View source for British royal family

{{Short description|Family of the British monarch}}
{{About|the family of Charles III|the British monarchy itself|Monarchy of the United Kingdom}}
{{pp-pc|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2013}}
[[File:Trooping the Colour 2023 (19) (cropped 2).jpg|thumb|350x350px|The royal family on the balcony of [[Buckingham Palace]] after the annual [[Trooping the Colour]] parade in 2023. From left to right: [[Timothy Laurence]]; [[Anne, Princess Royal]]; [[Prince George of Wales|Prince George]]; [[Prince Louis of Wales|Prince Louis]], situated in front of [[Catherine, Princess of Wales]]; [[Princess Charlotte of Wales (born 2015)|Princess Charlotte]], situated in front of [[William, Prince of Wales]]; [[King Charles&nbsp;III]]; [[Queen Camilla]]; [[Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh]]; [[Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh]]; [[Prince Edward, Duke of Kent]]; [[Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester]]; [[Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester]]|alt=Senior members of the royal family standing on the balcony and waving to the crowd]]
The '''British royal family''' comprises King [[Charles&nbsp;III]] and other members of his family. There is no strict legal or formal definition of who is or is not a member, although the [[Royal Households of the United Kingdom|Royal Household]] has issued different lists outlining who is considered part of the royal family. Members typically support the monarch in carrying out public engagements and take part in charitable work and ceremonial duties.

Senior royals collectively undertake thousands of official engagements across the [[United Kingdom]], [[British Overseas Territories]], [[Crown Dependencies]] and abroad each year, including state visits, national events, and patronage activities. The family also represents the UK on the global stage and contributes to soft power through diplomacy and cultural presence.

Initiatives associated with the family include charitable foundations such as [[The King's Trust]] and [[The Royal Foundation]], which focus on youth development, mental health, conservation, and early childhood. The monarchy operates within a constitutional framework, with succession determined by statute and convention.

==Members==
{{further|List of members of the House of Windsor|Family tree of the British royal family}}

The [[Lord Chamberlain]]'s "List of the Royal Family" published in November 2025 mentions all of King [[George VI]]'s living descendants and their spouses, along with Queen [[Elizabeth II]]'s cousins with royal rank and their spouses.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2025-11/ANNEX%20D%20-%20Royal%20Family%202025%201.pdf |title=List of the Royal Family |publisher=royal.gov.uk |access-date=6 November 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251106181232/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.royal.uk%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdocuments%2F2025-11%2FANNEX%2520D%2520-%2520Royal%2520Family%25202025%25201.pdf |archive-date=6 November 2025}}</ref>  The list applies for the purposes of regulating the use of royal symbols and images of the family.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/use-royal-arms?page=19 |title=Use of Royal Arms, Names and Images |publisher=royal.gov.uk |access-date=11 December 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029194246/https://www.royal.uk/use-royal-arms?page=19 |archive-date=29 October 2021}}</ref>

The royal website once stated that "generally speaking, the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of a Sovereign, as well as their spouses, are members of the Royal Family. First cousins of the monarch may also be included. Children are included on coming of age or after they have completed their education."<ref>{{cite web |title=Precedence |url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/Home.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301035858/http://www.royal.gov.uk/Home.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-03-01 |website=royal.gov.uk (archived) |access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>

The website of the royal family also provides a list of "Members of the Royal Family" comprising [[King Charles III]] and [[Queen Camilla]]; [[William, Prince of Wales]] and [[Catherine, Princess of Wales]]; [[Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex]] and [[Meghan, Duchess of Sussex]]; [[Anne, Princess Royal]]; [[Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh]] and [[Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh]]; [[Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester]] and [[Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester]]; [[Prince Edward, Duke of Kent]]; and [[Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy]].<ref name="royal-family1">{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/royal-family|title=Royal Family |website=The Royal Family|access-date=31 October 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211222705/https://www.royal.uk/royal-family |archive-date=11 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Among them, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not carry out royal duties.<ref name="Davies1" />  Those members who carry out royal duties are often called "working royals".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.womensweekly.com.au/royals/working-royals/|title=The complete list of current working royals|magazine=[[The Australian Women's Weekly]]|date=6 May 2025|last=Milligan|first=Bec}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://time.com/6917638/senior-working-royals/|title=What Are Working Royals? And What Happens When They Can't Work?|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=13 March 2024|last1=Shah|first1=Simmone|last2=Syed|first2=Armani}}</ref>

Other members of the royal family holding royal rank who do not carry out official duties are [[Prince George of Wales|Prince George]], [[Princess Charlotte of Wales (born 2015)|Princess Charlotte]], and [[Prince Louis of Wales]]; [[Prince Archie of Sussex|Prince Archie]] and [[Princess Lilibet of Sussex]]; [[Princess Beatrice]]; [[Princess Eugenie]]; and [[Prince Michael of Kent]] and [[Princess Michael of Kent]].<ref name="royal-family1" /><ref name="Davies1">{{cite news|first=Caroline|last=Davies|title=Sophie and Edward: what key role after death of Prince Philip could mean|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/19/countess-wessex-sophie-prince-edward-death-prince-philip|publisher=The Guardian|date=21 April 2021|access-date=4 August 2020|archive-date=11 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611213859/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/19/countess-wessex-sophie-prince-edward-death-prince-philip|url-status=live}}</ref>

<gallery class="center">
25 Mlynedd o'r Senedd 25 Years of the Senedd (53849920903).jpg|The [[Charles III|King]] and [[Queen Camilla|Queen]]
Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends Holocaust Memorial Day (54290704867) (William and Catherine).jpg|The [[William, Prince of Wales|Prince]] and [[Catherine, Princess of Wales|Princess of Wales]]
Princess Anne at commemorative gala in Moncton 2023 003 (cropped).jpg|The [[Anne, Princess Royal|Princess Royal]]
Prins Edward, earl av Wessex & Sophie, grevinna av Wessex -2 (cropped).jpg|The [[Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh|Duke]] and [[Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh|Duchess of Edinburgh]]
Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.jpg|The [[Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester|Duke]] and [[Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester|Duchess of Gloucester]]
The Duke of Kent (cropped).jpg|The [[Prince Edward, Duke of Kent|Duke of Kent]]
HRH The Princess Alexandra 04 25 10.png|[[Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy]]
</gallery>
<gallery class="center">
Cambridge children (52118365405).jpg|[[Prince George of Wales|Prince George]], [[Prince Louis of Wales|Prince Louis]], and [[Princess Charlotte of Wales (born 2015)|Princess Charlotte of Wales]]
The Duke and the Duchess of Sussex, 2020 Invictus Games.jpg|The [[Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex|Duke]] and [[Meghan, Duchess of Sussex|Duchess of Sussex]]
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.JPG|Princesses [[Princess Eugenie|Eugenie]] and [[Princess Beatrice|Beatrice]]
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.jpg|[[Prince Michael of Kent|Prince]] and [[Princess Michael of Kent]]
</gallery>

{{Current British royal family tree}}

==Titles and surnames==
[[File:Full marriage certificate of Philip Mountbatten and Elizabeth Windsor.jpg|thumb|[[Marriage certificate]] of Elizabeth Windsor and Philip Mountbatten, signed by members of the royal family|alt=see caption]] The monarch's children and grandchildren (if they are children of the monarch's sons), and the children of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales, are automatically entitled to be known as [[British prince|prince]] or [[British princess|princess]] with the style [[His or Her Royal Highness]] (HRH).<ref name="Boyle"/> [[Peerages in the United Kingdom|Peerages]], often [[Royal dukedom|dukedoms]], are bestowed upon most princes prior to marriage.<ref>{{cite web |last=Abraham |first=Ellie |title=How Do British Royals Get Their Titles? |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/royal-title-earl-dumbarton-archie-b1872202.html |work=The Independent |access-date=15 November 2021 |archive-date=7 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607201434/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/royal-title-earl-dumbarton-archie-b1872202.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Abrams |first1=Margaret |title=What is a duke? And how is the title different from a prince? |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/royals/what-is-a-duke-and-how-is-the-british-title-different-from-a-prince-a4170391.html |website=Evening Standard |access-date=15 November 2021 |archive-date=16 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616151009/https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/royals/what-is-a-duke-and-how-is-the-british-title-different-from-a-prince-a4170391.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Peter Phillips]] and [[Zara Tindall]], children of the King's sister, Princess Anne, are, therefore, not prince and princess. [[Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor]] and [[James Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex]], though entitled to the styles "Princess Louise of Edinburgh" and "Prince James of Edinburgh", respectively, are not called prince and princess, as their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, wanted them to have more modest titles.<ref name="Boyle">{{cite news|first=Christina|last=Boyle|title=Archie, the newest British royal family member, has no title. Here's why (we think)|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-britain-archie-royal-titles-20190510-story.html|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=10 May 2019|access-date=4 August 2020|archive-date=21 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521234536/https://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-britain-archie-royal-titles-20190510-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

By tradition, wives of male members of the royal family share their husbands' title and style.<ref name="Michael"/> Princesses by marriage do not have the title prefixed to their own name<ref name="Boyle"/> but to their husband's; for example, the wife of Prince Michael of Kent is Princess Michael of Kent.<ref name="Michael"/> Sons of monarchs are customarily given dukedoms upon marriage, and these peerage titles pass to their eldest sons.<ref name="Michael">{{Cite web|url=http://www.princemichael.org.uk/faqs/|title=FAQs - Prince Michael of Kent|website=www.princemichael.org.uk|access-date=4 August 2021|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213203628/http://www.princemichael.org.uk/faqs/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Male-line descendants of King [[George V]], including women until they marry, bear the surname Windsor. The surname of the male-line descendants of Queen Elizabeth II, except for women who marry, is [[Mountbatten-Windsor]], reflecting the name taken by her Greek-born husband, [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]], upon his [[naturalisation]]. A surname is generally not needed by members of the royal family who are entitled to the titles of prince or princess and the style His or Her Royal Highness. Such individuals use surnames on official documents such as [[marriage register]]s, however.<ref name=name>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/royal-family-name|title=The Royal Family name|website=The Royal Family|access-date=30 June 2019|archive-date=30 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530221439/https://www.royal.uk/royal-family-name|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Public role ==
[[File:HRH The Princess Royal visits Paisley. (10297783076).jpg|thumb|The Princess Royal meeting members of the public during a walkabout in [[Paisley, Renfrewshire]]|alt=Princess Anne speaking to a girl while on a public engagement]]

Members of the royal family support the monarch in "state and national duties", while also carrying out charity work of their own.<ref name=role/><ref name="gguards">{{cite news|work=The Guardian|last=Davies|first=Caroline |title=The royal we: subtle transition as ageing Queen devolves more duties|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/oct/29/subtle-transition-as-ageing-queen-devolves-more-duties|access-date=15 November 2021|date=29 October 2021|archive-date=28 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328115953/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/oct/29/subtle-transition-as-ageing-queen-devolves-more-duties|url-status=live}}</ref> If the sovereign is indisposed, two [[counsellors of state]] are required to fulfil his/her role, with those eligible being restricted to the sovereign's spouse, and the first four people in the line of succession over the age of 21. In 2022 the then [[Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh|Earl of Wessex]] and the [[Anne, Princess Royal|Princess Royal]] were added to the list by special legislation.<ref name="counsellors">{{cite news|title=Princess Anne and Prince Edward to become stand-ins for King|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63626113|access-date=21 February 2023|work=BBC News|date=15 November 2022|archive-date=21 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921115457/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63626113|url-status=live}}</ref>

Each year the family "carries out over 2,000 official engagements throughout the UK and worldwide", entertaining 70,000 guests and answering 100,000 letters.<ref name=role/><ref name="indies">{{cite news|last=Praderio|first=Caroline|title=Here's What The Royal Family Actually Does Every Day |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/what-royal-family-actually-does-every-day-a7540436.html|work=The Independent|access-date=15 November 2021|archive-date=10 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610104818/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/what-royal-family-actually-does-every-day-a7540436.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Engagements include state funerals, national festivities, garden parties, receptions, and visits to the [[British Armed Forces|Armed Forces]].<ref name=role>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/role-royal-family|title=The role of the Royal Family|date=23 March 2016|website=The Royal Family|access-date=30 June 2019|archive-date=8 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808043840/https://www.royal.uk/role-royal-family|url-status=live}}</ref> Many members have served in the Armed Forces themselves, including the King's brothers and sons.<ref name="thisisthebbc"/><ref name="indies"/> Engagements are recorded in the [[Court Circular]], a list of daily appointments and events attended by the royal family.<ref>{{cite web|last=Said-Moorhouse |first=Laure|title=The Queen returns to royal duties following Prince Philip's death|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/14/uk/queen-first-in-person-engagement-philip-intl-gbr/index.html|work=CNN |access-date=15 November 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602123319/https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/14/uk/queen-first-in-person-engagement-philip-intl-gbr/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Public appearances are often accompanied by walkabouts, where royals greet and converse with members of the public outside events.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lam|first=Katherine|title=Queen Elizabeth's daughter Princess Anne explains why she doesn't shake fans' hands|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/queen-elizabeths-daughter-princess-anne-explains-why-she-doesnt-shake-fans-hands|work=Fox News|access-date=15 November 2021|archive-date=15 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115061051/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/queen-elizabeths-daughter-princess-anne-explains-why-she-doesnt-shake-fans-hands|url-status=live}}</ref> The start of this tradition is sometimes attributed to a trip Queen Elizabeth II made in 1970 to Australia and New Zealand.<ref>[https://www.insider.com/queen-elizabeth-ii-invented-the-walkabout-modernized-monarchy-2022-6 Queen Elizabeth II invented the 'walkabout,' forever changing how royals interact with people]</ref> [[Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother]] also interacted with crowds on a trip to Canada in 1939 and in 1940 during [[The Blitz]] in London.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thelist.com/1137036/royal-walkabouts-here-are-all-the-details-about-the-famous-tradition/|title=Royal Walkabouts: Here Are All The Details About The Famous Tradition|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127231053/https://www.thelist.com/1137036/royal-walkabouts-here-are-all-the-details-about-the-famous-tradition/|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/where-and-how-did-the-queen-mum-invent-the-walkabout/article22395765/ |title=Where and how did the Queen Mum invent the walkabout?|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127231052/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/where-and-how-did-the-queen-mum-invent-the-walkabout/article22395765/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Annual events attended by the royal family include the [[State Opening of Parliament]], [[Trooping the Colour]], and the [[National Service of Remembrance]].<ref name="gguards"/> According to historian [[Robert Lacey]], Queen Elizabeth II once said that [[investiture]]s of the [[Orders, decorations, and medals of the United Kingdom|honours]] recipients are the most important thing she does.<ref name="Davies2"/> Besides the King, Prince William and Princess Anne also perform investitures.<ref>{{cite web|title=Investitures|url=https://www.royal.uk/investitures|publisher=The Royal Family|access-date=3 August 2020|archive-date=10 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810161429/https://www.royal.uk/investitures|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="gguards"/> Family members represent the monarch on official visits and tours to other countries as ambassadors to foster diplomatic relations.<ref name="thisisthebbc">{{cite news|title=UK Royal Family: Who is in it and how does it work? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56201331|access-date=15 November 2021|work=BBC News|date=9 April 2021|archive-date=31 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731050659/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56201331|url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="indies"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Royal diplomacy to play key role in life after Brexit |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2020-01-31/royal-diplomacy-to-play-key-role-in-life-after-brexit |work=ITV News |access-date=15 November 2021|archive-date=1 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801081702/https://www.itv.com/news/2020-01-31/royal-diplomacy-to-play-key-role-in-life-after-brexit |url-status=live }}</ref> They have also attended [[The Commonwealth|Commonwealth]] meetings on the monarch's behalf.<ref name="gguards"/> The royal family also participates in [[state visits]] on the advice of the [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]], which includes the welcoming of dignitaries and a formal banquet.<ref>{{cite web |title=State Visits |url=https://www.royal.uk/state-visits-2|website=The Royal Family|access-date=15 November 2021|archive-date=28 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728094545/https://www.royal.uk/state-visits-2|url-status=live }}</ref> Journalist [[James Forsyth (journalist)|James Forsyth]] has referred to the family as "[[soft power]] assets".<ref>{{cite news |last=Forsyth |first=James |title=Britain needs the royal family more than ever |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/britain-needs-the-royal-family-more-than-ever-p9322gw2g|access-date=15 November 2021|work=[[The Times]]|date=13 August 2021|archive-date=15 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115062548/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/britain-needs-the-royal-family-more-than-ever-p9322gw2g|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Prince William and John Hall.jpg|thumb|left|Prince William with the then-[[Dean of Westminster]] [[John Hall (priest)|John Hall]]. Members of the royal family are members of the [[Church of England]].|alt=see caption]]
Given the royal family's public role and activities, it is sometimes referred to by courtiers as "The Firm", a term that originated with George VI.<ref name="ogara">{{cite news|last=O'Gara|first=Eilish|title=Financing the firm: how the royal family make their money |url=https://www.newsweek.com/financing-firm-how-royal-family-make-their-money-328393 |access-date=13 January 2020 |work=Newsweek |date=12 June 2015 |archive-date=14 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214071920/https://www.newsweek.com/financing-firm-how-royal-family-make-their-money-328393 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Culbertson |first=Alix |title=Harry and Meghan: What is 'the firm' and how does the Royal Family work? |url=https://news.sky.com/story/harry-and-meghan-what-is-the-firm-and-how-does-the-royal-family-work-12240948 |work=Sky News|access-date=15 November 2021|archive-date=15 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115061043/https://news.sky.com/story/harry-and-meghan-what-is-the-firm-and-how-does-the-royal-family-work-12240948 |url-status=live}}</ref> Members of the royal family are politically and commercially independent, avoiding conflict of interest with their public roles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Guy|first1=Guy|last2=Foster|first2=Max|last3=Said-Moorhouse|first3=Lauren|title=The Firm: Britain's royal 'institution' explained |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/08/uk/royal-family-structure-explainer-scli-intl-gbr/index.html |access-date=15 November 2021 |work=CNN|date=4 June 2021|archive-date=28 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628150450/https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/08/uk/royal-family-structure-explainer-scli-intl-gbr/index.html|url-status=live }}</ref> The royal family are considered British [[cultural icon]]s, with young adults from abroad naming the family among a group of people who they most associated with [[British culture]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Culture, attraction and soft power|url=https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/as-others-see-us-report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031062218/http://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/as-others-see-us-report.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live|publisher=British Council|date=12 December 2016}}</ref> Members are expected to promote British industry.<ref>{{cite news|last=Baker |first=Lindsey |title=How royal women have shaped fashion |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180424-the-meghan-effect-is-nothing-new |work=BBC News|access-date=15 November 2021 |archive-date=4 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404225706/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180424-the-meghan-effect-is-nothing-new |url-status=live }}</ref> Royals are typically members of the [[Church of England]], headed by the monarch. When in Scotland they attend the Church of Scotland as members and some have served as [[Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland|Lord High Commissioner to the Church of Scotland]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Booth|first=William|title=How the Church of England has shifted on divorce, from Henry VIII to Meghan Markle |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/how-the-church-of-england-has-evolved-on-divorce-from-henry-viii-to-meghan-markle/2018/05/15/85ca3388-4d6c-11e8-85c1-9326c4511033_story.html |access-date=15 November 2021 |newspaper=Washington Post|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910005903/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/how-the-church-of-england-has-evolved-on-divorce-from-henry-viii-to-meghan-markle/2018/05/15/85ca3388-4d6c-11e8-85c1-9326c4511033_story.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Queen, the Church and other faiths |url=https://www.royal.uk/queens-relationship-churches-england-and-scotland-and-other-faiths |website=The Royal Family |access-date=15 November 2021 |archive-date=10 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810162529/https://www.royal.uk/queens-relationship-churches-england-and-scotland-and-other-faiths|url-status=live}}</ref>

Members of the royal family are patrons for approximately 3,000 charities,<ref name="indies"/> and have also started their own nonprofit organisations.<ref name="thisisthebbc"/> The King started [[The Prince's Trust]], which helps young people in the UK that are disadvantaged.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/about-the-trust/history|title=Our history {{!}} The Prince's Trust|website=www.princes-trust.org.uk|access-date=30 June 2019|archive-date=22 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722164705/https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/about-the-trust/history|url-status=live}}</ref> Princess Anne started [[The Princess Royal Trust for Carers]], which helps unpaid carers, giving them emotional support and information about benefit claims and disability aids.<ref>A{{Cite web|url=https://carercentre.com/about-us/background|title=Background – The Princess Royal Trust For Carers – Hampshire Carer Centre|website=carercentre.com|access-date=30 June 2019|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126073830/https://carercentre.com/about-us/background|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Earl and Countess of Wessex (as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were then known) founded the Wessex Youth Trust, since renamed The Earl and Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust, in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Earl and Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust |url=https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1076003&subid=0 |website=Charity Commission for England and Wales |access-date=11 December 2020 |archive-date=14 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214071919/https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1076003&subid=0 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Prince and Princess of Wales are founding patrons of [[The Royal Foundation]], whose projects revolve around [[mental health]], conservation, early childhood, and [[Emergency medical services|emergency responders]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Our Work |url=https://royalfoundation.com/our-work/ |website=The Royal Foundation |access-date=11 December 2020 |archive-date=30 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130205529/https://royalfoundation.com/our-work/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2019, following the negative reactions to the "[[Prince Andrew & the Epstein Scandal]]" interview, the then Duke of York (later [[Andrew Mountbatten Windsor]]) was forced to resign from public roles; the retirement became permanent in 2020.<ref name="auto1">{{cite news|first=Roya|last=Nikkhah|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/prince-andrew-didn-t-think-it-was-all-over-but-it-is-now-rhg2trxb7|title=Prince Andrew didn't think it was all over, but it is now|work=[[The Times]]|date=21 May 2020|access-date=20 July 2020|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309013313/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/prince-andrew-didn-t-think-it-was-all-over-but-it-is-now-rhg2trxb7|url-status=live}}</ref> The Duke and Duchess of Sussex [[Megxit|permanently withdrew]] from royal duties in early 2020.<ref name="BBC-final">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56127673|title=Harry and Meghan not returning as working members of Royal Family|work=BBC News|date=19 February 2021|access-date=19 February 2021|archive-date=4 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304130733/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56127673|url-status=live}}</ref> Following these departures, there is a shortage of royal family members to cover the increasing number of patronages and engagements.<ref name="Davies1"/>

==Media and criticism==
{{further|Royal Rota|Never complain, never explain}}
Royal biographer [[Penny Junor]] says that the royal family has presented itself "as the model family" since the 1930s.<ref name="Davies1"/> Author Edward Owen wrote that during the [[Second World War]], the monarchy sought an image of a "more informal and vulnerable family" that had a unifying effect on the nation during instability.<ref>{{cite web |title=Meghan's Use Of "The Firm" Could Be A Reference To Diana's 1995 Interview |url=https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/why-is-the-royal-family-called-the-firm-meghan-markle-oprah |website=Bustle |access-date=15 November 2021 |archive-date=15 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115062011/https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/why-is-the-royal-family-called-the-firm-meghan-markle-oprah |url-status=live }}</ref> [[annus horribilis#Elizabeth II|In 1992]], the Princess Royal and her husband [[Mark Phillips]] divorced; the Prince and [[Diana, Princess of Wales|Princess of Wales]] separated; a biography detailing the Princess's [[bulimia]] and [[self-harming]] was published; [[Squidgygate|her private telephone conversations]] surfaced, as did the Prince's [[Camillagate|intimate telephone conversations]] with his lover, Camilla Parker Bowles; the Duke and Duchess of York separated; and photographs of the topless Duchess having her toes sucked by another man appeared in tabloids. Historian Robert Lacey said that this "put paid to any claim to being a model of family life". The scandals contributed to the public's unwillingness to pay for the repairs to [[Windsor Castle]] after the [[1992 Windsor Castle fire|1992 fire]]. A further "[[public relations|PR]] disaster" was the royal family's initial response to the [[death of Diana, Princess of Wales]], in 1997.<ref name="Davies2">{{cite news|first=Caroline|last=Davies|title=How the royal family bounced back from its 'annus horribilis'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/may/24/royal-family-bounced-back-annus-horribilis|access-date=4 August 2021 |website=The Guardian|date=24 May 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407014047/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/may/24/royal-family-bounced-back-annus-horribilis|archive-date=7 April 2015}}</ref>

In the 1990s, the royal family formed the Way Ahead Group, made up of senior family members and advisers and headed by Elizabeth II, in a quest to change in accordance with public opinion.<ref name="Davies2"/><ref name="Reynolds">{{cite news|first=Paul|last=Reynolds|author-link=Paul Reynolds (BBC journalist)|title=Royal Family's changing guard|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/diana_one_year_on/reporters_reflections/p_reynolds.stm|access-date=5 August 2021 |work=BBC News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430075818/http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/diana_one_year_on/reporters_reflections/p_reynolds.stm|archive-date=30 April 2011}}</ref> The [[wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton]] in April 2011 led to a "tide of goodwill", and by Elizabeth II's [[Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Diamond Jubilee]] in 2012 the royal family's image had recovered.<ref name="Davies2"/> A 2019 [[YouGov]] poll showed that two-thirds of British people were in favour of maintaining the royal family.<ref name="Anthony">{{cite news |first=Andrew|last=Anthony|title=The monarchy: so what are they for?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/mar/14/harry-meghan-royal-family-monarchy-what-are-they-for|access-date=13 January 2020 |website=The Guardian|date=14 March 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413175742/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/mar/14/harry-meghan-royal-family-monarchy-what-are-they-for|archive-date=13 April 2021}}</ref> The role and public relations of the extended royal family again came under increased scrutiny due to the Duke of York's friendship with convicted [[sex offender]]s [[Jeffrey Epstein]] and [[Ghislaine Maxwell]], and [[Andrew Mountbatten Windsor#Allegations of sexual abuse|allegations of sexual abuse]], along with his unapologetic conduct in the [[Prince Andrew & the Epstein Scandal|2019 interview]] about these subjects and subsequent [[Virginia Giuffre v. Prince Andrew|2021 lawsuit]].<ref name="Williamson">{{cite news |first=Harriet|last=Williamson|author-link=Harriet Williamson|title=Why Do Royals Get Away With So Much?|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/09/04/jeffrey-epstein-prince-andrew-royal-family-abuse-britain/|access-date=6 August 2021 |website=[[ForeignPolicy.com]]|date=4 September 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419053302/https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/09/04/jeffrey-epstein-prince-andrew-royal-family-abuse-britain/|archive-date=19 April 2021}}</ref><ref name="Haynes">{{cite news |first=Suyin|last=Haynes|title=Prince Andrew Faced Questions About Jeffrey Epstein for Years. Here's Why the Royal Family Finally Reacted|url=https://time.com/5735362/prince-andrew-jeffrey-epstein-royal-family/|access-date=6 August 2021 |website=[[Time.com]]|date=21 November 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110032528/https://time.com/5735362/prince-andrew-jeffrey-epstein-royal-family/|archive-date=10 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Max Foster |first1=Lauren Said-Moorehouse |title=The civil suit against Prince Andrew has wider implications for the British royal family |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/13/uk/royal-news-newsletter-08-13-21-scli-gbr-cmd-intl/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=6 September 2021 |archive-date=11 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611213920/https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/13/uk/royal-news-newsletter-08-13-21-scli-gbr-cmd-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2019, the royal family, several members of which advocate for environmental causes, faced criticism after it was revealed that they "had doubled [their] carbon footprint from business travel".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/25/europe/royal-family-carbon-emissions-scli-intl-gbr/index.html|title=Britain's royal family doubles carbon emissions from travel|work=CNN|first=Bianca|last=Britton|date=25 June 2019|access-date=17 November 2022|archive-date=17 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117073352/https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/25/europe/royal-family-carbon-emissions-scli-intl-gbr/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In a [[Oprah with Meghan and Harry|2021 interview]], the Duchess of Sussex, who is of [[biracial]] heritage, relayed second-hand that there had been "concerns and conversations" within the royal family about the [[skin colour]] of their son, [[Prince Archie of Sussex|Archie]], while the Duke of Sussex stated it was a single instance.<ref name="McGee"/> The interview received a mixed reaction from the British public and media, and several of their claims were called into question.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Suliman |first1=Adela |last2=Arkin |first2=Daniel |title=Meghan and Harry's Oprah interview revealed cultural divide between U.K. and America |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/meghan-harry-s-oprah-interview-revealed-cultural-divide-between-u-n1261275 |date=20 March 2021|website=NBC News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424185045/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/meghan-harry-s-oprah-interview-revealed-cultural-divide-between-u-n1261275|archive-date=24 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ott |first=Haley |date=9 March 2021 |title=Meghan and Harry's interview with Oprah draws mixed reaction in Britain |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/meghan-markle-prince-harry-oprah-interview-britain-mixed-reaction/ |website=CBS News |access-date=25 August 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420100124/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/meghan-markle-prince-harry-oprah-interview-britain-mixed-reaction/ |archive-date=20 April 2021}}</ref> The Duke of Cambridge said the royal family were "very much not a racist family". In June 2021, documents revealed that "coloured immigrants or foreigners" were banned by Elizabeth II's chief financial manager at the time from working for the family as [[clerk]]s in the 1960s, prompting black studies professor [[Kehinde Andrews]] to state that "the royal family has a terrible record on race".<ref name="McGee">{{cite news |first=Luke|last=McGee|title=Britain's royals have denied being a racist family. Archived papers reveal recent racist past|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/06/03/uk/queen-racist-employment-policy-intl-cmd-gbr-analysis/index.html|date=3 June 2021|website=CNN|access-date=6 August 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619090532/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/06/03/uk/queen-racist-employment-policy-intl-cmd-gbr-analysis/index.html|archive-date=19 June 2021}}</ref> In response, the palace stated that it complied "in principle and in practice" with anti-discrimination legislation, and that second-hand claims of "conversations from over 50 years ago should not be used to draw or infer conclusions about modern-day events or operations."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-06-03/buckingham-palace-barred-nonwhites-office-jobs-1960s|title=Buckingham Palace barred nonwhites from office jobs in the 1960s, report says|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Danica|last=Kirka|date=3 June 2021|access-date=29 August 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624160602/https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-06-03/buckingham-palace-barred-nonwhites-office-jobs-1960s|archive-date=24 June 2021}}</ref> In March 2022 and during the Caribbean tour of the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as part of the [[Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations]], the family encountered criticism from a number of political figures and the press, given their past connections to [[colonialism]] and the [[Atlantic slave trade]] via the [[Royal African Company]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 March 2022 |title=Caribbean tour: Prince William says future is for the people to decide |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60890440 |access-date=27 March 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418214618/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60890440|archive-date=18 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Tobi |date=23 March 2022 |title=What are the British monarchy's historical links to slavery? |url=https://theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/mar/23/british-royal-family-monarchy-historical-links-to-slavery |url-status=live |website=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403110716/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/mar/23/british-royal-family-monarchy-historical-links-to-slavery |archive-date=3 April 2022}}</ref> [[Reparations for slavery]] emerged as a major demand of protesters during the couple's visit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Nadine |date=26 March 2022 |title=Belize signals intention to remove Queen as head of state following royal visit |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/world/belize-queen-caribbean-head-of-state-b2044585.html |url-status=live |access-date=27 March 2022 |website=The Independent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407192943/https://www.independent.co.uk/world/belize-queen-caribbean-head-of-state-b2044585.html |archive-date=7 April 2022}}</ref> Both the then Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge have condemned slavery in their speeches,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/prince-charles-acknowledges-appalling-history-of-slavery-as-barbados-becomes-a-republic-12482796|title=Barbados: Prince Charles acknowledges 'appalling' history of slavery as island becomes a republic|work=Sky News|first=Rhiannon|last=Mills|date=30 November 2021|access-date=24 March 2022|archive-date=30 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130052708/https://news.sky.com/story/prince-charles-acknowledges-appalling-history-of-slavery-as-barbados-becomes-a-republic-12482796|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60856763|title=Prince William shares 'profound sorrow' over slavery in Jamaica speech|work=BBC News|date=24 March 2022|access-date=24 March 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406234649/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60856763|archive-date=6 April 2022}}</ref> and the Prince has described acknowledging the wrongs of the past as a necessity for the Commonwealth countries to realise their potential.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61919514|title=Prince Charles tells Commonwealth of sorrow over slavery|work=BBC News|date=24 June 2022|access-date=25 June 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722150347/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61919514|archive-date=22 July 2022}}</ref> In a [[Harry: The Interview|2023 interview]], the Duke of Sussex was questioned if he and his wife had accused members of his family of racism during their 2021 interview, to which Harry responded "No. The British press said that, right? Did Meghan ever mention 'they're racists'?"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Payne |first=Josh |date=8 January 2023 |title=Harry denies royal family is racist in ITV interview |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/harry-meghan-racism-royal-family-b2258323.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108230448/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/harry-meghan-racism-royal-family-b2258323.html |archive-date=8 January 2023 |access-date=11 May 2025 |website=The Independent}}</ref>

Historically, the royal family and the [[Mass media in the United Kingdom|media]] have benefited from each other; the family used the press to communicate with the public, while the media used the family to attract readers and viewers.<ref name="Taylor">{{cite news |first=Alex|last=Taylor|title=Harry and Meghan: What's the media's 'invisible contract' with British royalty?|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-56326807|date=11 March 2021|website=BBC News|access-date=6 August 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424094759/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-56326807|archive-date=24 April 2021}}</ref> With the [[advent of television]], however, the media started paying less respect to the royal family's privacy.<ref name="Davies2"/> Princes William and Harry have had informal arrangements with the press whereby they would be left alone by the [[paparazzi]] during their education in return for invitations to staged photograph opportunities. William has continued the practice with his family posts on [[Instagram]]. Relations between the media and British royals have been destabilized by the rise of the [[digital media]], with the quantity of articles becoming paramount toward gaining [[advertising revenue]], with neither side able to exercise control.<ref name="Taylor"/> In the 2000s, the phones of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, and Prince Harry and his then-girlfriend [[Chelsy Davy]], were hacked multiple times by media outlets, [[News of the World royal phone hacking scandal|most notably]] by a private investigator working for a ''[[News of the World]]'' journalist.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27413632|title=Phone-hacking trial: Kate Middleton 'hacked 155 times'|work=BBC News|date=14 May 2014|access-date=22 November 2021|archive-date=20 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720122144/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27413632|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59361142|title=Prince Harry: Private investigator apologises for targeting prince's ex-girlfriend|work=BBC News|first=Amol|last=Rajan|first2=Joseph|last2=Lee|date=22 November 2021|access-date=22 November 2021|archive-date=20 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720121919/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59361142|url-status=live}}</ref> A 2021 [[BBC]] documentary suggested that briefings and counter-briefings from different [[Royal Households of the United Kingdom|royal households]] was the reason behind the negative coverage about members of the royal family. Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace, which represented the Queen, the then Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge respectively, described these suggestions as "overblown and unfounded claims".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59384443|title=The Princes and the Press: BBC responds to claims against documentary|work=BBC News|first=Dulcie|last=Lee|first2=Sean|last2=Coughlan|date=23 November 2021|access-date=23 November 2021|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123152108/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59384443|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Funding==
{{further|Finances of the British royal family}}

[[File:Public Spending on European Monarchies.svg|thumb|Annual public spending on European monarchies, 2022–2023|alt=see caption]]

Senior members of the royal family, who represent the monarch, draw their income from [[public funds]] known as the [[Sovereign Grant]], an annual payment of the [[British government]] to the monarch.<ref name="Guy">{{cite news|first1=Jack|last1=Guy|first2=Max|last2=Foster|first3=Lauren|last3=Said-Moorhouse|title=The Firm: Britain's royal 'institution' explained|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/08/uk/royal-family-structure-explainer-scli-intl-gbr/index.html|work=CNN|date=4 June 2021|access-date=3 August 2020|archive-date=28 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628150450/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/08/uk/royal-family-structure-explainer-scli-intl-gbr/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It comes from the revenues of the [[Crown Estate]], which are commercial properties owned by [[the Crown]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-57559653|title=Royal finances: Where does the Queen get her money?|work=BBC News|first=Tom|last=Edgington|date=24 June 2021|access-date=6 November 2022|archive-date=3 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803185024/https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-57559653|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BBC1">{{cite news|title=UK Royal Family: Who is in it and how does it work?|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56201331|publisher=BBC|date=9 April 2021|access-date=3 August 2020|archive-date=31 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731050659/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56201331|url-status=live}}</ref> Members of the royal family who receive money from the sovereign grant must be accountable to the public for it and are not allowed to make money from their name.<ref name="Guy"/> The monarch also receives the income of the [[Duchy of Lancaster]], and the Prince of Wales from the [[Duchy of Cornwall]].

The security expenses for the royal family are typically covered by the [[Metropolitan Police]] rather than the sovereign grant.<ref name="Edgington">{{cite news|first=Tom|last=Edgington|title=Royal finances: Where does the Queen get her money?|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-57559653|publisher=BBC|date=24 June 2021|access-date=3 August 2020|archive-date=3 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803185024/https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-57559653|url-status=live}}</ref> The royal family, the [[Home Office]], and the Metropolitan Police decide which members have a right to taxpayer-funded police security. Extended members do not retain automatic right to protection; in 2011 Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie ceased receiving police security.<ref name="Davies">{{cite news|first=Caroline|last=Davies|title=Was Meghan's son Archie denied the title 'prince' because he's mixed race?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/mar/08/why-meghan-harry-son-archie-denied-title-prince-mixed-race|publisher=The Guardian|date=8 March 2021|access-date=4 August 2020|archive-date=30 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730124340/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/mar/08/why-meghan-harry-son-archie-denied-title-prince-mixed-race|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Pavia |first=Lucy |title=Why did Harry and Meghan appear to reference Beatrice and Eugenie in Sussex Royal website statement?|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/royals/harry-meghan-website-update-beatrice-eugenie-a4369861.html |website=Standard |access-date=6 September 2021 |archive-date=11 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611213859/https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/royals/harry-meghan-website-update-beatrice-eugenie-a4369861.html|url-status=live }}</ref>

==Residences==
{{further|List of British royal residences}}
[[File:P052411LJ-0751 (5835926297).jpg|thumb|A 2011 [[state banquet]] at Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch]]

The sovereign's [[official residence]] in London is [[Buckingham Palace]].<ref name="BBC1"/> Announcements of the births and deaths of members of the royal family are traditionally attached to its front railings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Royal residences: Buckingham Palace|url=https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-buckingham-palace|website=The Royal Family|access-date=3 August 2020|archive-date=9 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509132429/https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-buckingham-palace|url-status=live}}</ref> Both Buckingham Palace and [[Windsor Castle]], the monarch's weekend home in [[Berkshire]], are used to host [[state visits]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Royal Family |url=https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-buckingham-palace |website=Buckingham Palace |access-date=24 February 2023 |archive-date=9 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509132429/https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-buckingham-palace |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Windsor Castle|url=https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-windsor-castle|website=The Royal Family|access-date=24 February 2023|archive-date=24 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224013309/https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-windsor-castle |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Palace of Holyroodhouse]] and [[Hillsborough Castle]] serve as official royal residences when the monarch is in Scotland or Northern Ireland, respectively.<ref name="ad">{{cite web |title=Where does the royal family actually live? |url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/british-royal-family-homes-guide|website=Architectural Digest|access-date=15 November 2021 |archive-date=15 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615022331/https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/british-royal-family-homes-guide |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Inside King Charles III's $25 Billion real estate empire |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/giacomotognini/2022/10/21/inside-king-charles-iiis-25-billion-real-estate-empire/?sh=4d26c53e41ec |magazine=Forbes|access-date=24 February 2023|archive-date=24 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224013311/https://www.forbes.com/sites/giacomotognini/2022/10/21/inside-king-charles-iiis-25-billion-real-estate-empire/?sh=4d26c53e41ec|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Clarence House]] served as the official residence of [[Charles III]] from 2003, when he was Prince of Wales, until he ascended to the throne on 8 September 2022.<ref name="BBC1"/> Another London residence of his when Prince of Wales was [[St&nbsp;James's Palace]], which he shared with the Princess Royal and Princess Alexandra.<ref>{{cite web|title=Royal Residences: St James's Palace|url=https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-st-jamess-palace|website=The Royal Family|access-date=3 August 2020|archive-date=1 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001180119/https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-st-jamess-palace|url-status=live}}</ref> Princess Alexandra also resides at [[Thatched House Lodge]] in [[Richmond, London|Richmond]].<ref name="rln">{{cite news |title=Royal love nests |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatpicturegalleries/8474444/Royal-love-nests.html?image=10 |work=The Telegraph |access-date=15 November 2021 |archive-date=15 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115065938/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatpicturegalleries/8474444/Royal-love-nests.html?image=10 |url-status=live }}</ref> The King also privately owns [[Sandringham House]] in Norfolk and [[Balmoral Castle]] in Aberdeenshire, which are his personal property. He inherited them from Elizabeth II upon her death. 
 
The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester have their official London residences and offices at apartments in [[Kensington Palace]], London.<ref>{{cite web|title=Royal Residences: Kensington Palace|url=https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-kensington-palace|website=The Royal Family|access-date=3 August 2020|archive-date=16 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716203820/https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-kensington-palace|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Taylor|first=Elise|title=Inside Kensington Palace Apartment 1A, Prince William and Kate Middleton's London home |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/inside-kensington-palace-apartment-1a-prince-william-and-kate-middletons-london-home |magazine=Vogue |access-date=15 November 2021|archive-date=9 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109113752/https://www.vogue.com/article/inside-kensington-palace-apartment-1a-prince-william-and-kate-middletons-london-home|url-status=live}}</ref> The former and their children officially moved into [[Adelaide Cottage]] in [[Windsor Home Park]] in September 2022.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62632439|title=Adelaide Cottage: William and Kate to move to cottage on Windsor estate|work=BBC News|first=Nicholas|last=Witchell|date=22 August 2022|access-date=22 August 2022|archive-date=22 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822112831/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62632439|url-status=live}}</ref> The Duke of Kent resides in [[Wren House]] in the grounds of Kensington Palace.<ref>{{cite web |title=Meet Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new neighbours - the royals who live in Kensington Palace |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/who-lives-in-kensington-palace-houses-a3713141.html |work=The Independent |access-date=15 November 2021 |archive-date=24 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624202810/https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/who-lives-in-kensington-palace-houses-a3713141.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor lives at the [[Royal Lodge]] in [[Windsor Great Park]], while the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh reside at [[Bagshot Park]] in [[Surrey]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Edward, Sophie expecting baby |url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/05/06/wessex.pregnant/ |work=CNN |access-date=15 November 2021 |archive-date=15 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115065942/http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/05/06/wessex.pregnant/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Trespass arrests at Prince Andrew's Windsor home |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56963548 |work=BBC News |access-date=15 November 2021 |archive-date=11 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611213859/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56963548 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==See also==
*[[List of current British princes and princesses]]
*[[Education of the British royal family]]
*[[Finances of the British royal family]]
*[[List of films about British royalty]]
*[[List of honours of the British royal family by country]]
*[[List of longest-living members of the British royal family]]
*[[Military service by British royalty]]
*[[Royal descent]]
*[[Monarchy of the United Kingdom]]

== References ==
{{Notelist}}
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
*''Burke's Guide to the Royal Family''. Burke's Peerage, 1973.
*Cannon, John Ashton. ''The Oxford Illustrated History of the British Monarchy''. Oxford University Press, 1988.
*Churchill, Randolph S. ''They Serve the Queen: A New and Authoritative Account of the Royal Household'' ("Prepared for Coronation Year"). Hutchinson, 1953.
*Fraser, Antonia (ed). ''The Lives of the Kings & Queens of England''. Revised & updated edition. University of California Press, 1998.
*Hayden, Ilse. ''Symbol and Privilege: The Ritual Context of British Royalty''. University of Arizona Press, 1987.
*Longford, Elizabeth Harman (Countess of Longford). ''The Royal House of Windsor''. Revised edition. Crown, 1984.
*Weir, Alison. ''Britain's Royal Families: The Complete Genealogy''. Pimlico/Random House, 2002.
*''[[Royal Family (documentary)|Royal Family]]'' (1969), a [[BBC]] [[Documentary film|documentary]] made by [[Richard Cawston]] to accompany the investiture of the then [[Prince of Wales]].

==External links==
{{commons}}
* {{official website|http://www.royal.uk}}
* {{cite web|url= http://www.royal.gov.uk/pdf/Windsor%20family%20tree.pdf|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101202213352/http://www.royal.gov.uk/pdf/Windsor%20family%20tree.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-date= 2 December 2010 |title=House of Windsor Family Tree }}&nbsp;{{small|(74.2&nbsp;KB)}}

{{English, Scottish and British monarchs}}
{{British consort}}
{{British princes}}
{{British princesses of the blood royal}}
{{British princesses by marriage}}
{{European Royal Families}}
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[[Category:British families| ]]
[[Category:British royal family| ]]
[[Category:Culture of the United Kingdom|Royal family]]
[[Category:Monarchy of the United Kingdom]]