We have put together some interesting facts about the British Royal family that you may not know…
- With all the fairytales and Disney movies, many of us romanticize the role of being Queen, but if you think about it she hardly ever gets a moment to herself! And yes it must be nice to have your private hairdresser with you at all times keeping your hairdo intact, but traveling with 34 people everywhere you go, might be just a little suffocating at times! The Queen never travels by herself, wherever she goes, the royal doctor does too, as well as a private secretary, a hairdresser, press officers, eight bodyguards, and others.
- For over 260 years, more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians gather for a parade in honor of the sovereign’s birthday. The Queen’s actual birthday is on 21st April.
- King George V assigned “Windsor” as the official surname of the royal family in 1917. In 1960, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip announced that their descendants would take on the surname ‘Mountbatten-Windsor’.
- Queen Elizabeth II’s nickname amongst her family is ‘Lilibet’.
- When Princess Diana sent Prince William to nursery school when he was three, he became the first member of the royal family to not start school in the palace.
- The royal family has some surprising frugal habits, and unlike most celebrities, the royal family consciously wears the same outfits for different public appearances.
- Queen Elizabeth II is known for taking a handbag with her everywhere she goes, with people often wondering what on earth she could need one for with her entourage of staff accompanying her wherever she goes. Well, it turns out there is more to her purses than meets the commoner’s eye. Apparently, she uses her handbag to send messages to her staff. For example, if she moves it from its normal spot on her left arm to the right while talking to someone it means she wants to wrap up the conversation, or if she places it on the table at dinner it means she wants to end the event in the next five minutes.
- Swans were considered high value delicacies for banquets and feasts going as far back as the 12th century, the Crown claimed ownership of all unmarked mute swans in the country, which is still in effect to this day.
- During the Second World War, the King and Queen sent their daughters, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret to Windsor Castle to safety, but remained at Buckingham Palace themselves as a sign of solidarity with Londoners experiencing the Blitz. The palace actually suffered 9 direct hits during the Blitz.
- During World War II, a young Queen Elizabeth II (then Princess Elizabeth), served as a mechanic-driver of an ambulance. Without a license! She is the only person in the UK who is permitted to do so to this day.
Facts About The British Royal Family
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