A family unlike any other
The British royal family constists of King Charles III and his close relations. There is no strict legal or formal definition of who is or is not a member, although the Royal Household has issued different lists outlining who is a part of the royal family. They support the monarch in undertaking public engagements and often pursue charitable work and interests. The royal family are regarded as British cultural icons.
The core of the royal family is made up of: King Charles III and his wife Camilla, Queen Consort; William, Prince of Wales and his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales; Anne, Princess Royal; Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Forfar and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Forfar. They carry out royal duties full-time.
Other members of the royal family with royal rank who do not carry out official duties are: Prince Andrew, Duke of York; Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex; Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie who are daughters of Prince Andrew.
During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, official duties were undertaken on her behalf by her children (Charles, Andrew, Anne and Edward) and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses. The family supported the Queen in her state and national duties, with the exception of constitutional functions.
Where do the Royal Family live?
- In the heart of the capital, Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the British sovereign since 1837, and it is the most famous of all the royal residences. Announcements of the births and deaths of members of the royal family are traditionally attached to its front railings.
- Balmoral Castle was the Scottish home of Queen Elizabeth II, and it is where she passed away on September 8th 2022.
- The beautiful Sandringham House in Norfolk is the much-loved country retreat of the monarch. It has been the private home of British monarchs since 1862. The royal family always spend Christmas here.
- Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It has been the home and burial place of British kings and queens, including Queen Elizabeth II, for over 1,000 years. The building was begun by William the Conqueror around 1070 and took 16 years to complete.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse was the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II in Edinburgh. It was home to Mary Queen of Scots for most of her life.
- Hillsbrough Castle is the Sovereign’s official residence when visiting Northern Ireland, although its primary use is as the residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Glossary:
consists of – comprende
household – tutti quelli che vivono insieme compresi i domestici
issued – pubblicato
outlining – delineando
in undertaking – nell’intraprendere
pursue – perseguire
core – il cuore, il centro
to be made up of = essere costituito
Earl = Conte
on her behalf = per suo conto, a suo nome
spouse = coniuge / consorte
railings = ringhiere
retreat = ritiro, rifugio
Funny Royal Family Moments
