The British Royal Family has captured the imagination and attention of people around the world for generations. With a history that spans centuries and a legacy that continues to shape modern British culture, the royals have become a source of fascination and intrigue for many. From grand weddings and public appearances to intimate family moments and scandals, the British monarchy has had its fair share of noteworthy events and interesting characters. In this article, we’ll explore 20 fascinating facts about the British Royal Family that you may not have known before. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the royals, you’re sure to learn something new about this iconic institution.
- The Queen has four children – Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, married in 1947 and welcomed their first child, Prince Charles, in 1948. Princess Anne was born two years later, followed by Prince Andrew in 1960 and Prince Edward in 1964.
- Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning monarch in British history, having ascended to the throne in 1952. She surpassed the previous record held by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, in September 2015.
- The Queen’s husband, Prince Philip, was born into the Greek and Danish royal families and was a naval officer before marrying the Queen. The couple met when the Queen was just 13 years old, and they corresponded for several years before their engagement was announced in 1947.
- The Queen has met every US President since Harry S. Truman. She has had 12 US Presidents during her reign, and has met each of them during their time in office.
- Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding in 2011 was watched by an estimated two billion people worldwide. The couple’s wedding was held at Westminster Abbey in London, and was attended by over 1,900 guests.
- The Queen has two birthdays – her actual birthday on April 21st, and her official birthday in June. The tradition of the monarch having an official birthday dates back to the reign of King George II in 1748.
- The Queen has owned more than 30 corgis during her reign, with her last corgi, Willow, passing away in 2018. The Queen is well-known for her love of corgis, and has owned the breed for over 70 years.
- Buckingham Palace has its own post office, cinema, and doctor’s surgery. The palace is not only the Queen’s official residence, but also houses numerous offices and facilities for staff.
- The Royal Family is known as the House of Windsor, but this name only dates back to 1917 when King George V changed the family name from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha due to anti-German sentiment during World War I. The name Windsor was chosen in reference to Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s official residences.
- The Royal Family also has a Scottish title, the House of Stuart, which dates back to the 15th century. The House of Stuart produced numerous monarchs, including Mary Queen of Scots and James VI and I.
- The Queen has a private fortune estimated to be around £500 million. Much of the Queen’s wealth comes from her extensive property portfolio, which includes properties such as Buckingham Palace and Balmoral Castle.
- Prince William and Prince Harry served in the British Armed Forces, with William serving in the Royal Air Force and Harry serving in the British Army. Both princes completed training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before serving in various roles.
- The Queen is the only person in the UK who can drive without a license. The Queen is exempt from the requirement to hold a driving license in the UK, although she has been known to take driving lessons in the past.
- The Royal Family has their own tartan, which was designed in 1953. The tartan is predominantly blue and green, with red and white accents, and is used for ceremonial events and official occasions.
- The Queen has sent over 100,000 Christmas cards during her reign. The cards feature a family photograph or a portrait of the Queen and are signed by her and Prince Philip. It is a longstanding tradition in the Royal Family.
- The Queen has visited more than 120 countries during her reign. As part of her role as head of state, the Queen has traveled extensively, visiting countries all over the world. Her first foreign tour was in 1953, when she visited Bermuda, Jamaica, and other Caribbean countries.
- The Royal Family has a range of official titles, with the Queen’s full title being “Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.”
- The Queen is the only person in the UK who can grant a Royal Charter, which is a formal document that establishes a corporation or organization. Royal Charters have been granted to numerous organizations throughout the UK, including universities and professional bodies.
- The Queen has a personal flag, known as the Royal Standard, which is flown whenever she is present. The flag features the Queen’s personal coat of arms, which includes the quartered shield of the UK and the emblems of the countries of the Commonwealth.
- The Royal Family has its own website i.e. https://www.royal.uk, which provides information on the family’s activities, history, and role in the UK and the Commonwealth. The website also includes a range of resources for schools and teachers, as well as information on how to book a tour of Buckingham Palace.
The British Royal Family is a fascinating institution with a rich history and many interesting facts. From the Queen’s record-breaking reign to the family’s extensive travels and official titles, there is no shortage of interesting tidbits to learn about this iconic institution. Whether you are a UK citizen or a visitor from abroad, the Royal Family is an important part of British culture and history, and its members continue to play a significant role in the country’s national life.
