrating the legendary George Michael. Capturing the essence of his “Faith” era, complete with those swanky aviator sunglasses and his signature cross-shaped earring, this coin was officially approved by George Michael’s estate and crafted by Italian artist Sandra Deiana. Released in February 2024, this collectible spans several finishes from budget-friendly to bank-breaking, ensuring every fan has a piece of this legacy.