In 1997, The Queen launched Buckingham Palace's first official website.

In 1998, The Queen introduced "theme days" to promote and celebrate aspects of British culture. The first theme day was "City Day" focusing on financial institutions. Other themes have included Publishing, Broadcasting, Tourism, Emergency Services, Maritime Day, Music, Young Achievers, British Design, and Pioneers.

In June, 2002, The Queen hosted the first public concerts in the garden of Buckingham Palace to celebrate her Golden Jubilee. The Queen attended both the classical and pop concerts.  The 'Party at the Palace' pop concert was one of the most watched pop concerts in history, attracting around 200 million viewers all over the world.

The Queen is the first member of the Royal Family to be awarded a gold disc from the recording industry. 100,000 copies of the CD of the 'Party at the Palace', produced by EMI, were sold within the first week of release.

The Queen hosted the first women's only event "Women of Achievement" at Buckingham Palace in March, 2004.

In November 2004, The Queen invited the cast of Les Miserables in the West End to perform for French President Jacques Chirac at Windsor Castle.  It was the first time the cast of a West End musical had performed at a Royal residence.

As a young girl, The Queen acted in a number of Pantomimes during World War Two including playing the part of Prince Florizel in Cinderella in 1941. These pantomimes took place every year in the Waterloo Chamber at Windsor Castle.

In 2005, The Queen claimed ownership of 88 cygnets on the river Thames. They are looked after by the Swan Marker.  The first Royal Swan Keeper was appointed around the 12th Century.

Technically The Queen still owns the sturgeons, whales and dolphins in the waters around the UK. A statute from 1324, at the time of the reign of King Edward II , states that:

"Also the King shall have ... whales and sturgeons taken in the sea or elsewhere within the realm."

This statute is still valid today, and sturgeons, porpoises, whales and dolphins are recognised as 'Fishes Royal'. When captured within three miles of UK shores, or washed ashore either dead or alive, they may be claimed on behalf of the Crown. Generally, when brought into port, a sturgeon is sold in the usual way, and the purchaser, as a gesture of loyalty, requests the honour of its being accepted by The Queen.

In summer 2005, The Queen opened the first "children's trail" in the Buckingham Palace garden for the Summer Opening.