Who Currently Counts as Royalty in England Post-Restoration?

The concept of the British Royal Family and its membership is often a subject of debate and discussion, especially when compared to other nations like Spain and the Netherlands. Unlike these countries, England does not have a legal definition that outlines who officially belongs to the Royal Family.

No Official Legal Definition

Up until recently, there was no official legal definition delineating who belongs to the Royal Family. An unofficial list was published on the official Royal Family website, which included all living descendants of King George VI and their spouses, as well as the descendants of King George V who still undertake official royal duties and their spouses. However, this list is no longer available on the website.

Working Members and Those in the UK

The current members of the Royal Family who are considered true royalty are those who work and live in the UK. Among these, Prince Charles, the King, represents the current monarch, followed by his consort, Queen Camila, and their children, including Prince William and Princess of Wales, Catherine. The three children of Prince William include Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Extending the List

Including other notable members, the list comprises Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne and the father of Zara Tindall; , the youngest child of Princess Margaret and a maternal grandson of Queen Elizabeth II; Zara Phillips, daughter of the Queen’s youngest daughter; and Lady Louise Windsor, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Additionally, Prince Harry and his family, including his wife Meghan Markle and their two children, become a part of this esteemed list.

Official Royal Members

Among the 26 individuals who have or are eligible for the style of Royal Highness (HRH), the following are officially recognized as royal:

The King: Charles III The Queen: Camila, the Consort of King Charles Prince William: His wife, Catherine, and their three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis Prince Harry: His wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children Prince Andrew: His wife, Sarah Ferguson, and his children Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie: Their positions and statuses Prince Edward: His wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and their two children Princess Anne: Her son, Peter Phillips, and his children Prince and Princess Michael of Kent: Their positions and statuses Princess Alexandra: Her title and status

The aforementioned members are officially royal, meaning they are accorded the style of ‘Royal Highness’ and hold significant positions within the British Royal Family. Furthermore, the two individuals who hold the style of ‘Majesty’ are also considered royal, namely, the King and the Queen.

Discussion Exclusions

Regarding some individuals, like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, they have been included by some due to their public personas and actions, despite not being officially working royal members. It’s important to note that their roles have diminished over time, and their impact on the country has been minimal outside of ceremonial events and community visits.

For those interested in a comprehensive list of those considered to have royal status, the details are as follows:

List of Royal Members

The King: Charles III The Queen: Camila, the Consort of King Charles Prince William: His wife, Catherine, and their three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis Prince Harry: His wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children Prince Andrew: His wife, Sarah Ferguson, and his children Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie: Their positions and statuses Prince Edward: His wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and their two children Princess Anne: Her son, Peter Phillips, and his children Prince and Princess Michael of Kent: Their positions and statuses Princess Alexandra: Her title and status

These 26 individuals, those who have or are eligible for the style of ‘Royal Highness (HRH),’ all hold positions within the British Royal Family, and their status and roles are clear.

Conclusion

The British Royal Family is a vibrant and dynamic institution, with its members playing various roles in the life of the United Kingdom. Understanding the membership and the criteria for official royal status is crucial for anyone interested in this fascinating aspect of British culture and monarchy.