Why Young Princesses Can't Wear Crowns: Rules for Raising the Heirs of the English Throne

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

In the English royal family today there are 10 children of "school age" and younger. All of them are the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Elizabeth II, all have their own number in the line to the throne. Such a high position obliges these crumbs to a lot, because from an early age they are under the gun of camera lenses and cannot, for example, afford pranks and whims at many hours of official events. For them, rules are specially developed and strictly followed, some of which would seem strange to ordinary children. However, many of the points in their upbringing are exactly the same as in ordinary families, and something can be learned from the English royal parents.

Many names and godparents

All royal offspring in Great Britain are given many names. Usually they are chosen from those worn by the monarchs of past centuries or close relatives. So, for example, the youngest prince has only two of them - Archie Harrison, but the eldest great-grandson of Elizabeth II is completely named George Alexander Louis. By the way, the queen herself also has a complicated name. Here's how her father wrote about this landmark choice: So we decided not to go over it, stopped at only three names, and she bears them. By the way, there are many godparents among the royal offspring. For example, little Princess Charlotte has five, and Prince George even has seven.

The name of the future Queen Elizabeth in the family in childhood is very cute - Lilibet. So the tradition of household nicknames is also very royal. We immediately remember ours - Nicky, Alix or the Austrian Sisi. However, the use of any diminutive names at official ceremonies and events is, of course, strictly prohibited. Not so long ago, the Cambridge couple were pierced. Prince William has publicly called his wife Poppet ("Baby") a couple of times, and the Duchess in 2016, while visiting a flower exhibition in Chelsea in front of everyone, addressed him "Baby". Whether the possible contenders for the throne received a scolding from their grandmother is unknown.

Security features

Since the heirs to the throne are very valuable figures, it is clear that exceptional measures are always taken to protect them. This, however, does not prevent members of the royal family from getting an education far from home in the 21st century, serving in the army or doing quite dangerous work. All the same Prince William, for example, studied in Scotland, and is currently serving as a rescue helicopter pilot. At the end of November 2011, he even took part in an operation to rescue Russian sailors from the sinking ship Swanland.

However, there is one unusual rule that probably exists only for the offspring of royal families: royal children should only travel one at a time. This is a very old rule and now it can sometimes be neglected, but in principle, the heirs to the throne should not move far from home and thus expose themselves to potential danger together - the throne dictates its own laws.

Etiquette as a way of life

The very idea of monarchy is that the whole principle of power is concentrated in one person. This man, accordingly, should be for everyone a real ideal and an example to follow. I don’t want to remember how often in the old days this idea was discredited by not the most successful representatives of the reigning families, but the modern Windsor family can really serve as a model in this matter. The royal heirs from the earliest years absorb the rules of conduct and follow them rigorously. Don't make noise, don't be capricious, be able to wait patiently, listen to your elders, speak the perfectly correct language - no slang words! The rules of behavior at the table are a separate science, from which they immediately get acquainted with the most important principle: the queen finishes the meal first. Therefore, after the grandmother put the cutlery aside, the unspoken command “meal is over” sounds. If the allotted time is capricious, you will remain hungry.

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth

Even adult members of the royal family usually cause love and affection among the inhabitants, and there is no need to talk about the little ones. It is clear that these children are simply overwhelmed with gifts from birth - there are still pluses in the royal life! However, there are also pitfalls here. No matter how strange or useless the present may seem, the young heir to the throne should learn from childhood to express gratitude to the donor and show sincere joy at the same time. So scenes with throwing unwanted boxes and whims are basically excluded. At the same time, it must be said that in general, the parents of little princes and princesses do not pamper. Kids have pocket money, learn to spend it wisely and take care of it. So, for example, once Princess Diana bought only one candy for her eldest son and said that he did not have enough money for the second one.

They would not have been accepted as pioneers

Although it would be more accurate to say that they would not have been allowed there. Royals have a responsibility to remain neutral towards any party or movement, and this also applies to children. Demonstrative support for any group will be considered interference in the political game, and this is what the modern monarchs of Great Britain cannot afford.

Gadgets - No, hardening - Yes

Like any modern kids, royal babies love to play phones or watch cartoons. But the time for such entertainment is strictly regulated for them. Active outdoor games are encouraged more. This simple principle, unfortunately, already needs additional advertising. So the English monarchs set an example for all parents in this case. By the way, their heirs are not "greenhouse plants" at all. One tradition that surprises foreigners is that in the summer, Windsor boys under the age of eight wear short shorts in any weather. At the same time, no bad climate bothers them. By the way, disposable diapers for newborns in this family have not been relied on for a long time either. Here Princess Diana changed the tradition.

Dress code from the diaper

Dressing rules are another huge Talmud that royal families learn from early childhood. For example, trousers are not recommended for girls if the situation does not require it, and too elegant dresses for morning and afternoon ceremonies, too. Classic outfits, most often quite restrained and appropriate - this is the daily "uniform" of a little princess. In addition, oddly enough, young heiresses cannot wear crowns and tiaras at all. None, precious or not, until they get married. And even then, at large events, this important accessory is worn only if the queen herself is present at the celebration in the crown. So the image of a little princess in pictures from fairy tales is mostly false.

The English royal family is proud of its traditions, but also open to innovation. So, for example, not so long ago the cruel principle of marrying not for love, but for political reasons, has become a thing of the past. Therefore, in recent years, the new members of the English royal family have become: a native Maori, an American actress and an elderly flight attendant.