Ruthie Henshall is a decorated West End star and choosing a career on the stage over a future with her former boyfriend, Prince Edward, is something she explores in her new memoir. The Olivier Award-winning actor dated King Charles's youngest brother from 1988 to 1993, and she was invited to join the royals on holiday at Balmoral Castle.

Now immortalised thanks to fictionalised accounts in the likes of The Crown, Ruthie has even shared her own account of the infamous, unofficial "Balmoral Test". Whilst some people's accounts of the supposed "test" aren't that flattering, Ruthie fondly remembers her time in Scotland.

Speaking on HELLO’s A Right Royal Podcast, she claimed, "I didn’t know what to expect. I certainly didn’t expect my own maid. I didn’t expect somebody to come and tell me that they were going to draw the bath. I didn’t expect my suitcase to be unpacked."

"I didn’t know what the weekend was going to bring. I didn’t know I was going to dinner with them all on the Friday," she continued. Thankfully for Ruthie, Prince Edward gave her the heads up once they’d made it to the famous Scottish residence.

"We were going for a cookout with the royals with no protection officers, no nothing, just driving up there," Ruthie added. "They were doing the cooking and the cleaning, that was surreal."

She recalls how surreal it was to watch the Royal Family "wash up and dry up" and to be there with them. That wasn't the only unusual aspect of staying at Balmoral, according to Ruthie, as ghost stories and pranks were seemingly very popular.

People were "jumping out at [her] when [she] went to the loo" and one of the royals who would partake in such hijinks was allegedly King Charles.

From relaxed cooking to pranks together, Ruthie described it as "a family just having a good time", adding that - when he wasn’t enjoying ghost stories - King Charles would also man the bar, with his speciality being rather potent martinis.

Ruthie also recalls how accommodating the royal residences were to her. They even allowed her to bring her pet cats as she’d watch them "run around Windsor and Buckingham Palace".

As for meeting Edward’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Ruthie said the first meeting took her by surprise. Revealing she didn’t know she was going to meet the late monarch, she compares it to the "Mad Hatter’s tea party… it was as exactly as you’d think tea at Windsor would be".

What Ruthie’s first-hand experiences capture so well is how Balmoral truly is a place where the royals can relax. In the past, Princess Eugenie revealed in ITV's Our Queen at Ninety documentary, that the late monarch was "happiest" in the highlands.

King Charles has also paid tribute to the importance of Balmoral to his mother. In the foreword to a new guidebook released earlier this year, the King shared, "Balmoral has been the cherished Scottish home of my family since the estate was purchased by Prince Albert, my great-great-great-grandfather, in 1852."

'Since my earliest childhood, it has held, and continues to hold, a uniquely special place in the hearts of my family and myself, and my late mother particularly treasured her time at Balmoral," he added. "It was here, in these most beloved of surroundings, that she chose to spend her final days."

Today, thousands lined the streets around Whitehall to celebrate King Charles’s official birthday with the annual Trooping the Colour parade.

Joining His Majesty for his official birthday were family members including his sister, Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince William and his family, Catherine, Princess of Wales and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

And while royal fans have got used to the Waleses youngest son, Prince Louis, stealing the show with his high-energy hijinks and funny expressions, it was actually Prince George who was caught sharing a laugh with his mum on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after a stray sneeze caught him by surprise.

George joined his siblings, Charlotte and Louis, in the Ascot Landau carriage, riding with their mother, and happily waving away at the well-wishers lined up and down The Mall.

But after reaching the palace and appearing on the balcony for the RAF flypast, George was caught trying to suppress a sneeze, leading to some very amusing - and relatable - facial expressions. When it got the better of him, he looked to his mother with a grin as the pair chuckled away.

Princess Catherine and her three children all matched for the big occasion, with shades of baby blue represented in each of their outfits. As Colonel of the Irish Guards, the Princess of Wales paired a baby blue outfit by Catherine Walker with a hat by Philip Treacy and the Irish Guards brooch.

George and Louis’s ties perfectly matched their mum’s stunning coat - itself evocative of an outfit the late Princess Diana wore back in 1987 - and Princess Charlotte’s beautiful white gown - reportedly designed by Alessandra Rich - had subtle pops of powder blue embroidery.

Charlotte also matched her mum with both of them wearing a three-strand pearl bracelet. Pearls were, of course, also a favourite accessory of Charlotte’s late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The Princess of Wales was also caught sneezing during the ceremony, which might be a result of her reported allergy to horses.

Back in 2011, Clarisa Ru, wife of Santa Barbara Polo Club president Wesley Ru, told People (per HELLO) "[Kate] said she’s been riding horses for a while and she hopes to play polo one day. She said, 'I'm actually allergic to them, but the more time one spends with them the less allergic you become.'"

Along with the Wales family, Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward were there to celebrate the annual parade, joining Prince Richard and Birgitte, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent, the first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth and the current oldest living member of the Royal Family.

Celebrating the monarch’s official birthday in June has been a tradition since 1748, and it became an annual tradition after 1760, during the reign of George III. King Charles’s actual birthday is actually November 14.

Mike Tindall let loose with some candid comments about Prince Harry and the former Prince Andrew during his appearance at the Hay Festival.

A literature and arts festival that takes place each year in Wales, Mike was there for a special talk alongside his The Good, The Bad and the Rugby podcast co-hosts, James Haskell and Alex Payne.

With the trio joking about guests embarrassing themselves at Mike’s wedding to Zara Tindall, Mike quipped, "A lot of other people managed that way better than you – [like] Harry, when he was fun".

The off-the-cuff comments could suggest that Zara - Harry’s cousin - and Mike remain distant from the Duke of Sussex after he left life as a working royal and moved to Montecito, California with Meghan Markle and their children.

Harry, Zara and Mike were thought to be close at one point, with Harry made the godfather to the couple’s second child, Lena.

While they’ve never commented on Harry’s comments since leaving the royals, the Tindalls are known to be close to Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. As well as the children being close in age and often being seen together at events like the Christmas walkabout, Mike has shared insight into his dynamic with the Prince of Wales.

During a previous podcast appearance, he even revealed his hilarious nickname for the future king, dubbing him "One Pint Willy, because he is not the best of drinkers".

Back at the Hay Festival, Mike wasn’t holding back when it came to other members of the family - making a crack about the former Prince Andrew that he knew might have got him in trouble.

When his co-host joked about Mike’s royal connections, saying “he’s got his own bedroom at Buckingham Palace”, Mike replied, "Opposite end to Andrew, though."

He followed that up by admitting, "Backstage, they were like, 'It’s being recorded, maybe stay away from [the subject of] Andrew tonight?'"

There were plenty more jokes about Mike’s royal connections. On his corrective rhinoplasty for his broken nose in 2018, his co-host said, "Taxpayers’ money fixed it. It’s got the royal warrant if you look inside it."

Fortunately, Mike is known to share a great relationship with his wife’s family, including his mother-in-law, Princess Anne.

The former rugby champ revealed how he got to jokingly gloat after England’s 2011 victory over Scotland in the Six Nations tournament. Mike, who played for the England team for 11 years, helped claim victory over Scotland, the team Princess Anne has acted as patron of since 1986.

Mike might be hoping to call in some royal favours in the future. As well as cracking some risque jokes, the trio revealed plans for a new TV show.

Hoping to recreate the success of Ryan Reynolds’s Welcome to Wrexham, Mike, James and Alex have filmed a pilot about trying to run a local London club.

And the big plans for this project? Getting Mike’s relatives involved. Alex said, "We could have Catherine meeting the team, the Princess of Wales. These are all massive pipe dreams".

Can you even remember the man formerly known as Prince Andrew being arrested? What about those reports of the end of the monarchy, calls for King Charles to stand aside for Prince William, questions in Parliament, demands for the monarch to make a TV address?

It was just a month ago, but already it feels like an awfully long time in royal reporting. Since then, the modus operandi of the Royal Family has been ‘Keep Calm and Carry On' (possibly even ‘KEEP CALM & CARRY ON' through gritted teeth).

Has it worked? Well… that depends on who you speak to, but I'd say a quiet (though qualified) yes.

Last week's images of all the senior royals (except Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie) at Westminster Abbey for Commonwealth Day inevitably raised the 'first appearance by the Royal Family since Andrew's arrest' headlines.

But their show of strength, the glamour of the Princess of Wales and the 'duty-first' attitude of the King all reminded the watching world what the royals would rather be known for.

Queen Camilla marked International Women's Day with a Women of the World celebration at St James's Palace, William and Kate braved the rain in Powys, Wales to shake as many hands and hug as many kids as possible for St David's Day, and the Duchess of Edinburgh visited Somalia, Kenya and Northern Ireland.

Just ahead of the strikes on Iran, the King visited the Royal Artillery Gunners in West Sussex, then made a trip to London's Northwood HQ, the UK's top military nerve centre, to thank troops - a timely reminder, if any were needed, that the monarch is the head of the UK's armed forces.

Prince William visited Cornwall (he's the Duke of the county) and took orders for pasties, Kate celebrated Holi and danced at a Hindu temple in Leicester, Princess Anne conducted about a million investitures (and delighted fans with a hilarious moment at the rugby), and Camilla met Paddington Bear.

Of course these were all pre-arranged engagements, but they had the desired effect - that, and the reports that those royals above would not be attending events or be pictured alongside Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

That marks a change from briefings only three months ago that the two women remained part of the family (and invited to Christmas gatherings), just as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson were cut adrift.

Remaining calm under stress is a much-prized temperament, both for the royals and for their courtiers.

As I wrote last week, I'm sure more will come out on the Andrew/ Epstein story. And now he's out of sight at Sandringham, I'm sure the Palace will hope he's out of mind. Unlikely.

In other news from the Palace...

The Princess of Wales is a pro. There's no other word for it. Back on form, after taking her time to return to work following her 2024 cancer treatment, she delighted Leicester locals as she visited family businesses, a Hindu temple and a dance centre for those who have been treated for cancer.

Adorned with garlands of roses and pearls, anointed with a bindi and wowed by some pro Bollywood dancing, when she was invited to dance at the temple, she agreed with gusto.

Catherine really is the best thing to have happened to the Royal Family.

This feature first appeared in Woman magazine. Subscribe now and get your first 6 issues for £1.

Panic at the Palace! King Charles should resign! Off with his head!

Not to mention some of those memes doing the rounds on social media of the now-infamous car shot of a red-eyed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor being driven out of a Norfolk police station on his 66th birthday.

From pizzas and 'Worst birthday ever' to a copy of the picture even being hung in the Louvre with a card reading, 'He's Sweating Now 2026' (pranksters appeared to have placed it in the museum). It's all pretty grim.

I confess, perhaps with some naivety, that I was shocked by Andrew's arrest. Covering the royals for the last 15 years or so, perhaps I've become so used to their entitlement that subconsciously I even thought that, much as it should, the law didn't apply to them.

Well, it most clearly and thankfully does. Of course, Andrew denies any wrongdoing so maybe it's too soon to have a clear view on what all of this means for the monarchy.

For some, it's business as usual and nothing will change as this is all down to one man's alleged outrageous behaviour, not the Crown. The King has put as much distance as he can between the institution (him) and his brother (Andrew) with a carefully-worded statement to the effect that the law has to run its course.

For others, nothing will ever be the same and it could be (and should be) the end of hereditary monarchy - in which our head of state is determined by birthright.

Some also feel there are questions to be answered by everyone – from senior courtiers, police officers and even the late Queen - about who knew what and when, and how all of this was allowed to play out.

Where you stand on the issue probably depends on your feelings for the Royal Family generally. For me, I think it's somewhere in the middle.

Something has shifted. Politicians have stood up in the House of Commons and denounced a royal (‘a man on a constant self-aggrandising and self-enriching hustle') and police have conducted an intensive search of a royal residence (Royal Lodge). There has been less deference, heckling on charity visits, more questions, more demands for transparency over royal finances.

And, perhaps most damaging of all, mockery - mockery of an institution that should be the symbol of everything that is good and valued about the UK.

Our crown jewels, our history, our palaces, freshly mown grass, afternoon tea with cucumber sandwiches and scones with jam and cream.

And ultimately, that's pretty grim for all of us.

In other royal news...

I have to salute the Queen's PR team. Amid a deluge of bad news, they managed to knock Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor out of the headlines with the most winsome of pictures: Queen Camilla and Paddington Bear.

Of course, the late Queen Elizabeth II famously starred with Paddington in a top-secret comedy sketch for her Platinum Jubilee - so it was only fitting that an actor from Paddington The Musical should be invited to perform at Windsor Castle for the final of the BBC's 500 Words children's writing competition.

Camilla has long championed literature and reading - and hinted that she is also partial to a marmalade sandwich!

This feature first appeared in Woman magazine. Subscribe now and get your first 6 issues for £1.

When it comes to the festive season, people like to stick to certain traditions - and the Royal Family are no different.

From surprisingly simple Boxing Day treats to the one Christmas food tradition they avoid, a royal Christmas often followed similar routines and habits - and that extended into the New Year, including the same New Year’s Eve party thrown at Sandringham Estate by the late Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II’s former private secretary, Sir William Heseltine, when interviewed for the book, The Royals in Australia, revealed everyone, including family, staff and even the Queen herself, would have to follow the same rule that meant everyone had to stay up until midnight.

In the book, when describing how Her Majesty was known to be something of a night owl, Sir William explained that “nobody felt it right to go to bed before the Queen did.”

While staying awake until midnight was likely no bother on New Year's Eve, Sir William did also reveal in the book that one particular royal had an issue keeping up with the Queen's night owl habits.

Princess Diana, he is quoted as saying per Business Insider, would find the late evenings 'agony'.

'There'd be an hour or so in the sitting room of everyone sitting around making conversation and Diana was driven to such extremes that she'd excuse herself and go to bed, which was thought to be rather bad form, going to bed before the Queen.'

After staying awake to count in the new year, New Year’s Day typically followed a similar routine each year for the royals.

They would usually go to church at St Mary Magdalene Church, and spend the rest of the day enjoying some quintessential countryside activities, like horseback riding or shooting.

After New Year’s Day, it was very likely many members of the family set off back to their own homes, but the late Queen would stay put at Sandringham.

It’s understood that the late Queen would stay at Sandringham Estate following Christmas well into the New Year. In fact, she’d reportedly stay and keep the decorations up until February 6, the anniversary of the passing of her father, King George VI.

While the NYE party sounds like fun for the royals and their staff to celebrate together, it was likely rather small in comparison to their most popular soiree - the Ghillies Ball.

Thought to have been a favourite tradition of the late Queen, and a custom that dated back to when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert would throw a summer party for their staff, the Ghillies Ball would take place in the summer during their long stay at Balmoral.

Designed as an event when staff could let loose with the Royal Family, the annual dance featured in an episode of Netflix's The Crown.

As the youngest sibling - and the last to become a parent - James Middleton recently shared how he’s always happy to go to his big sisters - including the Princess of Wales - for parenting advice. But he repays them when it comes to his area of expertise - dogs.

A lover of dogs and an ambassador for the Dogs Trust, James recently shared his thoughts on why he thinks the Royal Family have famously been such dog lovers over the years - and his theory is both sweet and totally understandable.

After living such an irregular life, James thinks the fact that an animal won’t care about status is perhaps a grounding and welcome change for them.

As he said, "Dogs don’t care who you are. A dog looks at the King or Queen the same way that my dogs look at me."

During his interview with HELLO!, he added, "I think, in everyone’s life, they are the best secret-keepers. I don’t think dogs can tell a lie, because I always know which dog it is that’s maybe raided the bin, but they can’t tell your secrets."

In that context, it’s easy to picture the likes of the late Queen Elizabeth loving the bond with her numerous dogs over the years - she famously had at least 30 Corgis throughout her life, as well as other breeds.

After all, some of her earlier dogs knew her before she unexpectedly became queen at the tender age of 25 years old. To them, she was still the same person - despite how much her life had changed.

As well as the late Queen Elizabeth’s love for her dogs (and horses, amongst other animals), King Charles and Queen Camilla have shared their love for their four-legged companions.

Queen Camilla adopted two dogs, Beth and Bluebell, from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. The Jack Russell terriers were so beloved to Queen Camilla that she immortalised them in what was one of the biggest moments of her life - the Coronation.

Two golden dogs were embroidered on either side of the bottom of her Bruce Oldfield dress, with the motifs believed to be a sweet nod to her pups. Beth sadly died in 2024, one year after the Coronation.

Likewise, Prince William and Princess Catherine’s love of dogs is well-known, with their controversial sleeping habit of allowing the dogs in bed with them previously revealed.

The Wales’s dogs have included Lupo and Orla - both cocker spaniels who were bred from James Middleton’s dog, Ella.

In his book, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, James wrote how he asked William and Catherine if they would like one of Ella’s puppies "as a belated wedding present."

"All you have to do is choose your favourite," he recalled saying to the couple in the book. "There in the box nestled the glossy black pups. Catherine and William bent down to stroke their tiny muzzles".

When Lupo passed away in 2020, William and Catherine called him "the heart" of their house, posting a tribute which read, "Very sadly last weekend our dear dog, Lupo, passed away. He has been at the heart of our family for the past nine years and we will miss him so much. - W & C."

Sure, they're famous for their pomp and ceremony, but the royals can crack up with the best of them.

From their royal tours to hilarious moments where the younger kids steal the show, the Royal Family's appearances can come with a surprising amount of laughs.

Let's look back at some of the funniest double-act moments where the royals cajole and tease one another and prove that the British stiff upper lip isn't so rigid.

The best and cheekiest royal double act moments

Prince William and Kate Middleton joked around from the start

Kate Middleton stole hearts right from the start of her time as a bona fide royal, effortlessly ribbing Prince William during their 2010 engagement press interview.

Proving how they keep one another grounded, the couple joked around with one another, with William even teasing Kate, implying she had a teenage crush on him. Kate quipped back, "He wishes."

Prince George and Louis bicker and banter

As his youngest sibling has started to join the family for more events, Prince George has started to show signs of being the classic frustrated older brother - and royal fans love it.

Joking around with one another, George has had to step in to try and calm his excitable brother. And, hilariously, during the VE Day 2025 celebrations, Louis was caught mimicking his older brother's act of fixing his hair, earning a funny glare in return.

King Charles and Queen Camilla - always laughing

The British might be known for their stiff upper lips - and none more reserved than the Royal Family - but King Charles and Queen Camilla have often showcased how perfect they are for each other, both happy to crack up and let their guards down.

Some funny highlights over the years have included the pair unable to calm their giggles during the Mey Games in Scotland and cracking each other up during a game of table tennis with the French President and the First Lady.

Princess Charlotte is the best big sister at the Coronation

Perhaps because of Prince Louis' history of stealing the show with his antics, he was kept calmer thanks to having Princess Charlotte by his side during the historic Coronation of King Charles III.

Proving she's a sensible big sister, Charlotte often steps in when it comes to Louis, with the young Princess also expertly dealing with Louis trying to blow out her candle at their mom's Together at Christmas carol concert in 2024.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip - 70 years of laughter

Together for just shy of 74 years before Prince Philip's death in 2021, Queen Elizabeth II and Philip had a marriage that was known for their steadfastness as well as their private sillier moments.

Perhaps no one could joke around with Her Majesty quite like the man who knew her best, and they often were caught giggling away together, allowing a playful side of one of the most famous women in history to shine through.

Prince William and Harry get competitive

When Prince William and Prince Harry joined forces in 2017 for their mental health initiative, Heads Together (along with Kate Middleton), the royals took part in a charity 100-meter sprint.

Not taking things too seriously, Harry showcased how he and William could tease one another, not missing a chance to get competitive.

Queen Elizabeth II and Kate

Over the years, royal fans watched as Queen Elizabeth II and Kate Middleton's relationship flourished.

It was rumored that, once the now Princess of Wales was fully in the fold, she and the late Queen enjoyed a solid bond, which even included William and Kate moving to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor in 2022, in part to be closer to the monarch, who had moved to Windsor Castle.

King Charles and Princess Anne

King Charles and his only sister, Princess Anne, are thought to share a close bond, and since he has become King, His Majesty has leaned on his reliable sister even more.

But that's not to say they can't share light-hearted moments together.

Per the Mirror, former royal press secretary Dickie Arbiter explained their dynamic by using a Christmas gift as an example.

One year, the Princess Royal gave her brother a leather toilet seat. He explained, "What is it we used to call the loo? We would call it the throne. You go and sit on the throne.

"So buying a leather-bound loo seat was really Princess Anne's way of saying, 'Here you are, you've got your own personal throne!'"

Kate Middleton and Prince Louis

As the youngest child, Prince Louis might try and push his luck when he's by his mom's side.

We've seen the excitable young royal full of energy at events like the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, with the cheeky royal playing around with Kate.

Of his rambunctious nature, Kate has actually been praised for letting Louis be funny and silly in public, despite being under such a spotlight.

"The Princess of Wales shows us how important it is to nurture a child’s playful side, even in formal settings," early years expert and author Sophie David, has previously shared with Hello!

Prince William and Kate's funny, competitive moments

Both the Prince and Princess of Wales are athletic people - and they're both competitive. Which, for royal fans, has meant a few hilarious moments over the years.

From racing one another at a spin class to trying to one-up each other at local sports and customs during royal tours, the two love to go head-to-head.

During a special episode of Mike Tindall's podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, the Prince and Princess of Wales acknowledged their competitive streak, with Kate admitting that she didn’t think she and Prince William had been able to finish a tennis match against each other, as it becomes a "mental challenge" between them.

Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson were royal troublemakers

As two women who married into one of the most famous families in the world, Sarah Ferguson and Princess Diana had a lot to bond over - and bond they did.

Per the Independent, Fergie has shared just how far the two could take things.

"On my hen night, we did dress up as policewomen and we were arrested by Parks Police," she revealed. "We were put in the back of a Parks Police van, and Diana then leaned and ate his smoky bacon crisps."

How was this most unroyal behavior received? Well, of course, Her Majesty the Queen found it funny!

She reportedly shared, "We got off eventually, but I was hauled in front of the boss [the Queen] the next day with her. But luckily HM [her Majesty] did laugh."

William and Kate like to boogie

They might be the future King and Queen, but what makes Prince William and Kate Middleton so perfect for one another is how they bring out each other's fun and silly sides.

While they could take things super seriously, the couple love to inject some humor in their royal tours and engagements.

During the Diamond Jubilee tour of Tuvalu in 2012, they got into the swing of things by donning grass skirts and dancing away with the locals.

Prince William's banter with Mike Tindall

In 2023, Mike Tindall appeared on The Total Sport Podcast, Seven: Rob Burrow with... where he let slip a rather unregal nickname he has for Prince William.

Proving the two have a great relationship and can joke around, Mike revealed his nickname for his wife's cousin.

"For the Prince of Wales, he is known as One Pint Willy. He is known to me as One Pint Willy because he is not the best of drinkers, coming from a sport where it is built on the social aspect and a couple of beers being sunk quite often."

He then joked, "Sorry, Sir!"

Savannah Phillips and Prince George

It's not just the grown-ups who get in on the fun together - at Trooping the Color in 2018, the younger generation started to show off their hilarious dynamics.

Savannah Phillips, the oldest child of Peter Phillips, cracked people up by shushing Prince George on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Prince Louis's sweet Christmas antics with Charlotte

Prince Louis stole the show once again in 2022, this time by showing how close he is to his sister, Princess Charlotte.

During the traditional Christmas Day walkabout at Sandringham in 2022, Louis delighted fans as he excitedly ran around, receiving flowers and toys from well-wishers.

He was even seen chasing after his sister when he realized he had fallen behind, and then he adorably handed her a bouquet of flowers given to them by the public.

Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth II

Prince Harry always praised the sense of humor of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and he was proud that the two could joke together.

In a 2022 interview at the Invictus Games, he revealed he had seen his grandmother, stating, "Being with her. She's in great form, she's always got a great sense of humor with me."

He added, "We have a really special relationship. We talk about things that she can't talk about with anybody else."

One of their funniest moments together came in 2016, when Harry had his grandmother join him for a video promoting the Invictus Games. Replying to a light-hearted challenge from the Obamas, the Queen jokingly dismisses them, to which Harry looks to the camera and goes "Boom", imitating a mic drop.

Princess Anne and Mike Tindall

For many, having Princess Anne as a mother-in-law might seem daunting. Luckily, for Mike Tindall, he has revealed he and the Princess Royal share a great relationship filled with laughter.

While appearing on the UK TV show, I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, he shared her hilarious reaction to an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.

He shared, "I had flares on... but it was quite tight, nothing ever fits - rugby player’s bum and legs! - so I was dancing with my mother-in-law and I did a 'slut drop."

Then, it happened. "Ripped my trousers, straight in front of her," he said, "It happened to be that my boxers that I had on at that time said 'nibble my nuts'."

"As I’ve turned round, she’s gone, 'I’d rather not.'"

Duchess Sophie and Princess Charlotte

Duchess Sophie and Princess Charlotte have reportedly become a close double act, with the young Princess turning to her great-aunt at events like VE Day 2025 to gossip away and share a laugh.

It has been suggested that Duchess Sophie has formed a strong, tight-knit bond with Kate Middleton and her children following the turbulent years they’ve faced, with Kate's cancer diagnosis.

Prince Philip and Princess Anne

Prince Philip and his only daughter, Princess Anne, were thought to be incredibly close, and it might have been thanks to their shared dry humor and no-nonsense attitudes.

For example, while most parents might have freaked out over an attempted kidnapping - which happened to Princess Anne in 1974 - it was widely reported Philip kept things calm and drily quipped, "If the man had succeeded in abducting Anne, she would have given him a hell of a time while in captivity."

King Charles and Queen Elizabeth II

As many of her famous one-liners proved, despite shouldering the pressure of being monarch for 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II was more than capable of enjoying a laugh.

It was always heart-warming to see her and King Charles let down their guards and crack up as mother and son, not as Queen and heir.

Kate and Pippa Middleton

The world has always known her as a future queen, but for Pippa Middleton, Kate is just her big sister.

Over the years, fans have seen Pippa and Kate gossip and laugh away at Wimbledon, and in the early years, the stylish sisters would take on Sloane Square and other London hotspots.

Of their relationship, Pippa has previously told NBC, "I mean, obviously, she has pressures she's taken on and things. But we spend a lot of time together. We still do a lot together as a family. We have a very normal, sisterly relationship. We're very close. And, you know, we support each other and get each other's opinions and things."

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie

From their dynamic fashion at the likes of Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding to the two always supporting one another's ventures, royal fans love when the York sisters step out together.

While speaking on Kate Thornton's podcast, Floodlight, in 2023, Eugenie said of her sister, "She's annoying when she wants to be and I'm really annoying to her back, but we love each other, best of friends."

"She's a great mum. I always ring her for nearly everything: 'What do I do about this? What do I do about that?'"

Prince Harry and Kate Middleton

Way before the relationship between Prince Harry and some of his royal family members soured, he and Kate Middleton were often something of a double act.

Harry and Kate seemed like great pals, and Harry would make his sister-in-law laugh, either poking fun at William or acting up, as he did at the 2014 Trooping the Color, making Kate burst out laughing.

Of his sister-in-law, in his memoir, Spare, Harry wrote, "I loved my new sister-in-law, I felt she was more sister than in-law, the sister I'd never had and always wanted, and I was pleased that she’d forever be standing by Willy’s side. She was a good match for my older brother. They made each other visibly happy, and therefore I was happy too."

Queen Elizabeth II and Meghan Markle

Ah, what might have been. Sadly, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry upped and left life as working royals in 2020, so fans didn't get to see many engagements between the Duchess of Sussex and Queen Elizabeth II, who would pass away in 2022.

But one memorable moment saw the two giggling away, looking thick as thieves during an engagement in 2018.

This wasn't the only time, if rumors are to be believed. Meghan reportedly gifted the Queen with a singing hamster toy, which apparently made the monarch "burst out laughing".

Prince William and Harry joke around

They might be royal princes, but put two brothers together, and they're going to act up. This is what Prince William and Prince Harry proved in 2010, during a visit to Mokolodi Nature Reserve in Botswana.

Presented with an African rock python. Harry jokingly held the snake's head towards William, making his older brother squirm away.

Ah, siblings.

Mike Tindall and Prince Louis

Mike Tindall delighted royal fans with his joke warning to Prince Louis during the 2022 Platinum Jubilee pageant.

Showing how close he is to his cousin-in-laws, Mike stepped in to let Louis know he was watching him, as the young prince struggled to sit still.

Later, on his podcast The Good, The Bad and The Rugby, Mike said, "Louis was just wanting to have fun, and my two are always mischievous, so it was (about) trying to keep a lid on.

"There were a lot of sweets out back there, so they had complete sugar highs. It's tough for them, they're all young sitting there from two to five or whatever, it's a long time, (and) as any parent knows, you just do what needs to be done."

William jokes about Kate's broodiness

In 2022, Prince William and Kate Middleton visited St John’s Primary School in Inverclyde, as part of a two-day tour of Scotland.

During this visit, William made people laugh with his comical fear of Kate's broodiness.

The father of three sensed that Kate might be getting ideas for a fourth as she hugged some children, reportedly joking, "Can you get my wife out of here before she gets broody?"

Brothers will be brothers...

Put brothers of any age in front of a football, and you're likely to see some sibling rivalry rear its head.

This was the case in 2014, when Prince William and Prince Harry visited the Gorbals Leisure Centre as part of their visit to the Commonwealth Games.

Acting rather un-princely, the brothers definitely engaged in some foul play, jokingly pushing and grabbing one another.

The Queen and Princess Anne's first joint video call

In 2020, as part of a UK documentary titled Anne: The Princess Royal At 70, a previously unseen clip revealed the hilarious moment the Princess Royal tried to teach her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, how to take a video call.

Showcasing their shared dry wit, in the clip, Anne is seen asking, "Can you see everybody? You should have six people on your screen."

When the Queen replies, "Yes, well, I can see four anyway,” the princess quips, "Actually, you don't need me. You know what I look like!"

Zara Tindall and Princess Anne

Princess Anne and her children share a great relationship, with the family often supporting one another at horse racing events.

As well as the Princess Royal joking with her son-in-law, for the ITV documentary, Anne: The Princess Royal at 70, Zara revealed her cheeky sense of humor with her mom.

She says on the show that she quite often drops the kids off at her mother's Gatcombe Park estate with a brief but amusing, "We'll pick them up later, bye."

Many parents will relate to this bit of grandparent babysitting.

Princess Anne and Queen Camilla

In a conversation with Tatler, Princess Anne heaped praise on her sister-in-law, Queen Consort Camilla.

The Princess Royal called her "incredibly generous and understanding", and the two have enjoyed a few funny moments over the years.

Most notably was in 2019, when the two appeared dressed in nearly identical outfits for the Sandringham Christmas service.

At the time, it was reported that Anne immediately saw the funny side and the two laughed it off.

Prince William and Camilla laugh so hard they cry

In 2014, Queen Camilla and Prince William warmed royal fans' hearts as they shared a hearty laugh in a sweet moment at the Invictus Games.

For many, it might have seemed a turning point. The pair's relationship, per several sources over the years, might have taken a while to warm up, but this moment proved the two could really enjoy one another's company.

In June 2024, an unnamed source told USWeekly: "It was Kate who warmed William to Camilla. She’s never been dismissive of Camilla and always treated her with kindness."

In August of the same year, per Tatler, an insider reportedly said, "William has warmed up to Camilla over time" and they have "a familial relationship these days."

It seems that there's never really a quiet chapter in the history of the Royal Family, but even by their standards, some years are more momentous than others.

After the heartbreaks and turmoil from the memorable moments of the 90s, the 2010s saw plenty of change for the royals.

From royal weddings to new babies, the decade was the first step towards the next chapter of the monarchy.

The defining royal moments of the 2010s

William and Kate's royal wedding

Arguably the ultimate defining royal moment of the decade, and one of the biggest royal moments in modern history, the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton had the world transfixed on April 29, 2011.

A future king married his future queen in front of 2000 guests at Westminster Abbey.

There are plenty of fascinating facts about the royal wedding, from the estimated global audience of two billion people to all the hidden details in the Princess of Wales's dress and accessories.

It was an unforgettable moment in history that cemented the future of the monarchy.

Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee

2012 was a big year for the Brits for many reasons, but one of the year's biggest celebrations involved Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.

This milestone marked the 60th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on February 6, 1952. The only other monarch to have celebrated a diamond jubilee before was Queen Victoria in 1897.

Every royal took part in the summertime celebrations, which included a pageant of 670 boats on the River Thames, making it the largest of its kind on the Thames in over 300 years, as well as a major concert held outside Buckingham Palace with performances by Stevie Wonder, Kylie Minogue, Ed Sheeran, and Elton John.

The arrival of Prince George, a future king

The arrival of the first child of the now Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George, heralded the future of the monarchy, secured with a new generation of Mountbatten-Windsor (although, technically, they don't really use that surname).

It was momentous when he arrived in the world at 4.24pm on July 22, 2013 at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London.

He was given the name George Alexander Louis.

The royals are front and center for London 2012

2012 saw London host the Olympic Games. Not only was this a big moment for Britain, it became an opportunity for the Royal Family to really get out and celebrate with the nation.

The royals were front and center for many of the major milestones, and fans even got to see some moments of unguarded PDA as a swept-up William and Kate hugged and embraced, cheering on Team GB.

Zara Tindall makes history

Decades after Princess Anne became the first royal to compete in the Olympics—riding Queen Elizabeth II's horse, Goodwill, in the equestrian three-day event at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games—her daughter would take the torch and take it one step further in 2012.

Zara Tindall competed in the three-day equestrian event at the 2012 London Olympics and became the first (and, to date, only) royal to win an Olympic medal.

Princess Anne even had the privilege of presenting her daughter with her Silver Medal, in her capacity as President of the British Olympic Association.

Queen Elizabeth II becomes Britain's longest-reigning monarch

Queen Elizabeth II became Britain’s longest-reigning monarch in history on September 9, 2015, when she surpassed the reign of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria (whose reign lasted a total of 63 years and 7 months).

In keeping with her stoic wit and no-nonsense attitude, Her Majesty was rather subdued about the milestone, stating, "Inevitably, a long life can pass by many milestones. My own is no exception."

She would go on to extend her record-making lead, reigning for another 7 years until her death in 2022.

Harry and Meghan get married

On May 19, 2018, the star-studded wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took place, with A-listers and royals across the globe invited to celebrate their fairytale romance.

Taking place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, many of Meghan's celebrity pals were in attendance, bringing the world of showbiz glamour to traditional royal splendour.

Well-dressed royal wedding guests included George and Amal Clooney, Serena Williams and Oprah Winfrey.

A family milestone for both Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Anne

With the birth of Savannah Phillips on December 29, 2010, many royals experienced personal milestones.

Savannah was not only Peter Phillips' first child, she was Princess Anne's first grandchild. This also meant that Queen Elizabeth II became a great-grandmother.

By the end of her life in 2022, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip would go on to have eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Zara and Mike Tindall get married

Zara and Mike Tindall married on July 30, 2011 - eight years after they first met in 2003 and just a few months after another royal wedding.

Perhaps because of the massive scale of Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding in April of that same year, Princess Anne's only daughter had much more low-key nuptials at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Zara wore a silk ivory gown designed by Stewart Parvin, complemented with her mother's Meander Tiara.

Princess Charlotte arrives

Prince William and Kate Middleton welcomed their second child, and only daughter, on May 2, 2015, with the arrival of Princess Charlotte.

Named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, honoring both her great-grandmother and late grandmother, Princess Diana, Charlotte became the first baby to take the title of princess in 25 years.

Meghan and Harry's love story unfolds (and she was even granted a special privilege)

One of the defining chapters of the late 2010s was the arrival of Meghan Markle to The Firm.

After much speculation about their romance, Prince Harry and the former Suits actress confirmed they'd been dating through a statement released by Kensington Palace in November 2016.

Meghan was even allowed to join the family Christmas service and celebrations held at Sandringham, despite this typically being reserved only for couples after they'd married.

The Obamas pay a visit

For the better part of the 2010s (2009 to 2017) Barack Obama was President of the United States, and he and First Lady Michelle Obama enjoyed a great relationship with the British royals.

The Obamas have spoke highly of their time spent with the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, and in 2016, another memorable encounter saw the President visit Prince William and Kate Middleton at Kensington Palace, where they met Prince George in his bathrobe.

Not everyone can say they met one of the most powerful people in the planet in such leisurely attire, but such is the life of a future king.

The Crown proves that royal interest was at an all-time high

If it was ever in doubt that the rumors and the realities of the royals was losing its hold on the public, Netflix premiering its first season of The Crown dispelled that.

The fictionalized drama of the royals starts with the unexpected ascension of Queen Elizabeth II following the death of her father, and, across its six seasons, covers well-known historic events with a touch of dramatization.

A huge hit, the show would eventually win 24 Primetime Emmy Awards.

Harry, William and Kate join forces

While we know, now, things have soured between the royal brothers, the 2010s was full of great moments between them.

Notably, they joined forces (along with the Princess of Wales) to launch new initiatives that sparked a change in the Royal Family. As the new generation, they weren't afraid to be more open and vulnerable, often coming together to discuss topics like grief and mental health, especially in relation to losing their mom, Princess Diana.

The royal trio launched Heads Together in May 2016, a mental health charity campaign with the ambition to "change the conversation on mental health once and for all."

Queen Elizabeth II becomes a Bond Girl

As part of the epic London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, Her Majesty took part in a secret cameo for a filmed skit involving 007 actor Daniel Craig. In the clip, James Bond visits the Queen at Buckingham Palace before he leads her to a helicopter. An actor pretending to be the Queen then jumped out of a helicopter live at the Opening Ceremony.

Reports at the time suggest that the Queen kept the hilarious cameo secret from her family so they could be in on the surprise.

William and Kate take George on tour

In 2014, when he wasn't even one year old, Prince George experienced his first overseas royal tour, joining mom and dad on a well-received visit to Australia and New Zealand.

The new parents taking their young son with them also had a touching echo of Princess Diana, going against convention at the time to bring a baby Prince William to Australia with her and the then-Prince Charles.

A new engagement saw an old favorite return...

The now Prince and Princess of Wales announced their engagement on November 16, 2010. In an interview following their news, they revealed the proposal took place in October during a private holiday in Kenya.

As well as giving new insight into their relationship, the announcement allowed Kate to showcase her engagement ring, the same one that had previously belonged to Princess Diana.

The iconic jewel features a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, all set in 18-carat white gold.

Princess Eugenie marries Jack Brooksbank

The 2010s were a romantic decade for the royals, with several weddings taking place, including that of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

Eugenie, the youngest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, married Jack on October 12, 2018, at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Princess Eugenie became the first British princess of royal blood to marry in the Church of England since the wedding of Princess Anne and Mark Phillips.

Prince Philip formally retires

In 2017, Britain's longest-serving royal consort, Prince Philip, officially retired from public duties.

Having supported his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, for most of her iconic reign, Philip, five years her senior, decided to retire from life as a working royal when he was 96, having completed 22,219 solo engagements and 5,493 speeches since 1952.

His final individual public engagement was a parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge, on the Buckingham Palace Forecourt.

The royals go online

After first wading into Twitter at the end of 2009, the royals fully extended their reach with each royal household (Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Kensington Palace, and, at the time, the Sussexes) setting up their own Instagram profiles in the early 2010s.

Proving they can modernize with the best of them, today, the likes of the King and Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales use these platforms regularly to share behind-the-scenes insight and more personal moments with millions of fans.

Princess Beatrice's wedding attire nearly steals the show

Perhaps unexpectedly, Princess Beatrice nearly stole the spotlight from Kate Middleton at her 2011 wedding with one of the most iconic royal hats in history.

Beatrice wore a sculptural Philip Treacy creation to the royal wedding, and it ended up spawning hundreds of headlines and online reactions, being compared to everything from a lobster to a toilet seat.

Finding the silver lining, the philanthropic princess would go on to sell her hat at an auction, raising $131,341 for children’s charities.

Prince Louis makes three

The Wales family became a family of five when Prince William and Kate Middleton welcomed baby number three on April 23, 2018.

At 8 pounds, 7 ounces, Louis Arthur Charles was the heaviest newborn heir in over 100 years.

On 9 July that year, Louis was baptised in the historic surroundings of the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace.

Prince William and Harry mark the 20th anniversary of Diana's untimely death

In 2017, on the eve of the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s sad death in August 1997, Prince William and Prince Harry made an emotional visit to the new Kensington Palace memorial garden dedicated to her honor.

The brothers also spoke candidly in a revealing new BBC interview, titled Diana, 7 Days, in which they talked about how King Charles was there for them during their grieving.

King Charles broke a record

In 2013, when he was still the Prince of Wales, Charles set a new record.

He officially became the oldest heir to the throne for almost 300 years, beating the previous record of William IV, who became king in June 1830 at 64 years old.

Charles would go on to extend the lead of this record by some years, not becoming King until 2022, when he was aged 73.

Queen Elizabeth II breaks tradition with a political message

In 2014, Queen Elizabeth II made the somewhat unconventional move of letting some of her own political beliefs be publicly known.

For decades, Her Majesty stuck firm to her rule of keeping quiet on political issues, but as Scotland went to the polls to vote on their independence from the United Kingdom in 2014, the Queen issued an appeal.

Coming four days before the vote, she urged people to "think very carefully" about their decisions. After Scotland voted to stay, Her Majesty released an official statement which read, "Knowing the people of Scotland as I do, I have no doubt that Scots, like others throughout the United Kingdom, are able to express strongly-held opinions before coming together again in a spirit of mutual respect and support, to work constructively for the future of Scotland and indeed all parts of this country.

"My family and I will do all we can to help and support you in this important task."

Prince Archie is born

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle became parents for the first time in 2019, with the arrival of their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor on May 6.

Unlike previous royal births, there was no immediate photocall at the hospital steps, but Harry and Meghan introduced their new son in a photocall at Windsor Castle a couple of days later.

King Charles and Camilla make a historic first

As the decade neared an end, the now King Charles and Queen Camilla still found ways to make historic first steps for the Firm.

The pair made a historic trip to Cuba in 2019, becoming the first royals to visit the Communist state in an official capacity.

As part of their visit, they sampled rum and even drove a vintage car to a classic car rally.

Harry popped the question

In November 2017, it was confirmed that Prince Harry had popped the question to Meghan Markle.

Touching details of their proposal were revealed during their subsequent interview, with the Duke of Sussex popping the question over a humble roast chicken dinner.

Harry proposed to Meghan with a custom ring, made using a diamond he sourced from Botswana and two others that had previously belonged to Princess Diana.

Queen Elizabeth II's historic visit to Ireland

In 2011, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to visit the Republic of Ireland since the independent state had been established.

For the historic moment, Her Majesty wore a dress adorned with shamrocks, the national emblem of Ireland, to a state banquet at Dublin Castle.

At the banquet, she also made a well-received toast, opening up with a Gaeilge phrase, "A Uachtaráin, agus a chairde" (translated to 'president and friends').

Queen Elizabeth’s first speech at the UN in over 50 years

Proving that her authority and power were still as prevalent as ever, 50+ years into her reign, Her Majesty made a much-publicized speech at the UN in 2010.

In her first address to the United Nations in 53 years, Her Majesty spoke out about the rise of global terrorism as well as climate issues, urging countries "to work together as hard as ever."

This was also her first visit back to New York since 1976, and she laid a wreath at the 9/11 memorial.

The Queen marks a stylish first

Her outfits were unmistakeable. From the bold colors to the fabulous hats and more, Queen Elizabeth II knew the power of fashion. Which is why it might be surprising that it took until 2018 for Her Majesty to attend London Fashion Week.

She made her debut sitting front row alongside another type of queen - Vogue legend Anna Wintour.

The kids start stealing the show

One of the touching highlights of the 2010s was seeing the young royals grow up before our eyes.

Royals like Prince William and Zara Tindall who had been teens and youngsters, were now parents themselves, and their children started to grow up and steal the spotlight with adorable antics.

Over the years, fans have loved seeing the likes of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis looking out for one another, and for Trooping the Color in 2018, Savannah Phillips cracked people up by shushing Prince George on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

When it comes to the Royal Family, it's fair to assume that everyone has found their Prince Charming or perfect Queen.

From Prince William and Kate Middleton's swoon-worthy story to Harry and Meghan's love-will-conquer-all adventure, their romances verge on the fairy tale.

But that doesn't mean that there haven't been other crushes along the way. From celebrities letting slip their dreams of marrying a real life prince to rumored royal crushes, this is an insight into romances that might've been...

Celebrities with royal crushes, and who unlikely royal crushes

King Charles and Barbra Streisand

With a world-class voice, a stellar film career and a glamorous image she's cultivated over the years, many people have fallen under the spell of Barbra Streisand - and that includes a king.

King Charles, in his younger years, was reportedly rather smitten with the multi-talented icon. Per The Times, Charles reportedly thought of Barbra, "I have always been a great admirer of the incredibly versatile American actress and singer Barbra Streisand."

After getting to meet her for the first time on the set of Funny Lady, he reportedly added, "I shall never forget her dazzling, effervescent talent and the unique vitality and attraction of her voice and her acting ability."

In her 2023 memoir, My Name is Barbra, she recalled the then-prince as "warm and friendly", before joking, "Who knows? If I had been nicer to him, I could have been the first real Jewish princess!"

Princess Diana's crush on Kevin Costner

In an interview with People, Kevin Costner revealed that Prince William let slip that his mom, Princess Diana, "kind of fancied" the Dances with Wolves actor.

In the interview, he shared, "I happened to be in England, and I got this message that [William] would love to talk, and I said, 'What?'"

"We met in this room, and it was just us. He walked up, and we shook hands. The first line out of his mouth was, 'You know, my mom kind of fancied you.'"

Even more surprisingly, Kevin and Diana were in talks to star together in a sequel to The Bodyguard, the romantic movie in which Kevin originally starred alongside Whitney Houston.

Kate Middleton's teen crush (and no, it wasn't William)

There was something of a long-held rumor that, as a teen, Kate Middleton harbored a crush on her future husband, Prince William.

Well, the Princess of Wales put an end to that during their 2010 interview following their engagement announcement. When probed about this rumor, Kate shared that she actually had a poster of the Levi's Guy on her wall.

When asked if it was William on her wall, Kate told ITV's Tom Bradby, "He wishes. No, I had the Levi’s guy on my wall, not a picture of William, sorry." William joked, "It was me in Levi’s honestly."

It's thought that the poster in question would've been Nick Kamen's iconic Levi's campaign from the late 1980s, which saw the actor stripping off in a laundrette.

Prince Harry could have been Courteney Cox's 'Chandler'

In his memoir, Spare, Prince Harry proved that he was just like the rest of us - and is a massive fan of Friends.

Sharing that he watched every episode (relatable), he also revealed he had stayed at Courteney Cox's house - less relatable.

He also added that he had quite the crush on the actress, writing, "She was Monica. And I was a Chandler. I wondered if I'd ever work up the courage to tell her. Was there enough tequila in California to get me that brave?"

Kate Middleton's Hollywood crush

According to Katie Nicholl's book, The Future Queen, she writes that a young Kate Middleton had quite the crush on Hollywood star Tom Cruise.

The royal author writes that, at one point, Kate's "favorite film" was Cruise's Cocktail, which might have ignited the crush.

Decades later, Tom Cruise would forge a close bond with the Prince and Princess of Wales, appearing together for the London premiere of his film, Top Gun: Maverick.

Of his friendship with the royals, Tom was quoted as saying of William, "We have a lot in common. We both love England, and we're both aviators, we both love flying."

Emma Watson charmed by Prince William

There were no love potions needed for Harry Potter star Emma Watson to swoon over Prince William.

When she appeared on Live with Regis and Kelly in 2001, the actress shared she had a "little bit" of a crush on Prince William.

After Regis referred to William as a "dude", Emma replied, "He's not really a dude. Brad Pitt's a dude, but William is pretty."

Kate's first childhood crush became famous

As a schoolgirl, it's been rumored that Kate Middleton had a crush on classmate Andrew Alexander. Sadly for the future queen, Andrew took a liking to one of Kate's friends instead.

Still, it seemed to work out well for both of them.

Kate, well, we know what happened to her. As for Andrew, he has starred in the likes of Downton Abbey and sang with the band, Teatro.

Confirming their past, he told The Express, "It was funny because it was passed on to me, as happens at school, that Catherine liked me. She never told me that herself, she didn't have the confidence."

Emmy Rossum wrote fan-fiction about Prince Harry

Shameless actress Emmy Rossum didn't just admit to having a crush on Prince Harry, she revealed she went as far as writing full-blown fan-fiction.

During an appearance on Conan O'Brien's chatshow in 2012, she shared that she would write stories in her diary when she was younger imagining Harry as her husband.

She joked, "I like a ginger" and adding she liked Harry because "He's the bad boy."

Princess Diana's young crush on Prince Charles

It might not have ended with happily-ever-after, but there's still something of a fairy tale about the fact that Princess Diana ended up married to the prince she reportedly had a crush on when she was younger.

An ITV documentary, aired in the UK ahead of Princess Diana's 60th birthday, featured the claim that Diana had pictures of Prince Charles on her bedside table at her boarding school.

Diana's cousin and school friend, Diana McFarlane, shared this insight, calling it "a sort of childhood crush really."

A young Queen Elizabeth’s first crush turned into a fairy tale romance

Their marriage would be the stuff of legend, together through historic moments for over 70 years. And, if rumors are to be believed, it all started with a love-at-first-sight moment when a 13-year-old Princess Elizabeth first laid eyes on Prince Philip.

Royal author Ingrid Seward told US Weekly of the first meeting, "She was 13... Philip was 18 and he was a Naval cadet. He was about to leave Dartmouth Naval College and actually go to sea with a war looming. So he was very much more sophisticated than her, and I think he was rather flattered these two little princesses - because [her sister, Princess] Margaret, was there too - sort of had a crush on him."

Paul McCartney's crush on Queen Elizabeth II

In his book, The Lyrics, Beatles legend Paul McCartney revealed that, despite his rebellious ways in the 60s, he was still taken by the prim and proper Queen Elizabeth II in her youth.

He wrote, "She was a good-looking woman, like a Hollywood film star. I think part of the secret behind her popularity, at least for my generation, was that she was quite a babe. In our boyish ways, we rather fancied her."

Harry Hill's admiration for Princess Anne

British comedian and chat show host, Harry Hill, shared his admiration for Princess Anne in a 2024 interview.

Revealing just why he admires the Princess Royal so much, he alluded to her famed straightforward attitude and work ethics. He said, "She fought off being kidnapped and she’s kind of no-nonsense. You don’t feel you have to make a big fuss of Princess Anne. Plus, obviously, she’s loaded so she'd keep you in your dotage."

Adele could have been writing songs about Prince Harry

Celebrated for her searing ballads and moving songs about love and loss, we can only imagine what new heights Adele's music would've taken if she were ever writing about Prince Harry.

In a 2011 interview with Glamour, the Grammy-winning superstar confessed to crushing on Prince Harry so much that she'd break one of her dating rules for him.

She quipped, "I'm after Prince Harry. I know I said I wouldn't go out with a ginger, but it's Prince Harry! I'd be a real duchess then."

Britney Spears was once emailing Prince William

Can you picture it? The Pop Princess with the Prince of Wales. Well, it could've been a thing.

Back in 2002, Britney told British talk show host Frank Skinner that she had been communicating with Prince William over email. Apparently, the two had even planned to meet when Britney was touring the UK.

Alas, the Oops! I Did It Again singer added, "We exchanged e-mails for a little bit and he was supposed to come and see me somewhere but it didn't work out."

Isabella Calthorpe was reportedly on William's radar

Many royal fans will remember the time Prince William and Kate Middleton briefly split in 2007. It was obviously a short-lived thing, and the pair have been happily married since 2010.

However, in Robert Jobson's book, Catherine, The Princess of Wales: The Biography, the author suggests William had "his head turned" by another woman during that brief split.

Actress and socialite Isabella Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe became something of a crush for the future king, and Jobson wrote, "Despite being single at the time of William and Catherine's break-up, Isabella was apparently unkeen on becoming a royal girlfriend, feeling it would limit her career prospects as an actress. This did not cool William's ardour: he reportedly tried to woo Isabella, visiting her several times at her family home."

Isabella would go on to marry Sam Branson, the son of Sir Richard Branson.

Rita Ora's crush on Harry

Singer Rita Ora has shared her admiration for Prince Harry in the past, even joking that she saw him as "her" prince as his relationship with Meghan Markle first started to heat up.

Per HELLO! , during an appearance on the Wendy William Show, Rita was asked, "Are you wild about Harry?" to which she replied, "I am. Who isn't!"

She then jokingly pretended not to accept Harry's relationship with Meghan, adding, "I don't know. I still don't know if I believe [that they are in a relationship]. I don't know! Look I know my Prince, alright! And I know my Prince really well. In my dreams, I don't think it works out."

Paris Hilton thinks William is "hot"

Coming from a famous dynasty herself, Paris Hilton might have fit right in with the royals - and in 2004, she reportedly called Prince William "hot."

Not only that, the reality TV icon had some fighting words for apparent love rival Kate Middleton. Per Vanity Fair, Paris added, "I'd be more than happy to date William - so long as he ditches the mousy girlfriend. I couldn't believe it when I met him. He was awesome and really hot."

Now, now, Paris.

Miranda Kerr's crush on William

When it came to the future king, Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr thought 'kerr, blimey.'

In a 2009 interview with Fox News, the former Victoria's Secret Angel revealed, "I've always had a big crush on Prince William since I was a little girl."

Katy Perry felt Fireworks with Prince Harry

One of her hit songs might have been called Hot'n'Cold, but Katy Perry revealed it was just the hots she had for Prince Harry.

During an appearance on the British chat show, The Graham Norton Show, she teased whether she'd been asked to perform at the Queen's Jubilee.

Playing coy, she joked around about Harry, saying, "He's a hot ginger, isn't he?" When she learned that fellow guest Cheryl Cole also had a crush on him, Katy joked, "Get off my man!"

Miles Teller develops a man-crush

A different kind of crush now, but actor Miles Teller found himself overcome by the royal charm when he met Prince William.

The Top Gun: Maverick actor told Jimmy Fallon of the meeting, "You're not supposed to, like, extend your hand right off the bat. But I felt the vibe, so I was like 'I'm going in, I'm going in,' and to their credit they were very disarming."

As Jimmy Fallon showed the audience a photo of Miles Teller with William, the actor joked, "Right there I'm honestly lost in Prince William's eyes."

"His eyes? I mean, blue as the bluest ocean, Jimmy," he said. "What do you want? Bora Bora."

Sarah Ferguson had a crush on JFK Jr

The son of JFK and Jackie Kennedy, JFK Jr, sometimes known as John-John, was widely considered to be one of the most eligible and sought-after bachelors in the world during the early 90s.

His story was as dramatic as his father's, with the handsome heir and his love, Carolyn Bessette, tragically dying in a plane crash in 1999.

Before all of that, though, it is alleged in a new book, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, that Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, was "furious" that Princess Diana met him before her, even labelling him "mine."

Jack Whitehall's crush on Kate

During the 2014 Royal Variety Performance, British comedian and actor Jack Whitehall revealed how he and the Princess of Wales both attended Marlborough College as teens.

And, Jack paid attention to the young Kate.

"I don't know whether it's appropriate given the circumstances, but you were probably my first ever crush," Jack said during the show, adding, "Okay, definitely inappropriate. Your Highness [Prince William] is giving me a very sharp look."

Hilary Duff is a big fan of Harry

When she appeared on an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2016, Disney queen Hilary Duff found herself playing a game where she had to choose who she'd swipe for in a series of famous men.

Despite the game seemingly coming as a surprise to the Lizzie McGuire star, Hilary chose Prince Harry over every single man who appeared on screen.

Cheryl Cole shared what she likes about Prince Harry

Speaking to British GQ in 2012, Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole shared she had something of a crush on Prince Harry.

She said, "I think you can relate to him because he's made mistakes."

In a separate interview with Marie Claire, she also revealed, "I had a dream last night that I married him and was a real-life princess."

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was "obsessed" with Harry

Model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley revealed she had a huge crush on Prince Harry back in 2011.

Per The Daily Mail, she told Live with Regis and Kelly, "I think he knows how obsessed I am. Well, he does now."

Jokingly, she said, "I'm waiting for my proposal. I keep writing." She was, of course, dating her now-husband, Jason Statham, at the time, but trying to get a royal title is always worth a shot.

Prince Harry had a crush on a US actress...

According to royal commentator Katie Nicholl for a Channel 4 documentary in the UK titled When Harry Met Meghan: A Royal Romance, two years before they had their first date, Harry allegedly revealed Meghan Markle was his "ideal woman."

Harry reportedly first laid eyes on Meghan and developed a crush watching her play her role on the legal drama Suits.

King Charles and Joan Collins

With her trademark Old Hollywood glamour, the fact that she dominated the 1980s with her powerful role in Dynasty and her timeless beauty, Joan Collins was an obvious choice for many people to have a crush on.

And, according to rumors, King Charles was besotted with the legendary actress. According to Christopher Andersen's book, The King: The Life of Charles III, Charles wrote in a letter, "She was very amusing and with an unbelievable cleavage! All raised up and presented as if on a tray!"

Manners, Your Majesty.

Prince Harry's teen crush is revealed in a photoshoot

In 2003, Prince Harry took part in a photoshoot documenting the young royal's life at Eton College.

In these photos, Harry was seen doing some classic student things, but eagle-eyed fans spotted an ode to Halle Berry hung up on his wall. One person who noticed? Halle herself.

In 2018, she tweeted a photo of Harry's shoot and captioned it, "Ok Prince Harry, I see you! #HalleBerryPosta"

Meryl Streep wanted to marry Charles

She's acting royalty, but Devil Wears Prada legend Meryl Streep once had dreams of being British royalty.

Speaking to The Daily Mail back in 2009, Meryl, who has continued a close relationship with the King through his charities, revealed, "When I was a kid, I wanted to be a princess and marry Prince Charles. When I met him I told him about it and said I was sorry it didn't work out between us. But I'm not really sorry."

Emma Thompson's saucy admission

Dame Emma Thompson is never one to hold her tongue, so her gushing admission about King Charles might have swapped a royal crush for a royal blush. She spoke giddily about her experience of dancing with the then-prince to Time, and joked about trying to have a 'rude' relationship with him.

Per Vanity Fair, the Oscar-winning actress said, "There's a long history of relationships between Princes of Wales and actors - not just actresses, not just the rude relationships as he would say, though God knows I've tried. He wasn't having any of it.|

Camilla Luddington, who once played Kate, tried to really follow in her footsteps

Camilla Luddington played Kate Middleton in the 2011 Lifetime movie, William & Kate, and she's confessed that getting into the role of the Princess of Wales wasn't exactly hard for her.

Revealing she had a crush on William, Camilla told The Mirror that she would find herself hoping to bump into him while hanging out around Eton College.

"I'd put on eyeshadow and pray to see him, but I never did," she said.

Princess Diana helped her teenage son's meet some supermodels

In season six of The Crown, Cindy Crawford (and some of her supermodel friends) had something of a cameo - and it was based on truth.

In the Netflix series, Prince Philip bonds with William over posters on his bedroom wall of the 90s supermodels, and Cindy has shared that Princess Diana really did reach out to her to visit her and her sons in Kensington Palace.

She wrote on Instagram, "A little cameo on @thecrownnetflix. I still vividly remember visiting Kensington Palace to meet Diana and a teenage William (who had just discovered the 'Super Models')."

Cool mom moment.

Think you know fancy dining? Think again. From Tudor showstoppers like gold-dusted peacock to Georgian banquets featuring trumpeters, toastmasters, and up to 96 dishes at once, history’s upper crust weren’t just served dinner, they were treated to a full-blown spectacle!

But with great grandeur came great expectations. These meals were governed by strict rituals and silent rules that the elite quite literally lived and dined by. Victorian ladies sipped soup without a sound, footmen moved with choreographed precision, and heaven forbid you crossed your knives or applauded the after-dinner harpist.

Across centuries of high society, mealtimes were more than meals; they were performances. And the price of a misstep? Social exile. So read on to discover all the do’s and don’ts of dining like a duchess from days gone by…

The wildest aristocratic mealtime rituals from days gone by

Sweet spectacles

Known as subtleties, ornate and lavishly decorated sugar sculptures wowed and tantalised guests at medieval, Tudor, and Renaissance banquets. These elaborate edible artworks, shaped into awe-inspiring spectacles like castles, mythical beasts, or coats of arms, were paraded between courses to entertain and astonish.

In an age when sugar was more precious than gold, these creations weren’t just to satisfy guests’ sweet-tooths; they were declarations of status, artistry, and intellect.

A feast of feathers

At royal feasts from the high medieval period through the Tudor, Stuart, and Renaissance eras, aristocrats served more than just dinner, they served theatre!

Forget meat and two veg: exotic birds like peacocks and swans were skinned, roasted, then redressed in their own dazzling feathers, sometimes even brushed with gold leaf, to shock and awe the assembled guests.

What’s more, in the most dramatic finales, live birds were reportedly even hidden inside pies, bursting out when the crust was cut, a spectacle thought to have inspired the popular nursery rhyme.

Etiquette or exile

Edwardian dining rooms were minefields of social protocol, especially among the upper and aspiring middle classes, and it was surprisingly easy to be shunned over a dinner table.

Slurping soup, dipping bread, mishandling cutlery, or, heaven forbid, talking politics could mark you as uncouth. Even how you held your fork or when you spoke mattered.

This wasn’t just an Edwardian quirk, either, as these etiquette anxieties began in the Georgian era, flourished through the Victorians, and peaked in Edwardian society as the middle classes mimicked aristocratic ways.

One wrong move could cost you your reputation, invitations, and even marriage prospects.

Slurp and be shamed

In Victorian England, even how you ate soup had rules. Well-to-do diners were expected to move their spoon away from themselves, rather than scooping them towards, as pulling food closer appeared greedy.

There was even a genteel rhyme to help children remember their manners: “Like ships that go out to sea, I push my spoon away from me.” Slurping, blowing, or noisy sipping were also considered vulgar, and so, truly refined diners ate their soup in complete silence.

BYOC; bring your own cutlery

Forget bringing your own bottle, in early medieval and Tudor banquets, even the noblest of guests were expected to arrive with their own cutlery!

In fact, only the top table of highest-ranking diners were provided with utensils, while everyone else made do with the knives or spoons, typically made of horn, pewter, or silver, they’d brought from home.

What’s more, while knives were commonplace, forks were viewed with deep suspicion, considered foreign and effeminate well into the Elizabethan era.

Know your place

Forget sitting next to your bestie, status was everything in the Georgian dining room, with hosts following rigid rules about who sat where. The host took the head of the table, with the principal guest to his right and the second-ranking guest to his left, followed by the rest in strict descending order.

Husbands and wives were deliberately separated, and alternating ladies and gentlemen created a rhythm of conversation, prevented social cliques, and enforced the visual symmetry so prized at the time.

This carefully choreographed seating plan remained the gold standard well into the Edwardian era.

No kids allowed

In royal and aristocratic households of the 18th and 19th centuries, dining as a family was practically unheard of. Queen Victoria famously rarely ate with her children, who were instead confined to the nursery and fed by nannies, and most upper-class children only saw their parents once or twice a day, typically during a formal morning visit or just before bed.

The idea of “dining en famille” for posh folk only started to gain traction during the reign of Edward VII, as changing social attitudes made family mealtimes more acceptable.

Fanfare and feast

At royal banquets from the medieval through Renaissance eras, food wasn’t simply eaten, it was performed! Dishes of great importance were paraded into the hall with trumpets, jesters, or heraldic banners, creating fanfare that reinforced the host’s power and prestige.

Between courses, guests were also treated to entremets; theatrical spectacles staged right at the table.

These could include roasted boar’s heads, bedecked with fruit and herbs, carried in to fanfare and applause, silver fountains bubbling with spiced wine or rosewater, or elaborate edible landscapes and pastry ships crafted purely for admiration.

It was less about taste and more about showing off in the most spectacular way.

Retiring gracefully

In high society from the 18th to early 20th century, dessert didn’t just mark the end of the meal, it signalled the start of a genteel disappearing act. The ladies would retire to the drawing room, while the gentlemen lingered over port, cigars, and political grumbling.

This post-pudding split reflected the era’s “separate spheres” thinking, but linger too long with your port and you risked offending the hostess; leave too soon and you might miss the scandal!

The prestige of pineapples

Forget fine wine and flashy cutting-edge tech, the aristocratic dining-room trophy of yesteryear was the pineapple.

Bursting onto the scene in Restoration England, with even Charles II famously painted receiving one, the pineapple was the thing to have at one’s dinner party during the Georgian era, with each one said to cost the modern equivalent of several tens of thousands, and as such was considered far too precious to eat.

Instead, it became a prized centrepiece, paraded at banquets and placed atop ornate platters. Renting pineapples or cultivating them in costly heated “pineries” soon became widespread among the upper classes keen on imitating the aristocracy.

Soon, no high-society dinner party was complete without one.

Crystal and silver for show

Those Georgians sure loved their bling, and the obsession with sparkle and splendour carried right through the Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian eras.

From monogrammed crystal finger glasses to embossed silver cutlery, engraved pudding trowels, and delicately curved oyster forks, aristocratic tableware was just as much about prestige as practicality.

And, in the grandest royal and noble households, even the salt had its own ceremony, with its own servant! The Yeoman of the Silver Pantry, who was in charge of silver service, was responsible for polishing and placing the salt cellars with ritual precision.

À la Française to À la Russe

Long before modern tasting menus, aristocratic feasts were about pure spectacle. From the Middle Ages to the early 1800s, meals were served à la française, with every dish of a course brought out at once in a dazzling, symmetrical display.

Tables groaned under the weight of roasted meats, game pies, sugared fruits, and elaborate centrepieces, sometimes up to 96 dishes at a time, because it wasn’t just about eating; it was about impressing! But in 1810, Russian ambassador Alexander Kurakin introduced service à la Russe to France, with courses served one by one.

Slower, sleeker, and more refined dining followed, spreading through high-society Europe to become the elegant standard we still recognise today.

Dinner dates by design

In grand aristocratic homes from the Georgian era through to late Victorian times, dinner didn’t begin with the food, it began with ceremony!

Before anyone so much as glanced at a soup spoon, the host would assign each gentleman a lady to escort into the dining room, always following a strict social pecking order, in what was essentially a carefully choreographed show of status.

While the tradition faded in the early 20th century as social formality began to soften, you can still spot echoes of the tradition in modern state banquets and debutante events today.

Salt: the ultimate social divider

Think salt is simply used for seasoning one's food? Think again! To sit “above the salt” was a clear and visible marker of privilege in medieval and Tudor dining halls. The host’s honoured guests were seated between the head of the table and the all-important salt cellar, while those of lesser rank were placed “below the salt” further down.

In those days, salt was a valuable commodity, and its placement quite literally divided the elite from the merely respectable.

Wine needs its own butler

In aristocratic homes from the medieval period through to the Georgian era, the flow of drink was as tightly controlled as the guest list. The buttery, for ale and beer, and the wine cellar, for claret, sherry, and other prized imports, were housed in separate rooms and overseen by trusted staff who held real authority within the household.

These early sommeliers guarded the keys, tracked every bottle, and served drinks with ceremonial precision.

To catch a killer... use a spoon

In Tudor times, being invited to dinner was sometimes less a social affair and more the inspiration for a literal backstabbing scene from Game of Thrones. So widespread was the fear of poisoning that some well-to-do lords and ladies, believing silver spoons could detect arsenic by darkening on contact, brought their own for protection.

Unfortunately, while silver can tarnish when exposed to sulfur compounds found in some poisons, it also reacts to harmless ingredients like eggs or wine, thus occasionally resulting in dramatic, if rather unfounded, accusations. Awk-ward!

Raise a glass (if rank allows)

While today anyone can raise a glass if the feeling takes them, at well-to-do Georgian and Regency dinners, toasting followed a strict hierarchy, with only the host or principal guests permitted to initiate the first toast, then working down the social pecking order. What’s more, timing was everything: jump in too early or toast the wrong person, and you risked serious offence.

Even the act of raising a glass came with specific rules: stand, raise, sip, and nod with decorum. It was part performance, part diplomacy, and a single misstep could cause a social stir no amount of fine wine could smooth over.

The language of luxury

In Victorian and Edwardian Britain, menus weren’t just about what tasted delicious, they were about what sounded delicious, more specifically, en français!

Even when dining in a grand English manor, aristocratic hosts printed their menus entirely in French, not because people understood them, but because French was universally accepted as the language of elegance, sophistication, and impeccable taste.

It hinted at a French-trained chef behind the scenes and a hostess with a fashionable, continental flair. The tradition lingered well into the early 20th century, only fading after the First World War, when English pride and simpler tastes began to reclaim the table.

Napkin signals and social codes

In 18th-century France, napkins weren’t just for dabbing the corners of one’s lips, they were part of a carefully choreographed dining ritual! Decorum dictated that the highest-ranking guest should unfold theirs first, with the rest of the table following suit.

There was also no blotting of brows, no tucking into collars, and folklore even claims that folding a napkin in certain ways revealed secret messages, like a point towards a monarch was seen as a silent threat.

Breakfast rules

In aristocratic households of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, breakfast was one of the only meals with a touch of flexibility. Gentlemen might help themselves to kippers, kidneys, or kedgeree from a buffet laid out for them in the Morning Room, while married ladies were often served breakfast in bed.

Meanwhile, unmarried daughters were still expected to dress and take breakfast downstairs with their fathers. The tradition only began to fade after World War I, as households reduced staff and rigid etiquette relaxed across all mealtimes.

When toasts need a master

From as far back as the late medieval period through to the Victorian era, heralds and toastmasters brought theatrical flair to aristocratic dining, announcing guests, introducing courses, and orchestrating royal toasts with booming voices and impeccable timing. But this tradition was temporarily paused during Oliver Cromwell’s Interregnum (1649–1660), when such pomp was viewed as sinful excess.

The ceremonial roles were resurrected again caraduring the Restoration, when the “Merry Monarch” Charles II gleefully revived full-blown pageantry.

Eat by example

Even now, royal dining remains a tightly choreographed affair. Guests at state banquets are met with 12-piece silverware settings from George IV’s Grand Service, dress codes that require tiaras and white tie, and menus pre-approved by the monarch, often minus garlic or shellfish, depending on their particular preferences.

One of the longest-standing rules of decorum is that once the monarch stops eating, so must everyone else. Not out of reverence, but to keep the meal running precisely to time.

Gauche to gush

In polite Victorian and Edwardian high society circles, if you didn’t like your meal, or worse, found something unpleasant in your food, be it a hair, bone, or even a bug, you were always expected to stay silent.

Instead, decorum dictated that you hand your plate to the nearest servant without a word, and carry on as if nothing had happened. Commenting on the food in any way, even to offer praise, was considered terribly gauche and not the done thing.

Class by cutlery count

In Victorian and Edwardian times, how you (or more specifically, your footman) laid the table wasn’t just about function, it was a test of class. From oyster forks to pudding spoons, the sheer variety of cutlery beside your plate reflected the meal’s complexity and, more subtly, your pedigree. This was a time when quantity and quality mattered in equal measure!

What’s more, ladies were expected to arrive gloved, only removing their gloves discreetly before touching one of the many, many utensils.

No applause necessary

In 18th and early 19th-century royal and aristocratic households, dinner entertainers were heard, but rarely acknowledged, as musicians were there to provide elegant ambience, not to take a bow. Clapping was considered unspeakably gauche, and so instead appreciation was shown through a discreet nod from the host.

It wasn’t until the Victorian era loosened some of these rigid rules that a little polite applause began to sneak in, but even then, only in the most carefully curated circles.

Scent and status

From Georgian through to Victorian times, tiny bunches of flowers, known as nosegays, were often placed at each setting during grand dinners and special balls.

More than being just pretty, these posies added a fragrant touch of refinement that subtly masked the odours of crowded halls and candlelit feasts. Tied with ribbon or tucked into napkins, they could also carry symbolic meaning, conveying favour or romance through the secret language of flowers.

Cross knives and be damned

At aristocratic tables, leaving your knives crossed on the plate wasn’t just bad manners, it was likely to invite a quarrel! The superstition is thought to stem from old folk beliefs that crossed blades disrupted harmony or carried negative energy, with distant echoes of the time when such symbols were associated with war, witchcraft and misfortune.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, however, the upper classes had transformed this into a matter of silent social etiquette, with well-bred guests taking care to place their knives in neat, parallel lines.

Ritual handwashing

At fancy medieval banquets, nobles washed their hands before and after meals with scented water poured by attendants from ornate ewers into basins. This was a practical measure, as fingers were used for eating instead of forks, but the act was just as much a display of hierarchy as it was about hygiene, with hands cleansed in strict order of rank.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, this ritual evolved into the refined custom of finger bowls, with guests offered delicate basins of warm water, subtly infused with rose petals, citrus peel, or orange blossom, between dessert and fruit courses to refresh their fancy fingertips.

Conversation by course

In Georgian, Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian high society, even small talk at dinner parties had a system, and it was of paramount importance to stick to it or be socially shunned!

Traditionally at formal occasions, it was the gentlemen who carried the conversational choreography, speaking first to the lady on their right during the opening course, then switching to the left for the next. The ladies, meanwhile, remained graciously in place, responding in turn. This subtle ritual ensured variety and balance around the table.

Coordinated to impress

From the Georgian through to the Edwardian era, the upper-crust households took their styling very seriously. Footmen and butlers were expected to wear liveries in colours and exact shades that matched the family’s crest and often, during special dinners, even coordinated with the table linens and porcelain.

The result was a perfectly orchestrated dining tableau that spoke volumes about the hosts’ wealth and taste, without them having to say a word.

The curse of 13

Across aristocratic Europe, particularly in Regency England, seating exactly 13 guests at the dinner table was seen as a serious faux pas. The superstition traces its roots to Christian and Norse folklore with Judas said to be the 13th guest at the Last Supper, while Loki crashed a banquet in Valhalla as the uninvited 13th, bringing chaos in his wake.

As such, high-society hosts would go to great lengths to avoid the unlucky number, often drafting in a last-minute guest to restore balance. The belief has endured in popular culture too. For instance, in Lord Edgware Dies (also published as Thirteen at Dinner), Agatha Christie sets up a dinner with exactly 13 guests, with one character commenting on the ill omen, warning that the first to leave the table may be cursed.

Invisible service

In grand houses from the Regency to the Edwardian era, dinner wasn’t just a meal, it was a performance, and the servants were well versed in their choreography. Footmen were trained never to face guests directly, gliding silently around the table with precision, backs turned to preserve the illusion of intimacy.

Every movement was rehearsed: where to stand, when to step, how to serve, with each butler and footman operating in designated “zones”. If the performance was done right, no one noticed them at all.

Historically, if we overlook the actions of the American Revolutionary War and the shocking waste of tea, dumped in the Boston harbor, America and England have shared a great relationship.

Allies in times of war and cultural cousins in times of peace, there's plenty of give and take between the nations.

And one of the biggest exports sent to the US by the UK is royalty. Ironic given the whole revolution, but still a fact. Traditionally, British royals have been met with open arms, and everyone from Princess Diana to Kate Middleton have been greeted like pop stars.

Let's take a look back at some of the funniest, touching and memorable moments of US/UK diplomacy, courtesy of the Royal Family...

The best moments and stories from royals in the USA

Princess Diana's dance with John Travolta

One of the most iconic examples of the British Royal's star power came when Princess Diana and Prince Charles attended a White House dinner on the first night of their royal tour of the US in 1985.

Alongside famous guests including Neil Diamond, Leontyne Price, Tom Selleck, Gloria Vanderbilt, Estée Lauder, Clint Eastwood and Mikhail Baryshnikov, it was Grease icon John Travolta who made all the headlines as he used those famous dancing feet to twirl Princess Diana around the dance floor.

The night was legendary, and it made a legend of Diana's midnight blue Edelstein gown that would eventually sell for a staggering £264,000 ($325,317) in a 2019 auction.

George Bush ages Queen Elizabeth a few (hundred) years

Queen Elizabeth II met 13 out of 14 presidents during her historic 70-year reign, only missing out on meeting Lyndon B Johnson. However, we'd imagine George Bush could've found himself lower down on her list of favorites after his embarrassing goof.

In 2007, during his second stint as President of the United States, George W Bush accidentally implied that Her Majesty was present to celebrate the birth of America in 1776.

He had meant the celebration of its bicentennial in 1996.

The Queen hilariously gets her own back on George Bush

After President Bush had mistakenly implied that Queen Elizabeth was a couple of hundred years old, and was present for the birth of America in 1776, Her Majesty showcased her sharp wit with a hilarious retort later on.

At a formal dinner two days later, Her Majesty cheekily opened her speech by saying, "I wondered whether I should start this toast by saying, ‘When I was here in 1776...’" to which President Bush reportedly let out an embarrassed laugh.

Princess Diana attends the Met Gala

As proof of her role bringing modern fame and relevance to the monarchy, Princess Diana made her debut in 1996.

Talking about Diana's headline making appearance in the docuseries, In Vogue: The 90s, John Galliano described dressing how Diana proved rebellious and free-thinking even when it came to the dress he designed for her.

"So we did the dress and subsequent fittings, and it was beautifully done... Fast-forward to the event, and I just remember her getting out of the car. I couldn't believe it. She'd ripped the corset out."

The Chairman of the Board meets the Queen of England

In 1983, Queen Elizabeth II made one of her seven official state visits to the United States - and it came at a time of excess for the country.

With the Reagans in the White House, glamor and style were at the forefront, which was best captured in the glitzy bash First Lady Nancy threw in honor of Her Majesty.

Swapping politicians and dignitaries with the biggest names of the day, the Queen was welcomed by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dionne Warwick.

The Queen’s hilarious 'talking hat' moment

In 1991, Queen Elizabeth visited the States again, this time hosted by President George H W Bush. During this visit, the Queen gave a well-received speech to Congress, but one of the standout moments was something a bit unexpected.

The Queen - who stood at five foot three - went to address the crowd at the White House only to discover the podium completely dwarfed her, leaving nothing but one of her iconic hats poking out of the top. At the time, reports jokingly referred to it as if she was a talking hat.

The following day, while talking at the House of Congress, she started her speech with, "I do hope you can see me today."

Prince William and Kate Middleton bring Earthshot to Boston

In 2022, Prince William brought his Earthshot Prize awards ceremony stateside, and proved that wherever a royal goes, the stars will follow.

Taking place in Boston - and featuring a sustainable-themed green carpet - the likes of Rami Malek, David Beckham, Catherine O'Hara and Billie Eilish all joined the Prince and Princess of Wales for their memorable evening.

Queen Elizabeth proved how adventurous she can be

In a more private moment for two incredibly public individuals, Queen Elizabeth II and Ronald Reagan bonded over horse riding. However, per the Reagan Library, before the two world leaders could relax over their shared love of horseback riding, they had to weather some storms - literally.

To get to Reagan's Rancho Del Cielo in Santa Barbara, flash floods caused dangerous conditions and hazardous roads, forcing the Queen and Prince Philip to abandon their limousines and hop into SUVs.

Several trees and rocks had been uprooted along the road. According to her Press Secretary at the time, the Queen described the trip as "delightful and terribly exciting."

Kate Middleton goes bold for the Big Apple

While we can only speculate, Kate Middleton was likely emboldened to experiment with a brighter color than we'd usually see her in when she took in the big, bright lights of NYC in 2014.

Kate wore a hot pink Mulberry coat, which she had first debuted when pregnant with Princess Charlotte. Kate was pregnant during her trip to New York, and many believed her choice of coat and its colour was a hint that she was having another baby girl.

Of course, their third child turned out to be Prince Louis, so it was just an example of Kate loving vibrant colours.

The Queen takes in a football game, American style

In 1957, Queen Elizabeth II paid her first visit to the United States as Queen - she had previously visited as Princess.

As Queen, she was given a much more immersive experience of the best of the US, which, naturally, included a trip to a roaring college football game.

While Her Majesty might have been expecting England's idea of soccer, we can only imagine her reaction to American Football.

Prince William and Kate Middleton do a US-style date night

They might be the future king and queen of the United Kingdom, but on a date night when visiting Boston in 2022, Prince William and Kate Middleton could've passed for your regular All American couple.

The love birds looked smitten as they laughed and joked away while watching a basketball game.

Not quite the same level as the Royal Box at Wimbledon, but the pair looked like they had a fun time.

Royal Family meets the humble hotdog

On June 11, 1939, King George VI and his wife, Queen Elizabeth (aka the Queen Mother) paid a historic visit to the States where they were hosted by President FDR.

Amusingly, Roosevelt didn't feel the need to show off when it came to the menu, serving the royals hotdogs. An American classic.

Indeed, so shocking was this news to some that The New York Times ran with a headline the next day that read, "KING TRIES HOT DOG AND ASKS FOR MORE."

The Prince and Princess of Wales meet a different kind of king

American basketball star LeBron James is referred to as King James, and this king got to meet the future King and Queen of the United Kingdom during William and Kate's 2014 visit stateside.

The Prince and Princess of Wales watched court-side as LeBron led the his squad to victory and after the game, LeBron met the couple and presented them with their own basketball uniforms - plus one to give to their (at the time) one year-old son, Prince George.

Queen Camilla’s first overseas tour

The United States played quite the important role for Queen Camilla; in 2005, she underwent her first official overseas royal tour there alongside King Charles.

While there, Camilla and Charles met with President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush at the White House, as well as inaugurating the British Memorial Garden for UK victims of the 9/11 attacks.

Diana-mania sweeps NYC

In February 1989, Princess Diana made her first official trip overseas without the then Prince Charles. At this point, her star power preceded her and crowds mobbed her wherever she went, including a Harlem AIDS hospital.

However, a highlight of the trip was when she stunned in a white, embellished Victor Edelstein gown with a matching bolero for a charity gala.

Diana’s presence brought out the biggest names in New York Society, and the price of the event, per the New York Times, reached $1,000 per ticket.

A pregnant Kate glams up in Manhattan

While expecting Princess Charlotte in 2014, Prince William and Kate Middleton embarked on their fourth royal tour as a married couple, visiting New York.

In addition to staying at the iconic Carlyle Hotel, known to be a favorite of Princess Diana's, the couple brought their A-game and showed America full royal glamor.

At a swanky event, with William dapper in black tie, the pregnant princess looked regal in a fabulous blue-green Jenny Packham gown.

The Queen's first baseball game

In 1991, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited the United States together, meeting with President George H.W. Bush.

As a lifelong baseball fan, President Bush ended up doing what few people can brag about - doing something with Queen Elizabeth that no one had before.

He took Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip to a Baltimore Orioles vs. Oakland Athletics baseball game, where the royal couple met with players and got into the spirit of the match, with one image from the event showing them seemingly cheering with the crowd.

King Charles shows off his (lack of) bowling skills

King Charles showed off his sporting prowess (or, respectfully, lack thereof) when he and Queen Camilla paid a visit to Washington, D.C. in 2015.

The pair visited the Armed Forces Retirement Home, which just so happened to have a bowling alley on the premises.

When coaxed to try his hand at a strike, unfortunately for His Majesty, he only knocked down four pins.

Eisenhower meets a recently crowned Queen

Although Elizabeth II had visited the USA before, her visit in October 1957 marked her first visit to the country as Queen.

She was hosted by the 34th President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, for her four-day trip, during which she visited New York City, Washington, and Virginia.

It was a poignant moment as President Eisenhower had actually met Elizabeth when she was a princess, so he had a peripheral experience with the passing of time, and a true moment of history.

A sibling moment for Charles and Anne

In 1970, there was a passing of the torch moment of sorts when the children of some of the most powerful world leaders met.

The now King Charles and his sister, Princess Anne, paid a visit to Washington as they were growing up and taking on more responsibility within the Royal Family.

In one glamorous soiree, the children of Queen Elizabeth II posed alongside the President and Vice President's children, Tricia Nixon, Julie Nixon, and David Eisenhower.

Kate Middleton wins over an A-list fan

The biggest names in showbiz aren't immune to the indescribable pull of royalty, as Legally Blonde icon Reese Witherspoon discovered.

In her book, Whiskey in a Teacup, Reese detailed her meeting with Prince William and Kate Middleton during their visit to the US in 2011.

She described having a "wardrobe meltdown" beforehand, panicking about what to wear for the Princess, but later described her as "warm" and shared how Kate told a joke to put everyone at ease around her.

Kate Middleton takes in some art

During their 2014 tour of the US, Prince William and Kate Middleton attended a poignant event that had a connection to their own love story, all the way back in Scotland's University of St Andrews.

The pair attended a dinner celebrating 600 years of the university, hosted at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

From studying her degree in the History of Art to getting a look up close at some of the world's best artworks as the official future queen? Surely a full circle moment for the Princess of Wales.

William and Kate meet Beyonce and Jay Z

During their first NBA match, Prince William and Kate Middleton experienced another first.

The Prince and Princess of Wales met none other than Queen Bey, Beyonce, and her husband, Jay Z. The starry foursome chatted away during a break in the match between the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers as Rule Britannia played on the sound system.

First Lady Betty Ford shared some insight about her visit from the Queen

President Gerald Ford hosted Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip for a state dinner during their visit to the States in 1976.

While these things are usually kept to press comments, First Lady Betty Ford shared some hilarious intel behind the dinner, revealing her (rather relatable) follies.

She wrote in her memoir, "If I hadn't kept mixing up Your Highness and Your Majesty (he's His Highness, she's Her Majesty) I'd give myself four stars for the way that visit went off."

The Queen’s hilarious comment to Betty Ford

In a lovely moment of bonding between two powerful women who also shared similar pains with parenting, Queen Elizabeth and Betty Ford reportedly had a sweet exchange.

Per CNN, in Kate Andersen Brower's book, First Women: The Grace and Power of America's Modern First Ladies, she details that when the Fords were showing the royal couple around, they ran into their son, Jack.

Jack wasn't quite prepared for a royal visit, dressed down in jeans and a t-shirt. Apparently, Betty was embarrassed by his appearance but the Queen replied, "Don't worry, Betty, I have one of those at home, too."

The Queen cracks up Ronald Reagan

During her visit to the States in 1983, President Ronald Reagan hosted a dinner for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

While the visit went wonderfully - and it's been often reported that Reagan and the Queen kept corresponding throughout the rest of his life - one of the highlights was the Queen showcasing that trademark dry British wit.

After experiencing a slew of unseasonably bad weather and rain during the visit, Her Majesty quipped during a speech, "I knew before we came that we had exported many of our traditions to the United States, I had not realized before that weather was one of them."

Charles and Camilla witness the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina

In 2005, as part of their first overseas tour as a married couple, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited New Orleans following the Hurricane Katrina disaster.

In a moving gesture, Charles pledged to donate $25,000 to the relief efforts.

Kate Middleton goes to Harvard

First, came Elle Woods. Next, the Princess of Wales.

While Kate Middleton and Prince William visited Boston ahead of the 2022 Eartshot awards ceremony, the Princess of Wales made a special, separate appearance, and it involved something very close to her heart.

The Princess made a solo visit to The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University as part of her work highlighting the importance of early childhood development wearing a chic houndstooth dress from Emilia Wickstead.

The Queen and Gerald Ford dance up a storm

A gilded, glamorous moment that charmed fans on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, Queen Elizabeth II and Gerald Ford shared a memorable dance during the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations at the White House.

One small step for Her Majesty…

During their 1983 tour of the United States, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were allowed to look inside the Apollo 14 command module, a spaceship that had successfully been to the moon and back in 1971.

Duchess Sophie’s poignant visit to Ground Zero

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh's tour of New York and Toronto in 2015 was special for two reasons.

The first is that she went as part of her role as Ambassador of 100 Women in Finance. A successful businesswoman before marrying into the Royal Family, Sophie's visit would help inspire more young women to pursue a thriving career.

The other poignant part involved Sophie visiting the Ground Zero memorial, in honor of those lost in the 9/11 attacks.

The Queen’s close bond with one president included sharing recipes

In one heart-warming revelation, it would seem that Queen Elizabeth's visits to the United States during Eisenhower's tenure established a friendship that lasted the years.

Correspondence between the former president and Queen Elizabeth II can be seen at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, and per several reports, there was one sweet exchange involving scones.

In one of the letters Eisenhower sent to Queen Elizabeth II, he asked for a recipe for the scones that he had while visiting Balmoral Castle.

She replied, "Dear Mr. President, seeing a picture of you in today’s newspaper standing in front of a barbecue grilling quail reminded me that I had never sent you the recipe for the drop scones."

She, of course, shared the secrets to Balmoral's treats.

When it comes to the Royal Family, it always feels like there's a time and a place for them to bring unrivalled glamour.

Whether it's the glittering tiara moments or times where the sweeping gowns feel like they're from another time, they know how to make a statement. But, as any horologist (that's the proper word for a watch enthusiast) will tell you, sometimes the real luxury can be found on a smaller part of the body: the wrist.

From true works of art from the likes of Swiss company Patek Philippe to reliable, resplendent Rolexes, let's keep things ticking along and check the best-ever royal watches.

A look at the royals' enviable watch collection, from vintage Cartier to gifts from presidents

Queen Elizabeth II's pearl and diamond Patek Philippe Ellipse

Queen Elizabeth II being, well, Queen Elizabeth, one of her most luxurious watches was a step above the usual fare.

Her Majesty owned a custom-made Ellipse model by Patek Philippe, arguably the premiere name in luxury watches. The watch, made from 18 carat white gold, was decorated with baguette shaped diamonds and paired with a unique strap made of multiple pearl strands, pairing well with the Queen's favourite three-strand pearl necklace she often chose to wear.

Her Majesty wouldn't wear this piece often, but when she did, it was always on elevated occasions, like the State Opening of Parliament, often paired with one of her glittering crowns.

Kate Middleton's Ballon Bleu de Cartier

Catherine, Princess of Wales tends to stick with just one watch, but when it's as iconic as the Ballon Bleu de Cartier, that hardly seems like a compromise.

It's perfect for someone like Kate - a sporty, active, mother of three who is still partial to glamour. The stainless steel makes it durable and easy to wear daily, but elegant touches like its blued-steel, sword-shaped hands and sapphire crystal make it stylish and luxe - not to mention a perfect pairing for Kate's sapphire engagement ring.

Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation watch

On the day of her coronation in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II wore a deluxe Jaeger-LeCoultre 101 watch.

It was a gift from Vincent Auriol, the President of France at the time, ahead of the historic moment, and she would receive a white gold diamond version of the same watch from Jaeger-LeCoultre for her Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

The LeCoultre 101 is renowned because it features the world’s smallest mechanical movement.

Princess Diana's Patek Philippe

As one of the most highly esteemed luxury watch makers, celebrities and royalty flock to own a Patek Philippe, and they make for an incomparable statement maker.

The late Princess Diana, per several sources, is believed to have been gifted her Patek Philippe as a 20th birthday present from her husband-to-be, the (at the time) Prince Charles.

The stunning watch was the 18-carat yellow gold Patek Philippe Calatrava which featured a champagne coloured dial.

Queen Elizabeth's one-of-a-kind wedding present

In 1947, ahead of her wedding to Prince Philip, the Swiss Federal Republic presented the future Queen Elizabeth II with a Vacheron et Constantin 4481 watch.

The delicate timepiece was made entirely of gold and diamonds and was designed exclusively for Her Majesty. She wore the watch for her coronation portrait and, touchingly, she would later gift it to her daughter-in-law, Princess Diana.

Princess Diana (wearing Charles' watch)

For a time, the always stylish and trend-setting Princess Diana was spotted 'double wristing', seemingly pairing her own gold watch with a more masculine looking Patek Philippe, assumed to have belonged to Prince Charles.

The chunkier watch seen on Diana's wrist as she watched her husband-to-be play polo has been reportedly identified as a Patek Philippe Calatrava Disco Volante.

Queen Elizabeth II's Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse

Most people in life would be lucky to own just one Patek Philippe, but for someone like Queen Elizabeth II, it's not a surprise she had several to choose from. One which she wore more often than her more elaborate diamond-and-pearl timepiece, Her Majesty sported an 18 carat white gold Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse.

Known for its distinctive oval shape and intricate diamond designs, plus a striking blue dial, the Golden Ellipse set had a surge in popularity in recent years as the rapper Drake sported very similar pieces to the late Queen.

Proof that Her Majesty's style was timeless!

Queen Camilla's Cartier Tank Francaise

Queen Camilla appears to stick to just one watch, and she's picked an all-time classic, the Tank Française.

Created by Louis Cartier in 1917, the Tank Française watches have become one of the tentpoles of the luxury watch world, easily recognised and admired for their unique aesthetic with round corners and distinctive flat vertical edges. While the Tank can come in many styles, Queen Camilla opts for a timeless, traditional black strap and gold dial.

Meghan Markle wears Diana's gold Cartier

Meghan Markle has been spotted wearing a special heirloom often, adding Princess Diana's gold Cartier Tank Française watch to her jewellery collection.

The elegant and timeless piece was inherited by Prince Harry after his mother's death in 1997, and Harry gifted the exquisite piece to his wife.

Queen Elizabeth's understated Audemars Piguet

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had plenty of decadent and divine watches, but when it came to a more subtle, everyday choice, she opted for an Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars.

While still elegant (and bespoke), the gold, sturdy watch could be worn with Her Majesty's many colourful outfits without pulling focus or looking too eye-catching. This is, perhaps, why she chose to wear the watch frequently for engagements and speeches, like during her 2020 address to the nation during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Duchess Sophie's Patek Philippe

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has often been seen wearing a Patek Philippe creation.

Sophie's watch is part of the Swiss company's Twenty~4 collection, described on the brand's website as a "new embodiment of femininity."

Sophie's black, diamond Patek Philippe includes a double diamond row bezel and grey sunburst dial.

Queen Elizabeth II's rare Patek Philippe

Another rare and unusual piece collected by Queen Elizabeth II was spotted by shrewd horologists as she hosted a reception in 2022.

Paired with her soft blue dress, Her Majesty's yellow gold Ladies Calatrava Patek Philippe shone bright. The rare watch features a quartz movement and a 'Beads of Rice' bracelet.

Princess Anne's Rolex

In the 1970s, flashes of Princess Anne's Rolex have led many watch specialists to identify it as the ultra rare Cosmograph Daytona 6265 Paul Newman.

A classic iteration of the Rolex, the Daytona watches have become extremely coveted. And Princess Anne's model, named after Hollywood star Paul Newman, was apparently a reference to the actor's love of the watch.

King Charles' Santos de Cartier

A suave man who is almost as recognised for his own understated style as his mother was celebrated for her colourful ensembles, King Charles was spotted wearing a sophisticated Santos de Cartier in his younger days.

Created in 1904, The Santos de Cartier was first designed by Louis Cartier for pilot Albert Santos-Dumont. Due to the difficulty of checking a pocket watch during flight, Albert Santos-Dumont requested Louis Cartier to create a watch that was easily accessible.

The result is something that's practical, but with poise. Perfect for a prince (and now a king).

Queen Elizabeth's classic vintage timepiece

Interestingly, considering how the provenance of most of Queen Elizabeth II's clothes and accessories are so well recorded, Her Majesty regularly wore a classic looking watch whose designer is unknown.

Regularly wearing the piece, which featured a chunky dial and a black leather strap for a timeless look, she would wear it everywhere from attending horse shows at Windsor to being spotted around Balmoral.

Queen Elizabeth's Omega Ladymatic

Another regular favourite worn by Queen Elizabeth II, the Omega DeVille Ladymatic featured the smallest automatic chronometer certified movement in the world.

As well as this very specific watch fact, the stunning Art Deco piece was made from 14 carat yellow gold and featured a cream white dial with Baton indices.

Duchess Sophie's Apple watch

We love that, amongst all the glamorous timepieces, Duchess Sophie keeps things relatable and practical with an Apple Watch.

Smart watches and fitness watches, like the Apple Watch, Fitbits and other brands, have become hugely popular, a great way of making multi-tasking simple and stylish.

King Charles' Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso

Like mother, like son, King Charles had his very own majestic watch from Jaeger.

Queen Elizabeth's Jaeger-LeCoultre was a gift for her Coronation, and King Charles' Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso comes with a fascinating story too.

The original design of the watch was built for British soldiers playing polo in India, and the fear of their expensive watches getting smashed meant that the design introduced an easy rotating function.

Princess Beatrice's Rolex

Princess Beatrice is another member of the Royal Family whose shown an interest in a signature timepiece, rocking the Rolex Air King on several occasions. The watch - which has sleek, versatile quality with its stainless steel - had subtle stylish touches, like the orange numerals.

We love that Beatrice's watch matches her personal style - it wouldn't look out of place at her regular day jobs, with Beatrice having held jobs including a strategist for major software companies, and it would look equally suitable at a glamorous function with her sister, Princess Eugenie.

Zara Tindall's Rolexes

Zara Tindall has been affiliated with Rolex - the Swiss luxury watchmakers who were founded in London in 1905 (but relocated to Geneva in 1919) - since 2006, acting as one of their official Testimonees.

As part of this role, she gets to showcase some of the brand's defining pieces.

One popular model spotted regularly on Zara is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster, which features a dark, sleek, stainless steel case and 18 carat yellow gold.

Prince William's sentimental Omega Seamaster

Prince William has kept his choice of wristwear pretty consistent over the years, and there's a poignant reason why.

The Prince of Wales was gifted his Omega Seamaster Professional 300M by his late mother, Princess Diana. It's a watch with great connotations, having been prominently worn by Pierce Brosnan when he played James Bond in Goldeneye, and it was worn again by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale.

Princess Margaret's Baume wristwatch

After it went up for auction at Christie's, we have more insight into the kind of watch Princess Margaret liked.

The late Queen's younger sister owned a Lady's wristwatch, by Baume, which featured a square dial with Arabic numerals, a gold-plated case and hollow bracelet of bombé brick-link design.

The watch sold for £1,250 in 2010.

Queen Letizia's Audermars Piguet Royal Oak

Queen Letizia of Spain was spotted wearing a two-tone vintage Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in 18 carat yellow gold and stainless steel watch in 2007.

The classic watch features a grey dial and a quartz movement, and, as we so often see with Letizia's style, is a great mix of elegant and understated.

King Charles' Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph

Worn often by King Charles, including in the weeks after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles’ Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph is a unique timepiece from a name that's perhaps under the radar compared to others.

But The Gentleman's Journal reports that Charles picked up the piece from Klosters, the ski resort the Royal Family are known to love. So not only is there an emotional connection, the watch features regal touches like a prominent silhouette and gold rotor.

Prince Harry's Rolex Explorer II

A timepiece frequently worn by Prince Harry, the Polar Dial Rolex Explorer II stayed on Harry's wrist even during his deployment to Afghanistan.

Interestingly, Rolex have a history with the military. In 2014, the company were commissioned to commemorate the UK Apache operations with a specific type of Explorer II.

Harry was an Apache helicopter co-pilot and gunner, so it's possible this Rolex is from this unique, and highly personal, collection.

Pippa Middleton's Longines la Grande Classique

Ok, ok. Pippa Matthews - nee Middleton - isn't technically royalty. But as the only sister to the future queen, she belongs on the list.

And so does her watch, the Longines la Grande Classique. Per the brand's site, the style "launched in 1992, is characterised by its slim profile, its sleek round case and its range of sizes, materials and colours."

For horologists, Pippa's exact model is the L4.209.2

Meghan Markle's personal Cartier

While Meghan, Duchess of Sussex regularly wears the gold Cartier watch that belonged to Prince Harry given to her by Prince Harry, she has always had an affinity for the Tank Française and treated herself to a pre-royal version of her own.

Meghan bought her two-tone Cartier Tank Française in 2015, to celebrate the continuing success of her show, Suits. She has described how she engraved the keepsake piece with a message, which read "To M.M. From M.M."

Princess Margaret's Cartier present

A Cartier watch bought for Princess Margaret by the Queen Mother for her 20th birthday went up for sale during a 2013 auction.

Details from the sale implied that the Queen Mother purchased the delicate Art Deco watch second hand from the French maison directly in 1940, paying just £100 (which would've been worth more back then, of course). However, the piece soared in value since then and was said to be worth £150,000.

Prince Harry's Breitling Aerospace

Prince Harry has several watches that have deeper meaning, notably to his time spent serving with the armed forces.

One such watch is the customised Breitling Aerospace.

The Breitling Aerospace Avantage was available for purchase by Apache pilots with combat deployments. The dial includes the Army Air Corps Wings at 9 o'clock and a front profile view of the Apache helicopter at 3 o’clock.

Grace Kelly's Rolex Lady-Datejust

Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco and Hollywood icon, was celebrated for her faultless style over the years.

While her official duties often saw her wearing gloves, Grace was often spotted wearing a Rolex Lady-Datejust when out and about on less official duties.

The Rolex Lady-Datejust was made with 18 carat yellow gold, a fluted bezel and featured the brand's renowned Jubilee bracelet.

Prince Harry's Casio G-Shock

After Prince Harry graduated from Sandhurst Military Academy, the Duke of Sussex was seen wearing a Casio G-Shock.

The watch is something of a tradition for military officials to wear, based on its durability and range of functions, like water resistance.

Princess Anne's practical wristwatch

She's proven that she can glam up with the best of them - from her sparkling tiaras and vintage Rolex watches - but there's something so on-brand about Princess Anne eschewing the bells and whistles and opting for a practical, functional everyday watch.

The Princess Royal's sporty-looking wristwatch has been spotted over the years, especially when she's outdoors and in her element.

A king might be on the throne now, but for a historic 70 years, the royal family was a matriarchy.

So it makes sense that the royal women - from Queen Elizabeth II to Kate Middleton and Princess Anne - have always led the way and rarely followed.

From the best royal tour moments, which saw the likes of Queen Elizabeth II breaking new diplomatic ground, to personal achievements that cemented Princess Anne's legacy as a hero, let's revisit some of the most iconic and empowering moments where they made history.

The royal women who achieved historic ‘firsts’

Queen Elizabeth II was the first to reach a Platinum Jubilee

Queen Elizabeth II's reign was a historic, defining and unparalleled chapter of British (and world) history. Not only did she see plenty of changes in the world, a constant presence amid technological advancements, social change and political unrest, Her Majesty's seventy years on the throne was a first for a British monarch.

The joyous celebrations marking her 70th year in 2022 culminated in a summer weekend of fun, with a massive concert at Buckingham Palace topping the bill.

Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, and was officially coronated on June 2, 1953.

Princess Anne was the first royal to compete at the Olympics

Princess Anne took after her parents' love of the outdoors and horses, and took it one step further when she became the first royal to ever compete at the Olympic Games.

The Princess Royal competed at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games as a member of the British Equestrian team. She was just 25 at the time, and she chose to honour her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, by riding her horse, Goodwill, for the occasion.

Kate Middleton became the first Princess of Wales in over a century to grant warrants

In a sign of their growing prominence within the Royal Family, the Prince and Princess of Wales received new honours in 2025, with it being confirmed that the pair will be able to grant royal warrants from 2026.

It's a major deal, as only the monarch can choose who has this power, and, with the honour, Kate becomes the first Princess of Wales since Mary of Teck, the grandmother to Queen Elizabeth II, to do so since 1910.

Zara Tindall was the first to win an Olympic medal

Like mother, like daughter. Princess Anne's only daughter, Zara Tindall, not only followed in her mother's footsteps by taking part in the 2012 London Olympic Games, she took it one step further and won a medal.

Zara won a silver medal in the team eventing competition while riding her horse, High Kingdom.

Touchingly, in her role as President of the British Olympic Association, Princess Anne got to present Zara with her medal.

Queen Elizabeth becomes the first monarch to visit China

Queen Elizabeth II was always praised for her ability to modernise and break new ground as the monarch, politically and culturally.

And in 1986, Her Majesty became the first British monarch ever to visit China. Accompanied by Prince Philip, she spent six days in the country and visited cities including Beijing and Shanghai, as well as the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City.

Duchess Sophie becomes the first royal to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo

In 2022, as she and Prince Edward stepped into their more prominent roles within the Royal Family, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, became the first member of the royal family to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

At the time, Buckingham Palace shared that Sophie's important trip would address the impact of sexual and gender-based violence in conflict while supporting and empowering survivors and tackling the stigma they face.

Queen Elizabeth II was the first royal woman to join the Armed Services

Serving during World War Two, a young Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1945, where she trained to be a mechanic. This made her the first female royal to join the Armed Forces full-time and during active service.

Princess Anne was the first woman to stand Vigil of the Princes

Dating back to 1936, the Vigil of the Princes refers to a special ceremonial duty where members of the Royal Family stand guard over the coffin of a family member as it lies in state. It started with King George V, as his four sons stood guard, giving it its name.

In 2002, the Queen Mother's four grandsons stood guard as she lay in state.

In 2022, Princess Anne made history as she joined her brothers, King Charles, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, in standing guard of her mother's coffin twice, once in Edinburgh and once in Westminster.

Princess Diana becomes the first working royal mum to take a baby on tour

In 1983, proving how the royals were modernising and willing to make their own rules, Princess Diana insisted on keeping her nine-month-old son by her side as she and Prince Charles took on a royal tour of Australia.

In addition to being Prince Charles and Diana’s first overseas trip as a married couple, the young William became the first royal baby to go on an official tour.

Princess Anne was the first royal to take her A Levels

While it might seem minor compared to some of the other historic firsts, the fact that Princess Anne threw herself into 'regular' schooling and exams fits the pattern of her leading her own path.

Princess Anne was in the first generation of the previously privately educated (or in her mum's case, home-schooled) royals to take the exams, graduating from Benenden School with six O-levels and two A-levels.

Queen Elizabeth became the first British monarch to visit the Republic of Ireland

In 2011, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to visit the Republic of Ireland since the independent state had been established.

For the historic moment, Her Majesty showed her skilled diplomacy in many ways. One was in her diplomatic dressing. She wore a dress adorned with shamrocks, the national emblem of Ireland, to a state banquet at Dublin Castle. The dress, designed by Norman Hartnell, featured silk shamrocks embroidered with silver thread and diamonds.

At the banquet, she also made a well-received toast, opening up with a Gaeilge phrase, "A Uachtaráin, agus a chairde" (translated to 'president and friends').

Princess Charlotte made history at just two years old

The thing about traditions and rules? Sometimes they should - and can - be changed. Such as male heirs immediately overtaking any older women in the line of succession.

Following the birth of her younger brother, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte did just that, becoming the first royal to benefit from a change to the primogeniture laws made by Queen Elizabeth in 2013.

The change meant that boys would no longer surpass girls in the order of succession.

Queen Elizabeth becomes the first - and so far, only - monarch to visit Russia

In 1994, the first - and so far only - visit by a reigning British monarch on Russian soil took place.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were hosted by the then President of Russia, Boris Yeltsin.

Princess Margaret had the first televised royal wedding

Princess Margaret's wedding to her first husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, was the first British royal wedding to be televised.

The ceremony, which took place at Westminster Abbey in 1960, was watched by an estimated 300 million viewers worldwide, and the streets of London were lined with people eager to witness the moment.

Royal weddings being televised became a popular occurrence after this, with Princess Diana and Prince Charles' 1981 wedding attracting a reported 750 million viewers worldwide.

Queen Victoria was the first to make Buckingham Palace home - and introduced the balcony appearances

Queen Victoria was the first British monarch to make Buckingham Palace her principal London residence, moving in in 1837.

Queen Victoria was also the first to make a balcony appearance, and the much-loved tradition continues to this day.

Queen Victoria and her family first used the balcony in 1851 to create a closer bond with her subjects, soaking up the atmosphere during the celebrations for the opening of the Great Exhibition.

The Queen Mother was the first royal to reach 100

The Queen Mother set a new record as she became the first royal to live to be 100 on August 4, 2000.

And like every other Brit to hit the milestone, she received a telegram from the Queen - though hers was touchingly signed 'Lilibet'.

The country celebrated the birthday with the usual pomp and circumstance, including more than 40,000 well-wishers gathering in the Mall near Buckingham Palace to watch the Queen Mother and her two daughters step onto the balcony of the Palace.

In 1968, Queen Elizabeth became the first monarch to visit South America

On November 1 1968, Queen Elizabeth II arrived in Recife, where she began the historic first visit of a British monarch to Brazil and South America.

With Prince Philip by her side, the royal pair visited Salvador, Brasília, São Paulo, Campinas and Rio de Janeiro.

In 2004, the Queen hosted Buckingham Palace's first women-only event

For a history-making 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II oversaw a matriarchy, meeting with world leaders throughout the decades and becoming one of the most famous and prominent women in history.

So it's no surprise she might have wanted to toast to the theme of girl power. In March 2004, she hosted the first ever women-only event at Buckingham Palace, with a luncheon called the "Women of Achievement", inviting over 200 women across the arts, sports, science and more.

Guests included Kate Moss, J.K. Rowling, Twiggy, and Charlotte Church.

The first ever Diamond Wedding Anniversary for a royal

While the Queen's 70-year reign saw many major political and cultural milestones, one of her most personal came in 2007. She and Prince Philip celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary, becoming the first monarchs to do so.

The royal couple celebrated 60 years of marriage with a series of photographs recreating images taken on their 1947 honeymoon, including a visit to the country house Broadlands, in Hampshire.

Queen Elizabeth's coronation was the first ever televised

The events surrounding Queen Elizabeth's ascension were sad. As a young princess, it wasn't expected for her to take the throne at such a young age. But after her father passed away on February 6, 1952, aged just 56, the princess became the queen.

Fortunately, a year later on 2 June, 1953, Her Majesty's coronation was seen as a more jubilant affair, and it was able to be shared with the public more widely as it became the first ever televised coronation.

Princess Anne was the first to ever use a specific surname

At the wedding of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips in 1973, the Princess Royal signed her marriage document at Westminster Abbey using the surname Mountbatten-Windsor.

This was the first reported example of a royal using this double-barrelled surname, reflecting both her father's and mother's lineages.

The Queen meets the Pope for the first time - and breaks tradition

On October 17, 1980, Queen Elizabeth II made history by becoming the first British monarch (and, by default, the Head of the Church of England) to travel to the Vatican to meet the Pope, God's representative on Earth for Catholics.

Not only was it a historic first, but Her Majesty broke convention in another way. She wore black - usually restricted for royals as only to be worn during periods of mourning - as a sign of respect for the Pontiff.

The Queen created the first ever Dorgi

Not content with all of her diplomatic and historic firsts, Queen Elizabeth II - perhaps unintentionally - created a whole new dog breed.

Her Majesty is credited with inadvertently creating the first ever Dorgi breed, a cross between a corgi and a dachshund. It was thought to have happened when one of the Queen's beloved corgis mated with Princess Margaret's dachshund, Pipkin.

Princess Beatrice was the first royal to run the London Marathon

In 2010, Princess Beatrice became the first - and to date, only - royal to have completed the London Marathon.

Princess Beatrice finished in 5 hours, 15 minutes, and 57 seconds, and ran the race as part of a 'human caterpillar' fancy dress with 33 other runners, setting a world record for the most people to finish a marathon while tied together.

Beatrice ran the marathon in support of her mother, Sarah Ferguson's, Children in Crisis charity.

Queen Elizabeth became the first royal Bond girl... kind of

Decades into her reign, Queen Elizabeth II was still capable of pulling off major surprises and unexpected firsts, like starring alongside James Bond.

To celebrate the London 2012 Olympic Games, Her Majesty took part in a secret cameo for a filmed skit involving Bond actor Daniel Craig. In the clip, Bond visits the Queen at Buckingham Palace before he leads her to a helicopter. Cut to: an actor pretending to be the Queen then jumped out of a helicopter live at the Opening Ceremony.

Reports at the time suggest that the Queen kept the hilarious cameo secret from her family.

Princess Anne is the first royal to have a HGV licence

Per the Royal Family's official website, the Princess Royal is the first Member of the Royal Family to have a HGV licence.

And she puts the practical licence to use on her estate at Gatcombe Park.

In the past, when she has been asked about what she would do if she weren't royal, she revealed she'd simply "work harder on the farm".

Princess Anne visits the USSR

Four years before Queen Elizabeth II visited Russia following the collapse of the Communist USSR, Princess Anne visited the state in 1990.

The Princess Royal went there as a guest of President Mikhail Gorbachev and his Soviet government.

Queen Victoria was the first to ever appear on a stamp

On May 6, 1940, the Penny Black was released - the world’s first postage stamp and the first ever stamp to feature the portrait of a monarch.

Queen Victoria was the first royal to appear on the stamp, and the design was based on a portrait of the queen by William Wyon. The tradition of featuring the reigning monarch on stamps has continued ever since.

Princess Eugenie's christening was a rare first

In 1990, Princess Eugenie was the first royal baby to have a public christening and the only one of the Queen's grandchildren not to be baptised in the Lily Font.

She was christened Eugenie Victoria Helena at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk.

Princess Anne becomes the first to break down a centuries old 'boys club'

Proving that she's always one to break down boundaries, the Princess Royal was the first female member inducted into the Royal Yacht Squadron, the Yacht Club in Cowes, Isle of Wight.

That's something of a trend for Princess Anne, too. In 2015, she became one of the first female members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.

Princess Margaret's birth included some special firsts

When she was born in 1930, Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II's younger sister, was the first royal in the direct line of succession to be born in Scotland since the 1600s.

Margaret's birth also helped create the first modern horoscope, as we know them today. An editor of the Sunday Express commissioned clairvoyant R H Naylor to make some predictions about the new royal.

One of them predicted that the "events of tremendous importance to the royal family and the nation will come about near her seventh year." As it turns out, her uncle would abdicate in her seventh year, setting about the chain that led to her father becoming king.

These predictions based on the zodiac proved popular, and they led to regular horoscopes in the paper.

The first royal born outside of the UK wasn't Princess Lilibet

When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcomed their second child, Princess Lilibet, in 2021, it was notable that a direct descendant of a monarch was born far from London. Very far, in fact: California.

Lilibet was born after Harry and Meghan had left royal life.

But Lilibet isn't the first royal born outside of the UK. Maud Windsor, the eldest child of Lord Frederick Windsor and his actress wife Sophie Winkleman, was born in Los Angeles in 2013.

The first decade of the 21st century was packed full of world-changing news and moments - from the 9/11 terror attacks and war in Iraq to the first ever iPod and social media's early days.

For the Royal Family, who had seen through the tough defining moments of the 90s, the noughties started to see calmer days, and the younger generations started to grow up before the public's eyes.

From the introduction of Kate Middleton to the Golden Jubilee, let's look back at the 2000s...

The defining royal moments of the noughties

Prince William meets a young girl called Kate...

Now, of course, we can't imagine the Royal Family without Catherine, Princess of Wales. Her and Prince William - and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - are immensely popular figures, and the future of the monarchy.

And it all started back in 2001. William and Kate met in 2001 when they were both students at St. Andrews University in Scotland.

Having lived in the same building, they started out as friends. And Kate has previously spoken about her memories of the first meeting, saying during their engagement interview in 2010, "Well actually I think I actually went bright red when I met [William]. And sort of scuttled off feeling very shy about meeting [him]."

Charles marries Camilla

Some three decades after reportedly first meeting, the less-than-smooth courtship of King Charles and Queen Camilla had its first step towards a happily-ever-after ending.

The couple married in a civil ceremony at the Windsor Guildhall, followed by a marriage blessing at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 9, 2005.

Camilla wore a cream silk chiffon dress hemmed with vertical rows of Swiss-made appliqued woven disks and a matching oyster silk basket weave coat.

The Queen Mother turns 100

The decade got off to a wonderful start thanks to a historic birthday on August 4, 2000. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, celebrated her 100th birthday, becoming the first member of the royal family to reach this milestone.

Celebrating with a Buckingham Palace balcony appearance, alongside her daughters, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, a royal salute of 41 guns sounded at the same time from nearby Green Park.

A special touch from daughter to mother as she turned 100

The late Queen Elizabeth II made sure to include a heartfelt and memorable touch to her mum's historic 100th birthday.

As is customary for anyone turning the milestone age, a postman arrived at Clarence House, the home of the Queen Mother, to deliver the same telegram that everyone receives from the monarch.

However, this one was handwritten and was signed 'Lilibet,' the Queen's family nickname.

The Queen pays special tribute to the 9/11 victims

The Changing of the Guard is a time-honoured ceremony, and one full of history and tradition.

On September 13, 2001, the Queen permitted a change to the historic tradition for a very poignant reason.

Following the devastating 9/11 terror attacks in New York City, the Guard paused for a two-minute silence, followed by the playing of the American National Anthem.

Prince Andrew and the US ambassador stepped outside the Palace to join in with the crowd to watch and pay respect.

Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie have their first child

There were plenty of heart-warming, happy moments to celebrate throughout the decade, and one of them was Prince Edward - the youngest child of the late Queen and Prince Philip - welcoming his very first child with wife Sophie, the now Duchess of Edinburgh.

Lady Louise Windsor was born on November 8, 2003.

Despite it all ending happily and healthily, it was a dramatic birth. Lady Louise arrived prematurely, and Sophie, who was then Countess of Wessex, was rushed there by ambulance from their home at Bagshot Park, Surrey while Edward was away in Mauritius on an official engagement.

Queen Elizabeth becomes the first monarch since Queen Victoria to celebrate a Golden Jubilee

On February 6, 2002, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth nations celebrated the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne on February 6, 1952.

This momentous occasion made the late Queen the first monarch to reach the milestone since Queen Victoria.

All over the territories, six key Jubilee themes shaped the events: Celebration, Community, Service, Past and future, Giving thanks and Commonwealth.

The main celebrations took place later in the year, over a Jubilee weekend in the beginning of June.

Princess Margaret dies

The 2000s saw a series of sad losses for the family, starting with Princess Margaret.

After a bout of ill health plagued her final years, including strokes and being wheelchair bound for public appearances, the Queen’s younger sister died on February 9, 2002.

She was 71 years old. Her funeral took place at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor.

More grief for the royals as the Queen Mother dies a month after her daughter

A little over a month after the death of Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother passed away on March 30, 2002.

The Queen Mother had Queen Elizabeth by her side as she passed, and she died at the Royal Lodge, Windsor, at the age of 101.

At 101 years and 238 days old, she was the longest-living member of the British royal family at the time of her death, and the first member of the family to live past the age of 100.

The Queen Mother’s funeral was a truly historic moment

As testament to how popular she had been throughout her life, despite being 101, the Queen Mother's passing was still met with widespread grief and tributes.

Amusingly, and as a nod to her well-known love of a cocktail, some even left bottles of gin with the flowers.

Before her flag-draped coffin was taken from Windsor to lie in state, an arrangement of camellias from her own gardens was placed on top.

On the day of the funeral, April 9, 2002, the bell of Westminster Abbey tolled 101 times, once for each year of her life.

After the service, at her request, the wreath that had lain atop her coffin was placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.

The last grandchild for Queen Elizabeth II is born

Born as the Viscount Severn and now the Earl of Wessex, Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward welcomed their second child, James, on December 17, 2007.

He was the youngest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

A memorial opens for Princess Diana

Designed by Gustafson Porter and costing £3.6M, the memorial fountain dedicated to Diana, Princess of Wales, was officially opened in Hyde Park on July 6, 2004.

Designed to be open and reflective of Diana's personality, the fountain can be found in the southwest corner of Hyde Park, not too far from Buckingham Palace. The opening of the memorial was special as it united the Royal Family with the Spencer family for the first time since Diana's funeral in 1997.

At the opening was Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, King Charles, Princes William and Harry, Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, and her sisters, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale.

The Queen turned 80 in 2006

The 2000s saw a milestone birthday for the late Queen Elizabeth, who turned 80 years old on April 21, 2006.

While her own mother reached the impressive age of 101, this milestone made Her Majesty one of the few monarchs to reach such an age.

Only Queen Victoria made it to 80, but died at 81 (George III is one of the only others, and that was way back in 1820).

Prince Harry is deployed to Afghanistan

In the 2000s, Prince Harry became one of the first royals to serve during an active war in many years.

Before Harry's deployment to Afghanistan in 2007 and 2008, royals who had served during wartime included Prince Andrew, as a pilot during the Falklands War, and George VI, serving in the navy during World War I.

The Queen meets Barack Obama

Throughout her historic 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II met 13 US presidents - and during the 2000s, that included Barack Obama.

Getting along famously well, President Obama later recounted their first meeting in 2009 at the G20 summit.

"When you meet with leaders, you exchange gifts. You never want to be out-gifted! I wanted her actually to be able to use the gift. She loved British Broadway Showtunes, and the iPod had just come out. I thought, let's get an iPod and fill it with British show tunes. The British tabloids thought it was entirely inappropriate, but I think she used it quite a bit," he recalled.

The Queen and Prince Philip travel the world

As part of the 2002 Golden Jubilee celebrations, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip took on some hefty travel duties. Even more impressive considering Her Majesty was 76 at the time, and Philip was 81.

They travelled over 40,000 miles by air around the UK and the world, including Jamaica, New Zealand and Australia, and Canada during the Jubilee.

Brian May plays on top of Buckingham Palace

In truly remarkable scenes - and perhaps as proof that the monarchy were willing to relax more in the new millennium and embrace these big pop culture moments - Queen musician Brian May played a solo guitar version of God Save the Queen on the roof of Buckingham Palace on June 2, 2002, during the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The Party at the Palace proved the Royals could still pull in a crowd

One of the main events during the Golden Jubilee weekend in June 2002, a massive party was held at Buckingham Palace, with everyone from Dame Shirley Bassey and Paul McCartney to Ozzy Osbourne and Ricky Martin performing (those royals - making sure there's something for everyone).

If the popularity or relevance was ever in question in the new millennium, the Party at the Palace concert was one of the most watched pop concerts in history, attracting around 200 million viewers all over the world.

Girl power reigned supreme

A new decade and a new millennium brought modernity to the royals like never before. Having had Her Majesty on the throne for 50 years, it only made sense that she ushered in an era of powerful women.

The first female Queen's equerry was in attendance during the Golden Jubilee tour of New Zealand - and it was here where it was notable how every leadership position was held by a woman.

The Queen - as Head of State - joined a female Governor-General (Dame Silvia Cartwright), a female Prime Minister (Helen Clark) and a female Chief Justice (Sian Elias).

The Queen and Prince Philip’s 60th wedding anniversary

On November 20, 2007, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip celebrated a truly remarkable achievement - their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

Marking sixty years of marriage, the couple celebrated by sharing new photos of the couple taken in the grounds of Balmoral, and a lovely portrait of them with their four children, the then Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.

There were plenty of milestone birthdays

The year 2000 saw plenty of important birthdays for various members of the Royal Family.

Princess Anne turned 50 on August 15, and Princess Margaret turned 70 on August 21.

And on June 21, 2000, the future King, Prince William, also turned 18, and celebrated with some - let's just say it, questionable - birthday portraits taken in the grounds of Eton College.

Peter Phillips marries Autumn Phillips

As a clear sign that the younger generation of royals was really growing up, the late Queen's first grandchild was also the first to get married in 2008.

Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly announced their engagement on July 28, 2007, and they were married in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, on May 17, 2008.

The couple would go on to welcome two daughters, but divorced in 2021.

The Queen appoints the first female Poet Laureate

Another significant first in 2009, as Carol Ann Duffy became the first woman appointed to the position pf poet laureate in the United Kingdom.

The Golden Jubilee saw a ceremonial first featuring all of the Queen's guards

Each year, from Trooping the Colour to the regular Changing of the Guard, royal fans have come to expect pageantry and precision from the royal guards.

However, it was done on another level altogether as a special first during the Golden Jubilee.

The first ever parade of all Her Majesty's bodyguards was held in 2022, marking the first time in their centuries-old history that they had gone on parade together.

The 300-strong Parade included detachments from the Gentlemen at Arms (created by King Henry VIII in 1509), the Yeoman of the Guard (created by King Henry VII in 1485) and the Yeoman Warders (one of the oldest corps in the world dating back to the eleventh century and based at the Tower of London).

Zara Tindall follows in her mother's footsteps

We know now that Zara Tindall would go on to become the first - and, to date, only - royal to win a medal at the Olympic Games in 2012. But a few years before this, in 2006, the talented equestrian was awarded the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year.

In a touching connection, her mum, Princess Anne, had received the same accolade 35 years prior.

The royals open the gardens of Buckingham Palace to the public

To capture the jubilant spirit of the Golden Jubilee year in 2002, the gardens of Buckingham Palace were used for public concerts for the first time ever during the Golden Jubilee Weekend.

It saw hundreds of people having picnics and toasting to Her Majesty's 50th year on the throne.

The Queen’s historic Christmas broadcast

Beyond the realms of the Royal Family, the 2000s saw plenty of change and upheaval around the world. The US and the UK went to war with Iraq, and this inspired Her Majesty to make a change to her annual Christmas broadcast.

For the first time in the history of the Christmas Broadcast - which had been televised since 1957 - Queen Elizabeth II's message was recorded entirely on location at Combermere Barracks in Windsor, a nod and a message of support to the teamwork of the Armed Forces and voluntary services.

Princess Anne becomes the first royal convicted of a criminal offence

Not all 'firsts' are a good thing, as Princess Anne found out in 2002.

While Princess Anne has had plenty of positive moments over her lifetime, she also became the first member of the royal family to plead guilty to a criminal offence.

Back in 2002, her English bull terrier Dotty unfortunately bit two children whilst they walked in Windsor Great Park. While the children weren’t seriously harmed, Anne pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control in a public place, and was fined £500 for the offence, as well as the necessary court costs.

The Gold State Coach gets used for the first time in decades

For royal historians and lovers of the traditional bells and whistles, the 2000s saw the highlight of the return of the Gold State Coach - the first time since 1977.

The Gold State Coach was used twice during the Golden Jubilee, making its first appearance since the Silver Jubilee.

The Gold State Coach, per the Royal Collection Trust, was built in 1762 to transport British kings and queens. It was designed by William Chambers and made by the coachmaker Samuel Butler. At over 260 years old, it has been used at every coronation since William IV’s in 1831.

The oldest member of the British royal family dies in 2004

The Queen Mother might have made it to 101 at the time of her death in 2002, but she would be slightly outdone by Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester.

By the time the Princess - who was an aunt by marriage to Elizabeth II, and sister-in-law to George VI - died in 2004, she had reached 102.

To date, she still holds the title of the longest-living member of the Royal Family.

Camilla becomes more of an active member

In the present day, Camilla is Queen - and she's become widely well-liked and accepted. But it took a lot of years to get to this point.

After the rocky start, Camilla's marriage to Charles in 2005 was followed by her first major engagements and appearances as a working royal.

Slowly but surely, she proved herself a steadfast and reliable figure, and the 2005 overseas tour to the United States was seen as one of the first steps.

Over 50 years into her reign, Queen Elizabeth is voted more popular than ever

After weathering the tough period in the 1990s, including Diana's death and increased scrutiny of the Royal Family's place in a modernised society, the mid to late 2000s saw a return to peak popularity.

And in 2007, a public poll of the Greatest Britons crowned Her Majesty the Greatest Living Briton.

You know how it is - sometimes you think you know everything about someone, and they reveal something unexpected from their past.

While we know the British Royal Family have plenty of hidden talents, they aren't the only ones who can shock with dormant skills or buried past lives. From European royals to Hollywood royalty, plenty of our favourite famous faces might have had an entirely different life if they'd followed the paths their early academic days were leading them.

For example, one beloved Emmy-winning actress contemplated being a doctor. And then there's the pop culture icon who swapped scandalous roles for a degree in French Literature. Talk about hidden depths.

Find out who these stars are, and plenty of other royals and famous faces who have studied all around the world...

Celebrities and royals who have studied at the world’s finest institutions

Prince William and Kate Middleton met at the University of St Andrews

The future King and Queen left the University of St Andrews with more than just degrees; it's famously where the pair met and fell in love.

It is the oldest of the four ancient universities of Scotland and, after the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world. At the prestigious institution, Prince William started out with a Master of Arts course before pivoting to geography. The now Princess of Wales studied art history.

Meryl Streep had an impressive résumé even before acting

As one of the most successful actresses in Hollywood, it felt written in the stars that Meryl Streep was destined for the big screen. She's received 21 Academy Award nominations—winning three—making her the most nominated actress ever, and, along with Katharine Hepburn and Frances McDormand, sharing the most wins.

But even before this impressive accomplishment, Meryl landed a spot at one of America's most prestigious Ivy League universities, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in Drama from the Yale School of Drama in 1975.

King Charles’s Cambridge University degree made history

As a young man, King Charles landed a place at the impressive Cambridge University in 1967 to read Archaeology and Anthropology. He switched to study history for the second part of his degree and was eventually awarded a 2:2 degree in 1970. With this degree, King Charles is actually the first monarch in UK history to have achieved a traditional university degree.

Other royals followed in Charles' footsteps, with his youngest brother, Prince Edward going on to study history at Cambridge also.

Brooke Shields went from controversial child star to academic genius

Brooke Shields did not have a conventional childhood - finding fame from a very early age starring in controversial films like Pretty Baby and The Blue Lagoon.

Despite the less-than-traditional upbringing, Brooke chose the route of studying at college, earning a place at one of America's top Ivy League colleges, Princeton University. Perhaps even more impressively was the lofty subject Brooke studied - French literature.

Being Brooke Shields, they weren't the most conventional of college days. Writing in her 2014 memoir, There Was a Little Girl, she shared, "The paparazzi tried to sneak onto campus, dressed like what they thought college students looked like, and follow me around. One photographer hid in a vent to photograph me walk to a class; another attempted to bribe a freshman to take a camera into the showers and snap me in the nude."

Cindy Crawford won a scholarship to an impressive university

Can you imagine the 1990s eras of supermodels without Cindy Crawford? Well, if the iconic model had chosen to stick to the more traditional route of college, that might have been a possibility.

Cindy earned an academic scholarship to study chemical engineering at Northwestern University and started her studies, but ultimately dropped out to pursue modelling.

Natalie Portman's break from acting included Ivy League schooling

Natalie Portman had already starred in critically acclaimed movies like Michael Mann's Heat and massive blockbusters including Star Wars: Episode I and II by the time she was 18.

Despite this rare achievement, the future Oscar winner decided to step away from acting for a while... but not necessarily to relax. She ended up studying at what is often considered the number one university in the world, Harvard, graduating with a degree in psychology.

Lady Louise Windsor is following in the footsteps of her cousin

Lady Louise Windsor, the eldest child of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward, has followed in the footsteps of her cousin, Prince William, and studies at the University of St Andrews.

Lady Louise started studying English at the Scottish university in September 2022.

Kate Beckinsale studied at one of England's top universities

Stylish, witty and talented, Kate Beckinsale has enjoyed a career in film and television, starting in 1993. And it was around this time the Serendipity actress was studying at the New College in Oxford University.

Kate actually ended her studies of French and Russian Literature to pursue her acting career, landing her first role in 1993's Much Ado About Nothing alongside Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington and Keanu Reeves.

Crown Princess Victoria swapped Sweden for the halls of the Ivy League

Victoria, the Crown Princess of Sweden, studied a part-time degree at Yale in the late 1990s.

The heir to the Swedish throne spent five semesters at the prestigious Connecticut college studying Political Science and History from 1998. Whilst living and studying in the US, the Crown Princess also kept busy gaining work experience at the United Nations in New York.

Meghan Markle's academic career set her up for life in the public eye

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, graduated from Northwestern University in 2003 with a bachelor's in theatre and international studies. As a student, she also interned at the US Embassy in Buenos Aires.

We know she put her theatre degree to good use with her pre-royal career starring in the hit series, Suits, and her international work most definitely set her up for life as a Duchess and ambassador for various charities.

Jackie Kennedy

Forever remembered as the impeccably stylish First Lady of the United States who brought high fashion to the American masses, let viewers peek inside the White House, and rose above countless tragedies, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis lived several lives.

But even before she rose to the ranks of one of the most famous First Ladies ever, Jackie was an educated and accomplished woman, studying at the likes of Vassar College, the University of Grenoble in Grenoble, and the Sorbonne in Paris. Proving she was more than just a debutante, during the early years of her marriage to John F. Kennedy, she continued further education at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

Lady Gabriella Windsor graduated on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean

In 2004, Lady Gabriella Windsor—King Charles' cousin and the daughter of Prince Michael of Kent—graduated from Rhode Island's Brown University, with a BA degree in Comparative Literature.

Other famous alumni from Brown University, which despite not being an Ivy League school, is considered very prestigious, include John F Kennedy Jr and Emma Watson.

Nigella Lawson's studies had nothing to do with cooking

The always glamorous, always stylish queen of the kitchen, Nigella Lawson, chose quite a different path for her academic career.

Nigella read Medieval and Modern Languages at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University.

The Duke of Windsor studied at Oxford

Call it something of a pattern with quitting, but the only King to voluntarily abdicate also left his studies before finishing.

Edward VIII, later known as the Duke of Windsor, started his studies at the University of Oxford. The one-time king who abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson did a stint at Magdalen College, where he studied for eight terms before leaving without a degree.

Frederik X, King of Denmark went to Harvard - and no one knew he was royal

The now Frederik X, King of Denmark, studied Political Science at Harvard University.

A hallowed university that's often listed as the top academic institution in the world, it seems that the brainiacs who studied there might not have known (or cared about) their European royalty.

This is because, per Hola, Frederik once remarked about his time at the university, "These two weeks I’ve been here have shown...I’m not that famous here!"

Modern Family's Julie Bowen did some classic studies

Famous for her role as the harassed Claire in Modern Family, Julie Bowen's university studies were a far cry from her sitcom days.

Julie studied at the prestigious Brown University, where she majored in Italian Renaissance Studies.

Angela Bassett did the thing... twice!

In the 1980s, right before her breakout in film, Angela Bassett impressively earnt two degrees from Yale University. The How Stella Got Her Groove Back star graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies in 1980 and a Master of Fine Arts in 1983.

It was while at Yale that Angela met the man who'd become her husband, Courtney B Vance. The pair have been married since 1997.

She made her film debut in 1986, in the thriller F/X and her breakout role is considered to be 1993's What's Love Got to Do With It.

King Felipe of Spain had a royal roommate

The now King Felipe VI of Spain studied for a Master of Science in Foreign Service degree at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

While that's a nice fact in itself, it's the additional detail of who he bunked with while studying that adds a layer of stranger-than-fiction to it all. If one royal wasn't enough, he shared accommodation with his first cousin, the Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece, who was studying the same course.

Mira Sorvino got top honours before she scooped Hollywood's top prize

Before starring in the likes of Romy and Michele's High School Reunion and her Oscar-winning turn in Mighty Aphrodite, Mira Sorvino graduated magna cum laude—which translates to 'with great praise' and indicates scholastic excellence—from Harvard with a degree in East Asian Studies in 1989.

Lupita Nyong'o didn't waste much time after graduating

Lupita Nyong'o graduated from the Yale School of Drama in 2012 with a master of fine arts in acting. Proving she was on the right course with her acting ambitions, she landed her breakthrough role in 12 Years a Slave just one year later, earning her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Princess Beatrice and Eugenie chose their own paths

While their uncles, King Charles and Prince Edward, went to Cambridge, and it's become something of a tradition for younger royals to go to the University of St Andrews, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie went their own way when it came to their university degrees.

Princess Beatrice studied at Goldsmiths College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in history, and Eugenie graduated with a bachelor's degree in English Literature and History of Art from Newcastle University.

Queen Margrethe was incredibly studious

With stints at some of the finest institutions all over the world, including the Sorbonne in Paris, studying archaeology at Cambridge and political science at Aarhus, and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark is arguably one of the most academically qualified royal figures.

Margrethe reigned as Queen of Denmark from 14 January 1972 until her abdication on 14 January 2024.

Prince William’s extra-curricular courses

As a future king, one might understand if the likes of Prince William decided to just prepare for the day he wears the crown. But the Prince of Wales deserves some praise for his commitment to educating himself and making sure he can bring something new to his duties.

In 2014, Prince William enrolled in a vocational agricultural management course at Cambridge to prepare for taking over the Duchy of Cornwall Estate, which became his after King Charles succeeded the throne in 2022.

Before Friends, Lisa Kudrow debated becoming a doctor

Lisa Kudrow is an iconic actress who has made roles like Phoebe in Friends and Valerie Cherish from The Comeback beloved favourites.

However, Lisa's academic career might have changed the trajectory of her acting ambitions. Before finding fame with her early roles, the Emmy winner earned a degree in biology from Vassar College in 1985.

She was interested in pursuing the field because of her father’s career as a doctor and because she saw the subject as a way of "unlocking all of the mysteries of humanity."

Princess Anne’s children chose the same university

Princess Anne's two children, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, both studied at the University of Exeter.

Before her career in the Olympics and in equestrian sports, Zara qualified as a physiotherapist. Peter Phillips was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Sciences before working at Jaguar Racing and later setting up his own company.

Rashida Jones studied something outside of entertainment

Her mother was actress and model Peggy Lipton. Her dad was music icon Quincy Jones. And this could actually explain why Rashida Jones - way before finding her own voice with comedies like Parks and Recreation - tried to carve a lane outside of entertainment.

Impressively, Rashida landed a spot at Harvard University, where she studied Philosophy.

Mayim Bialik's degree proved helpful for her role in The Big Bang Theory

After earlier roles as a child star in the likes of Beaches, where she played the younger version of Bette Midler's character, Mayim Bialik swapped acting for science.

She completed her undergraduate degree in neuroscience at UCLA and later earned her doctorate in the same field of study. This would prove fortuitous when she would later get a second breakthrough in the sitcom, The Big Bang Theory, where she had to play a science genius.

Bad girl Stockard Channing was a great student

There are worse things she could do...

Playing the legendary role of Rizzo in Grease might have cemented Stockard Channing's reputation as the ultimate bad girl to many, but she was actually much more studious in real life.

Stockard Channing graduated summa cum laude from Harvard in 1965 with a degree in history and literature.

Kimmy Schmidt's Ellie Kemper had an athletic scholarship

Starring in the likes of Bridesmaids and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Ellie Kemper has proven herself to be a gifted comic actress.

But the star had a, perhaps unexpected, athletic background, having graduated from Princeton in 2002 with a degree in English after beginning her Ivy League career playing field hockey.

The King of Norway chose England to study

In 1960, Harald V, King of Norway swapped the Scandi life for England's historic halls, enrolling in an undergraduate economics course at Balliol College at the University of Oxford.

Harvard continues to attract European royals

Harvard is still considered one of the best universities in the whole world, and if it was good enough for Legally Blonde's Elle Woods, we're not surprised the next generation of European royalty choose it.

Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium started her master's in public policy at Harvard Kennedy School in September 2024.

Eva Longoria took time out of Wisteria Lane to work on her studies

There's something to be said about those who choose to add studies to their already successful acting career. And Eva Longoria, while still riding high on the success of Desperate Housewives, started earning her master's degree in 2013.

Eva graduated with her degree in Chicano studies from California State University in 2013, having started her lessons while still filming the show (Desperate Housewives would end in 2012).

Let's be honest, sometimes we all just need to escape the real world.

Whether it's diving into a good book, watching one of the most stylish movies of all time, or getting into a new box set, we all need to abscond from our chores and to-do lists from time to time.

And when it comes to really escaping into a world unlike our own, there's nothing that compares to tales of royalty, thanks to everything from the epic jewellery and sweeping costumes to old world romance and palatial residences.

Get comfy, polish your crown and check out our favourite shows and films full of regal glamour.

The best films and TV shows ever made about royalty

The Queen (2006)

Chronicling one of the hardest times the Royal Family have faced in modern memory, Dame Helen Mirren bore a striking resemblance to Queen Elizabeth II when she took on the daunting role in 2006. The Queen follows the royals as they navigate the shocking death of Princess Diana, and the intense public scrutiny they came under in the weeks following.

For her role, Helen Mirren won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

After playing Queen Elizabeth II, Helen Mirren took to Instagram to pay tribute to her following her death in 2022. She posted on Instagram, "I am proud to be an Elizabethan. We mourn a woman, who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility."

The Crown

No stranger to the royals, writer and filmmaker Peter Morgan created Netflix's epic, sprawling historical drama series spanning the reign of Queen Elizabeth from 1947 through to 2005. Peter Morgan had previously written 2006's Oscar winning film, The Queen.

The Crown begins with the unexpected crowning of Queen Elizabeth II in 1947 following her father's untimely death. Then, over six seasons, the show imagines the behind-the-scenes drama behind the real-life news headlines during her decades-spanning reign.

Storylines covered include Charles and Camilla's complicated romance, the death of Diana and, in the later seasons, Prince William and Kate Middleton's first meeting at the University of St Andrews.

While criticised by some for historical inaccuracies and fictional liberties, the series won a total of 24 Emmys for its six-series run.

Wolf Hall

Perhaps because many associate history with dusty school textbooks and exams, we forget that the real royal courts were full of passion, betrayal, and plenty of soap-worthy drama.

The likes of Wolf Hall, adapted by two of Hilary Mantel's best-selling books, capture this perfectly, gripping viewers with the political backstabbing and tension of Henry VIII's court, as Thomas Cromwell rises through the ranks (until he crosses the wrong players).

The King’s Speech

The 2010 film The King's Speech brings to life the moving and true tale of a man forced to lead a nation while confronting his own personal battles.

After the surprise abdication of King Edward VIII—later known as the Duke of Windsor—his younger brother, George VI, becomes King. Never expecting it, and suffering with a stammer, the film follows his friendship with a speech therapist who helps the unlikely king step into his destiny, ultimately becoming a beloved leader for the people.

Colin Firth won the Academy Award for his moving portrayal, and several reports at the time indicated that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II approved of the film about her father.

The Great

If you like your historical dramas with a bit more drama and a bit less historical accuracy, The Great might be for you.

Starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, over three seasons, The Great follows a young Catherine the Great as she comes to Russia to get married to Peter III. From outsider to ruler of the court, the story is full of lavish costuming, hilarious moments and a delightfully modern twist on a real chapter of Russian history.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

Netflix brought the Regency era to a whole new audience with the anachronistic, pop-culture-infused historical drama, Bridgerton.

A spin-off series in 2023 focused on a fictionalised account of a real couple, Queen Charlotte and King George. A real-life married couple, who would later set up Kew Palace as one of the official royal residences, Queen Charlotte became a steadfast leader who helped her husband as he later succumbed to mental illness.

Spencer

Who would have ever imagined Californian-born-and-bred actress Kristen Stewart could transform so believably into the late Diana, Princess of Wales? But that's exactly what the Twilight star did in 2021, when she took on the role for Pablo Larrain's gripping, fictionalised tale of the late Princess.

Fusing known facts with a fictionalised spin, the film is set around Christmas, when the royals are known to take off and gather at Sandringham House, Norfolk. Some elements of the film are reportedly true—like the controversial 'game' of weighing guests before and after arriving—but liberties were taken in depicting Diana's torment as she discovers her husband's affair and ponders life outside of the royals.

Mrs Brown

Mrs. Brown is a beloved gem which became a breakout hit in 1997. It tells the story of an unlikely friendship between the widowed Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) and her servant John Brown (Billy Connolly).

The friendship was real, and the nature of the couple's closeness was never fully confirmed, with only rumours of a potential romance. But the film focuses more on how the grieving Queen Victoria navigates her mourning and life after Albert, thanks to the unconventional and relaxed friendship with Mr Brown.

While Dame Judi Dench is now considered bona fide acting royalty, it was the success of Mrs Brown that many contributed to her 'second act' in film. Judi had been best known as a successful stage and television actress with only infrequent film appearances up until Mrs. Brown, a performance which led to a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination.

W.E.

A movie about a controversial royal couple directed by music and pop culture royalty? W.E. definitely deserves a second look after slipping under the radar somewhat after its 2011 release.

Directed by Madonna in her directorial debut, the film follows a 1990s New York housewife, Wally Winthrop, who is obsessed with the love story of the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, and the ultimate sacrifice the one-time king made abdicating for true love. Both stories are intertwined as Wally researches the couple more, all while embarking on her own extramarital affair.

Versailles

For a blast of true regal glamour and excess, there was nowhere like Louis XIV's court.

Over the show's three seasons, viewers are transported to King Louis XIV's Le Grand Siecle era, as he moved the court from the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye near Paris to his father's former hunting lodge near the hamlet of Versailles, where he built a lavish palace on the grounds.

It doesn't end well for Louis, as history tells us, but for a show based on decadence, betrayal and power plays, this one could very well take the crown.

Anastasia (1956 or 1997)

The stranger-than-fiction tale of Anastasia is so enchanting it's famously been told in two major adaptations - one starring icons like Ingrid Bergman in 1956 and one animated with music in 1997.

Whichever you prefer, the tale of Anastasia is a gorgeous epic centred around the possibility that a poor, street-girl might actually be the missing surviving child of the Russian Royal Family following the Bolshevik uprising and killing of the Romanovs.

Is it historically accurate? No. But do both films include sweeping romance, epic ballrooms and glamour and a bewitching tale? Most definitely!

Victoria (2016-2019)

Queen Victoria has so often been relegated in the annals of history as the permanent widow, shrouded in black and never smiling.

The ITV series, Victoria, helped reimagine the second-longest serving monarch in British history, starting with her accession at the age of 18. Played by Jenna Coleman for three seasons, the show is full of opulent costuming, historical details and the young queen's first meeting with Prince Albert, the man she'd go on to mourn for years.

The Duchess

Queen of the period dramas, Keira Knightley once again stepped into a world of corsets, wigs and regal glamour for 2008's The Duchess.

Based loosely on a true story, the film follows a seventeen-year old Georgiana Spencer as she is married to the Duke of Devonshire. Their marriage is a loveless one, and he only wants a male heir.

Much ado was made about the fact that the real-life Georgiana Spencer was distantly related to Princess Diana, and the pair's seemingly paralleled royal marriage woes.

Georgiana was the older sister of Diana's great-great-great-grandfather, George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer, and promotion for the film paraphrased Diana's iconic quote from her Panorama interview, citing "There were three people in her marriage" across the posters.

A Little Chaos

Starring acting royalty—including Kate Winslet, the late Alan Rickman, and Stanley Tucci—A Little Chaos transports these stalwarts to a fictionalised twist on King Louis XIV's royal court.

While not the most historically accurate, the film follows a passionate love story taking place between two artists working together to bring to life Louis' plans of transforming Versailles into the sprawling palace and epic gardens.

Don't come for historical accuracy, but rather stellar performances, awe-inspiring costuming and stunning sets.

Marie Antoinette (2023-)

Synonymous with opulence, glamour and extravagance, Marie Antoinette—the last Queen of France—was famous for living large and losing it all (including her head) in the revolution. But how did she get to that position?

That's what the 2023 series, Marie Antoinette, details with vivid storytelling, attention to historic detail, and often unearthing some of the forgotten elements of the Austrian princess's ascension in the French court and marriage to Louis XVI.

The show was created and written by Deborah Davis, who wrote The Favourite, and Emilia Schule plays the Queen before she becomes the 'let them eat cake' monarch who faces a revolution.

Victoria & Abdul

Two decades after starring as Queen Victoria in Mrs Brown, Dame Judi Dench returned to the role for 2017's Victoria & Abdul.

Once again exploring an unlikely relationship between the grieving monarch and a confidant, the film focuses on the friendship between the royal and Abdul Karim (played by Ali Fazal), her Indian Muslim servant.

Their relationship shocked 1800s England, beginning when Abdul travels from India to present the Queen a gift at her Golden Jubilee, and they became close friends. Based on a historian's book, the writer Shrabani Basu insists the film is mostly founded on facts.

She told The Independent, "The thing is, it’s not fiction - it’s fact. Whatever is being shown on screen actually happened — it’s not some cooked-up ‘jewel in the crown’ Raj nostalgia story. This happened. Queen Victoria learned Urdu, she wanted her mango and she stood by Abdul Karim. It sounds like a fantasy, but it isn’t."

A Royal Night Out

Picture it. 8 May 1945. After six years of World War Two, Victory in Europe is announced. A war torn but jubilant England comes together to celebrate what we still celebrate today as VE Day. In London, the Royal Family and Winston Churchill wave to crowds of thousands from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

The royals never abandoned the people of London during the hard times, and they wanted to join in during the good times. And that is when a young Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, in a historic first, were able to sneak out of the confines of the palace and celebrate with the masses in the streets of London.

This true moment of history is explored in 2015's A Royal Night Out, starring Sarah Gadon and Bel Powley and the royal sisters.

The Young Victoria

Starring Emily Blunt and written by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, 2009's The Young Victoria is perfect for a regal, escapist film about Queen Victoria succeeding the throne aged 18 and falling for her German cousin, Prince Albert.

Julian Fellowes wanted to make the film as historically accurate as possible, which included incredible attention to the costuming (designed by Sandy Powell), and filming took place at various historical landmarks in England.

This film also got something of a royal seal of approval - Princess Beatrice made a notable cameo in the film about her great-great-great-great grandmother.

The Tudors

This isn't history like you studied in school...

The Tudors was the 2007 breakout hit that amped up the scandal and salacious details of Henry VIII's Tudor court. Across four seasons, we see Jonathan Rhys Meyers' Henry - a far cry from the portly portraits many are familiar with - as he goes from meeting his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, all the way until the last of the six.

The show is noted for being an early vehicle for breakout stars like Henry Cavill and Natalie Dormer.

The Madness of King George

Adapted by Alan Bennett from his own 1991 play The Madness of George III, 1994's The Madness of King George tells the true story of George III as he faced mental illness and the Regency Crisis of 1788–89.

Starring Helen Mirren and Nigel Hawthorne, the British Film Institute voted The Madness of King George the 42nd-greatest British film of all time in 1999.

Elizabeth

1998's Elizabeth was proof that people just can't get enough of period films and stories about royalty.

The film, based on the early years of Elizabeth I's reign after she succeeded the throne following Mary Tudor's death, ended up grossing over $80 million against a relatively modest $30 million budget.

Not only that, the film is widely regarded as the international breakout role for Cate Blanchett.

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Alive with technicolour and a parade of Versailles fashion made Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette biopic one for the books (but maybe not the history books, as many have contested the historical accuracy).

Sofia Coppola makes the film look as sumptuous and rich as Marie's reputation for finery, with a feast of silks, frills, florals and candy-like colour combinations enough to distract from any exaggerated historical facts.

The Favourite

Part fiction, part fact, The Favourite was the Oscar winning 2018 epic which saw Olivia Colman once again stepping into the royal of a British queen.

While she won legions of fans for playing Queen Elizabeth II in seasons three and four of The Crown, Olivia won the Oscar for her unhinged performance as Queen Anne, the last of the Stuart monarchs.

As much about the scheming players in her court as the Queen's historically-reported maladies and madness, the film also starred Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz.

Grace of Monaco

Grace Kelly is one of the few people who can lay claim to being Hollywood royalty and real royalty, swapping her illustrious, Oscar-winning film career to become the Princess of Monaco upon her marriage to Prince Rainier III in 1956.

Acting royalty herself, Nicole Kidman stepped into the role of Princess Grace for 2014's Grace of Monaco, which followed the Princess as she struggled to find her place within the confines of the palace, and during Monaco's fraught relationship with France.

If you want to see some of Hollywood's brightest stars - Nicole, Parker Posey, Milo Ventimiglia, and Tim Roth - play real life icons, plus soak up opulent glamour with Cartier inspired jewels and Monaco ballrooms, this is worthy of a watch.

Lady Jane

For a slice of historical period drama, Helena Bonham Carter fronts the 1986 film Lady Jane, which tells the story of Lady Jane Grey.

After the death of Henry VIII, there was a crisis facing the court. His heir, Edward VI, was underage and in ill health. Protestants wanted to keep Mary Tudor off the throne.

So, John Dudley arranges a marriage between his son to Henry VIII's grand-niece, ensuring her place on the throne as well as his. She only sat on the throne for nine days, before being imprisoned and executed by Mary Tudor.

Henry V

A Shakespeare classic turned to film, Henry V recounts the short but eventful reign of King Henry V, who played a key role in the Hundred Years' War.

Starring British acting royalty, including the then married Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench and Derek Jacobi, Henry V was an Oscar winning epic which brought to life Shakespeare's tale of war, scheming and the pursuit of glory.

Queen Christina

Ready for a royal story with a difference? 1933's Queen Christina starring the elusive screen legend Greta Garbo tells the true story of Sweden's first ever female regent, who shockingly abdicated in the name of Catholicism.

It's widely believed by historians the Queen of Sweden stepped down to become a Catholic and evade marriage as she was most probably a lesbian, but the film puts a more Hollywood spin, making Garbo's queen abdicate in the name of love, for a Spanish envoy.

Historical accuracies aside, Queen Christina is a must watch for elegant glamour, a beguiling chapter of European royal history and acting royalty.

Anne of the Thousand Days

Perhaps one of the more overlooked titles on the list, 1969's Anne of the Thousand Days is a lavish telling of Henry VIII giving up his first wife to pursue Anne Boleyn, and the strife that arises from having no male heir.

Starring Richard Burton—and a surprise, unlisted cameo from his then-wife Elizabeth Taylor—the film was nominated for ten Academy Awards.

The Other Boleyn Girl

History remembers Anne Boleyn as Henry VIII's second wife - and the first to be beheaded. But there was a second Boleyn.

Starring Natalie Portman as Anne and Scarlett Johansson as her sister, Mary Boleyn, 2008's The Other Boleyn Girl is a fictional account of an alleged plot to set Henry VIII up with Mary when Anne fails to produce a male heir.

Perfect for those wanting a soapy, salacious slice of royal drama.

The Lion in Winter

Perhaps most known as the film which earned Katharine Hepburn her third Oscar for Best Actress, making her the first ever star to achieve such a feat, The Lion in Winter is an interesting tale of a royal chapter not as well known.

Hepburn starred as Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Queen of France before her marriage to King Louis VII was annulled in 1152, who later remarried King Henry II of England. The film takes place long into Eleanor and King Henry II's marriage, when she has been imprisoned as a result of plotting against her husband to put one of their sons on the throne.

The Scarlet Empress

When you have Marlene Dietrich kitted out in some of the finest outfits, you don't really need to worry about such things as historical accuracy. Which is handy, because 1934's The Scarlet Empress doesn't exactly concern itself with too much fact-checking. However, the debauched and decadent imagining of how Prussian princess Sophia Frederica became Catherine the Great is full of escapist glamour and movie magic.

Mary, Queen of Scots

With respect to William and Harry, family drama is nothing new for royals. Back in the 1500s, cousins Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I proved that blood didn't mean too much.

Returning from France as a recent widow, Mary expects to take her place on the throne of Scotland, as the only living child of James V. However, her cousin Elizabeth I was in charge of both England and Scotland.

The warring cousins and queens navigate tough choices and political crises in this epic telling of the historic chapter, starring Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan.

The royals have shared sweet tributes to the fathers, past and present, in touching never-before-seen photos to celebrate Father’s Day.

Just a day after the family were all together for Trooping the Colour, which saw Kate and Charlotte shine in matching outfits and Prince Louis won the crowd over with his hilarious behaviour, the royals are celebrating again.

Posting to the official Prince and Princess of Wales social media account, a heart-warming post from the Wales children was shared wishing their “Papa” a happy day.

The tribute from Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis includes two photos, one beautifully posed and staged, with all of them hugging and smiling sweetly.

The second photo is much more relatable to parents everywhere and captures the chaos that goes into getting everyone to smile for the camera. Fallen over in the grass, the three children are piling on top of their Dad who is caught laughing under the bedlam.

The caption to the post read, “Happy Father’s Day, Papa (before and after!) We love you! G, C & L.”

In a break from recent tradition for special family events including Charlotte's 10th birthday, the photos weren’t taken by the Princess of Wales - both photographs were taken by Josh Shinner in Norflok this year.

Over on the official account for the Royal Family, King Charles and Queen Camilla shared two photos with their fathers.

For His Majesty, an old photo from his childhood, with a young Prince Philip pushing Charles and Princess Anne on a swing. Capturing a slice of royal life we seldom see, fans are loving this playful side.

The second photo shared is from Charles and Camilla’s 2005 wedding day, with Her Majesty smiling warmly alongside her father, Bruce Shand.

Camilla’s father was a former officer in the British Army, who served during the Second World War. He died in 2006, aged 89.

Fans absolutely loved the rare and revealing photos from the royals.

One fan commented, "Happy Father’s Day to you Prince William and thank you to the Kensington Palace team that made these beautiful pictures to share with all of us."

Another called out a touching likeness to another late royal, sharing "A very lovely family. I can see the resemblance to the late Queen Elizabeth in the two boys."

The Trooping the Colour parade is held every June to mark the monarch’s official birthday – but even though it was King Charles’ big day, it was Prince Louis who, once again, was the real crowd pleaser.

Joining his family - including his mum and sister who had a matching moment in shades of turquoise - Louis was all smiles as he rode in a carriage with his siblings and excitedly watched the Red Arrows flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Louis, the youngest child of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, is no stranger to stealing the show at these events, whether it’s being a little naughty at the Platinum Jubilee concert or most recently teasing his older brother at the VE Day celebrations.

The seven-year-old was met with roaring cheers from fans outside Buckingham Palace as he adorably copied his grandfather’s regal wave.

Louis even made sure to give the crowd exactly what they were after, as he couldn’t resist sneaking in one last wave even after his family had turned to go back inside the palace.

Earlier on in the day, Louis had fans in hysterics thanks to his toothy grin, when he seemed to be cracking up his older brother in the carriage procession.

A lip reader for The Sun reportedly captured the sweet moment between the brothers, and suggests Louis was egging on his brother to share a moment.

Louis was seen turning to his brother to ask, "Should I wave?"

"It's up to you,” George reportedly replied, before – in true British nature – added, “I can't believe how sunny it is.”

An excited Louis apparently then told his brother, “Let's do it together.”

Back on the balcony, the King and Queen Camilla were clearly enjoying the high-spirited nature of the day and were seen smiling and pointing along with their grandson.

Louis and Charles’ adorable relationship is well known, with Louis eager to sit on his grandfather’s knee during the 2022 Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Previously, during a 2018 interview for Prince, Son & Heir – Charles at 70, Queen Camilla shared how, despite his title, Charles is just like any other doting grandfather. She said of how he acts with her own grandchildren, "He will get down on his knees and crawl about with them for hours, you know making funny noises and laughing and my Grandchildren adore him, absolutely adore him."

Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living.

Many of us have to, or choose to, work. And while we have good days and bad days, there's always something that keeps us coming back - and for a select bunch, that could be the privilege of working with royalty.

From rules you might never have known about to surprising facts about the royal residences, even the most ardent royal fan can still learn something new. And this collection of bizarre and beguiling jobs that have existed throughout the royal palaces and offices is full of some serious shocks.

From someone whose sole job was to assist a monarch when they were on the throne - and yes, that's the less-glamorous colloquial meaning - to people responsible for hundreds of clocks, you might just gain a new appreciation for your job.

The weirdest jobs you never knew existed in the royal households

The Grand Carver of England

Considering all the glamorous State Banquets the royals host, this very niche job might actually make sense. The Grand Carver only has one job within the Royal household - to perfectly slice and serve meat to the royals and guests during special occasions and state visits.

The role has existed as far back as the 16th century, and it's actually a hereditary position, meaning it's passed down between families. The current Grand Carver of England is Alexander Stephen Rudolph Feilding, the 12th Earl of Denbigh and 11th Earl of Desmond.

The Marker of the Swans and Warden of the Swans

One of those strange facts about the Royal Family that people always love is the fact that the monarch really does own all the swans in the country. With so many majestic birds to maintain, the monarch has needed help.

In the past, this was in the form of Keeper of the Swans. However, in 1993, the role was split into two - the Marker of the Swans and the Warden of the Swans.

The Marker of the Swans organises the annual event of Swan Upping on the River Thames, advises fishing and boating organisations how to work with wildlife, and monitors the health of the local swan population. David Barber has held this title since 1993.

The Warden of the Swans shares similar duties and was newly created in 1993. Professor Christopher Perrins has held the post since then.

The royal shoe-wearer* (*not the actual job title)

While not an actual, individual job title, there is someone who, among their other roles, used to help break in Queen Elizabeth II's shoes.

This person was Angela Kelly, Her Majesty's long-time dresser. In her book, The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, The Dresser and The Wardrobe, she revealed, "As has been reported a lot in the press, a flunky wears in Her Majesty’s shoes to ensure that they are comfortable and that she is always good to go. And yes, I am that flunky."

Explaining why, she added, "The Queen has very little time to herself and no time to wear in her own shoes, and as we share the same shoe size ,it makes the most sense this way."

The Royal Horological Conservator

Twice every year, people find themselves frustratedly changing the clocks on their ovens and whatnot as we move in or out of Daylight Saving Time. If you get annoyed doing this, spare a thought for the Royal Horological Conservator.

A keeper of the clocks, this position involves maintaining over 1000 clocks across the royal residences. To keep these ticking, it's reported they must go around the estates to wind the clocks every week. Not an easy feat considering there are thought to be nearly 1000 clocks at Buckingham Palace alone, and 400 in Windsor Castle.

Keeper of the Royal Philatelic Collection (aka royal stamp collector)

For most of us, we scramble around looking for a spare stamp when sending out a birthday card, and ours usually has a picture of the monarch on it. But for the royals, stamps are something different.

The Royal Philatelic Collection is the official name given to the postage stamp collection of the British royal family, and it's the most comprehensive collection of items related to the philately of the United Kingdom. The value of the collection has been reported to exceed a staggering £100 million, so it's no surprise that they had someone whose sole job was to maintain the collection fastidiously.

Dating back to the 1890s, someone held the title, but there hasn't been a keeper since 2019, when the collection was moved back to Buckingham Palace.

Piper to the Sovereign

Arguably not everyone's first choice of instrument to listen to, the bagpipes have a long history with the royals, so much so that there has been a personal Piper to the Sovereign since 1843.

The position was established when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the Marquess of Breadalbane at Taymouth Castle and discovered the Marquess had his own personal piper.

As well as performing at special ceremonies, the piper travels with the monarch and wakes them up each morning, playing continuously for 15 minutes from 9am. As of 2025, the Piper to the Sovereign is PM Paul Burns, Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The King’s Bargemaster

Though there is no official state barge as of 2025, there was a history of barges being important to the Royal Family, and, as such, there was a Royal Bargemaster.

Traditionally, the Royal Barge was used to ferry the Royal Family to and from the Royal Yacht.

The last major occurrence in which the Bargemaster would have been integral to affairs was during the Diamond Jubilee, when Queen Elizabeth II and her family travelled on the Spirit of Chartwell.

Master of the Horse

Today, the Royal Master of the Horse is largely a ceremonial position, held by a senior officer within the British royal household who is responsible for overseeing the royal stables, carriages and horses.

The third dignitary of the court, the current Master of the Horse is Lord Henry Ashton, the 4th Baron Ashton of Hyde.

Dating back to the 14th century, the position was formerly an important one, held by Cabinet members or peers.

The Astronomer Royal

Heavens above... There's someone whose job is to quite literally consult on all things, well, above.

The Astronomer Royal title was first created in 1675 when John Flamsteed was appointed by King Charles II. Initially, the Astronomer Royal was also the Director of the Royal Observatory.

Largely ceremonial, the title is more an acknowledgement of major achievements of an eminent astronomer working today. The current Astronomer Royal is Martin Rees, and he receives a token stipend of £100 a year.

If you struggle with your eyesight, you also have a previous Astronomer Royal to thank for fixing it. Sir George Biddell Airy, the seventh person to hold the position, noticed he was having trouble reading with his left eye. After consulting with others who had the same condition, he crafted a lens to refract the light rays and correct the astigmatism.

Yeoman of the Silver Pantry

Unsurprisingly, among the many trinkets and treasures of the royals, there's plenty of silver. And at the centre of this is the Grand Service, a silver-gilt dining service commissioned by George IV. It's made up of over 4,000 pieces for dining and display in a vast range of styles.

With a magnificent collection of silver, the royals can't risk stains and rust. So the Yeoman of the Silver Pantry is tasked with overseeing the care of the silver.

When not in use, it's stored in a controlled atmosphere. When preparing for a banquet or special occasion, every piece is taken apart, washed, dried and polished. It's then dismantled into over 8000 components when time to pack away.

Per the Royal Collection Trust, it takes eight people three weeks to prepare the Grand Service.

Surveyor of the King’s Pictures

Any artwork owned by the monarch in an official capacity - that is, art in the Royal Collection and housed at publicly funded residences like Buckingham Palace - is monitored and maintained by the Surveyor of the King's Pictures.

Since December 2023, the surveyor is Anna Reynolds, the first woman to hold the position.

Notable surveyors in the past have included Professor Anthony Blunt, one of the notorious Cambridge Five, who shared secrets with the Soviet Union.

The King’s Flag Sergeant

The Flag Sergeant is a serving soldier and member of the Master of the Household's Department.

They are responsible for raising and lowering the Royal Standard from Buckingham Palace when the Sovereign is in residence and, since 1997 when the rules changed following the death of Princess Diana, doing the same for the Union Flag when they are not in residence.

The Sergeant stores all the important flags in their office, and they also send the relevant flags to the relevant residences when the monarch is travelling abroad.

Pages of Honour

A Page of Honour is a voluntary and honorary role held by young sons of nobility and senior members of the Royal Household.

They typically assist with the Sovereign's robes during major events like the Order of the Garter and the State Opening of Parliament. The Pages, which included Prince George, held a key role in the 2023 Coronation of King Charles.

The King’s Watermen

One of the oldest positions in the Royal Household, dating back to the 16th century, the Watermen are mostly ceremonial in present day, though they do still count as part of the King's bodyguards.

Established by Henry VIII when he set up the Company of Watermen, they fall under the jurisdiction of the Bargemaster and row the royal barges up and down the Thames. There are currently always 24 Watermen - this number was introduced by Edward VII, who reduced it from 48.

Master of the King’s Music

The Master of the King's Music is a post in the Royal Household traditionally bestowed upon a working musician of great repute. As well as overseeing the music for annual events like Trooping the Colour, it's expected that the Master of the King's Music will compose music to commemorate special landmark royal events, like the Platinum Jubilee and King Charles' Coronation.

The role was created in 1626 when Charles I appointed Nicholas Lanier. Notable Masters have included Edward Elgar, famous for the Enigma Variations / Nimrod composition that's often heard at major royal events and was voted the greatest piece of British classical music in a Classic FM poll.

The current Master is Errollyn Wallen, and she is also the first Black musician to hold the title.

Surveyor of the King’s Works of Art

While sounding similar to another position - the Surveyor of Pictures - the Surveyor of the King's Works of Art has a slight difference.

This important position is responsible for the care and maintenance of the royal collection of works of art owned by the Sovereign in an official capacity, comprising about 700,000 objects. Whereas the Survey of Pictures focuses on illustrations, paintings and drawings, the Survey of Arts covers decorative arts, including furniture, sculpture, and other objets d'art.

Caroline de Guitaut was appointed to the role in 2023, the first woman to hold the title.

The King’s Harpist (formerly Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales)

Known for his love of music, literature and art, back when King Charles was still the Prince of Wales, he actually made the rare move of reinstating an antiquated position - the Official Harpist of the Prince of Wales.

Before Charles reinstated the position in 2000, it had last been appointed in 1871.

Following His Majesty's accession to the throne in 2022, the role has been referred to as King's Harpist, and is currently held by Mared Pugh Evans.

The Furniture Conservator

Among the many treasures held within the Royal Collection, there's the sort of furniture you can't just replace with a trip to IKEA.

Per a 2024 job posting on the Royal Household, the furniture conservators work to conserve furniture to the highest standard and work in teams at Marlborough House.

His Majesty’s Botanist

A bouquet of supermarket roses wouldn't exactly cut the mustard at a State Banquet, so luckily, the royals have had an official botanist since 1699.

His Majesty's Botanist is a member of the Royal household in Scotland, and between 1768 and 1956 it was combined with the office of Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, who also held the post of Regius Professor of Botany at the University of Edinburgh.

Royal Linen Keeper

If you ever find yourself lucky enough to be invited to dine with the royals, don't expect to find any stains on the tablecloths. Official linen keepers, per a previous job posting, are tasked with ensuring the cloth matches the magnificence of the banqueting table, making sure all linen requirements are met to the highest standards, and conserving linen for future generations.

Lord High Almoner

The Royal Almonry is a dedicated office within the Royal Households, dating back to 1103. The office and the Almoner, who oversees the office, are responsible for distributing alms to the poor. The late Queen Elizabeth II had a particular fondness for the annual Maundy Thursday service in which alms would be given to those in need, and King Charles and Queen Camilla have continued the tradition.

The Lord High Almoner is usually a diocesan bishop or high cleric of the Church of England.

A Court Jester – or a Court Fool

As synonymous with historic royalty as beheadings and crowns, the court jester has long captivated people's attention.

The first English court jester is understood to have been Will Somers, who served as a jester to King Henry VIII. He was a prominent figure at court and had surprising leeway to speak on things that others could not.

The last official court jester in England was Dicky Pearce, who died in 1728.

Poet Laureate

An important position appointed to a literary figure of note, the Poet Laureate is appointed by the monarch and will craft poetry and words to commemorate royal events and significant national occasions.

The current Laureate is Simon Armitage, who will serve between 2019 and 2029.

For King Charles' 2023 Coronation, he wrote a special poem titled An Unexpected Guest, imagining the historic event through the eyes of an ordinary invited guest.

A Whipping Boy

Thankfully no longer a position, whipping boys were a strange custom introduced during the 15th century.

A whipping boy was a young boy - usually of high birth - assigned to a prince. Whenever the prince misbehaved, the whipping boy would be punished in his place. Why? It was thought that, because of the Divine Right of Kings and the belief that God appointed them, no one but the king was worthy of punishing a king’s son.

But if he wasn't around, the whipping boy would be available to take the punishment from someone else, and the hope would be that, being close friends with the prince, the guilt would feel like a punishment too.

The Keeper of the Privy Purse

The monarch's face might be splashed all over the cash of the United Kingdom (and other Commonwealth territories), but they don't really deal with their own cash flow.

A fancier version of an accountant or a bookkeeper, the Keeper of the Privy Purse is responsible for the financial management of the Royal Household, including reporting on the private and personal use of the Sovereign Grant and other income.

Master Carver of Scotland

If having a Grand Carver of England wasn't fancy enough, the Royal Family have had a Master Carver of Scotland since the 18th Century, keeping them in fine cuts of meat when they're hosting events and occasions up in Scotland.

The current Master Carver for Scotland, also known as the Hereditary Carver, is Sir Sebastian Anstruther of Balcluskie. Part of the Royal Household of Scotland, the role is hereditary and was first established by the Crown Charter in 1704

Apothecary to the Household at Windsor

Okay, okay - this one might not actually be that strange, it's just a more antiquated and extravagant way of referring to something of a personal pharmacist.

The Apothecary to the Household isn't the same as their general practitioner or surgeons. The current holder of the title is Kirstin Ostle, the first female postholder.

The Sculptor in Ordinary for Scotland

The Sculptor in Ordinary for Scotland is a member of the royal household in Scotland.

The current sculptor for the King is Alexander Stoddart, whose works include statues across Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

The first sculptor was appointed by Queen Victoria around 1838, although it was not listed as a member of the royal household until the 1870s.

The Director of Royal Travel

The royals travel. A lot. From engagements all across the country to state banquets all across the world. Unsurprisingly, the likes of Prince William and Kate Middleton aren't booking their own flights and Airbnbs.

A previous job posting for the role broke down the duties further, stating, "This role is critical to ensuring that the Royal Household operates and purchases safe, efficient, cost-effective and appropriate travel services for the official duties of Members of the Royal Family and their Households."

"As Director of Royal Travel, you will have overall responsibility for organising air travel and overseeing the operations of The Queen’s Helicopter Flight and usage of scheduled train services and the Royal Train. You will also liaise with the relevant authorities to provide advice and recommendations on travel, taking into account security, safety and environmental considerations."

Frames Conservator

There are specific, separate jobs focused on the artworks and pictures housed in the Royal Collection Trust, but the frames? Well, that's a whole other matter.

Across the palaces and residences, the frames are conserved to uphold the same quality as the works themselves. Per an old job posting, the frame conservators are "conserving a magnificent history that will be enjoyed by future generations... Based at our purpose-built workshop in the Home Park, you'll carry out conservation treatments, employing a range of techniques."

Gong Farmer

Not exclusive to royals, gong farmers were important positions that kept Tudor England running. Castles and palaces, like Hampton Court Palace (pictured), which was the royal palace during Tudor times, would have a gong farmer (or gongfermor) who would remove human excrement from privies and cesspits.

Gong farmers worked at night, and the waste they collected, known as night soil, had to be taken outside the city or town boundaries.

Groom of the Stool

On paper, this is a role that nobody should have wanted - and one that, rightfully, no longer exists. But surprisingly, the groom of the stool wielded some serious clout during the reign of Henry VIII.

The job involved assisting the King with the close stool - a toilet, at the time.

The bizarre job allowed great access to the king's privy chamber and meant that the Groom would become a serious contender in the court. But was it really worth it, one has to ask?

Recognised and revered the world over, some people can only dream of meeting members of the Royal Family.

However, despite all the glamour, there's no guarantee that the encounter will go off without a hitch.

Whether it's meeting them on one of their iconic royal tours, stories from charity events, or just hilarious insider revelations from the palace staff, there are plenty of stories where meeting the Royal Family was less like a fairy tale and more like a farce.

Hilarious and endearing stories of royal gaffes and embarrassing encounters

The Spice Girls fluster the future King

He's normally cool, calm and collected, but not even the then-Prince Charles could keep composed when confronted with the full power of the Spice Girls.

Perhaps one of Charles's most memorable moments as a prince, Ginger Spice gave Charles a kiss... and a pinch on the bottom, causing much embarrassment for the normally prim and proper royal!

Nearly two decades later, Ginger, aka Geri Horner, wanted to make an important clarification. "I didn't pinch Prince Charles's bum, as was reported. I patted it."

A royal butler calls Princess Anne ‘sir’

Most people have made an embarrassing mix up at work, but not everyone works with the Royal Family. So spare a thought for former royal butler Grant Harrold, who revealed to Insider that he once got so flustered talking with Princess Anne that he referred to her as 'sir.'

"I was talking to her on the phone and I got so tongue-tied that I said 'will you hold on a moment sir." Fortunately, the Princess Royal saw the funny side. "I wasn't hauled off to the Tower of London," he added.

Dawn French’s hilariously rude joke to the King

Vicar of Dibley icon Dawn French is always cracking us up, but when she bumped into King Charles (back when he was still the Prince of Wales), she revealed she let her quick wit get the best of her.

Speaking on Virgin Radio in 2023, Dawn was explaining how the then Prince of Wales was at the same event and "he was coming down the line, greeting everybody." Explaining how the rude joke came about, Dawn went on, "He started it because he had been to see A Midsummer Night's Dream that I was in. And he said to me, 'Well, the last time I saw you, I saw your Bottom', [referring to the name of the character from the play]."

Not one to be outdone, she revealed she quipped, "Tonight, Sir, you will see my Beaver! [referring to the character she was voicing in the Chronicles of Narnia film]."

A royal chef is chased away by the Queen’s corgis

Making a good impression when you're on the job is important to everyone, but there must be added pressure when your employer happened to be the late Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch in history.

Alas, for former royal chef Darren McGrady, the Queen's beloved corgis led to a rather hilarious moment.

On a YouTube video, per Insider, Darren shared, "I saw in the distance the Queen and the corgis, and I got really excited. The Queen was walking towards me and I thought, 'this is gonna be really cool, I get to meet the Queen for the first time.' As she got closer, the dogs saw me, came running towards me, barking like crazy, all of them.

"I was so scared I turned around and ran away. The Queen was laughing."

Prince Philip misunderstands Cate Blanchett's skillset

Oscar-winning screen icon Cate Blanchett is something of royalty herself - Hollywood royalty. And the Tar actress enjoys a good dynamic with Prince William, having involved herself with the Earthshot Prize.

But one of her earliest royal encounters was something of an awkward one for her.

As she revealed to Jonathan Ross in 2018, the late Prince Philip assumed that, what with Cate acting, she might be able to fix his DVD player.

"I sat next to [Philip] and he said, ‘I hear you’re an actor? I was given a DVD player for Christmas and I can’t work out whether I put the green cord in or the red cord."

Giving fashion advice to Queen Elizabeth took some courage

Famed for her iconic style, including flamboyant hats and bright bursts of colour, Queen Elizabeth II had a look all her own. But that doesn't mean she didn't seek advice - and only few were brave enough to risk an awkward silence after critiquing her choices.

Angela Kelly, who was a dresser to Her Majesty for decades, recalled such a moment in her book, The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, The Dresser and the Wardrobe.

She wrote, "I vividly remember one fitting where The Queen was draped in a very large piece of bold, jacquard material in a large print... Even a six-foot-tall model would have struggled to pull off something like that... I could not hide my disapproval when Her Majesty asked my thoughts."

"Without hesitation, I said, 'No way! It doesn't suit you at all and it is totally the wrong pattern.'"

What followed, she describes, was an "awkward silence" and "icy atmosphere." Luckily, a passing Prince Philip helped ease the tension by agreeing with Angela.

Ben Affleck doesn’t recognise the royal children

He's been married to showbiz royalty, including Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Lopez, but Ben Affleck isn't as good at spotting real royalty, he revealed with an embarrassing incident.

Describing taking his children to a special play area while filming in London, he told Graham Norton, "I noticed this sort of weird vibe from some of the other grown-ups that were there... I was the last person in there, for sure, to realise that Prince George and Princess Charlotte were in there playing, and my son was in there playing."

It could've been more awkward, but luckily Ben saw the funny side, revealing that his child ended up picking up a cold from the play area. He joked, "So now I can tell him, 'You got a cold from the King of England.'"

Stella McCartney forgets protocol with her friend, the King

Fashion queen Stella McCartney has enjoyed a good friendship with King Charles over the years. Their shared interests, like the environment, mean that they've moved in similar circles and Stella has often supported events hosted by the King's Trust.

However, this was all when Charles was still 'just' the Prince of Wales. After he became King in 2022, Stella realised she wasn't quite sure how to behave.

In clips of a funny, awkward meeting, Stella broke royal protocol and kissed the King on both cheeks before shaking hands. Reports at the time said she was heard saying, "I don't even know what I am supposed to do again, they were asking me, and I was like, I am the last person you should ask...I think I am supposed to curtsy."

Helen Mirren gets ‘queen-itis’

Dame Helen Mirren has the rare accomplishment of not only meeting Queen Elizabeth II, but she's played her on two different occasions (once in the Oscar-winning 2006 movie, The Queen, and once on the West End).

That doesn't mean that Helen was protected from embarrassing moments upon meeting the real deal.

Revealing the story of how she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2003 to Jimmy Fallon, she explained, "You get this thing called Queen-itis which is like a terrible virus that hits you the minute you are in front of the Queen... you start saying weird things like 'it was terribly good fun,' and 'frightfully nice to meet you.' This weird voice comes out."

Kate Middleton gets another title from an Oscar winner

Kate Middleton has many titles. Officially Catherine, Princess of Wales, she's also been known by the Duchess of Cambridge and the Countess of Strathearn. However, she received a new title rather unexpectedly - and from an unlikely source.

Whilst appearing on James Corden's US chat show, I, Tonya actress Allison Janney revealed she accidentally found herself bestowing another title on Kate.

At a BAFTA party, Allison revealed she bumped into a pregnant Kate, and she was embarrassed to have already taken off her heels. Allison recalls telling the Princess, "I told her she should take her shoes off 'cause she's pregnant. It was an awkward moment... As I did, I called her 'honey,' and that might not have been royal etiquette."

Margot Robbie teases a prince

At one point in history, mocking a Prince might have led to being imprisoned in the Tower of London - or worse. But, fortunately for Barbie star Margot Robbie, she got away with a cheeky encounter with Prince Harry.

Margot once shared with Jimmy Fallon that, while attending model Suki Waterhouse's housewarming party, she teased a redhead who answered the door about looking like Ed Sheeran.

"He got really offended... He was like 'Shut up!'" It was only later she discovered the Ed Sheeran lookalike was, indeed, Harry.

One actor has to explain a rather modern concept to King Charles

David Duchovny is known for solving some eerie, mysterious and out-of-this-world cases on The X-Files, but having to be the one to explain to the future King what a 'booty call' was might have been one of his strangest moments.

After the British girl band, All Saints, performed their track, Bootie Call, at a charity concert the two were attending, David told James Corden that he noticed the then Prince Charles looking confused.

"[Charles] said 'bootie call...' And I said 'Well, I can explain it to you, it's a little off-colour, but I can do it,'... Well, it's when a man or woman calls a man or woman to come to their home late at night for the express purpose of getting together and then leaving right afterwards.'"

Charles' response? A simple "oh."

Dame Joan Collins forgets protocol (but she was, of course, forgiven)

Dame Joan Collins is basically royalty, so her slight gaffe forgetting to curtsy to the Princess of Wales was soon forgiven.

In her 2023 memoir, Behind the Shoulder Pads: Tales I Tell My Friends, the Dynasty icon revealed she broke protocol during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in 2022.

She wrote, "Suddenly, a vision appeared in a red dress. Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, with her two young children in tow. "'Hello, Joan,’ she said sweetly, holding out her hand. ‘Hello, ma’am,’ I gulped, forgetting to curtsy."

Dame Emma Thompson's ‘loud, inappropriate’ reaction

When accepting her Damehood from Prince William in 2018, Nanny McPhee star Emma Thompson revealed her somewhat embarrassing reaction.

"I made a very loud and inappropriate noise in Buckingham Palace," she previously shared on the US chat show, Live with Kelly and Ryan.

Continuing, she revealed she asked William, "'Darling, how are you? I'm so proud of you, can I give you a kiss?' because I've known him since he was little.

"And he said, 'No, don't do that, otherwise everyone will want one.'"

Queen Camilla’s son has a memorable first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II

While his mother might now be the Queen, Tom Parker-Bowles wasn't quite as prepared to meet Queen Elizabeth II... but, in his defence, his first embarrassing incident with her took place when he was just a child.

Speaking to The Independent, Tom recalled meeting the Queen as a child, and the hilarious, endearing mistake he made.

"I was so scared that I curtsied rather than bowed."

The next time he would meet the late Queen would be on the occasion of Queen Camilla's wedding to King Charles, when he and his sister Laura Lopes "snuck out for a fag or something" and got lost in Windsor Castle. The pair were found by the late Queen, who helped them get back to the party.

Lewis Hamilton's lesson in royal protocol

Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton is used to being in the driving seat, but he had something of an embarrassing reminder of his place in the grand scheme of things during a lunch with Queen Elizabeth II in 2010.

While appearing on The Graham Norton Show, Lewis shared that he had the honour of sitting right next to the Queen - but he didn't realise there were rules in when to talk.

"She was to my right and I started to talk to her and she's like, 'No, you speak that way first and I will speak this way and I come back to you,'" he explained. "So she spoke to the guy next to her for like five minutes and then she spent the rest of time talking to me."

Queen Elizabeth doesn’t recognise some pretty famous faces

For many, Madonna might be one of the most famous women of the last century - eclipsed, perhaps, only by the likes of Queen Elizabeth II. So when the two met, it was a true moment.

But the incident could have taken an embarrassing turn when the Queen let slip she didn't really know who she was meeting.

Reports suggest that, after the premiere of James Bond movie Die Another Day in 2002, the Queen was informed that Madonna had performed the movie's theme song, to which she simply replied, "Oh really, did you?"

Actor John Cleese didn't fare much better. She reportedly moved down the line to him and asked, "And what do you do?"

Only a royal can checkmate a celebrity's star power!

An awkward silence with Shawn Mendes

Canadian pop sensation Shawn Mendes had the privilege of performing at the Queen's 92nd birthday celebrations in 2018. And while the heartthrob singer might be used to screaming fans, royal protocol led to a more sombre, silent moment.

Talking of his meeting with the Queen on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Shawn shared, "I'm looking at her, and you can't say anything... You're not allowed to speak to her unless she speaks to you first. So, it was like this 10 minutes of very awkward silence between me and the queen."

Princess Anne politely ‘claps back’

Anne, the Princess Royal, might be celebrated for her work ethic and dedication to giving back, but that doesn't mean she won't - politely - put people in their place.

One incident in 1990 proved embarrassing for a student who tried to ask something of a loaded question. While the Princess Royal was in Moscow, a student asked her "How does it feel having Buckingham Palace as your private property?"

The Princess gave a wry smile before replying, "Well, I don't know because it isn't. No, it's a state-owned establishment. I wasn't actually born there, I have my office there and the Queen lives there but it's not really private property."

A clash of divas with Princess Margaret and Elizabeth Taylor

Royals might be prim and proper, but some can pack a punch with their words. Case in point - Princess Margaret.

According to Elizabeth Taylor biographers Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger, Elizabeth's love for large jewels led to a memorable and awkward encounter between the two divas.

Admiring the infamous Krupp Diamond ring boasting the Asscher cut 33.19 carat diamond, Princess Margaret is said to have remarked, "Is that the famous diamond? It’s so large! How very vulgar!"

However, after trying it on and reportedly being dazzled, Elizabeth is said to have quipped, "Not so vulgar now, is it?"

George Bush gets the Queen’s age wrong - by a couple of hundred years

Not even US Presidents are immune from an embarrassing goof around royalty, as George W Bush discovered in 2007.

During an official White House ceremony, the President accidentally stated Her Majesty was on hand to celebrate America's bicentennial in 1776, rather than 1976. Which would make her about 200 years older.

At a state dinner later, the Queen quipped back, starting her speech by saying, "I wondered whether I should start this toast by saying, 'When I was here in 1776...'"

The French First Lady has a hilarious gaffe in 1960

A state visit from French President Charles de Gaulle and his wife, Yvonne de Gaulle, might not sound like the basis for great comedy, but there was one of the most embarrassing gaffes.

It was reported that the French First Lady had an awkward accent issue.

In the book, You Look Awfully Like the Queen: Wit and Wisdom From the House of Windsor, author Thomas Blaikie shared, "Somebody asked Madame de Gaulle what she was most looking forward to in her retirement, which was imminent. Not speaking English much at all, she replied, 'A penis.'"

Cue - awkward silence. Fortunately, the always shrewd Queen Elizabeth knew what the issue was - a lost in translation moment. Her Majesty reportedly cut the silence by clarifying, "'Ah, happiness.'"

Marilyn Monroe's dress could've caused a few blushes

One of the most famous women in pop culture met one of the most famous women in history on October 29, 1956.

Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II met at London's Empire Theatre - and while the moment was glamorous and civil, many pointed out that Marilyn's dress could have caused some shock and embarrassment for the more reserved royal crowd.

America's blonde bombshell opted for a low-cut gown boasting ample cleavage, and in one amusing photograph, the Queen appeared to be caught sneaking a glance.

Fashion icon Twiggy and Princess Margaret weren’t a perfect fit

Sixties icon Twiggy has previously revealed to The Express that her run-in with a royal was less than regal - and left her rather embarrassed.

Twiggy explained, "Princess Margaret asked, 'What's your name?' I said, 'My name's Lesley Hornby, Ma'am, but everyone calls me Twiggy.'"

"She just looked at me and said... 'Oh, how unfortunate,' then she didn't talk to me again. I was mortified."

Miles Teller falls under a royal spell

Hollywood star Miles Teller might be used to leading blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick, but even he felt starstruck by the royals - and it left him feeling rather foolish.

Speaking about meeting Prince William and Kate Middleton at the London premiere of the Top Gun sequel, he told Jimmy Fallon how he almost immediately broke royal protocol after being briefed on it.

"You're not supposed to, like, extend your hand right off the bat unless - unless they do. But I felt the vibe, so I was like 'I'm going in, I'm going in,' and to their credit they were very disarming."

He also joked that, while looking back at photos from the event, he was "honestly lost in Prince William's eyes."

Judy Garland has a less than regal run in with Princess Margaret

Princess Margaret has many an anecdote involving causing awkwardness with her blunt comments and diva personality.

Well, after a royal tour visiting the United States in the 60s, Margaret left a rather poor impression on Judy Garland, who reportedly labelled her "a nasty, rude little Princess."

One embarrassing incident allegedly involved Margaret demanding a sing-song from Judy, who quipped back "Tell her I’ll sing if she christens a ship first."

Prince William spoils a movie

Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham has worked with Prince William in the past for his Earthshot Prize, and she wasn't afraid of giving the Prince a playful telling off.

During an encounter caught by reporters at the event, William was talking about Hannah's role in the blockbuster, The Fall Guy. In front of cameras, William - spoiler alert! - let it slip that Hannah's character is revealed to be the secret baddie. Indeed, the Prince told her she made a "good baddie" but Hannah was quick to playfully scold him, saying "Spoiler alert! Don’t say that."

Sam Smith goes OTT with their bowing

Some celebrities embarrass themselves by forgetting royal protocol. But singer Sam Smith made a gaffe by going overboard with their following etiquette.

While appearing on Watch What Happens Live, the pop star shared a memory of meeting Prince Harry. "They told me to bow, and I really bowed. I was at a right angle."

"He looked at me like, 'Why are you bowing that low?'"

The Queen leaves Simon Pegg sweating

Shaun of the Dead star Simon Pegg shared his awkward encounter with the late Queen Elizabeth at a film premiere.

The actor met Her Majesty at the premiere of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 2010. Following protocol - where one must wait to be spoken to first - Simon ended up in an awkward silence.

Speaking on The Graham Norton Show, he said, "She came up to me and... I was just waiting for her to speak. I swear it was like 30 seconds, I started to bead sweat and eventually she said ‘And what do you do?'"

Prince William shares a memorable encounter with a pop queen

Being forced to get up and do karaoke is an embarrassing moment most people dread. But being selected to get on stage and sing with the future King is something nobody can decline.

Luckily, Taylor Swift is no stranger to singing for crowds. But she revealed the slightly awkward encounter where William sprung a singalong on her.

"Jon Bon Jovi was about to sing 'Livin On a Prayer,' and he kinda pointed at Prince William and said something like, 'I hear you like to do this at karaoke night, karaoke boy,'" she revealed on The Graham Norton Show. "He starts the song and Prince William looks at me and he's like, you gotta go with me," she continued.

"I died."

Emilia Clarke is left speechless

Prince William and Kate Middleton have been reported to be huge fans of the TV show, Game of Thrones, so they must have been starstruck to meet the Queen of Dragons herself, Emilia Clarke.

However, it was a mutual thing, as the actress revealed she was so overwhelmed meeting the Prince of Wales, her voice literally gave out.

She told Seth Meyers, "For whatever reason, probably because I was so scared, I couldn't manage to get out 'your royal highness,'" she told the host, comparing her voice to a squeak.

Princess Diana's "guttural" laugh shocks Billy Crystal

Less an embarrassing gaffe and more a delightful story about Princess Diana letting her goofy, comic side out, Billy Crystal revealed to People magazine that the late Princess of Wales' laugh was so shocking, it almost stole the show at the premiere of When Harry Met Sally.

Speaking of that famous scene in the diner, he revealed, "She starts laughing this incredibly guttural sound... Over and over, couldn’t catch her breath. It was stunning. I thought, here’s this unbelievable person, but if it was a date, I don’t think I’d see her again. Just because the laugh was just - I can’t. She’s beautiful, she’s a princess, guys, but the laugh. You know what I mean."

The numerous times the royals have shown their competitive side are proof that - while they may be a friendly bunch - this is a family with a strong winning streak. From royal engagements to how they like to spend their downtime, there have been several occasions over the years when they sought to raise their game.

This includes the activities the royals get up to on official sports-focused duties, which may see them go head to head all for the fun of it. There are also countless charity competitions they willingly sign up to, and many family members have likewise competed at a professional level - including the Olympics - or have simply chosen to get an edge in their downtime.

From Kate Middleton's netball outing and Princess Diana's school sports day to Prince Harry's polo and King Charles' sailing, you'll be amazed at the assortment of pursuits they have got up to over the years. And, whether they were champion material or not, it's always the taking part that counts...

The 32 times the royals have shown their competitive side

Kate Middleton's netball

Kate Middleton frequently gets to grips with a range of sports on royal engagements, and that includes giving them a go herself. The princess was seen catching the ball while playing netball at a mental fitness workshop run by SportsAid at the Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre in 2023.

Zara Phillips' showjumping

A number of royals have taken their competitive spirit to the highest levels, including Zara Phillips and her professional equine career. The daughter of Princess Anne demonstrated her showjumping skills at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Prince William's polo

Prince William famously grew up playing polo - an equine sport also beloved by both his father King Charles and brother Prince Harry. He took part in a charity event at Guards Polo Club near Windsor in 2024.

Queen Elizabeth's racing

Few things got Queen Elizabeth more excited than seeing her horses race with the possibility of a potential winner in her stables. The late monarch paid close attention to the action from the stands of the Epsom Derby Festival in Surrey in 2018.

King Charles' showjumping

King Charles had a rather active upbringing that saw him hone his abilities at a number of sports - including showjumping. The then-prince took part in the triathlon event at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 1979.

Prince William's charity run

The royals have frequently been seen lacing up their trainers to take part in charity events. Prince William signed up to the Sport Relief London Mile - alongside Gordon Ramsay and Patrick Kielty - in 2004, which he completed in six minutes and ten seconds.

Prince Harry's sitting volleyball

Prince Harry can't help but try out for himself the events that have taken place at his Invictus Games over the years - many of which are less well known. In 2014, when the competition was held in London, he gave none other than sitting volleyball a go.

King Charles and Prince Edward's karting

While not everyone gets to mess around with their younger brother in grounds as spacious as Windsor Castle, the activity chosen by a then-Prince Charles to play with Prince Edward is rather relatable. The pair were seen whizzing around on a go-kart in 1969.

Prince Harry and Prince William's motorcycling

Prince Harry and Prince William looked to be in friendly competition with one another during a charity motorcycling event in 2008. The pair were seen taking part in a practice session for the Enduro 2008 Motorcycle Rally to benefit UNICEF, the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and Sentebale.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's racing

The royals are multigenerational fans of racing. Princess Beatrice and her younger sister Princess Eugenie seemed to have bet on the right horse at the 'Ladies Day' of Royal Ascot 2014, judging by their delighted faces while spectating from the stands.

Prince Louis' archery

Prince Louis had his eyes on the target at one of his first royal engagements with his family in 2023. The youngest child of Prince William and Kate Middleton tried his hand at archery while taking part in the Big Help Out during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough.

Kate Middleton's rowing

While Kate Middleton ultimately had to pull out of The Sisterhood's English Channel crossing in 2007, the princess was seen taking part in regular training sessions beforehand. She was seen rowing on the Thames in the run-up to their attempt to be the first all-female dragon boat crew to complete the route.

Sophie Wessex's shooting

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, looked like she was having a great time at the Gibraltar Barracks, Camberley, in 2023. The wife of Prince Edward wore ear defenders and a camo-print jacket to take part in a spot of clay pigeon shooting.

Kate Middleton's wheelchair rugby

There are few sports Kate Middleton hasn't tried in her years as a working royal. In 2023, she took part in a wheelchair rugby training session, led by members of the England Wheelchair Rugby League squad, during a Rugby League Inclusivity Day at Allam Sports Centre in Hull.

Kate Middleton, Prince William and Prince Harry's sprint race

On occasion, Prince William, Prince Harry and Kate Middleton would attend royal engagements as a trio - and visibly loved trying to get one up on each other where possible. They were seen taking part in a sprint race during a training event to promote the charity Heads Together in London in 2017.

Queen Camilla and King Charles' racing

Queen Camilla and King Charles didn't appear to want to miss a moment while using binoculars to watch the racing action at Royal Ascot in 2023. The pair stood in the Royal Box, which is frequently used by members of their horse-loving family.

Princess Beatrice's marathon

It is little known that Princess Beatrice is the only member of the royal family to have run the London Marathon. The daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson took part in the event in 2010 as part of a 34-person 'human caterpillar' that also included Richard Branson's daughter Holly.

Prince Harry and Prince William's polo

Prince Harry and Prince William have often competed against one another during polo, in a rather fun case of sibling rivalry. That includes many a good cause, such as during a charity game at Billingbear Polo Club, Wokingham, in 2019.

Mike Tindall's rugby

The royal family has a professional sportsman among its ranks. Zara Tindall's husband Mike was famously a rugby player - with a career that included playing for Bath and Gloucester as well as England. Indeed, for the latter, he was both the team captain and part of the squad that won the 2003 World Cup.

Princess Diana's tennis

Princess Diana was a fan of tennis, both attending Wimbledon and honing her skills at the Harbour Club in Chelsea. The mother of Prince William and Prince Harry was seen taking to the court with German pro player Steffi Graf at the Vanderbilt Racquet Club in London in 1988.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Invictus Games

At the Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands in 2022, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was spotted looking rather hooked. The pair were eagerly watching the Land Rover Driving Challenge at the event, which the Duke of Sussex founded for wounded veterans in 2014.

Princess Diana's skiing

Princess Diana had a particular passion for the ski slopes, and frequently jetted off to perfect her skills over the years. Prince William and Prince Harry's mother was spotted looking prepared on the slopes in Switzerland in 1991.

Princess Anne's It's A Royal Knockout

The royals have rarely made television appearances over the decades - with the exception of Princess Anne who took part in the competition series It's A Royal Knockout in the name of charity in 1987. The Queen's daughter was a team captain up against her brothers, Prince Edward and Prince Andrew, as well as the latter's wife, Sarah Ferguson, and raised £1.5 million for good causes.

Princess Diana's sports day

Princess Diana showed off her impressive running prowess at Prince William's school sports day in 1989. The then-wife of Prince Charles sprinted alongside other mums as part of the 'mothers race' at Wetherby Pre-Preparatory School held at Richmond Rugby Club, London.

King Charles' sailing

There are few things King Charles hasn't given a go over the years. In 1980, the then-prince took part in windsurfing during Regatta Week off Cowes, Isle of Wight. He appeared to be concentrating hard to stay afloat.

Lady Louise Windsor's carriage driving

Lady Louise Windsor took after her grandfather, Prince Philip, in falling for carriage driving. The daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, held the reins as she took part in the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2023.

Prince George and Prince William's football

It is a rather surprising fact that Prince William is an enthusiastic fan of Aston Villa FC, who he has supported for years. The royal seemed to be keen to pass on his passion to his son Prince George, who came with him to a game against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris in 2025.

Kate Middleton's land yachting

Kate Middleton looked blown away on a royal engagement on a beach in St Andrews, Scotland, in 2021. The princess laughed while taking part in a session of land yachting, which also saw her race husband Prince William along the sand.

Kate Middleton's rugby

As one of her many patronages, Kate Middleton was named patron of the Rugby Football Union in 2022. The princess laughed as she took part in a session during a visit to Maidenhead Rugby Club the following year.

King George VI and Queen Mother's card games

King George VI and the Queen Mother proved that a nice card game can be a great way to flex your competitive muscles. The couple were seen entertaining themselves at Buckingham Palace back in 1942.

Princess Anne's racing

Princess Anne may have competed in the equestrian three-day event at the 1976 Olympics, but she also tried her hand at being a jockey. The Queen's daughter took part in a charity event at the Crookham races in Hampshire in 1985.

Prince Philip's cricket

It was while attending school at Gordonstoun, Scotland that Prince Philip first got into cricket - and it was a sport he kept up in adulthood. The Queen's husband was seen batting at the nets while serving in the Royal Navy in 1947.

The 90s saw the end of the Cold War and the start of the Brit Pop war, and the rise of the World Wide Web was perhaps second only to the rise of the Spice Girls.

But while the zeitgeist felt fresh and hopeful, the Royal Family endured one of their most difficult decades to date.

From the death of Princess Diana to the dissolution of three major marriages, let's revisit the defining royal moments of the 90s.

The most memorable royal moments of the 90s

The death of Princess Diana

On August 31, 1997, millions around the world were shattered by the shock announcement of Princess Diana's untimely death, aged 36.

Diana, along with Dodi Fayed, was involved in a fatal car crash in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris. Their car was being pursued by paparazzi when it crashed. Fayed and the driver, Henri Paul, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Diana was taken to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

A royal wedding to see out the decade

Most of the 1990s brought stress and strife to the royals, so, in the summer of 1999, it was nice to have something to celebrate - the wedding of Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones.

Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie were wed on June 19, 1999 at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Unlike other royal weddings, the couple opted for a smaller affair, attended mainly by family members. Sophie wore an ivory silk organza dress designed by Samantha Shaw, adorned with crystals and pearls, which matched the gorgeous black and white pearl jewellery set which Prince Edward designed for his bride.

Princess Diana’s funeral

After the tragic accident which claimed her life at just 36, the funeral of Princess Diana took place on September 6, 1997, at Westminster Abbey in London.

A ceremonial funeral and not a state funeral, Diana's funeral was modelled on Operation Tay Bridge, the codename given for the Queen Mother's planned funeral.

The late Princess's coffin was carried on a gun carriage, and the procession included her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, her former husband, King Charles, and her brother, Earl Spencer. For many, the sight of her young sons trailing the coffin was considered one of the most emotive and poignant images.

The funeral was watched by an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide, and Sir Elton John's reworked tribute song, Candle in the Wind 1997, became one of the most popular songs of all time. It remains the second-best-selling single in history, second only to Bing Cosby's White Christmas.

The Queen bows her head, for the first time ever

Everyone must bow to the monarch - even family, as Meghan Markle famously found out and remarked upon in her and Harry's Netflix docu-series. It's one of those long-established traditions and set of protocols that the royals follow. And, part of this, is that the monarch also bows to no one. So it was seen as historic when Queen Elizabeth II bowed her head when the coffin of Princess Diana passed her during the ceremonial funeral in 1997.

The gesture was widely reported on and considered a sign of respect and grief from Her Majesty.

Princess Diana's bombshell Panorama interview

"There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded."

A sentence that shook the core of royal fans around the world, and was one of the shocking highlights of Princess Diana's 1995 Panorama interview with Martin Bashir.

Heralded as a watershed moment - an unprecedented insight into the personal lives of the royals, straight from their own mouth - Diana lifted the lid on the alleged infidelity between her and Charles, as well as revealing her battles with bulimia and self harm.

Princess Anne remarries - the first royal to do so since 1905

Princess Anne divorced her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, in 1992. Later that same year, she married Timothy Laurence.

It was considered something of a significant moment for the royals in terms of remarrying. At the time, the Church of England still had strict rules regarding the remarriage of divorced individuals so the pair held the ceremony at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle, as the Church of Scotland had different rules.

Princess Anne was the first of Queen Elizabeth's children to remarry, and the first royal to remarry since Queen Victoria's granddaughter, Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, married the Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia in 1905 after divorcing the Grand Duke of Hesse and by the Rhine in 1901.

Prince Charles and Diana split up

By the time Charles and Diana officially announced their separation, it wasn't much of a surprise.

Prime Minister John Major actually had the task of revealing the news, reading a statement to the House of Commons in December 1992 that read, "It is announced from Buckingham Palace that, with regret, the Prince and Princess of Wales have decided to separate. Their Royal Highnesses have no plans to divorce and their constitutional positions are unaffected."

For years, Charles and Diana had endured scrutiny about their marriage, with rumoured infidelities on both sides, and unhappy public engagements.

Their split would play out in the press, with their divorce officially granted in 1996. Diana kept the title of Princess of Wales and kept residing in Kensington Palace, but lost the use of Her Royal Highness.

The Windsor Castle fire

While the royals had plenty of metaphorical fires to put out in the 90s, they also had to contend with a literal blaze that ripped through Windsor Castle.

The November 1992 fire raged for approximately 15 hours, damaging 115 rooms, including nine State Rooms and causing the roof of St George's Hall to collapse. The fire was caused by a faulty spotlight that ignited a curtain in Queen Victoria's Private Chapel.

The cost of the repairs totalled £36.5 million and took five years to complete.

The Queen meets a freed Nelson Mandela

After 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela was freed in 1990 and negotiated with State President F. W. de Klerk the end of apartheid in South Africa.

Mandela then served as the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999 and Queen Elizabeth II was one of the first world leaders he met with.

In 1996, in an official state visit, President Mandela was invited to Buckingham Palace. President Mandela referred to Her Majesty as a "gracious lady" and the Queen, without a prepared speech, praised "this wonderful man."

Charles and Camilla’s phone call leaks

After years of rumours about their relationship, it was seemingly confirmed that Charles and Camilla had indeed struck up a passionate relationship when a six-minute telephone call between the pair was released by The Sunday Mirror in January 1993.

While the leak released in 1993, the conversation recorded took place in 1989, when Charles and Diana were still together.

The publication of the tape and its repercussions were featured in season five of Netflix's The Crown.

The ‘Revenge’ Dress introduced a new Diana

The dress seen and heard around the world.

On June 29, 1994, Princess Diana stepped out for a gala at the Serpentine Gallery in London's Hyde Park wearing a fitted, off-the-shoulder dress with a short, asymmetrical hemline.

It was a bold dress and one which showed more flesh than people were accustomed to from a royal. And that might have been the point. Separated from Charles, Diana wore the revealing number the same night a TV interview aired in which the future King confirmed rumours of extramarital affairs. In the interview, he revealed he had remained faithful "until it became irretrievably broken down."

Diana's message in return would eclipse this, and the Revenge Dress is up there as one of the most famous fashion moments of all time.

Royal popularity hits an all-time low

After the divorce, infidelity rumours and, finally, the death of Princess Diana, royal popularity was at a historic low. In a 1997 poll, just 19% supported how the monarchy had handled the divorce and death of the Princess of Wales, compared to 79% in favour of Diana.

Their adherence to protocol also backfired. While they insisted on not releasing statements to the press, choosing to support Harry and William in Balmoral, the public saw this as a disservice to Diana. Alongside tributes to Diana at the royal residences, there were signs decrying the royals.

Queen Elizabeth II later won back favour after delivering a heartfelt tribute, famously calling Diana "the people's princess."

The Queen sheds a tear in public

Remembered as one of the only times that Queen Elizabeth II shed a tear in public, the decommissioning of the Royal Yacht Britannia in December 1997 was an important moment in royal history.

Used by the family between 1953 and 1997, the Queen had a connection to the ship, once saying, "Britannia is the one place where I can truly relax."

The Britannia cost about £11 million to run each year, Reuters reported, and, in 1997, the British Parliament—led by the left-wing Labour Party—decided to decommission it.

Before ‘Spare’ there was ‘Diana: Her True Story’

Decades before Prince Harry shook the royals to their core with his tell-all memoir, Spare, his mother involved herself with the creation of one of the first official accounts behind the scenes of royal life.

Written by Andrew Morton, the 1992 book revealed shocking insight into Diana's time with the royals, including an attempted suicide. Later editions of the book, including Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words included transcripts of recordings Diana made, confirming her direct involvement with Morton and the book.

Buckingham Palace opens to the public for the first time

After the fire at Windsor Castle, it was decided that the taxpayers shouldn't solely fund the reparations. So, in a historic moment, it was decided that Buckingham Palace would be opened to the public for the first time ever, starting in the summer of 1993.

Guests could buy tickets to tour the palace during the summer months when the monarch was not in residence, and this remains the case to this day.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson split

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, like Diana and Charles, were married in the 1980s. The couple were wed in 1986. And, also like Diana and Charles, the marriage ended in the 90s.

After announcing their split in 1992, the divorce was finalised in 1996. However, the Duke and Duchess of York remain great friends, and even continue living together at the Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Prince William’s first official engagement

As the eldest son of King Charles, who was then the Prince of Wales, Prince William was always destined to inherit the title, thus making a strong connection to the country. Which explains why Prince William's first ever official royal engagement took place on Saint David's Day in 1991, when the youngster was just eight years old.

Joined by his mother, William visited the Llandaff Cathedral and St David's Hall in Cardiff, with a daffodil, the country's flower, in his lapel.

The Queen and Philip visit a new South Africa

Throughout her historic 70 year reign, Queen Elizabeth II saw plenty of change around the world. And in 1995, along with Prince Philip, Her Majesty visited South Africa, fresh from the end of Apartheid and the introduction of Nelson Mandela as their first President.

All aboard with the Clintons

In 1994, President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary became the 10th president who Queen Elizabeth met during her reign. (She'd go on to meet 13 out of 14 in total, missing out on a meeting with Lyndon B Johnson).

The President and First Lady joined Her Majesty aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, spending one night there before heading to Normandy for the D-Day anniversary celebrations aboard the USS George Washington.

The Ruby Jubilee

In 1992, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated 40 years on the throne.

She'd, of course, go on to make history and celebrate a Platinum Jubilee in 2022, the first monarch to ever reach that milestone. But the Ruby Jubilee was still special - only 10 other monarchs had reached a similar milestone, which is even more impressive if you consider England has had a monarch stretching all the way back to the year 925 with Athelstan.

Princess Eugenie is born

On March 23, 1990, the first (and only!) royal baby born in the 90s was welcomed to the world. Princess Eugenie, the youngest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, was born at the Portland Hospital in London.

Her full birth name was Eugenie Victoria Helena Windsor.

Tragedy forces the royals to break protocol

After the death of Princess Diana in 1997, the royals did something that they aren't typically predisposed to do - break with their long-held traditions and protocols.

Traditionally, the Union Flag is not flown at half-mast unless the monarch is in mourning for a member of the immediate royal family.

As Diana was not a member of the royal family at the time of her death, they did not fly the flag. Public backlash was immense, and eventually, the flag was lowered to half-mast.

William joins Eton

In 1995, Prince William introduced a major first for the royals - he became the first member of the Royal Family to attend Eton College.

The Berkshire based private boarding school has been host to plenty of politicians and public figures, but, before William, royals were typically sent to Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland. It's thought that Diana's connection to the college - with her brother and father being alumni - and it being closer for her to visit helped inspire the decision.

Sarah Ferguson makes the headlines

Soon after her separation from Prince Andrew was announced in 1992, Sarah Ferguson found herself in the headlines for a different reason.

The Duchess of York had photos published of her on holiday with American financier John Bryan. The images, which included the now notorious 'toe-sucking' photos, were released when Sarah was in Balmoral with the Royal Family.

Talk about awkward.

The Duchess would go on to recover from the scandal, reclaiming her voice and channelling it to become an author.

King Charles launched his own brand

Think Meghan Markle is the only royal with her own lifestyle brand? Think again! Decades before the Duchess of Sussex launched her As Ever brand, the then Prince Charles launched his own organic food brand, Duchy Originals, in 1990.

Named after the Duchy of Cornwall (a private estate, established in 1337, that provides income to the heir to the British throne), the brand started out with biscuits made from wheat and oats grown at Highgrove, and has expanded to include over 200 products today, including jams and gin.

‘Willsmania’ sweeps teens across the globe

In the last few years of the decade, Prince William experienced something that was compared to the madness of Beatlemania, and it was dubbed Willsmania in the press.

It started in 1998, when William started being seen more in public again a year after his mother's death. When he went on a skiing trip with his father and brother, the sixteen-year-old royal found himself the crush of teenagers around the world.

Princess Diana attends the Met Gala

The Met Gala has evolved into one of the most iconic fashion events of the year, and back in 1997, Princess Diana attended for the first and only time.

The evening marked the opening of an exhibition dedicated to the life and career of Christian Dior. For the event, Princess Diana wore a gown from the debut collection of fashion legend John Galliano, who was appointed Creative Director of the brand, opting for a slinky, bias-cut slip dress inspired by a lace-embellished nightgown paired with her sapphire and pearl choker.

It cemented Diana's position as a global star, following her 1996 divorce from Charles.

TheQueen Mother celebrates her 90th birthday

On August 4, 1990, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother celebrated her 90th birthday.

The happy occasion was commemorated with plenty of celebrations including a televised gala performance at the London Palladium.

The royals embraced girl power

Proving that they were adapting to the modern times, the royals started to do more fun and relaxed public engagements in the 1990s. And one of the most memorable moments saw the then Prince Charles immune to the all-conquering Girl Power of the Spice Girls.

At a performance for the Prince’s Trust Charity in 1997, Charles famously met with Ginger, Posh, Sporty, Scary and Baby - and they did not observe royal protocol one bit.

Scary and Ginger, aka Mel B and Geri Halliwell Horner, breached royal protocol with two big smooches planted on the future King's cheeks. And then, famously, Geri went a step further and gave him a pat on the bottom.

Hey, it was the 90s.

The Queen starts paying tax

With royal finances under fire—pun not intended—following the Windsor Castle fire of 1992, Queen Elizabeth II made a remarkable gesture in 1993.

Facing questions on why taxpayers should cover the cost of the reparations, Queen Elizabeth voluntarily chose to become the first monarch to pay income tax and capital gains tax on her personal income.

The Annus Horribilis speech

In 1992 - following the Windsor Castle fire and the dissolution of three of her children's marriages - Queen Elizabeth II gave a landmark speech (and taught many people a new phrase in Latin) when she declared it her Annus Horribilis.

Latin for 'horrible year', the Queen did not sugar-coat her feelings during a speech at Guildhall to mark the 40th anniversary of her Accession to the throne.

The royals see out 1999 with unity

The 90s were a decade of profound loss and change for the Royal Family, so we can only imagine they were happy to see out the decade. And they did so with style, capturing the significance of the new millennium.

In London, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip joined crowds of more than 60,000 for a BBC Songs of Praise broadcast from the Millennium Stadium. This coincided with a simultaneous celebration across the United Kingdom.

Princess Anne attended a similar service at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh and Prince Andrew went to Northern Ireland's service at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.

The 1980s saw many milestones - the first Apple Mac computer was invented, the first mobile phone was introduced, and a young woman named Diana Spencer would change history forever.

While many of us were busy perfecting our perms or keeping up with the newest pop stars on MTV, the Royal Family had a lot going on.

Heirs (and spares) were born, the closest thing to a real life fairy tale wedding took place and Queen Elizabeth II continued to break new ground, 30 years into her reign.

The most decade defining royal moments of the 80s

Prince Charles and Diana’s wedding

Up there with the fall of the Berlin Wall, the wedding of the then-Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer was one of the biggest global events of the entire decade.

Widely considered one of the biggest weddings anyone has ever seen - indeed, even the Archbishop of Canterbury got caught up in the moment, saying during the ceremony, "here is the stuff of which fairy tales are made" - an estimated 750 million tuned in to watch the wedding on July 29, 1981.

And what a sight all those millions witnessed, from Diana's wedding dress, made from ivory silk taffeta and featuring a 25-foot train, to the full scale of Britain's pomp and ceremony on display.

Diana and Charles started a much-loved tradition, almost by accident

Everything about Charles and Diana's wedding was momentous, but one iconic incident that started a royal tradition came about almost by accident.

One of the most famous parts of the day was a rare spot of public affection between the royals, as Charles and Diana enjoyed a kiss on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

It was the first kiss between royal newlyweds and has since become a highlight for fans on the day of a Royal Wedding, with subsequent royal couples like Prince William and Kate Middleton following the tradition.

A future King was born

On June 21, 1982, people in the United Kingdom weren't just celebrating midsummer and the longest day of the year, the joyful news of Princess Diana and King Charles' first son was announced.

Prince William - the man who will become king one day - was born at the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital. He became the first future heir to the throne to be born in a hospital, with all of Queen Elizabeth's children having been born at Buckingham Palace.

A historic visit from President Reagan

In 1982, the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, paid his first trip to the United Kingdom.

They took a horse ride together around the grounds of the castle and Reagan became the first president to stay overnight at the castle.

Queen Elizabeth and Pope John Paul II make history

On October 17, 1980, Queen Elizabeth II made history by becoming the first British monarch - the Head of the Church of England - to travel to the Vatican, to meet the Pope, God's representative on Earth for Catholics.

It was a rare example of Her Majesty breaking protocol too, wearing black – usually reserved for periods of mourning – as a sign of respect for the Pontiff.

The 'other royal wedding' of the decade

On July 23, 1986, there was the second royal wedding of the decade - that of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.

While it was hard following the wedding of Charles and Diana five years earlier, an estimated 500 million people still tuned in to watch the wedding.

The Duchess of York wore a duchesse ivory satin gown complete with extensive silver embroidery and beading. The dress included symbolic detailing, including anchors, waves, thistles, and bumblebees, representing the likes of Prince Andrew's sailing background and Sarah's family crest.

Queen Elizabeth is shot at during Trooping the Colour

In June 1981, during the annual Trooping the Colour parade, which celebrates the monarch's summer birthday, six shots were fired at Queen Elizabeth as she rode down the Mall.

The shots were blanks fired by a teenager, Marcus Sarjeant, who had reportedly planned to kill the Queen but was unable to get a licence for a real gun.

He was charged under the 1848 Treason Act and jailed for five years.

Zara Phillips was born

On May 15, 1981, Princess Anne gave birth to her second child with her first husband, Mark Phillips.

While any birth is a cause for celebration, Zara Phillips' arrival was extra special as she was the late Queen and Prince Philip's first granddaughter, and second grandchild overall after Zara's older brother, Peter Phillips.

The Queen makes history (again)

By the 1980s, Queen Elizabeth was in her third decade as Queen, yet she never rested on her laurels.

Continuing to be visible and foster connections around the world, Her Majesty and Prince Philip paid a historic first visit to China. This made Elizabeth II the first British sovereign to visit the country, and marked a new chapter in the dynamics between the UK and the People’s Republic of China following the agreement that sovereignty over Hong Kong would be returned to China in 1997.

Diana debuts *that* engagement ring

While the wedding was one of the decade's most iconic moments, before the big day, Charles and Diana had to actually announce their engagement.

And on February 24, 1981, they did just that, and introduced the world to one of the most famous engagement rings in history.

The ring that would eventually pass along to Kate Middleton, Diana debuted the 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 round diamonds and set in white gold. The ring was chosen from Garrard's catalogue and not custom-designed - a rarity for a royal ring - and the reasoning was reportedly that it would flatter Diana's blue eyes.

Princess Diana helps fight the stigma around AIDS

In April 1987, Princess Diana proved that her heart was even bigger than her wedding dress or her worldwide fan base.

Defying public fear at the time, Diana opened the first purpose-built HIV/AIDS unit in the UK.

At the opening, she famously shook hands with a patient - something which made headlines and helped to destigmatise the lives of those living with the disease at a time when fear and misinformation ran rampant.

Princess Diana started a feminist trend for future royal brides

Despite the eyes of the world scrutinising her wedding to the future King, Princess Diana still found a way to introduce some of her independent nature into the nuptials.

The late Princess of Wales famously omitted the line in her wedding vows that requested the bride to "obey" her husband. Instead, she said she would, "love him, comfort him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health."

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle similarly omitted the line from their vows.

First came the heir, then came the spare…

Another defining moment of the 1980s saw the arrival of another royal prince - this time it was Harry, arriving three years after his brother.

Prince Harry was born on September 15, 1984. At birth, Harry was third in line to the English throne behind his father and older brother.

Princess Diana fever sweeps the globe

It's hard to overstate the emergence of Princess Diana, and how quickly she became one of - if not the - most famous woman on the planet.

Everywhere she went, Diana drew massive crowds and what she wore ignited trends and copycats. And she used her platform to modernise the royals, showcasing a warmer, more relatable face of the monarchy.

A dance with Danny Zuko makes headlines

Since her engagement was announced and later her wedding to the future King Charles in 1981, Diana ascended quickly to a global phenomenon. She was credited for bringing a new level of fame and attention to the royals, especially for a younger crowd.

And proving how she had become something of a celebrity in her own right, one of the starriest moments of the 80s saw the Princess of Wales twirl around the White House floor in the arms of Grease icon John Travolta.

Diana makes a friend at her first royal engagement (who issued an accurate premonition)

In the 25th anniversary edition of her official biography, Diana: Her True Story ‒ In Her Own Words, written by Andrew Morton, Princess Diana recalled the evening she befriended another iconic Princess - Grace Kelly.

Princess Grace of Monaco attended a musical recital at Goldsmiths’ Hall the same night as Diana and Charles in their first outing since announcing their engagement.

According to the book, Diana opened up to her about her anxiety, Grace reportedly comforted her with some dark humour that, eerily, proved to be too true for both princesses, who suffered sadness in their marriages and tragic endings, saying, "Don’t worry, it’ll only get worse."

Someone breaks into Buckingham Palace

In 1982, Michael Fagan broke into Buckingham Palace. And then he did it again, just to really show off.

While stories have gone on to exaggerate the events of the second break-in to suggest that he ended up actually chatting with Queen Elizabeth II in her bedroom, Michael told the Independent in 2012 that, while he did reach her chambers, she left the room immediately.

During his two breakouts, however, he did claim to have sat on a throne and drank half a bottle of white wine.

It’s a Royal Knockout

In 1987, the royals, spearheaded by Prince Edward, who was exploring a possible burgeoning alternative career in TV production, took part in a televised special of the game show, It’s a Knockout.

The game saw Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward head up teams of celebrities who competed in bizarre and comical challenges for different charities.

Although the programme had huge audience figures of more than 18 million and raised £1.5 million for charity, it was considered one of the worst decisions made by the royals, tarnishing their reputation and causing embarrassment.

Princess Diana’s first Trooping the Colour

Princess Diana attended her first Trooping the Colour event in 1981, just weeks before her wedding to Prince Charles.

For the occasion, which royal watchers tuned in with glee to see how the (at the time) future Queen would handle herself, the young Lady Diana Spencer opted for a Bill Pashley outfit with a matching hat in hues of light blue.

Introducing Princess Beatrice

On August 8, 1988 (making her birthday 8/8/88!), the last of the royal babies born in the 1980s would arrive - Princess Beatrice.

Beatrice is the first child of Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, and she was joined by her sister, Eugenie, in 1990.

Popular rumour has it that Beatrice's name wasn't revealed for two weeks after her birth because the late Queen wasn't a fan of the name Andrew and Fergie had initially picked out - Annabel.

Princess Diana falls asleep in public (but she had good reason!)

We've all been there - finding ourselves nodding off at work. And even if your work involves getting glammed up for a night at the Victoria & Albert Museum, that sleepiness can still kick in as Diana found out in 1981.

The Princess made headlines after falling asleep right there in public during the Splendours Of The Gonzaga Exhibition.

However, it would later be announced that Diana was expecting her first child (Prince William), so the sleepiness during the first trimester was more than forgiven.

The Queen and Philip visit Canada

The late Queen and Prince Philip carried out a few royal tours throughout the 80s, and one such tour that kept them busy was a trip to Canada in 1984, visiting New Brunswick and Ontario to celebrate the bicentennials of the two provinces.

The trip was notable, as just before boarding a plane at one point on the trip, the Queen and Prince Philip briefly shared a very rare public kiss.

Princess Margaret’s lung surgery, with a painful parallel to her father

The 1980s were relatively low-key for the larger-than-life Princess Margaret, after finalising her divorce from Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1978.

However, Princess Margaret did cause headlines when it was revealed she had to have emergency lung surgery, which saw part of her left lung removed.

For the likes of Margaret, the Queen Mother and the late Queen Elizabeth, the health scare must have carried extra weight, as King George VI had to have his lung removed following a cancer diagnosis, and he died a year after, with some thinking the blood clot in his coronary arteries could have been a result of the cancer.

Prince William joins his parents at work... aged one-years-old

For their very first royal tour together as a married couple, Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited Australia and New Zealand in 1983.

By then, they were parents, having introduced Prince William to their family in 1982.

Ripping out the royal rule book, Diana eschewed the royal tradition of leaving the children behind and brought William along for his first royal tour at just one year old.

Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips call it quits

The 1980s weren't the most successful for royal marriages, and Princess Anne was the first to kickstart a chain of divorces.

After having been married for 15 years when they announced their separation in 1989, Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips announced their split.

They eventually divorced in 1992, and later that year, the Princess Royal became the first child of a British monarch to remarry, when she wed Timothy Laurence.

Cracks start to show with the ‘fairy tale’ marriage

Charles and Diana would eventually split in 1992, but the latter years of the 80s were spent with widespread media scrutiny about their marriage.

Not only did rumours of Charles’ relationship with Camilla Parker-Bowles resurface in the late 80s, but there are rumours that Princess Diana also sought comfort in army captain James Hewitt.

Indeed, Charles and Camilla rekindled their romance once again in 1986, just five years after getting wed, per Jonathan Dimbleby's authorised biography of the King.

Princess Anne gains a special title

Royal by blood, Princess Anne was always a Princess. But in 1987, she became Anne, Princess Royal.

The prestigious title is traditionally carried by the British monarch’s oldest daughter, and once given, is held for life.

Anne is only the seventh woman to hold the title since 1642 and while it's not clear why it took nearly two decades after the death of the last Princess Royal (her great-aunt, Princess Mary) for her to receive the title, it can be assumed that it was a sign of respect from her parents as Anne had become one of the hardest working royals by the late 80s (and remains so, to this day).

Diana dances at the Royal Opera House

Just shy of forty years after Princess Diana danced on stage at the Royal Opera House, Netflix's The Crown would air fictional recreations of the moment, causing many to wonder... is it true?

It was. Halfway through a gala performance in 1985, the Princess quietly slipped away and joined dancer Wayne Sleep on stage, dancing together to Billy Joel's Uptown Girl.

And like depicted in The Crown, rumours at the time suggested Charles was less than pleased about the antics.

The Queen Mother celebrates a milestone birthday

In 1980, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother celebrated quite a milestone birthday - her 80th. For many, that's an impressive age to reach, but, of course, the Queen Mother would go on to have 21 more, dying at a magnificent age of 101.

To celebrate her 80th, the Queen's Christmas Broadcast for that year reflected on celebrations for it.

Princess Anne marks a royal first for the modern era

Times were a-changin', as they say, in the late 80s. And the likes of Princess Diana and Sarah, Duchess of York, had turned the royals into celebrities akin to the movie stars of the day.

So it was no surprise to see the savvy royals adapt and evolve, with Princess Anne becoming the first member of the royal family to appear on a TV quiz show when she competed on the BBC panel game A Question of Sport in 1987.

It was a perfect fit for the Princess Royal, who in the previous decade had become the first royal to compete at the Olympic Games.

A future Queen was born

On January 9, 1982, despite not being royal at the time, a very important figure to the family was born. Kate Middleton - the now Princess of Wales and future Queen Consort - was born at the Royal Berkshire Hospital to parents Michael and Carole Middleton.

Princess Diana uses fashion for subtle messaging early on

The royals love using fashion as more than decoration. It's often used to send signals, offer diplomatic meanings and much more.

And Diana might have been something of an early pioneer for this, starting as early as 1981.

In 1981, just four months after announcing her engagement to Prince Charles, the 19-year-old Lady Diana Spencer attended a polo match in a distinctive black-sheep knit by Warm & Wonderful.

She wore it again in 1983, and, with the gift of hindsight, many have taken it as Diana’s subtle riposte to feeling like a literal black sheep in the royal family.

For the senior working royals, it's a full-time thing - and their busy schedules don't leave time for much else.

From travelling the world on their royal tours to helping establish and represent hundreds of charities, the senior royals work hard.

But, based on their surprising skills and hobbies, little nuggets of insight they've shared in interviews over the years, and pure speculation, what careers could they have pursued had they never gone down the royal route?

What jobs the Royal Family might have done if they weren't royal

Princess Anne’s practical back up plan

She's known to be one of the hardest-working royals, undertaking hundreds of engagements a year, but Princess Anne, true to her straightforward nature, had a practical plan in place if it ever all went away.

In an interview from 1983 alongside her first husband Mark Phillips, she was reminded by interviewer Michael Parkinson of her answer to the question 'If you could spend a day as a commoner, what job would you like to do?' She had said that she would like to drive a lorry.

Or, more specifically, as she expanded, "I think it was more precise than that. I was going to earn my living and as I've got an HGV licence I don't mind spending time on one's own driving."

Queen Elizabeth II could have carried on with cars

The late Queen Elizabeth II reigned for a historic 70 years before her passing in 2022 - this made her the longest-ruling British monarch of all time. So, for her, royal duty and life was all she ever really knew.

But, in an alternate world without abdications and the untimely death of her father, Her Majesty might have been able to pursue her career with cars.

As a young Princess, she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) during World War II, becoming the first female member of the Royal Family to serve in the armed forces, training as a mechanic and driver. She continued to be a savvy driver for most of her life.

King Charles might have been an artist (he has already sold paintings!)

King Charles is a long-time supporter of the arts - but he also could've found himself as a working artiste.

During his youth, he was taught by some of Britain’s finest artists, including John Napper, John Ward, Hugh Casson, Edward Seago and Derek Hill. According to the Telegraph, he describes himself as an "enthusiastic amateur," but his prowess and preference for watercolours saw him become an honorary member of the Royal Academy and the Royal Watercolour Society.

He's actually already proven that he could make some money as a painter - selling his works for more than £2 million since 1997, and donating the money to charitable causes.

Kate Middleton could have carried on in fashion

Unlike other senior royals, Kate Middleton wasn't born into it. Meaning she actually has some experience working some 'regular' jobs, like her time as an accessories buyer for Jigsaw.

Belle Robinson, Jigsaw’s co-founder, has said of Kate, "I have to say I was so impressed by her... She sat in the kitchen at lunchtime and chatted with everyone from the van drivers to the accounts girls. She wasn't precious."

Duchess Sophie could have continued her PR business

Before she married Prince Edward and later became a senior member of the Royal Family, representing the monarchy in high-profile events across the globe, Sophie Rhys-Jones had nurtured a thriving career in public relations.

She represented firms across the UK, Switzerland and Australia before opening her own agency in 1996.

Princess Diana might have been a nursery teacher

As the late Princess of Wales, Princess Diana was celebrated around the world for her warmth, kindness and empathy. Her effortless way of putting other people at ease - from AIDS patients to children in hospital - proved she was a natural royal, and these skills might have helped her in her pre-royal career.

Diana had worked as a nursery school assistant at the Young England School in Pimlico, and had she not married Charles, perhaps she might have continued this and become a fully qualified teacher.

Kate Middleton could have continued working with her mother

Had Kate Middleton not become Princess of Wales, she might have continued working alongside her mother, Carole Middleton.

Carole Middleton founded her business, Party Pieces, in 1987 and has spoken of how all her children at one time helped her grow the business. This included Kate, who reports suggest, helped with tasks including website design, photography and developing new ventures.

"Party Pieces has literally grown alongside my family, and I'm very proud of that," Carole told Sheer Luxe. "Pippa wrote our 'Party Times' blog, James did the cakes when he first left school, and Catherine developed our first birthday and baby category."

Queen Elizabeth II could have been a horse trainer

Queen Elizabeth II's love of horses was a well-known part of her history-making 70-year reign. Having started as a youngster when she got her first horse at age four. It was a Shetland named Peggy, and from then on, she went on to be an avid rider, riding around the grounds of Balmoral and Windsor into her 90s (she was reportedly still riding gently just a few years before her death in 2022).

It extended to a love and knowledge of racing. As an owner and breeder, she had an expert knowledge of horses, breeding lines, and the racing industry - and even bred a few champion, race-winning horses.

Prince Edward could have worked in television

He is now the Duke of Edinburgh, having taken over the title from his late father, Prince Philip, but Prince Edward's life might have looked different - and he showed an early potential working in television.

After a brief stint with the Royal Marines, Prince Edward focused on a career within the arts. He worked as a production assistant for Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Theatre Company before founding his own production company, Ardent Productions, in 1993. Edward stepped down to focus on his royal duties in 2002.

The late Queen might have been a comic impressionist

Okay, this one took us by surprise. While she was known for a dry wit, one might find it hard to believe that the late Queen reportedly once told a friend that she had ambitions to be a comic impressionist.

Author and TV personality Gyles Brandreth once told Times Radio, per the Express,"There was a woman who came called Florence Desmond. She did impressions - Marlene Dietrich, Mae West and Vera Lynn. The Queen told me that if she hadn't been Queen, she might quite have liked to have been an impressionist. I said, 'Really? What can you do?'

"And she said, 'I can do George Formby'. And there and then, the Queen picked up an imaginary ukulele and she sang to me, When I'm Cleaning Windows."

Princess Anne also had a passion for engineering

Known for her practicality and her penchant for mucking in and getting a job done, it's no surprise that Princess Anne has hinted at what interests she might have pursued further had she not been the Princess Royal.

"The practicalities of how things work, I think, was always interesting as far as I was concerned," she has previously shared with Vanity Fair, adding, "But I think it was a little bit early in the sort of scheme of things to have gone down that route."

This snippet comes as she also praised efforts with getting schoolchildren - especially young girls - more involved with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Kate Middleton might have become a photographer

Kate Middleton's love of photography is well known, and she's shared some of her work over the years, most notably taking family portraits.

And, in another world, she might have made a living from her hobby. In 2023, the Professional Publishers’ Association even awarded the Princess of Wales the Cover of the Year award for the portrait she shot of Queen Camilla for Country Life magazine.

Prince William might have remained a pilot

After graduating from Sandhurst, Prince William joined the Royal Air Force, working as a search and rescue helicopter pilot. As a fully operational pilot, he participated in over 150 search and rescue operations. He later worked as an East Anglian Air Ambulance pilot between 2015 and 2017.

He would later give it up to focus on his full-time royal duties and expanding family responsibilities.

Princess Margaret might have had a career as an actress

Princess Margaret lived a life worthy of a Hollywood diva - with a most elaborate morning routine and a penchant for trading barbs with stars like Elizabeth Taylor - and some who knew the rebel royal thought she could have pursued a career in performance.

Marian Crawford, the governess to the young Elizabeth and Margaret, who was affectionately known as Crawfie, wrote in her book The Little Princesses, Margaret had a "considerable talent" for performing.

King Charles could’ve been a farmer

King Charles' love for gardening and nature is well known, and we could easily imagine him making it a full-time career in another life. After all, His Majesty has been running Home Farm from his 900-acre Gloucestershire retreat, Highgrove, since 1985.

Through Highgrove, he supplies organic produce for the Waitrose Duchy Organic brand, with popular products including jam, juices and alcoholic beverages.

In a 2016 interview with BBC Radio programme Gardeners’ Question Time, Charles described gardening as "the most therapeutic business."

Princess Anne working on the farm

She's never happier than with the animals and out in nature - Prince Philip said it best about his daughter, famously stating, "If it doesn't fart or eat hay, she isn't interested" - so it's plausible Princess Anne could've made a living working on the farm.

When appearing on an interview with Terry Wogan in 1982, the broadcaster asked her what she'd do if the royalty was abolished. Showcasing that signature no-nonsense attitude, Anne stated she'd just "work even harder on the farm".

Kate might have pursued a career in charity

Despite coming to royal life later on through her relationship with Prince William, Kate Middleton has flourished, giving speeches in front of world leaders and helping to spotlight important causes.

Even without the royal encouragement, Kate might have always worked in charity or development. She did take a gap year to work with a sustainable development charity called Raleigh International in Chile.

Prince William might have served in the military

Being the future King, Prince William is already an established senior figure in the military. However, had he not been the future King, he might have been able to pursue a more hands-on career within the armed forces.

Indeed, during the Iraq War, he reportedly wanted to serve in active duty, but it was deemed too risky for a future heir to go to an active war zone.

Queen Camilla might have worked with literacy

Queen Camilla has never spoken of career ambitions before she met King Charles or her first husband, Andrew Parker-Bowles, but it is reported she worked briefly as a receptionist and secretary around the West End and Mayfair.

However, being part of the upper class for most of her life, Camilla's work was more around being an Army Officer's wife and being in society.

That being said, had she never met Charles, perhaps she might have pursued a career with literacy, be it as an English teacher or a writer. Her Majesty has spoken about how important literature is to her, having established The Reading Room, and involving herself with charity work promoting literacy in the young.

Prince Philip might have been a gardener

Much like his children, including King Charles and Princess Anne, Prince Philip was known to be a passionate gardener and lover of nature.

He even found great success in growing truffles before his passing in April 2021.

As quoted in The Times, he was the first person to cultivate black truffles on British soil. Had he pursued this as a career, who knows what innovations he might have unlocked.

A longshot, but King Charles might have been a surfer

King Charles' secret skills are varied - ranging from painting to braving the roaring waves. And, as a young Prince, he was reportedly very proficient at the sport, so he might have found himself teaching others.

He would take his passion for windsurfing around the world, being spotted riding the waves around Cowes on the Isle of Wight and in Australia.

Several of the family members could have been in diplomacy

Various members of the Royal Family can speak several languages, a skill which most definitely could have helped them pursue careers with diplomacy or interpreting.

The range of languages are wide-spanning, also, with Prince William reportedly speaking Swahili and Welsh, and King Charles being fluent in French and can speak German.

Kate Middleton could’ve pursued watersports and diving

Kate Middleton reportedly loves diving and gained the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) open water diving qualification, which allows her to dive up to 30m below the surface. This depth is as far as one can go without the need of a mandatory decompression stop during the ascent before ending the dive, making it even more impressive - and making it plausible she could have pursued a career with water sports.

King Charles might have become a professional musician

Most careers begin with a hobby that gets perfected over time, so it's very plausible that King Charles could have pursued his work with the Cello to become a concert musician or something similar.

He is a known lover of the arts, after all, and he also had a seat in the Trinity College Orchestra as a student.

Meghan Markle could have continued her calligraphy business

This one is less ‘what could’ve been’ and more what once was. As well as an actress, Meghan Markle had a calligraphy business, teaching classes in a store in Los Angeles and working as a freelance artist, having designed the wedding invitations for her friends Robin Thicke and Paula Patton's wedding. Obviously, that took a backseat to her duties as a Duchess, and now her work as a lifestyle guru with her As Ever brand.

Prince William might have been a spy (yes, really)

The Prince of Wales is a pretty impressive title to hold, but Prince William might have eventually had an even juicier one - 007. Okay, we might be slightly stretching this one here, but Prince William did in fact complete a three-week training course with the United Kingdom's Security and Intelligence Agencies (MI5, MI6, and GCHQ) to gain a deeper understanding of their work in protecting national security.

GCHQ’s head of counter-terrorism operations, who went simply by 'David' on record, said, "Having the Duke of Cambridge spend time with our teams was an incredible opportunity. William worked exceptionally hard to embed himself in the team and comfortably held his own among some highly skilled analysts and operators. His royal highness asked some probing questions and demonstrated a real grasp of our mission."

Prince Harry had goals of working in a ski resort

He's gone from a working royal to the head of a charity and has taken on other roles of note, but, had a young Prince Harry had his way, it all could've looked different.

In Spare, the Prince shared, "For several years I'd talked in all seriousness about working at the ski resort in Lech am Arlberg, where Mummy used to take us... Specifically, I wanted to work at the fondue hut in the centre of town, which Mummy loved. That fondue could change your life. (I really was that mad.) But now I told Pa I'd given up the fondue fantasy, and he sighed with relief."

We could've called him the Fonduke of Sussex.

Kate Middleton might have been involved with tennis

The Princess of Wales' love of tennis is legendary - with her yearly appearances at Wimbledon a treat. However, she might have swapped being an ace in the stands for being an ace on the court in another life.

In a memorable moment, she has proven her talents playing with former World Number One Roger Federer and Grand Slam winner Emma Raducanu. Per the Telegraph, Emma reportedly described Kate's form as "incredible" and Federer called her serve "amazing."

Kate might have used her university degree to pursue a career in art

Kate Middleton didn't just leave the University of St Andrews with a relationship with Prince William, she left with a degree in Art History.

And it's easy to see how she might have parlayed this into a career. The Princess, after all, is a keen art lover and has been patron of the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Portrait Gallery.

In 2018, she even curated a photography exhibition for the Portrait Gallery.

Princess Diana might have been a nanny

An example of a career path that was already underway, Diana might have continued being a nanny to high-net-worth individuals had she not married King Charles.

Princess Diana's first job contract - where it was revealed she lied about her age - was even sold at auction for over £8000. The contract from Solve Your Problem Ltd - an agency offering nannies to the rich and famous - was completed by Diana in May 1979.

Meghan might have followed in her mother’s footsteps

Had Meghan Markle not married Harry and stayed in Los Angeles, she might have eventually pursued a side hustle in yoga.

Doria, her mother, is a yoga teacher, and Meghan is known to be a massive fan of the practice, even getting Harry involved.

Queen Elizabeth II might have been photographer

A career in photography might not have afforded the late Elizabeth II the same dazzling tiaras and jewellery that being Queen did, but she was a keen amateur who might have pursued it had things been different.

Something she shared with her granddaughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, the late Queen was a lifelong keen photographer. She was given her first camera, a Box Brownie, by her father, King George VI, before the Second World War.

We all have those occasions where we finally get the chance to dress up in our finest garms - from weddings to milestone birthday parties.

For the Royal Family - who have mesmerising tiara moments and wear elegant gowns on the regular - it might seem like every day demands full glam. But, even by their high standards, a state visit from a foreign dignitary or world leader is the perfect time to really go all out.

Whether it's visitors coming to the UK or royals going on tour, we look back at the state visits and dinners that really showcased the most glamorous looks from the royals and other A-listers.

The most glamorous state banquet looks over the years

Kate Middleton's first state banquet, 2015

In 2015, the now Princess of Wales made one of her biggest steps since becoming a senior royal in 2011 - attending her first important state banquet.

Catherine's first state visit was held in honour of President Xi Jinping of China, who was hosted by the royals in London.

For the occasion, Kate demonstrated some of her classic diplomatic dressing, wearing a colour that symbolises good fortune and joy in Chinese culture. Her red dress was a Jenny Packham creation, and she paired it with the Lotus Flower Tiara.

Queen Elizabeth II, 2019

In 2019, President Donald Trump paid his first state visit to the UK.

For the occasion, Her Majesty the Queen went for a classic white tie look, with an embellished, full-sleeved white dress and white gloves. However, it was her choice of jewellery that drew attention.

She wore the iconic Burmese ruby and diamond tiara, made by the House of Garrard, and commissioned back in 1973. It was made using the rubies that were gifted to the Queen as a wedding gift from the people of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma).

The gems aren't only rare, they were reportedly powerful - and the 96 rubies featured in the tiara are said to protect against evil and illness.

Kate Middleton for the Jamaica State Dinner, 2022

While representing the monarchy for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022, Prince William and Catherine were hosted for a state banquet in Jamaica.

For the occasion, the Princess of Wales went for a vibrant and lively colour, opting to wear a gorgeous, emerald green Jenny Packham dress.

Keeping with the colour theme, the Princess accessorised with emerald and diamond earrings and a matching bracelet that were part of the Queen's royal collection.

Camilla's first state visit as queen, 2022

In late 2022, the President of South Africa was received by King Charles and Queen Camilla, and the pair were hosting their first state visit as King and Queen following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Bringing out the glamour for the momentous occasion, Camilla relied on one of her go-to designers, Bruce Oldfield, who dressed her in a stunning, royal blue dress that was perfectly complemented with a sapphire necklace and tiara, part of the King George VI Sapphire suite.

Kate Middleton, 2019

In 2019, the Princess of Wales attended the state banquet for President Donald Trump wearing a sublime Alexander McQueen gown.

Dressed all in white, with the material being textured all over, Kate accessorised with a four-strand pearl bracelet, something that was owned by Queen Elizabeth and previously worn by Princess Diana.

Her inspired finishing touch was a diamond oak leaf and acorn brooch - which nods to the Middleton family's coat of arms.

Queen Letizia, 2017

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia joined the late Queen Elizabeth II and other British royals for a special visit in 2017 – it was the first Spanish state visit since 1986.

Queen Letizia looked striking in a scarlet red gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline and intricate embroidery.

For the regal affair, and not to be outdone by Queen Elizabeth II's aquamarine crown and necklace, Letizia wore some of the elite diamonds from the Spanish heirlooms known as the Joyas de Pasar collection.

Princess Diana, 1990

Princess Diana was a true lady in red when she attended a banquet held in honour of the Italian president, Francesco Cossiga in 1990. Accompanying Princess Margaret, the royal couple attended the dinner held at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Diana wore a glamorous Victor Edelstein full-length red gown, complete with a subtly plunging neckline. She paired it with red shoes and a simple red bag for a bold, monochromatic ensemble.

Victoria Beckham, UK-Italy dinner 2025

Ok, ok - technically this wasn't an official state dinner, but it was a fabulous occasion thrown by His Majesty at Highgrove House.

As the royals welcomed Italian ambassadors and the likes of Donatella Versace, some British star power was brought in through David and Victoria Beckham.

Victoria all but stole the show in one of her brand's own creations, an ivory satin gown boasting a high neckline, slit caped sleeves, ruched-detailing above the hips and a floor-length skirt.

Duchess Sophie, 2022

In 2022, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh joined other senior royals to welcome the President of South Africa.

For the state dinner, Sophie wore an elegant teal evening dress from one of her go-to designers, Suzannah London - with the Royal Family Order pinned to the dress.

Coordinated with the colour of the gown, Sophie wore an aquamarine and diamond tiara, plus diamond earrings and a necklace that had previously been seen on the late Queen Elizabeth.

Kate Middleton, 2018

By 2018, the Princess of Wales was on hand for her second official state dinner in the UK.

The banquet was held in honour of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands.

Kate championed a British designer (as has become her standard), wearing a periwinkle blue Alexander McQueen gown. The dress featured a dramatic off-the-shoulder neckline, ruched detailing, and a fishtail silhouette.

Michelle Obama, 2011

In 2011, President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama made their first state visit to the UK - and Michelle represented the best of the US for the historic occasion.

Michelle evoked old world glamour in an ivory, floor-length evening gown designed by Tom Ford.

The elegant gown was made from a ruched silk and featured a dainty bow detail at the waist and matching gloves.

Queen Elizabeth's historic state visit to Ireland

In 2011, Queen Elizabeth II became the first ever British monarch to pay a state visit to the Republic of Ireland. She was hosted for a special state banquet at Dublin Castle, where she chose symbolic fashion.

Not only did she choose the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara - a crown that was historically gifted to Mary of Teck by a committee of women from England and Ireland - she also wore a dress adorned with silk shamrocks, a Celtic harp brooch made of crystals.

Kate Middleton, Diamond Jubilee Tour 2012

In 2012, in one of her first major acts since marrying Prince William, Kate Middleotn joined her husband on a Diamond Jubilee tour to Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.

During this royal tour, the royal couple were hosted for a glamorous state dinner in Singapore where Kate proved she was a natural at using fashion to score diplomatic points, wearing a local designer's creation.

Her interesting purple, patterned dress was a ready-to-wear piece by Prabal Gurung’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

Princess Diana, 1986

In 1986, Princess Diana proved that a black and white dress code can be anything but safe and predictable.

Wearing a dress by Elizabeth and David Emanuel - the couple who created her wedding dress - Diana's dress was a spliced black and white creation featuring voluminous shoulders and an attention-grabbing striped bow detail at the waist.

Kate Middleton, 2022

In 2022—after she had officially become the Princess of Wales—Catherine was on hand to welcome President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa for a significant state dinner, the first to be hosted after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Proving that the future of the monarchy was safe in her hands, Kate looked utterly resplendent in an ethereal Jenny Packham gown.

All in white, featuring a dramatic cape design that flowed over the shoulders, and with subtle, shimmering embellishments, it was an inspired take on tradition meeting modern royalty. She completed the look with the Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara.

Queen Elizabeth II, 1979

For a 1979 State Visit of Bahrain officials, Queen Elizabeth II wasn't intimidated by the male ambassadors, and she didn't hesitate in keeping true to her bright and bold fashion choices.

With a floor-length, floral gown complete with flowing sheer sleeves and her classic white dress gloves, Her Majesty certainly made an eye-catching statement.

Princess Diana, 1988

At a state dinner for the president of Turkey in 1988, Princess Diana joined other notable figures for a swanky celebration at one of the London royal hotpots - Claridge's.

For the glamorous affair, Diana looked radiant in a chic, teal, asymmetrical-sleeved dress complete with an off-the-shoulder design on one side and a cinching belt embellishment.

Keeping with her colour theme, Diana wore the irreplaceable Delhi Durbar Emerald Choker, a wedding gift from Queen Elizabeth II that first belonged to Queen Mary.

Carla Bruni, 2008

When you're the First Lady of France who just happens to have been one of the leading supermodels of the 1990s, expectations are high. And luckily Carla Bruni brought the glamour when she came to the UK for a state visit in 2008.

In a floor-length, strapless burgundy gown designed by John Galliano for Dior, Carla accessorised with Chaumet jewels and epitomised chic.

Meghan Markle, 2019

During a royal tour of Australia, Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga, and New Zealand in 2019, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were welcomed with a state dinner in Tonga.

For one of her only state banquets as a working royal, the Duchess of Sussex looked elegant and sophisticated in a white column gown by Theia which included beading details.

Queen Camilla, 2023

In 2023, Queen Camilla and King Charles were hosted in Germany for a state visit.

For the glamorous event, Camilla opted for a sophisticated black evening gown which featured a distinctive, silver floral embroidery. The dress was designed by Bruce Oldfield, and she finished the look off with the historic Greville Tiara.

Princess Diana, 1989

Another state visit for Princess Diana, another opportunity to ramp up the glamour.

In 1989, while welcoming the President of the United Arab Emirates, Diana sparkled in a red, sequin Bruce Oldfield dress.

The modern, glamorous look was inspired, including a flattering silhouette which started with volume around the shoulders, cinching in at the waist and then flaring out at the hem.

Kate Middleton, Kuala Lumpur 2012

While undertaking her first overseas royal duties in 2012, Kate Middleton's triumphant tour included a lavish state dinner hosted by Malaysia's Head of State, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah of Kedah, at the Istana Negara.

Mixing regal glamour with a more relaxed holiday vibe, Kate wore a flowing white and gold floor-length gown by Alexander McQueen.

The bespoke dress features Malaysian hibiscus flowers embroidered in sparkling gold thread.

Jackie Kennedy and the Queen, 1961

For President John F Kennedy's state visit to the UK in 1961, the world got to see how British royalty met the modern American dynasties.

The clash of cultures was best seen in the mix of traditional versus contemporary, with Queen Elizabeth wearing a tulle ballgown very in keeping with the more traditional style, while Jackie Kennedy opted for a chic, ice-blue, silk evening dress with a boat neckline from the New York boutique Chez Ninon.

Queen Elizabeth, Slovenia 2008

For a State Dinner hosted in Slovenia in 2008, Queen Elizabeth channelled an old-world look, with a fur-trimmed dress evoking feelings of snow-capped castles and roaring fireplaces.

The delicate white fur trim contrasted with the gold-hued brocade pattern of her floor-length evening gown.

Melania Trump at the 2019 State Banquet

For her first visit to the United Kingdom as First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump went classic in an ivory-coloured, sleeveless Dior haute couture dress.

She completed the white tie dress code look with sleeve-length gloves and an elegant updo.

Helen Mirren at a UK-Italy dinner

For a lavish dinner held at Highgrove House ahead of State Visits to the Republic of Italy, King Charles and Queen Camilla invited the likes of Victoria Beckham and Donatella Versace to join them.

And also on the guestlist was Dame Helen Mirren, who looked elegant and bold in an emerald green ensemble.

The dress featured sheer, lacy green sleeves and bodice with a pleated, flowing skirt. The matching headband was an elevated touch.

Akshata Murty

For the 2023 State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by political figures including the Prime Minister at the time, Rishi Sunak, and his wife, Akshata Murty.

Akshata offered up a masterclass in statement dressing with a head-to-toe wine-red look, wearing a silky, high neck dress from London label Saloni.

Princess Diana, 1989

For the State Visit of the President of Nigeria in 1989, Princess Diana channelled the big, bright, bold style of the 80s with an elaborate, multi-coloured ensemble.

Diana's bold look - courtesy of Catherine Walker - included a silky pink skirt and waist-cinching, ruched bodice detailing. The skirt was complemented by a patterned paisley and floral top with full sleeves.

Queen Camilla, 2024

For the 2024 Qatari State Dinner, Camilla looked like she had comfortably found her footing as Queen, wearing a resplendent claret red evening gown designed by Fiona Clare.

She also used the occasion to wear an iconic diadem for the first time ever. It was a debut for Her Majesty wearing the historied Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik Tiara, a magnificent creation from the House of Garrard that was first presented to Queen Alexandra, when Princess of Wales, for her 25th wedding anniversary in 1888.

Princess Diana, 1983

For a state visit to New Zealand in 1983, Princess Diana didn't just look regal, she almost looked bridal.

The Princess looked ethereal in a creamy white taffeta and lace look designed by Gina Fratini. Full of volume and puffed sleeves - as was the style of the early 80s - Diana added the perfect finishing touch with the romantic Cambridge Lovers' Knot Tiara.

Queen Elizabeth, 2006

Always one to remember her manners and make hosts feel appreciated, it's no surprise Queen Elizabeth chose this aquamarine set of jewels from her magnificent collection of tiaras and trinkets for her 2006 state visit to Brazil.

Queen Elizabeth's aquamarine parure—which included a necklace, earrings and tiara—all started with a set of aquamarine stones presented to her in 1953 by the people of Brazil.

She eventually commissioned Garrard to make a tiara to match the stones given to her, and 53 years later, she wore those same jewels for her visit.

Kate Middleton, 2023

For the State Banquet welcoming the President of South Korea in 2023, the Princess of Wales debuted another sleek, chic look - and she stuck with something of a theme which sees her wearing white for state visits.

This time, the Princess of Wales chose a customised Jenny Packham gown. The elegant ivory dress featured a structured cape embellished with silver detailing.

Elevating the glamour, she paired the gown with satin opera gloves and, for the first time ever, she wore the Strathmore Rose Tiara.

If you thought that girl power started in the 90s with Ginger, Baby, Sporty, Scary and Posh... think again.

The Spice Girls might have ushered in a new era for young girls and women, but the likes of Queen Elizabeth II had been walking the walk and talking the talk of girl power for decades prior.

Indeed, while the glittering tiara moments might give off illusions of fairy tales, the royals are some of the toughest, most inspiring feminists on the world's stage.

The best quotes and examples of royals being the ultimate feminists

Queen Elizabeth II’s record-breaking rule

It cannot be overlooked how Queen Elizabeth's very existence helped establish the idea of a powerful, respected and pre-eminent female world leader.

The fact she ruled for a record-breaking 70 years - the longest-reigning British monarch in history - only strengthens the concept of a powerful woman who isn't just the head of a family, but the head of a state.

Her reign linked over two billion people worldwide between 1952 and 2022, and she was a revered figure across the globe.

Princess Anne’s heroic response to a kidnapping attempt

Princess Anne and her first husband Mark Phillips were returning to Buckingham Palace on 20 March 1974 when their car was forced to stop by a Ford Escort, driven by one Ian Ball.

Ian, armed with a gun, told her that he intended to kidnap her and hold her for ransom. Demanding Anne get out of the car, she replied with the most defiant of lines - telling the armed attacker, "Not bl***y likely!"

She's talked about the incident in the past, always insisting on giving praise to the guards and passersby who helped detain the attacker - and her tough, no-nonsense attitude proves she's always been a strong woman.

Queen Elizabeth’s subtle support for bucking tradition

One of the rules that the royals have to follow throughout their lives included staying relatively apolitical - and even Queen Elizabeth II had to follow this. But there have been times when the royals have subtly revealed their true thoughts and feelings on certain things, and one such moment of rebellion came when Her Majesty showed her support for rewriting the rulebook when it comes to the lines of succession.

As it was, men had precedence in the line of succession, even over older sisters. This is why, after her brothers came along, despite being the second-born child of the Queen and Prince Philip, Princess Anne fell further down the line to the throne than Andrew and Edward, and their children.

In 2011, Commonwealth leaders voted to change this, and the Queen had earlier that year used her speech during the State Opening of Parliament that year to address the need for women to have a greater role in society.

Princess Diana's 'Revenge' dress

In June 1994, at the same time a TV interview with the then Prince Charles was set to air, Princess Diana stepped out in one of her most iconic looks of all time.

Dubbed the 'Revenge Dress', this look helped solidify the late Princess of Wales as a true forward-thinking royal and, yes, a feminist.

While it might seem a stretch, Diana chose to step out boldly on the night her husband would confess to being in love with another woman throughout their marriage. The confidence, the ownership of her own narrative and the defiance of the typical royal dress code all meant this was Diana's message that she was her own woman.

Princess Anne continuing to break traditions into her 70s

After the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, all of her children would come together to guard her coffin. It's a tradition known as the Vigil of the Princes, and, as the name suggests, it was historically carried out just by men.

Refusing to be left out, Princess Anne - who was 72 at the time - continued to be a trailblazer when she joined her brothers as the first woman to ever stand in the vigil on 12 September 2022, in St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh - and she would later do it again in Westminster Hall.

Kate Middleton breaking protocol for an important moment

While Catherine, Princess of Wales rarely puts a foot wrong, she's not immune to going against protocol. Especially when there's a special reason to do so.

The Princess attended a 2021 vigil for Sarah Everard, a woman who was abducted and murdered by a police officer in London. Eschewing protocol and making a low-key, unannounced, and politically charged appearance, Kensington Palace later shared a statement regarding Kate's visit to the memorial, saying the princess wanted to "pay her respects to the family and to Sarah." The statement added that Kate "remembers what it was like to walk around London at night before she was married."

A show of solidarity and awareness for women living in the city.

Princess Diana rewrote her wedding vows

Traditionally, and rather tellingly, royal wedding vows included the bride promising to "obey" her husband. The husband's vows did not ask him to reciprocate that obedience.

So, when Princess Diana married Prince Charles in one of the most anticipated royal weddings of all time, she didn't let that pressure sway her from making her own mark on the affair.

Diana challenged the typical vows and left out "obey." Instead, she pledged to "love him, comfort him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health."

Queen Camilla's commitment to women's charities

Queen Camilla has never been afraid of using her influence and position to challenge some of the starker realities and issues facing women across the world.

For the UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 2020, she said, "Each one of us has a part to play, to do everything in our power to raise awareness, to ‘reach in’ to others, and to support, and be inspired by, those very brave survivors."

Her work has seen her meet with actress and UN ambassador Angelina Jolie in 2014, where they discussed their work on tackling sexual violence in conflict.

The Queen Mother wasn't afraid to turn down the future king - twice

It takes a lot to turn down a powerful man, but to turn down a future king - and the man you love - twice because you are concerned for your own independence takes some strength.

And that's exactly what Elizabeth Bowes Lyon did.

The man who'd become King George VI was so enamoured with Elizabeth Bowes Lyon that he asked her three times to marry him before she said yes. She rejected him the first two times reportedly over fears of how restricted her life would become if she married into the royal family, as most biographers and historians concur.

She may have said yes in the end, but it was clearly on her terms. A surprisingly modern - and feminist - mindset.

Princess Diana was fearless – and went where few dared to follow

A truly inspirational woman who knew that her strength could be used for the greater good, Princess Diana's work with AIDS patients was ground-breaking and had a significant impact on public perception of the illness.

Her now historic refusal to be swayed by the fear at the time and embrace AIDS patients proved that the disease couldn't be spread by casual physical touch, and it proved that Diana was as fearless as she was compassionate.

Meghan Markle guest edits Vogue

Meghan Markle was asked to guest edit the 2019 September Issue of British Vogue, and she used the honour to spotlight women who were making impressive moves around the world.

From Michelle Obama to Jacinda Ardern, Meghan spotlighted women as the 'Forces for Change' and, in a statement at the time, said she wanted "to take the year's most read fashion issue and steer its focus to the values, causes and people making an impact in the world today."

"Through this lens I hope you'll feel the strength of the collective in the diverse selection of women chosen for the cover as well as the team of support I called upon within the issue to help bring this to light."

Princess Anne makes history at the Olympics

The Princess Royal, much like most of her sporty family, has always been one to get stuck in with physical activities. But one of her most iconic and defining moments came when she became the first royal to ever compete at the Olympic Games.

Princess Anne took part in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games as a member of the British Equestrian team, and aged just 25, she honoured her own female hero, her mother, riding Queen Elizabeth II's horse, Goodwill.

Kate Middleton's frankness on the highs and lows of motherhood

Kate Middleton might be the Princess of Wales - enjoying the spoils that come with such a title - but, like so many other women, sometimes she's just a working mother.

The Princess has been frank in discussing some of the guilt she feels trying to juggle it all, earning praise for using her platform to be vulnerable on issues that many can relate to.

When she appeared on Giovanna Fletcher's podcast, Happy Mum, Happy Baby, Kate addressed "mum guilt" saying, she feels it "all the time. Even this morning, coming to the nursery visit here - George and Charlotte were like, 'Mummy, how could you possibly not be dropping us off at school this morning?'"

King Charles speaks out on the importance of gender-based violence

Having had his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, as a role model in both leading a family and a country for decades, it's no surprise that King Charles is also something of a feminist.

In a speech in 2019 in the Solomon Islands Parliament, he challenged the nation’s lawmakers to make gender equality a priority.

He said, “In the Solomon Islands, as elsewhere, as long as women face the despicable threat of physical and sexual violence, or discrimination on the basis of their gender, your economy and your society will simply never be able to achieve their full and extraordinary potential."

Queen Camilla doesn’t flinch away from harsh realities facing women

Sometimes, being a strong role model requires confronting unglamorous truths and dark realities, and Queen Camilla has passionately used her platform to spotlight issues facing women across the world.

One project she is involved with, as an example, is The Wash Bags project. The project provides survivors of sexual assault with toiletries to use following a forensic examination.

With great sympathy and a willingness to learn more to help others, Camilla's charity work has helped countless women.

Prince Philip, unlikely feminist

Prince Philip was renowned for his humour and - sometimes - slightly off-colour comments. But despite the occasional gaffe, Prince Philip was a long supporter of equality for the sexes.

Even his willingness to always support his wife, Queen Elizabeth II shouldn't be overlooked. Often playing the 'second fiddle', tradition meant that Philip would have to walk a few steps behind Her Majesty when they were in public. It was a subtle way of showing that he wasn’t intimidated by his wife’s power and respected her authority.

Zara Tindall sets an iconic record

Princess Anne's daughter, Zara Tindall, proved she was a chip off the old block as, like her mother, she has made light work of making history.

After her mother was the first royal to ever take part in the Olympic Games, Zara would go and take this one step further, competing and winning a Silver Medal at the 2012 London Games.

Princess Diana's strength in vulnerability

Princess Diana's interview with Martin Bashir in 1995 made headlines around the world, mostly for her revelations about infidelities in her marriage to King Charles and the infamous "three people in this marriage" soundbite.

But what mustn't be overlooked is how the late Princess proved she was an unprecedented royal, being bold enough to reveal she'd suffered with eating disorders and self harm.

During the interview, Diana revealed how she "hurt my arms and my legs... And I work in environments now where I see women doing similar things and I'm able to understand completely where they're coming from."

Diana wasn't afraid of being so candid - and it's why she remains an icon to many.

Meghan rejects the trope of ‘period shaming’

Before Meghan Markle was the Duchess of Sussex, she was still using her platform to advocate for women. In 2017, she wrote an essay for Time, where she refused to shy away from the topic of period shaming.

"In communities all over the globe, young girls' potential is being squandered because we are too shy to talk about the most natural thing in the world," she wrote.

"We need to push the conversation, mobilise policy-making surrounding menstrual health initiatives, support organisations who foster girls' education from the ground up, and within our own homes, we need to rise above our puritanical bashfulness when it comes to talking about menstruation."

The Queen's cheeky lesson for a Saudi king

Queen Elizabeth II broke records - and boundaries. And one hilarious anecdote sums up how she'd subtly showcase her opinions on certain matters.

As revealed in the memoir of British diplomat Sir Sherard Cowper Coles, the Queen reportedly challenged the outdated notion of women being banned from driving in Saudi Arabia when Crown Prince Abdullah came to visit Balmoral and they got into the royal land rovers.

In Cowper Coles' book, he explains, "To his surprise, the Queen climbed into the driving seat, turned the ignition and drove off. Women are not - yet - allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, and Abdullah was not used to being driven by a woman, let alone a queen.

“His nervousness only increased as the Queen, an Army driver in wartime, accelerated the Land Rover along the narrow Scottish estate roads, talking all the time. Through his interpreter, the Crown Prince implored the Queen to slow down and concentrate on the road ahead.”

Prince Harry uses a speech to advocate for equal education for girls

Prince Harry used a visit to Nepal in 2016 to urge for more girls to be given the same access to education.

In a speech, he said, "Improved access to education can transform lives, families, communities and ultimately entire countries. When girls finish their schooling, they gain skills, knowledge and confidence - in short; they are empowered to improve their lives and the lives of everyone around them."

William didn’t ask for Kate’s father’s permission

When it came time for Prince William to pop the question to Kate Middleton in 2010, he notably left off one traditional touch - asking for the father's permission.

While it's never been explicitly stated as a feminist move, William said in the ITV interview after announcing their engagement, "I thought if I ask Kate first then he can't really say no. So I did it that way round. I managed to speak to Mike soon after it happened really and then it sort of happened from there."

Giving more agency to his future bride? Recognising that women aren't 'given away' by one person to another? It's a positive step.

Meghan Markle’s subtle show of independence on her wedding day

Arguably one of the biggest days of her life, Meghan Markle was going to make sure her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry was on her terms.

She chose to walk partway down the aisle alone, meeting father-in-law King Charles towards the end as he accompanied her the rest of the way to the altar.

The act of walking herself down the aisle might have been interpreted as a rejection of traditional gender norms, especially the idea that a bride was "given away" on the wedding day.

Also, much like Princess Diana before her, Meghan and Harry's vows also featured some changes, including dropping the "obedience" vow and being pronounced "husband and wife" rather than "man and wife."

Queen Elizabeth refused to give up her surname

Upon marrying her husband in 1947, the then-Princess Elizabeth did something quite unusual for the era - she didn't take her husband's surname.

Of her insistence on keeping the name Windsor at the heart of the Royal Family, Prince Philip allegedly said, "I am the only man in the country not allowed to give his name to his own children."

While they don’t officially have surnames in the same way mere mortals do, the royal family’s unofficial surname has become Mountbatten-Windsor as a sign of respect for their grandparents.

Meghan praises the suffrage movement - in front of a portrait of the Queen

During a tour of New Zealand alongside Prince Harry, Meghan Markle - always one to speak out for women's rights - delivered a powerful speech in which she praised the women's suffrage movement.

In the speech, she said, "Women’s suffrage is not simply about the right to vote for women, but also about what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of all people, including those members of society who have been marginalized whether for reasons of race, gender, ethnicity or orientation, to be able to participate in the choices for their future and their community."

The cherry on the top? She gave the moving speech in front of a portrait of her grandmother-in-law, the Queen.

Meghan Markle broke protocol to support #MeToo

In 2018, before there were Megxits and Montecito, there was a marvellous moment where Meghan Markle and Prince Harry joined forces with Prince William and Kate Middleton for a group event.

It was during this moment that Meghan, perhaps newer to royal protocol, broke from convention and weighed into political discourse, addressing the #MeToo movement.

Speaking up for women, Meghan said, "Right now, with so many campaigns like #MeToo and Time’s Up, there’s no better time to continue to shine a light on women feeling empowered and people supporting them."

Championing fashion

As is so often the case, industries, passions and pursuits considered more female-oriented can be dismissed as frivolous by some. And this is why the Royal Family's insistence on championing British fashion, celebrating the craftwork of designers and using fashion to send diplomatic messages is a powerful rebuttal.

Duchess Sophie was a successful business owner

Before she was the Duchess of Edinburgh (and even before she was the Countess of Wessex!), Sophie Rhys Jones was already a powerful woman in her own right.

Sophie was a highly successful PR professional who ran her own thriving business before marrying Prince Edward.

This is why the Duchess is a great fit working with initiatives like 100 Women in Finance, an initiative to boost female role models in the industry.

"We need everyone, male and female, to support this mission," she said at a conference. "If we make greater strides towards parity, then we all stand to win. There will be bigger slices of a bigger cake for everyone."

Princess Diana walking through a minefield

There's being brave, and then there's walking through a minefield. Princess Diana - who was used to a fair few metaphorical landmines - trekked through a literal minefield in Angola in 1997, as part of her work raising awareness for the cause.

Her efforts helped lead to the Ottawa Treaty, which was signed in 1999 to eliminate anti-personnel landmines.

Queen Camilla proudly embraces the F word - Feminist

For some reason, there's often a reluctance for public figures to actually declare themselves as feminists.

The word - which just describes the belief that a woman should be treated equally to a man - can provoke more reaction than feels necessary. So it was refreshing and rewarding then Queen Camilla had no hesitation in using her rare interview with Vogue to completely own the label and also sing out the praises of women who inspire her.

Meghan Markle was an early feminist

As recounted by the Duchess of Sussex in her Netflix series, Harry & Meghan, the actress and activist isn't new to feminism, she's true to it.

At just 11 years old, Meghan was already advocating for equality and addressing what she perceived as wrongs, and it started with a sexist soap commercial she saw on TV.

Refusing to let her age or position at the time prevent her from making a change, Meghan reached out to people to address the problem, and she even wrote to Hillary Clinton, who was First Lady at the time. Hillary replied, urging her to keep fighting the ad - and Meghan hasn't stopped fighting for women's rights ever since.

Queen Elizabeth serving in the war

The word might not have existed around the Second World War, but the sentiment of being a feminist was alive and well - and the then Princess Elizabeth embodied it.

As a young princess, she easily could've avoided the hardships of the time. But, instead, she became the first female member of the Royal Family to serve during an active war, rolling up her sleeves and getting stuck in with the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service.

In September 2022, fresh from the grief of losing his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles' first speech as monarch made an important reference to charity and service.

He told the nation that his mother's "promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today" and this sums up how important giving back and serving all people of their territories is to the royals.

They all, in some way, uphold this promise of service - from inheriting responsibilities to establishing their own charities based on the needs of an ever-changing society.

Royals giving back - charities and causes with a personal connection

Save the Children

Princess Anne served as President of Save the Children UK from 1970 to 2017, after which she stayed on as Patron. The connection between the Princess Royal and the charity is an important one as it was the first major charity with which she became closely associated as a working, independent royal.

She’s travelled the world promoting and developing the work of the charity, visiting countries including Bangladesh, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Earthshot Prize

Inheriting an interest and concern for the environment from his father, King Charles, Prince William established his own charitable endeavour, the Earthshot Prize. Set up in 2020, it aims to discover and scale ground-breaking solutions to repair the Earth by 2030, giving up to £1 million in prizes to groups and individuals working on innovative solutions.

Of his foundation, William said the aim was "to champion the dreamers, the thinkers and the innovators from every walk of life, who share an ambition to build a better, more sustainable world."

The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust)

The Prince's Trust, now the King's Trust, is Charles' charity that helps vulnerable young people aged 11 to 30 to get their lives on track. King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, founded the trust in 1976 as a way of tackling the rising inequalities he witnessed holding back younger people from less privileged backgrounds.

It's been a vital lifeline to many over the years, and celebrities including actor Idris Elba and the magician Dynamo have spoken about how they were able to pursue careers in the arts thanks to the trust.

Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood

Catherine, Princess of Wales has made early years development a major focus of her work in recent years. This included her spearheading a new centre aimed at early years development in 2021, with a mission to raise awareness about the critical importance of the first five years of a child's life.

Along with experts, the work they do highlights how experiences in the early years impact life further down, including mental health, well-being, and overall success.

Osteoporosis

Queen Camilla has been a long-time supporter of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, and now she serves as the President, for a deeply personal and significant reason. Her Majesty lost both her mother and grandmother to the disease.

She has spoken about how her mother's experience with the disease was particularly impactful, as she witnessed how limited the knowledge and treatment options were. Per BBC, in a speech to medics, volunteers and supporters of the society, she said, "My mother died of osteoporosis, not of the actual disease, it was never diagnosed in those days, and old people were just cast aside as old people, you know, 'sorry, we can't do anything about it',

"Had she lived nowadays a lot would have been done about it."

Invictus Games

Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014 and they have become an important pillar in his life.

Taking place in different locations around the world each year, the games are a series of sports and challenges designed to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and change the narrative on those who have been injured or wounded serving during active duty.

Speaking at the 2025 games in 2025, Harry touched on the importance of the work the games does in rethinking injured vets, saying, "Over the past decade I've lost count of the times we've heard you tell us that the Invictus Games saved you. Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn't save you. You saved yourself."

Centrepoint

Princess Diana had worked with homeless charities when her sons were young, and her eldest, Prince William, continues to be deeply passionate about ending homelessness.

The Prince of Wales has been a patron of Centrepoint for many years and has more recently started the Homewards project.

His bold vision for the project includes ending homelessness for good in Britain. Launching the project in 2023, William said, "I am fortunate to have seen first-hand the tireless work of people and organisations across the sector, the tangible impact their efforts can have and what can be done when communities are able to focus on preventing homelessness, rather than managing it.

"It's a big task, but I firmly believe that by working together it is possible to make homelessness rare, brief, and unrepeated and I am very much looking forward to working with our six locations to make our ambition a reality."

Heads Together

During happier times for Prince William and Prince Harry, the brothers—along with Kate Middleton—delighted fans by joining forces for a shared cause.

The trio helped establish Heads Together, a significant mental health initiative which had a mission of breaking the stigma that some perceived to be associated with discussions about mental health.

This was a first step for the trio who have since gone on to become hands-on with lots of charities and campaigns aimed at rethinking mental health - with Harry and William speaking frankly about their battles with depression and other mental health issues growing up in the spotlight and losing their mother, Diana, at such young ages.

Violence against women

Queen Camilla must be commended for her passionate work exposing and working against violence committed against women in countries all over the globe - and has never been afraid of discussing the darker elements, encouraging people to address the stark realities many face.

For the UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 2020, she said, "Each one of us has a part to play, to do everything in our power to raise awareness, to ‘reach in’ to others, and to support, and be inspired by, those very brave survivors."

Her work has seen her meet with actress and UN ambassador Angelina Jolie in 2014, where they discussed their work on tackling sexual violence in conflict.

Literacy

Sometimes, a charity can merge with hobbies and creative pursuits - like Queen Camilla's commitment to encouraging literacy and the power of reading.

As Duchess of Cornwall, Her Majesty became Patron of several organisations which promote and support literacy, including theNational Literacy Trust, Book Trust, First Story, the Wicked Young Writer Awards and Beanstalk.

Camilla's love for the written word saw her establish her Reading Room organisation and festival. In a speech celebrating the organisation, she said, "Human beings have always needed the connection of literature – its wisdom as well as its sheer escapism. In today’s challenging climate, we need it more than ever."

Shout - a mental health text line

Kate Middleton, Prince William and Prince Harry's initiative which started with Heads Together, was integral in establishing Shout, a text messaging service which made access to mental health facilities and help more readily available.

Shaping Us

As part of her ongoing work with early years development, one of Kate Middleton's major campaigns was launching the Shaping Us initiative.

A long-term campaign, it aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of early childhood development. For the work, Kate has been incredibly hands on, speaking at key note symposiums and releasing campaign films, and launching accessible activities.

Sentebale

A charity set up by Prince Harry in collaboration with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Sentebale was established to continue the legacy of Diana and her work with children across the Lesotho and Botswana regions in Africa.

Sentebale—which translates to 'forget-me-not' in the Lesotho language—was named to honour the late Princess Diana, and Harry continues to work hard for the charity, including hosting charity polo matches as a fundraiser.

SafeLives and domestic abuse

As part of her decades working against violence against women, Queen Camilla has been appointed the patron of the UK charity, SafeLives. The challenging work sees Her Majesty involve herself in campaigns and activity highlighting the work being done against domestic abuse.

Memorably, Queen Camilla helped launch the photography exhibition ‘I Am’ which included portraits of survivors of domestic abuse.

Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service

Sometimes, a royal gets involved with a charity or a cause because it's a part of their own lives and skillsets. As was the case with Princess Alexandra, the first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who is patron of both the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service and Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service, in part because she undertook a nursing course at Great Ormond Street Hospital after leaving school, per the Royal Family's official website.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution

With a family as historied as the royals, sometimes a patronage is important simply because it honours the centuries of tradition that comes with it.

For example, King George IV became the first patron of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in 1824, and every reigning monarch has taken on the title ever since. It's a poignant way of helping to promote the work of good causes while setting a precedent of giving back.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award

Founded by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1956, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards are a non-competitive series of sports programs and challenges designed to encourage personal development, social responsibility and awareness in young people aged 14 to 24.

Of the scheme, the late Prince Philip said, "If you can get young people to do things which excite them, which interest them, which they enjoy, which challenge them, then you are on to a winner."

Inheriting not only his father's title, Prince Edward (along with Duchess Sophie) has become an ambassador for the cause.

Proving that she was always prepared to take on the seriousness of the cause, Sophie—while still Countess of Wessex—undertook an impressive 450-mile cycle from Edinburgh to Buckingham Palace as part of the Diamond Challenge.

Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

One of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh's passionate causes is working to eliminate avoidable blindness.

Not only is she the Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), the Duchess of Edinburgh succeeded Princess Alexandra as Patron of Guide Dogs in July 2021.

Dyslexia

As one of the royals not funded by the Sovereign Grant, Princess Beatrice's involvement with any charities truly comes from a place of personal interest and willingness to raise awareness, as is the case with her work for dyslexia.

As someone with dyslexia herself, Beatrice has been patron for the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre, crediting them for helping her overcome her own dyslexia and she's spoken openly about her experiences to help expand the narrative.

The Prince's Countryside Fund

King Charles was ahead of his time - many might not be aware but, long before climate activists were out here spraying things orange, a 21-year-old Prince Charles made a landmark speech about the dangers of plastic waste and air pollution in 1970.

Which explains why His Majesty is so passionate about helping out British farmers.

Founded by the King in 2010, The Royal Countryside Fund is the only UK-wide charity that empowers family farms and rural communities to ensure their future. 

The fund has invested more than £11 million in more than 490 projects working across the UK which improve service provision in rural areas, support farming businesses and rural enterprises, and provide training opportunities for young people. 

The Wash Bags project

Queen Camilla's involvement with charity work has seen her confront some of the darker realities that people face - and it is commendable.

One project she helped helm was The Wash Bags, introduced when she was the Duchess of Cornwall in 2013. The project provides survivors of sexual assault with toiletries to use following a forensic examination.

She has visited centres across the country looking at how to help with the practicalities and how to offer comfort.

'Hold Still'

Charity is, of course, always about giving back and doing something selfless. But charity doesn't always have to feel so much like work. Which is why people like the Princess of Wales has found a modern and innovative way of using her hobbies to bring causes to life in a fun and fresh way.

The ‘Hold Still’ photography project was one such example, where the photography loving Princess helped keep people connected during the Covid pandemic, with over 30,000 people sharing portraits and entries of life during lockdown.

Girl guides

The Girl Guides and Brownies is an institution with a well-loved history, aiming at empowering girls and young women with social and practical skills.

Queen Elizabeth's lifelong involvement with the organisation had a personal significance - in 1937, at the age of 11, she became a Girl Guide, and her younger sister, Princess Margaret, became a Brownie. To make it happen, the first ever Buckingham Palace Guide Company was formed.

It must've meant a lot to Her Majesty who continued to work with them, and became Patron.

The Queen's Guide Award remains the highest achievement one can obtain.

Farms for City Children

A country girl through and through, Berkshire's own Princess, Kate Middleton, has helped spotlight the work of charities like Farms for City Children.

The organisation brings skills and touches of rural living to those who don't have easy access, giving them more knowledge and opportunities.

In 2017, Kate spent an afternoon at Farms For City Children in Arlingham, where she got to feed animals and she was overheard telling the children that her own kids, just Prince George and Princess Charlotte at the time, have a lamb and other animals at their home in Norfolk.

The Foundling Museum

Catherine, Princess of Wales, became the patron of the Foundling Museum in 2019 and has been proactive in sharing the benefits of the institution.

The work of the museum supports vulnerable young people and develops programs in the early years sector through art and creative expression, certainly aligned with the Princess' passion for early years development and touching on her own hidden skills and hobbies with photography and art.

Landmines

For a life filled with iconic moments, it remains one of her most ferociously inspiring - Diana doing away with protocol and walking through an active landmine zone in Angola, showcasing the important work of the Halo Project.

This is work that Prince Harry has continued - and touchingly in 2019, he retraced the same path Diana walked.

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

The Princess of Wales is the patron of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and she has always been incredibly passionate in her praise for the work nurses do.

In 2020, she shared an open letter, writing, "During my time at Kingston I accompanied community midwives on their daily rounds and was welcomed into people's homes. I was truly touched by the trust that people placed in me, sharing their experiences and voicing their fears openly. I also spent time in hospital clinics and on post-natal wards. No matter the setting, I was continually struck by the compassion that those of you I spent time with showed, and the incredible work ethic you demonstrated on behalf of your entire profession."

NHS Charities Together

The Prince and Princess of Wales became Royal Patrons of NHS Charities Together in December 2020, and their joint efforts over the years has seen them visit centres all over the country which benefit from the work and funds that go into it.

Whether it's nursing or mental health facilities, the royal pair make their support for the NHS abundantly clear - and one memorable encounter saw them visit a centre where they met with adorable dogs who were being trained to support patients and colleagues at the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Carers Trust

Hailed as one of the hardest working royals, Princess Anne has put her efforts in establishing charities where needs had been overlooked in the past, most notably with the establishment of the Carers Trust.

In 1991, the Princess Royal helped set up the Trust for Carers, that offered help for individuals providing care at home, often unpaid and under-supported.

Most famously, during the Covid lockdown of 2020, Anne kept her commitment to the charity and initiated a video call which featured Queen Elizabeth II on her first ever Zoom.

Scoliosis

As a non-working royal, Princess Eugenie's involvement with charities come from the heart and she is not funded by the Sovereign Grant to take on any duties.

Her involvement with Horatio's Garden, therefore, comes from a deeply personal place.

The Princess is patron of the charity which creates gardens for spinal centres in the UK, as she herself suffered from scoliosis.

Eugenie's tributes to those who have helped her own battles also included inviting Jan Lehovsky, the doctor who performed surgery to correct her scoliosis, to her 2018 wedding.

Anti-Slavery Collective

A cause which Princess Eugenie has taken on herself is fighting modern slavery.

The Princess is the co-founder of the Anti-Slavery Collective, a charity that aims to eradicate modern slavery for over 50 million people by bringing together change-makers and raising awareness.

She formed the charity in 2017 with her best friend Julia de Boinville.

Royal British Legion

Those in the armed forces put their lives at risk in the name of King/Queen and country - so it's no surprise that the Royal Family make sure to pay their respects back.

Always honouring veterans and active soldiers, the royals have always made sure to keep engagements involving the Royal British Legion and other military initiatives as a priority.

Touching examples have included Queen Elizabeth II laying a solitary wreath at the tomb of the unknown warrior during the coronavirus pandemic - not even a global lockdown would stop her paying her respects.

Each year, the royals all pay tribute at the Cenotaph in Central London, laying wreaths.

From William and Kate to the Queen and Prince Philip's lifelong love story, the Royal Family often take the crown for swoon-worthy love stories.

A memorable meet-cute story can soften even the hardest of hearts but nothing compares to the charming impact of a perfect proposal story.

And these royal engagement stories are a great reminder as to why fairy tales so often include princes and princesses - nobody does a proposal quite like a royal.

The most romantic details from royal engagement stories

After eight years, Prince William was more than prepared to propose

The now Princess of Wales made it official with Prince William on November 16, 2010, when he finally popped the question after eight years of dating.

While there was much speculation about when he'd finally ask the question, it turns out, William was more than ready to make Kate his future wife. He sweetly revealed he had kept the ring on him for three weeks before popping the question, waiting for that perfect moment.

William chose a location with a special place to pop the question

Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in a cabin 11,000 feet above sea level on Mount Kenya in 2010.

Kenya - and Africa - had become important to William, who had explored the continent when he was younger, along with his mother, Princess Diana. After proposing to, and marrying, Catherine, he'd continue to visit Africa, both solo and with his future family.

Of the engagement, William shared during an ITV press conference after the engagement. "As every guy out there will know, it takes a certain amount of motivation to get yourself going. So I was planning it and then it just felt really right out in Africa. It was beautiful."

Touchingly, the moment was still a surprise to Kate

With one simple question on top of a mountain in Kenya, Kate Middleton went from the young sweetheart of her university boyfriend to the future Princess of Wales and Queen.

But, despite knowing what lay ahead, Kate revealed the moment still came as a surprise to her - and William's attention to detail and romantic side swept her off her feet.

"It was a total shock when it came," Kate said in the ITV interview that followed the announcement. "There's a true romantic in there."

William eschewed a tradition - but honoured Kate's parents another way

Despite it being deemed traditional to ask the bride's father permission before proposing, William and Kate - perhaps as a sign of modernity and keeping with the times - did it differently.

As William explained in the ITV engagement interview, "Well, I was torn between asking Kate's dad first and then the realisation that he might actually say 'no' dawned upon me. So I thought if I ask Kate first then he can't really say no.

“So I did it that way round. I managed to speak to Mike soon after it happened really and then it sort of happened from there."

Kate's engagement ring holds special significance

Kate Middleton's ring is one of the most iconic engagement rings - and it holds a deep connection to Prince William's past, as well as his future with Catherine and his own family.

William proposed with the 18-carat sapphire ring that had belonged to Princess Diana, given to her by Prince Charles when they were engaged.

On the sentimental connection, William said in the ITV engagement interview, "Obviously, she's not going be around to share in all the fun and excitement, so this is my way of keeping her close to it all."

Prince Philip chose the best location to propose to Queen Elizabeth II

Their marriage is one of the most celebrated high-profile love stories of all time - together for over seventy years until Prince Philip's death in 2021.

And the young lovebirds seemed in sync with each other from the start, which explains why Philip chose Balmoral as the location to pop the question.

After a month-long holiday at Balmoral Castle with the royal family, Philip proposed to Elizabeth. Balmoral would become Elizabeth’s favourite place, and, bittersweetly, where she’d take her last breath in 2022.

Queen Elizabeth's engagement ring had a touching symbolism

Honouring his own family and heritage while looking to build a life with his future bride - who'd coincidentally go on to become the longest-reigning British monarch of all time - the Queen's engagement ring carried sentimental significance.

Philip opted to present a platinum ring featuring a 3-carat round diamond flanked by smaller pave diamonds that were originally part of a tiara that belonged to his mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg.

Philip's shrewdness with the ring proved why he was such a steadfast partner to the Queen throughout her reign

While Elizabeth's ring was most certainly worthy of a royal, Prince Philip's choice of repurposing existing diamonds during a time of difficulty in post-war Britain was, reportedly, well received at the time. It proved that he'd make a great partner for the Queen, helping her make wise and conscientious decisions that captured the mood of the nation throughout her reign.

Philip was willing to jump through hoops to wed the Queen

Despite being her rock for 73 years of marriage, it is reported that to begin with, King George VI was hesitant about his daughter's choice of partner.

At the time, it's important to remember Prince Philip was considered a penniless prince whose family had been exiled from his own homeland of Greece back in 1922.

Proving that, like any good love story, he was willing to overcome obstacles, Philip met George's demands, including becoming a naturalised British citizen and waiting until her 21st birthday before officially announcing the news.

Their engagement was officially announced on 9 July 1947 - after her 21st.

After being engaged, Philip wrote a letter to his betrothed

Many might have remembered Prince Philip as the older, sarcastic royal who was more likely to make an off-kilter comment or crack a joke than a sentimental romantic. But, after he and Elizabeth were betrothed, per Brides, he wrote of just what it meant to him.

"I am sure I do not deserve all the good things which have happened to me. To have been spared in the war and seen victory… to have fallen in love completely and unreservedly, makes all one’s personal and even the world’s troubles seem small and petty."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's engagement was an intimate affair

Their love story has seen it all - from a fairy tale premise of the actress meeting the real-life prince and moving across oceans to be with him. And, as we know too well now, there's been some rough times for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

For their part, their engagement was true to their romantic and lowkey nature.

As discussed in Prince Harry's memoir, Spare, and in their Netflix docuseries, Harry proposed during a cosy, simple night in at their Nottingham Cottage home while Meghan was roasting a chicken.

Another important family member was part of Harry and Meghan's moment

For animal lovers Harry and Meghan, it only makes sense that there was a third person present for their simple, lowkey engagement - their rescue beagle, Guy.

As revealed in their Netflix series and in snippets from Spare, Harry got down on one knee, surrounded by electric candles, white roses and their dog Guy.

Harry made sure Meghan's ring was personal

No detail went overlooked when it came to Harry's proposal to Meghan, and that, of course, included choosing a ring full of symbolism and sentiment.

The Duke of Sussex popped the question with a three-stone diamond ring that he designed himself with Cleave and Company. The central gem was ethically sourced from Botswana, where the couple fell in love and spent a holiday early on in their courtship, flanked by two smaller diamonds from Princess Diana's personal collection.

Meghan didn't have to think about her answer

Is there anything more nerve-wracking than waiting for the answer after asking someone to marry you? Well, luckily, Meghan was so caught up in the romance, Prince Harry didn't have long to wait.

"She didn't even let me finish": Harry said during the BBC interview following their engagement announcement. He revealed Meghan jumped in and asked "Can I say yes?" before he was even done.

That's when you know it's true love.

A special touch nearly gave the game away for Harry's proposal

Picture it: you're Prince Harry. You've designed the most bespoke and beautiful ring for your future wife. You want to propose in the best way... but you nearly have the surprise ruined by a bottle of champagne.

During their BBC interview after announcing the engagement, they revealed that Harry's choice of bubbly made her suspicious.

"She was like, 'You never drink champagne, what's the occasion?' And I was like, 'I don't know, I just had it like, lying around, whatever.'"

To give him his credit though, the Prince spared no expense. Meghan joked, "It was a magnum!"

Princess Diana’s reaction wasn’t the most conventional

When Prince Charles (as the King was, at the time) popped the question at a private dinner at Buckingham Palace, Lady Diana Spencer's response was... to burst out laughing. Proving that even royalty can get swept up in nervous giggles and butterflies.

While being interviewed for her biography, Diana: Her True Story, the Princess told Andrew Morton, "[Charles] said, ‘Will you marry me?’ and I laughed. I remember thinking, ‘This is a joke,’ and I said, ‘Yeah, OK,’ and laughed. He was deadly serious. He said, ‘You do realise that one day you will be queen?'"

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s ‘perfect moment’

Princess Eugenie described her engagement to Jack Brooksbank as a "perfect moment".

Jack proposed to Eugenie as the sun was setting in front of a volcano during a holiday to Nicaragua.

Asking the question on New Year's Day in 2018, Eugenie described it as said it as "a complete surprise" and told The One Show, "The lake was so beautiful. The light was just a special light I had never seen. I actually said this is an incredible moment, and then he popped the question... I was over the moon."

Jack Brooksbank proposed without a ring - for a lovely reason

While proposing to a Princess without an engagement ring might seem peculiar, Jack Brooksbank did just that when he popped the question to Eugenie in 2018.

The reason for doing so was that he wanted Eugenie to be involved in designing the perfect ring. A modern and inclusive approach that gives agency back to the future bride. We approve.

Jack Brooksbank and Princess Eugenie's sentimental choice of ring

Jack Brooksbank wanted Eugenie to have a say in her engagement ring, and the two would go on to choose a special heirloom together.

Eugenie’s engagement ring is one of the most unusual and is made up of diamonds set around a rare padparadscha sapphire.

The padparadscha is a distinctive pink-orange hue named after the colour of a lotus blossom usually found in Sri Lanka, and Jack revealed to BBC's The One Show he chose the diamond, noted for its seeming ability to change colour in the light, because it reminded him of Eugenie's ever-changing and "amazing" personality.

Edward and Wallis’ love story changed history

Every good love story needs an element of tragedy. Shakespeare knew it. The Greeks knew it. And Edward and Wallis knew it.

Edward proposing to Wallis Simpson changed the course of history - it set about his abdication and set up the line of succession for Queen Elizabeth to eventually ascend, and become the longest-serving monarch in history.

Despite facing all of this, Edward's love for Wallis superseded all and he popped the question at Slogarie House in Mossdale, Dumfries and Galloway, reportedly in a secret garden.

Wallis Simpson's engagement ring proved Edward was willing to sacrifice a lot

When Prince Edward proposed, Wallis Simpson was given a huge 19.77 carat emerald engagement ring with the engraving "We are ours now 27.X.36" representing the couple’s engagement date (and the date Wallis Simpson’s divorce to her first husband was granted).

Edward knew what was at risk by proposing, but he went with his heart.

The ring was sold at auction after Wallis' death along with the rest of her jewellery collection for a staggering £31 million, according to The Crown Chronicles.

Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi brought a touch of la dolce vita to his British princess

Princess Beatrice's proposal was kept relatively out of the press, but the details we do know are dripping in glamour and romantic touches.

Her future husband, property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, proposed during a trip to Italy.

The royal couple were said to have stayed at the luxury Le Sirenuse Hotel in Positano on the Amalfi Coast, and Edoardo proposed with a platinum and diamond ring by Shaun Leane.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's proposal was fun and playful

Their love story didn't end happily ever after in the traditional sense, but Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York remain friendly and on good terms. And this dynamic could explain why Andrew proposed in an unconventional way too.

The Duke of York proposed to Sarah Ferguson during a game of hide and seek at Floors Castle on his 26th birthday.

Floors Castle - in Scotland - was said to be where the couple had their first kiss.

Sarah Ferguson received a bespoke, sentimental ring

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, was presented with a personalised and thoughtful ring when Prince Andrew proposed on February 19, 1986.

The Duchess received a custom-designed ring featuring a Burmese ruby surrounded by ten diamonds.

"We came to the mutual conclusion that red was probably the best colour for Sarah. That's how we came to the choice of the ruby," Andrew explained in their engagement interview.

"The extra bits around the outside, we wanted something that was slightly unconventional."

Mike and Zara Tindall kept things true to their laid-back nature

Mike and Zara Tindall are thought of as something of a secret weapon for the royals - laid-back and lowkey, their good humour has won them legions of fans.

And they even kept their engagement relatively relatable and simple.

Mike proposed to Zara when they watching TV at their townhouse in Cheltenham, proving that every couple should find the right way to do it for them.

"I was upstairs, plucking up the nerve to do it, while Zara was downstairs watching television," Mike told the Daily Mail in 2011. "It was all about shock value - I wanted to catch her when it was quiet and she wasn't expecting anything."

Zara's ring was a solitaire diamond ring with a four-claw split shoulder design with several pavé set diamonds.

Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie had a holiday they'd never forget

After five years of dating, Prince Edward proposed to Duchess Sophie - who was then best known by her maiden name, Sophie Rhys-Jones - while on a dreamy holiday in the Bahamas in December 1998.

Winter sun? Getting engaged to a prince? Sophie had one of the best Christmases of all time.

The Duchess' response to her proposal was classic Sophie

When describing his Bahaman proposal to Sophie, Edward revealed that he "managed to take her completely by surprise. She had no idea that it was coming, which is what I really wanted to do" (per an interview with the Associated Press at the time).

Hilariously - and so on brand for the always dutiful and polite Duchess - Sophie revealed that she remembered her manners when the time came, responding to his life-changing question with "Yes, please."

Prince Edward chose the most gorgeous ring for Sophie

Duchess Sophie's romantic engagement ring was designed by Garrard, the royal jeweller who also designed Princess Diana's iconic sapphire ring.

Sophie's stunning rock features a two-carat central oval diamond, with two heart-shaped diamonds on either side and is reported to be worth around £105,000.

Princess Margaret's engagement to Antony Armstrong-Jones included a bespoke ring

Princess Margaret announced her engagement to Antony Armstrong-Jones on February 26, 1960.

When popping the question, the future Lord Snowdon designed a custom ring for Princess Margaret, which featured a prominent ruby surrounded by diamonds in the shape of a rosebud, a nod to Margaret's middle name, Rose.

Queen Victoria was an innovator, being the one to pop the question

A pioneer for powerful women, Queen Victoria was leading the charge as early as the 19th century.

After Victoria acceded to the throne in 1837, tradition dictated that no one could propose to a reigning monarch. Therefore, when Victoria realised Prince Albert was her soulmate, she didn't hesitate to pop the question herself.

She might have asked, but luckily Albert still thought to present his future bride with a ring to commemorate it. Albert proposed with a unique gold band shaped like a serpent, complete with dazzling emeralds and rubies.

If it sounds unconventional, it actually was traditional for the times as snakes were seen as symbolic of eternal love.

King Charles wasn’t too regal to get on one knee

Despite King Charles and Queen Camilla's love story being well-documented - and not without their obstacles - the details around their engagement have been kept surprisingly private ever since he popped the question in 2005.

However, one detail that is romantic and endearing was confirmed by Queen Camilla to The Telegraph at the time.

When asked if the now King got down on one knee, she replied, "Of course. What else?"

Camilla's platinum engagement ring features a five-carat emerald-cut diamond and baguettes along the side in an Art Deco design, and it's widely reported to have come from the Queen Mother's collection.

King George VI wasn't too proud to ask the Queen Mother... three times!

It speaks volumes that a royal man - who, one might argue was used to living a charmed life - would accept rejection twice but refuse to give up.

The man who'd become King George VI was so enamoured with Elizabeth Bowes Lyon that he asked her three times to marry him before she said yes.

She rejected him the first two times reportedly over fears of how restricted her life would become if she married into the royal family, as most biographers and historians concur.

Their love story turned out to be one that was integral to the survival of the monarchy. The couple and their children (Elizabeth and Margaret) acted as beacons of hope during the Second World War and fostered a great relationship between the monarchy and the public.

If you've ever dreamt of living the life of a royal, you're likely not alone.

From their magnificent palaces rich in history to the glittering tiara moments full of fantasy, their lives seem so unobtainable and unrelatable.

However, when they're away from the roles and rules of being royal, they're allowed to let their hair down just like anyone else. And these are the hotspots they flock to, when they want to do just that.

Hotspots of the Royal Family: from London nightclubs to European restaurants

Bluebird Café, Chelsea

Located on the iconic King's Road - itself a hotspot where you'd expect to see a socialite or an aristocrat doing their shopping, lunching and brunching - The Bluebird is well-known as a destination for the trend-making royals.

It's widely reported to be a favourite of Catherine, Princess of Wales, who would be papped there alongside friends or her sister, Pippa Middleton, before her wedding to William.

Address: The Bluebird, 350 King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5UU

Mahiki, Mayfair

From Hollywood stars to royal highnesses, the doors of Mahiki - a Polynesian themed restaurant in Mayfair's Dover Street - have welcomed some of the most famous faces in the world.

Pre-marriage and children, Kate and Pippa Middleton enjoyed some of their finest sisterly bonding moments partying the night away there, and it was a favourite of Harry and William in their younger days.

Mahiki's royal connections run deeper than being a preferred party destination though - it was once run by Jack Brooksbank, Princess Eugenie's now husband.

Address: 1 Dover Street, London, W1S 4LD

Dean Street Townhouse, London

The Soho House franchise has locations all around the world, and the members' clubs have welcomed celebrities and royalty alike. But there's one particular location - Dean Street Townhouse - that has the most romantic of royal connections.

The Townhouse - located in London's buzzy Soho - is where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had their first date in 2016.

Harry recounted the date in his memoir, Spare, describing it as Meghan's "headquarters whenever she came to London" and how he was accidentally 30 minutes late for the first date.

As their love story packed full of romantic moments proves, Meghan didn't hold it against him.

Address: 69-71 Dean St, London W1D 3SE

Quaglino's, London St James

Judy Garland had one of her wedding receptions here. There was a table permanently reserved for Princess Margaret. And it was the first public restaurant that was ever visited by a reigning monarch when Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had a rare dinner out in 1956.

It is Quaglino's, a hallowed London haunt where the feast for the eyes is almost as rich as the food and drink on the menu.

Address: 16 Bury St, London SW1Y 6AJ

The Cuckoo Club, Piccadilly

Hidden in plain sight in one of London's busiest areas, The Cuckoo Club is an exclusive nightlife hotspot that was frequented by Prince William and Harry in their youth, plus Kate Middleton, Princess Beatrice and even stars like Paris Hilton.

Address: Swallow St, London W1B 4EZ

Annabel's, Mayfair

It's not just a nightingale that sings in Berkeley Square - Annabel's has the highest profile names singing a happy tune.

One of the most notable - and notorious - private members' clubs, the club was opened in 1963 by entrepreneur Mark Birley and named for his wife Lady Annabel Vane-Tempest-Stewart. Today, with its exclusive memberships, rigorously enforced dress codes (famously, the Beatles were rejected for not being properly attired and even Prince Andrew got booted out for wearing jeans and an open-necked t-shirt), it's one of the most revered institutions.

Address: 46 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AT

L’Escargot, Soho

Princess Diana used to frequent this fine dining joint in Soho, which also gets to boast having the title of London’s oldest French restaurant.

Open since 1927, L’Escargot is housed within a historic Georgian town house from the 1700s and has welcomed the likes of Coco Chanel, Judi Dench and royalty, including the late Princess Diana.

Address: 48 Greek St, London W1D 4EF

Klosters, Switzerland

For the sports-mad royals, skiing isn't just a hobby, it's a vital part of their yearly calendar.

The Royals have considered Klosters in Switzerland as a winter home away from home for decades, with the family passing down a love of the destination from generation to generation.

Charles and Diana took their young children skiing along with cousins Beatrice and Eugenie, and William and Kate have taken their children, George, Charlotte and Louis.

One of the premier destinations is the 12-room Chesa Grischuna hotel, which has welcomed King Charles III, Winston Churchill and Audrey Hepburn in the past.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

With a prime location in London as well as a dedication to the very best in luxury, it's no surprise the Mandarin Oriental is one of the favourite places for royals and stars to stay.

Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret were fans, spotted here on several occasions, and Prince William and Kate Middleton chose the deluxe destination to host their pre-wedding party in their magnificent ballroom.

Address: 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA

The Cross Keys, Chelsea

Hailed as Chelsea’s oldest pub, The Cross Keys sits within Mark Dyer's portfolio. Dyer is a close friend of Prince Harry, so the royals have flocked to his destinations in the past.

The Cross Keys in Chelsea underwent a lavish restoration and has hosted Prince Harry's 31st birthday.

Address: 1 Lawrence St, London SW3 5NB

Bellamy’s, Mayfair

Tucked away in a quiet street behind Berkeley Square, Bellamy's is the classic 'if you know, you know' type of destination frequented by high society's heavy hitters.

Named after a club from a series of Evelyn Waugh's novels, the Mayfair hotspot is so revered it was rumoured to be a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth, who reportedly had her 80th birthday celebrations there.

Address: 18 Bruton Pl, London W1J 6LY

Mount St. Restaurant, Mayfair

Located on the first floor of an iconic Mayfair landmark, The Audley, Mount St. Restaurant & Rooms serves up a special blend of dining and art. Created by Artfarm, the company founded by gallerists Iwan and Manuela Wirth, works by Andy Warhol and Lucian Freud are among the collection, which could explain why the likes of art-loving King Charles has been a guest.

Address: First Floor, 41-43 Mount St, London W1K 2RX

Soho Farmhouse

Set in 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, Soho Farmhouse takes the exclusivity of the city-based Soho House members only venues and shifts it to a spot of bucolic beauty.

A two-hour drive from London, everyone from supermodels to Meghan Markle have enjoyed the blissful escape. Meghan, it was reported, even held something of a hen do there before her wedding to Prince Harry.

Address: Great Tew, Chipping Norton OX7 4JS

The Sheep Heid Inn, Edinburgh

Regarded as Scotland's oldest pub, Edinburgh's Sheep Heid Inn is thought to have been a favourite for royalty for centuries.

In 2016, Queen Elizabeth II reportedly popped in for a light bite after a day at the Musselburgh races, and she wasn't the first monarch to be a punter.

The pub dates back to 1360 and has been linked to the Royal Family since the 1500s, where Mary Queen of Scots was said to stop by.

Address: 43-45 The Causeway, Edinburgh EH15 3QA

The Ivy, West Street, London

There are a few locations for The Ivy now, and the original - in the West End - has been a favourite for the upper class and royalty since it first opened in 1917.

Indeed, the late Queen Elizabeth II was reportedly a fan, and was attended a private party there in 2017.

Address: The Ivy, 1-5 West Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9NQ

Courchevel, France

Boasting more five-star hotels, Michelin-Star restaurants and luxury chalets than one can count, Courchevel in the French Alps, has welcomed royalty for decades.

Neighbouring Monaco royals like Princess Caroline are regulars, but so are the British Royals. Indeed, Prince William and Kate Middleton - both sports-mad and regular skiers - introduced two of their children, George and Charlotte, to skiing for the first time with a family trip in 2016.

Chiltern Firehouse, Marylebone

Owned by the same hotelier who runs the equally symbolic and iconic Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, Chiltern Firehouse was one of the leading hotspots for celebrities and royalty.

Both a five star hotel, an award-winning restaurant and a thriving nightlife destination, the Chiltern Firehouse was a place to see and be seen. Unfortunately, the iconic location suffered extensive fire damage in early 2025.

Address: 1 Chiltern St, London W1U 7PA

Royal Vauxhall Tavern, London

One of London's longest-surviving LGBTQ venues, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern is an institution for the capital - and was central to one of Princess Diana's most iconic and rebellious moments.

In her memoir, The Power of Positive Drinking, actress Cleo Rocos recalled a night when Queen frontman Freddie Mercury and comedian Kenny Everett helped disguise the Princess of Wales so she could slip out and enjoy a real night on the town.

Dressed like a man, Diana danced with fellow punters undetected.

Address: 372 Kennington Ln, London SE11 5HY

The Rum Kitchen, London

While not serving up the usual high-class affair associated with the royals, Prince Harry showcased his penchant for doing things his own way back in the early 2010s by visiting the original (now-closed) Rum Kitchen restaurant on the Portobello Road.

Harry would be seen with his girlfriend at the time, Cressida Bonas, enjoying some rum cocktails and Caribbean food.

Loulou’s, Mayfair

Annabel's is one of London's oldest and most revered institutions, but, as is so often the case, there's always someone younger snapping at your heels...

And in the case of Mayfair's Loulou's, owned by Robin Birley, the son of the man who established Annabel's, he's keeping it in the family.

Loulou's is officially known as 5 Hertford Street but its clientele - including royals like Princess Beatrice - know it best by the relaxed name.

Address: 2-5 Hertford Street, W1J 7RB

The Brown Cow, Fulham

From Sloane Square's socialites to royalty, The Brown Cow isn't just like any other pub in London - which is why you won't find many photos of the clientele.

Renowned for welcoming the likes of Prince Harry and other celebs, the Brown Cow honours respect and anonymity for the constantly-photographed. It's owned by Mark Dyer, a former officer in the Welsh Guards and close pal of Harry, who understands the need for discretion.

It's reported that, upon his return from active duty in Afghanistan, it was the first place Harry visited for a 'back to normal' drink.

Address: 676 Fulham Rd., London SW6 5SA

The Goring Hotel, Westminster

The Goring is a luxury hotel in Westminster that has had an incidental role in several defining chapters of royal history.

The five star hotel (which declares itself the last-remaining family owned luxury hotel in London) was not only a favourite haunt of the Queen Mother, it's where Kate Middleton spent her last night as, well, Kate Middleton. Accompanied by her bridal party, Kate spent the night ahead of her wedding to William in 2011.

It's also where Harry and Meghan enjoyed their last lunch as working royals.

Address: The Goring, 15 Beeston Place, Westminster, London SW1W 0JW

Launceston Place, South Kensington

Whilst closed since 2024, Launceston Place is expected to return in some form in the future. And with such a rich history, it deserves to serve South Kensington's finest again.

In the 1990s, Launceston Place was one of Princess Diana’s favourite places to eat, and before closing, they named a cheese souffle after the late Princess.

Bunga Bunga

Not the most obvious place one would expect to find the likes of Prince Harry or Princess Eugenie, Bunga Bunga is a tongue-in-cheek kitschy Italian restaurant located in Battersea.

It's co-owned by Charlie Gilkes - an Old Etonian who used to date Pippa Middleton, and is friends with royals like Eugenie.

So, despite being inspired by former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (really!) Eugenie, Harry and Beatrice and have been regulars throughout the years.

Address: 37 Battersea Bridge Road, London SW11 3BA

Maggie Jones’s, Kensington

Maggie Jones’s has been a favourite haunt among Kensington locals for over 40 years - and one of those regulars was Princess Margaret.

Margaret was such a fan that the restaurant actually changed its name in honour of her. Before being dubbed Maggie Jones's, it was called Nan's Kitchen.

Address: 6 Old Court Place, Kensington, London W8 4PL

The Old Boot Inn, Berkshire

In Bucklebury, Berkshire, Tatler describes this traditional British pub as the Middletons’ local, not far from their countryside dwellings.

The landlord, John Haley, was invited to the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Address: Stanford Dingley, Reading RG7 6LT

The Arts Club, Mayfair

The Arts Club - a private members club in Mayfair - was founded in 1863, to provide a sanctuary for those with a professional or amateur relationship with the Arts, Literature or Sciences. And, while that's still the case, it has become something of a hotspot for the likes of Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, Prince Philip and Prince William.

Address: 40 Dover St, London W1S 4NP

Julie’s, Notting Hill

An exquisite spot in one of London's most charming areas, Julie's in Notting Hill has attracted royal favourites including Captain Mark Phillips and King Charles since its opening in 1969.

Mark Phillips even held his stag night at the venue ahead of his wedding to Princess Anne in 1973.

Address: 135 Portland Road, Notting Hill, London W11 4LW

Dans Le Noir? Clerkenwell

If you're a young Prince William, trying to date his future wife, Kate Middleton away from the prying eyes of neighbouring tables and nosy waiters, where do you take her?

Well, if the rumours are to be believed, Dans le Noir? a restaurant where diners sit in pitch black darkness.

Guests are encouraged to use their other senses to really experience the food - and some might recall the restaurant from the 2013 romantic drama, About Time.

Address: 30-31 Clerkenwell Green, Farringdon, London EC1R 0DU

Marivent Palace, Mallorca

On the island of Mallorca, Marivent Palace, the Spanish royal family‘s summer residence, is a lush and luxe destination to soak up those Mediterranean summers.

Open to the public at various times throughout the year, the palace is home to over 40 plant species. In the summer of 1987, Princess Diana and the-then Prince Charles summered with the Spanish royals and their children.

Cliveden House, Berkshire

A five star country house hotel in Berkshire, Cliveden House offers unspoiled views, luxurious facilities and the sort of escape that is fit for royalty. Which is why they so often sneak away for a trip.

Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland, stayed at the palatial country-house hotel the night before the Duchess' wedding to Prince Harry, and Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth II undertook one of their first ever royal engagements there back in 1938.

Address: Taplow, Berkshire, SL6 0JF

Claridge's, Mayfair

In the heart of Mayfair, Claridge's is an Art Deco icon that has epitomised understated elegance since the 1850s.

Everyone seems to flock to Claridge's at one point or another, and the hotel has hosted events for everyone from Prince William and Kate Middleton to Princess Margaret, and iconic stars like Audrey Hepburn in the past.

So anointed is the history of the hotel that an oft-shared anecdote has it that, after the Second World War ended, just before the wedding of Queen Elizabeth to Prince Philip, a diplomat was said to have telephoned Claridge’s and asked to speak to the King. "Certainly Sir," was the response, "but which one?"

Address: Brook St, London W1K 4HR

While we only get a rare glimpse into their lives, the foods the royals are obsessed with have occasionally come to light over the years. Despite having access to the best cooking - including personal palace chefs - they're often surprisingly down-to-earth when it comes to their mealtime preferences.

Indeed, from King Charles' hard-boiled eggs for breakfast and Kate Middleton's favourite pizza topping, to Princess Diana's lamb-based fridge snack and Queen Elizabeth's easy-to-replicate sweet treat, this famous family are much like the rest of us. With, perhaps, the exception of Prince Philip's favoured Russian delicacy.

So, if you're after some culinary inspiration - and are keen to eat like a prince or princess - then we've delved into everything the royals have revealed over the years about what they like to put on their plate. One thing's for sure, you'll be peckish...

32 foods the royals are obsessed with

Queen Elizabeth's chocolate biscuit cake

A staple of Queen Elizabeth's afternoon tea at the palace was none other than chocolate biscuit cake. According to the Daily Mail, the late monarch consumed the crunchy sweet treat on virtually a daily basis.