33 Moments Of The British Royal Family Embracing Everyday Life

Published on May 7, 2024

For close to 1,200 years, the British Royal family has held sway over England, spanning an impressive 37 generations in its lineage. Though royal portraits often exude a sense of formality, fleeting moments are captured in more casual settings that offer a glimpse into the humanity behind the crown.

Dating back to the reign of King Egbert (Ecgberht) in 827 A.D., each successive British monarch has directly descended from him. His son, King Alfred, presided over the Kingdom of Wessex, the precursor to modern-day England. Since then, there have been a total of 66 monarchs to ascend the throne.

As the geographical landscape of what is now known as the United Kingdom has evolved, so too has the monarchy adapted. The crown's journey through the ages mirrors the changes in land boundaries and the shifting identities embraced by the ever-transforming realm.

Despite the evolving nature of the crown and the shifts in royal power, the legacy forged by each reigning house remains deeply storied. This rich history necessitates a distinct royal protocol that family members must adhere to, evident in the unmistakable formality of royal family portraits.

33 Moments Of The British Royal Family Embracing Everyday Life

Throughout the entirety of the 20th century and into the early years of the 21st, the British monarchy underwent profound transformations, rivaling the era of King Henry VIII, renowned for his six marriages and the historic allowance for royal divorce.

In the 21st century, the British royal family has unequivocally embraced a paradigm of modernization, epitomized by the union of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Markle, an American hailing from Los Angeles and a divorcee, embodies characteristics that would have been unthinkable just eight decades ago. This departure from tradition echoes the infamous abdication of King Edward VIII, who relinquished the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, a divorcée, against the fervent objections of the crown.

Amidst the plethora of protocols governing the British royal family, some are rather peculiar.

While customary practices like standing when the King or Queen rises or the traditional curtseying and bowing when greeting royalty might seem expected, others are more intriguing upon closer examination.

Take, for instance, the prohibition against two heirs to the British throne traveling together. Though seemingly arbitrary, this rule gains clarity when considering security concerns and the necessity to safeguard the line of succession. Hence, Prince William is forbidden from traveling alongside his son Prince George or any of his other children, ensuring the continuity of the monarchy in case of unforeseen circumstances.

In the unfortunate event of a travel accident resulting in the demise of one heir, this rule aims to avert the simultaneous loss of two heirs, safeguarding the continuity of the royal lineage.

However, Prince William and Kate Middleton have opted to defy this tradition, preferring to travel as a cohesive family unit. Nonetheless, they have reached a compromise. Once Prince George reaches the age of 12, it's anticipated that he will refrain from traveling with his father henceforth, adhering to the stipulations of royal protocol.

33 Moments Of The British Royal Family Embracing Everyday Life

Among the more peculiar regulations is one concerning the Queen's purse. Surprisingly, it serves a function beyond mere accessory. The Queen utilizes her purse to orchestrate conversations discreetly. A subtle shift from her left hand to her right signifies her desire to conclude the ongoing discussion, providing an elegant means to indicate her intentions without overt rudeness.

Similarly, the placement of her purse on a dinner table carries significant meaning. When the Queen sets her purse down, it serves as an unspoken cue that dinner is drawing to a close. Within five minutes, the meal must conclude, aligning with the Queen's etiquette, and once she finishes her dinner, all others are expected to cease eating as well.

Public displays of affection, even seemingly innocuous gestures like hand-holding, are generally frowned upon within the royal family, resulting in a scarcity of intimate photographs. However, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have bucked this trend, openly displaying affection in public, suggesting a gradual shift in this longstanding protocol.

Moreover, adherence to stricter regulations is evident in the requirement for all royal descendants to seek permission from the reigning monarch before proposing marriage, as mandated by the Royal Marriages Act of 1772. Royals are also prohibited from expressing personal political viewpoints or maintaining individual social media accounts, further contributing to the scarcity of candid images capturing the royal family's everyday lives.

Additionally, members of the royal family are prohibited from indulging in modern practices such as taking selfies or granting autographs to fans, further contributing to the challenge of capturing candid moments. Upholding a modest dress code is also paramount, with a strict prohibition on overly casual attire. Notably, young princes are mandated to wear shorts, as long pants are reserved for older boys and gentlemen, adhering to traditional sartorial standards.

Moreover, all women are obligated to wear hats to formal events until 6 p.m., as exemplified in various royal family photographs. In the evening, married women or royals born into the family adorn tiaras, adhering to longstanding traditions of royal protocol.

Amidst the countless regulations dictating royal conduct, ranging from seemingly trivial matters like avoiding wedge heels in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II (reportedly not her favorite) to fundamental protocols such as never turning one's back on the monarch during the conversation, the British royal family is, at its core, composed of mere mortals.

Despite the stringent guidelines aimed at upholding a sense of decorum and propriety, the Royals are not immune to moments of levity and humanity. Take a peek at these 33 candid British royal family photos capturing the monarchy in unguarded and playful moments.