Secrets of the Royal Family: The British monarchy has long created interest and intrigue. Rich in tradition and history, their lives sometimes seem to drown in the bath of glamour and mystery. While a lot of their personal life has been kept behind closed doors, some of the lesser-known facts about the royal family are listed here. We will look into some such secrets in this blog that give insight into the people who live behind palace walls.
Secrets of the Royal Family: The Royal Protocol, A Tradition of Discipline
Arguably, one of the most interesting things about the royal family has to do with the strict protocols they follow. From the way they greet people to how they enter a room, it is all bound by tradition. For instance, there is a certain order in which the members of the royal family have to enter a room, as that is decided by their rank in order. The Queen always walks in first; other members enter in order of their place in the line of succession.
This following of procedure is not only to keep things in order, but it is also one way of keeping the respect and dignity of the monarchy. Even the simplest acts, such as the manner of holding a teacup or waving to the crowds, are rooted in tradition and handed down through generations.
Secrets of the Royal Family: The Queen’s Handbag Secret
The Queen’s handbag forms part of her signature style, but also acts as an unconscious communications device. Word has it that the Queen sends many messages via her handbag to her staff. If at dinner she places her bag on the table, for instance, this is a clear indication from her that she would like the event to be wrapped up within five minutes. If she changes hands from one arm to the other during a conversation, it means she is ready to progress to another guest.
Each of these small gestures carries the Queen into the driver’s seat with her schedule, without her saying a word, hence the silent power and grace in conducting her duties.
Secrets of the Royal Family: Love for Animals
The love of animals, especially dogs and horses, runs deep in the royal family. Queen Elizabeth II was especially famous for her affection with corgis. In her lifetime, she owned more than 30 corgis, and her love for these dogs became among the most endearing attributes of this queen. The royal corgis had a room provided at Buckingham Palace complete with wicker baskets and fresh sheets.
The family’s love for animals is not confined to dogs alone. They are also equestrians: Princess Anne and Zara Tindall are some of its members who have participated in international horse riding events. More importantly, this love for animals is not a hobby; rather it is their bond with nature and the countryside, their haven of rest and peace from the public glare.
Secrets of the Royal Family: Nicknames
Despite the formal titles of address among the members of the royal family, sweet nicknames between family members are not altogether unheard of. For instance, Prince Philip was heard particularly fond of calling the Queen “Lilibet,” a term coined from her inability to pronounce her name as a child. It has also been said that Prince William was once called “Wombat” by his mother, the late Princess Diana, reportedly picking the term up during a trip taken to Australia.
These nicknames show a more tender, more human side of the royal family and remind one that beyond the titles and public appearances, they, too, are like any other family with their peculiarities and personal connections.
The Crown Jewels: More Than Just Bling
The Crown Jewels are among the most valuable and famous treasures in the world. However, they are more than just an exhibition of wealth; for on each piece, there lies a different story and meaning that symbolizes power and continuity concerning the monarchy. During the State Opening of Parliament, for instance, the Imperial State Crown is worn by the monarch, set with 2,868 diamonds, including the famous Cullinan II diamond.
Now, although these are really jewels for ornament, they are also significant in ceremonies going as far back as the coronation rituals and state banquets. The Crown Jewels symbolize the permanency of the monarchy and history that each member of royalty carries.
Secrets of the Royal Family: Charitable Work
While the public truly does focus a great deal on their public appearances, the ceremonies, this family is deeply committed to charitable causes. Each member supports a different set of causes, from issues relating to mental health to those of conservation. Prince William and Prince Harry, for instance, have voiced their support for mental health awareness through their initiative named Heads Together.
Apart from her patronage, during her reign, Queen Elizabeth II was a patron to more than 600 charities. For them, charity is not a duty but a strength and influence wherein the members of the monarchy work their forces for the betterment of society.
The Royal Residences: A Peek Behind the Curtains
From Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle, the residences of the royal family are some of the most iconic buildings anywhere in the world. But what’s life really like inside those grand palaces? These homes may often feel like symbols of power and wealth, but behind it all, they’re family homes with their peculiarities and routines.
For example, at Sandringham House, they will be spending their Christmas together as a family, away from the onerous pressure of royal duties. It’s said that they keep themselves occupied with their favorite entertainments, such as charades or board games because no one watches them in these pursuits. Then, of course, there are the personal touches: family photographs, and mementos dear to a family member tending to provide these mansions with a warm, lived-in quality, however palatial they might be.
Secrets of the Royal Family: Fashion Choices
Fashion runways from around the globe have followed with great analysis and admiration what this royal family has donned. Besides looking good, a choice of clothes conveys a certain message in people’s minds. The Queen was known for wearing bright-colored outfits, carefully chosen so that she could easily be seen in a crowd. Her clothes were also chosen to match the occasion and often subtly saluted the countries where she visited with local colors or symbols.
Equally, Kate Middleton’s fashion has often moved products off the shelves within hours of her wearing them. Her style is seen as modern yet traditional and representative of the monarchy’s evolution in the 21st century.
The Mystery of the Royal Births
Royal births are always occasions of jubilation; they are, however, respectively draped in a lot of tradition and secrets. For many years, it had been customary for the Home Secretary to be present at royal births to ensure no baby was smuggled in as a replacement. This ended with the birth of Prince Charles in 1948.
Today, births are tightly controlled with the announcements rolling out in an order and according to protocol. It is usually followed by the traditional notice displayed on an easel outside Buckingham Palace, a practice dating back to the 19th century.
Secrets of the Royal Family: Offbeat Hobbies
One of the interesting secrets of the Royal family is that the family certainly is used to attending high-profile events, they do not go without some very individual types of hobbies. For instance, the Prince of Wales is a great lover of gardening and has spent years developing his Highgrove House estate into a model farm in sustainability and organic farming.
He was a landscape painter and had a great interest in painting. Queen’s favorite hobby was playing jolly jigsaw puzzles. Each of these hobbies of this noble family gave an insight into their off-screen pleasures.
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From the Queen’s most strict protocols to the royal family’s idiosyncrasies, the secrets of the Royal family make them so popular. Yes, they live in a world of tradition and duty, but they are a family with their tales, passions, and connections. It is these secrets that remind us behind the pomp and circumstance, the royal family is made up of the same beings, with the same joys and challenges as all of us. Their ability to balance tradition with modernity and maintain some sense of mystery makes them fascinating and beloved by people from all over the world. For more such interesting stories follow our culture page.