History of the Royal Family

History of the Royal Family

The British Royal Family, also known as the House of Windsor, is one of the most famous and longest-running monarchies in the world. Here's a comprehensive look at everything you need to know about the English Royal Family.

1. History of the Royal Family

Origins and evolution

• House of Windsor : The current House of Windsor was created in 1917 by King George V when he changed the family name from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to Windsor during the First World War.
• Previous dynasties : Before Windsor, there were the houses of Hanover, Stuart and Tudor.
• Constitutional monarchy : Since the 17th century, the British monarchy has been constitutional, meaning that the powers of the monarch are limited by a constitution or parliamentary laws.

Important monarchs

• Elizabeth II : Queen from 1952 to 2022, she became the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
• Charles III : Ascended to the throne in 2022 after the death of Elizabeth II.
• Henry VIII : Known for his six marriages and the separation of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church.
• Elizabeth I : Queen during the Elizabethan era (1558-1603), a period marked by prosperity and Shakespearean theatre.

2. Current structure of the royal family

Main members

• King Charles III : The current king, born November 14, 1948, eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II.
• Queen Camilla : wife of King Charles III.
• Prince William : Heir to the throne, eldest son of Charles III, born June 21, 1982.
• Princess Catherine : wife of Prince William.
• Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis : Children of William and Catherine.

Other important members

• Prince Harry : Second son of Charles III, married to Meghan Markle.
• The Duchess of Sussex : Meghan Markle, wife of Prince Harry.
• Prince Andrew : Son of Queen Elizabeth II, Duke of York.
• Princess Anne : Only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, known for her charitable commitment.

3. Roles and functions

Official functions

• Representation : The monarch represents the British state at official, ceremonial, diplomatic and recreational events.
• Public engagements : Members of the Royal Family take part in hundreds of public engagements each year in support of social, cultural and charitable causes.

Charity and philanthropy

• Royal Foundations : The Royal Family supports and manages several charities, including the Royal Foundation of Prince William and Catherine.
• Patronage : Members of the royal family are patrons of various organizations, providing them with visibility and financial support.

4. Residences and properties

Palaces and main residences

• Buckingham Palace : Official London residence and administrative centre of the monarchy.
• Windsor Castle : One of the principal residences and the largest dwelling still used by a monarch.
• Palace of Holyroodhouse : Official residence of the monarch in Scotland.
• Sandringham House : Private residence of the royal family located in Norfolk.
• Balmoral Castle : A private residence in Scotland, known as a vacation spot for the royal family.

Other properties

• Clarence House : Residence of Charles III and Camilla in London.
• Kensington Palace : Residence of Prince William and his family.

5. Traditions and ceremonies

Important ceremonies

• Trooping the Colours : Annual ceremony to celebrate the monarch's official birthday.
• State Opening of Parliament : The King or Queen officially opens each new session of the British Parliament with a speech.
• Garden Parties : held each summer at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse to recognise the contributions of various individuals to society.

Family traditions

• Royal Weddings : Known for their splendor and popularity, royal weddings are major events watched by millions of people.
• Royal christenings : A traditional ceremony for new members of the family, usually held at the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace.

6. Modern role and influence

Cultural influence

• Symbolism : The royal family symbolizes the unity and continuity of the nation.
• Fashion and Culture : Family members, especially Princess Catherine and Meghan Markle, influence fashion and cultural trends.

Media and advertising

• Media Coverage : Royal events, weddings and public engagements are widely covered by the media.
• Documentaries and series : The Netflix series “The Crown” has popularized certain aspects of royal life to a wide global audience.

7. Controversies and challenges

Scandals and crises

• The Abdication Crisis of 1936 : King Edward VIII abdicates to marry Wallis Simpson.
• Charles and Diana's divorce : The tumultuous marriage and divorce in 1996 rocked the monarchy.
• Prince Andrew : Embroiled in scandals and accusations of inappropriate conduct.
• Prince Harry and Meghan's departure : In 2020, Harry and Meghan announced their intention to step back from royal duties, leading to public tensions.

Reforms and modernization

• Adaptation : The royal family had to modernize its image and practices to remain relevant in a changing society.
• Transparency : Efforts to be more open and transparent, particularly in matters of finances and public commitments.

8. Inheritance system

Inheritance law

• Primogeniture : Since the Crown Succession Act 2013, the order of succession no longer favours men before women.
• Current order : The line of succession includes Prince William, then his children, followed by Prince Harry and his descendants.

Regency Law

Regency : In the event of the monarch's inability to reign, a regent is appointed.