The British Royal Family is a centuries-old institution rich in customs and rituals. Their public and private lives are fundamentally shaped by these traditions that have been passed down through the generations. Even though some are well-known, undiscovered jewels still provide an intriguing look into the realm of royalty. These are 6 Royal Family Traditions and customs you might not know.
1. The Queen’s Speech on Christmas Day
The Christmas Day speech is the annual speech given by the monarch to the country; this custom dates back to King George V in 1932[1]. The Queen has the chance to look back on the previous year and give the Commonwealth messages of hope and solidarity during her broadcast.
This broadcast allows the Queen to reflect on the past year and convey hope and unity to the Commonwealth.
On December 25, 1952, Queen Elizabeth II gave her first Christmas speech from her study at Sandringham House1. Since it was her first Christmas greeting since taking the throne earlier that year, this was a momentous occasion.
She honored her late father, King George VI, in her speech and conveyed her appreciation for the help and allegiance she has received since becoming queen. She discussed the difficulties and obligations that lay ahead, emphasizing the value of unity and the Commonwealth’s common ideals[2].
2. Royal Family Traditions: Trooping The Colour
June marks the spectacular yearly parade known as Trooping the Colour, which honors the British monarch’s official birthday. In a show of pomp and circumstance, more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians participate in this military extravaganza.
Trooping the Colour originated in the 17th century when regimental colors were trooped, or carried, down the ranks to enable soldiers to identify their unit’s flag in times of combat. The event was initially conducted as we know it today in 1748[3], during King George II’s reign. It has been held yearly since 1820, with very few breaks.
The Ceremony
Usually held on the second Saturday in June, the event is held on Horse Guards Parade in London. More than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians come together in this amazing show of military prowess, pomp, and accuracy.
The day starts with the Household Cavalry escorting the Queen (or King) in her march from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade. The monarch, clad in a ceremonial costume, often travels by horseback, however in more recent times, a carriage has been used for transportation.
The ceremonial starts with the Inspection at Horse Guards Parade, where the king carefully examines the soldiers. The Trooping of the Colour, in which the chosen regiment’s colour is “trooped”—carried—through the ranks, comes next. The centerpiece of the event is the troops’ exquisite maneuvers and precision practice.
The Household Division, which consists of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, the Foot Guards, and the Household Cavalry, marches by to complete the event. The National Anthem is played, and the King’s Troop shoots a Royal Salute.
Modern Relevance
Trooping the Colour, transmitted to millions of people worldwide and attracting tourists from all over the world, is still significant today despite its historical origins. It acts as a reminder of the monarchy’s continued ties with the military services, as well as Britain’s historic heritage.
In conclusion, Trooping the Colour is a beloved custom of the British Royal Family that highlights the regal beauty of the monarchy and the superiority of the armed forces of Great Britain. It is a celebration of persistence, allegiance, and pride in the country that has lasted for generations.
3. Royal Family Traditions: Maundy Money Ceremony
One of the British Royal Family’s most revered and ancient customs is the Maundy Money Ceremony. This annual event, which takes place on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, honors Jesus Christ’s teaching on love for one another by performing acts of almsgiving and foot washing. It is rooted in the 13th-century reign of King Edward I.
The Christian custom of Maundy Thursday, which honors Jesus Christ’s Last Supper with his apostles, is the source of the Maundy Money Ceremony. The Latin word “mandatum,” which means “command,” is where the word “Maundy” originates. It alludes to Jesus’s injunction to his disciples to love one another.
The Ceremony
Every year, a new cathedral or abbey hosts the Maundy Money Ceremony. The current monarch attends a special church service with members of the clergy and other dignitaries. The elderly recipients of Maundy Money are chosen by the monarch during the service based on their contributions to the church and community.
The age of the king is reflected in the quantity of recipients and coins given to them. For example, 75 men and 75 women will receive Maundy Money if the king is 75 years old. Two leather purses are given to each recipient: a white handbag that holds the specially struck Maundy coins, and a red purse that holds regular money instead of food and clothing.
Modern Relevance
The Maundy Money Ceremony is still an important and vital occasion in the British Royal calendar, despite its ancient beginnings. It draws attention to the monarchy’s enduring traditions and ties to the larger society. Numerous people attend the ceremony, and it is reported in the media, demonstrating its continued significance in British culture.
In conclusion, the Maundy Money Ceremony is a deeply ingrained custom of the British Royal Family that is a perfect example of humility, generosity, and service. It is a beloved occasion that has changed over the ages without losing its spiritual or cultural importance.
4. Royal Family Traditions: The Changing of the Guard
One of the most well-known and enduring customs connected to the British Royal Family is the Guard Mounting, also called the Changing of the Guard. Visitors from all over the world attend this event, which is known for its accuracy and grandeur, on a regular basis at Buckingham Palace and other royal palaces.
Historical Background
When King Charles II reinstated the monarchy in 1660, the Changing of the Guard ceremony began. Since then, royal palaces have been guarded by the Household Division, which is in charge of defending the king and the royal houses. The actual event represents the official transfer of authority from the outgoing guard to the incoming one.
The Ceremony
The most famous is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, which usually takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, though the exact dates sometimes change. The new guard gathers at St. James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks to begin the event, and they march to Buckingham Palace with a military band in behind.
Modern Relevance
Today, large people assemble at Buckingham Palace to watch the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard, which continues to be a popular tourist destination. Additionally, it is televised globally, emphasizing the relevance and ongoing attractiveness of British customs.
Over time, the ritual has evolved to include modern musical selections and to accommodate sporadic shifts in the regiments carrying out the duty, including those from Commonwealth countries. These modifications support the tradition’s continued vitality and relevance in the contemporary period.
5. Royal Family Traditions: The Royal Ascot
One of the most famous and characteristically British occasions, the Royal Ascot has a long history and is intimately linked to the British Royal Family. Every year in June, royalty, celebrities, and the general public attend this five-day horse racing festival, which blends sport, fashion, and pageantry at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.
Historical Background
Ascot Racecourse was established by Queen Anne in 1711, marking the beginning of Royal Ascot’s history. That August, the inaugural race meeting—known as Her Majesty’s Plate—took place. Since then, Ascot’s reputation has increased, becoming it the most well-known race meeting in the UK and a major event on the social calendar in Britain.
From Tuesday through Saturday, there are five days of high-stakes horse racing at Royal Ascot, including some of the most renowned races in the world. The highlight of the festivities is the Gold Cup, which takes place on Ladies’ Day, a Thursday, and is renowned for drawing the biggest audiences and the most extravagant fashion shows.
Modern Relevance
Even in modern times, Royal Ascot remains a prominent feature of the social and sporting calendar in Britain. Many from all over the world travel to see or attend the event, bringing it international recognition. The media covers Royal Ascot extensively and trends are influenced by the fashion and style associated with the event.
The event has also changed to reflect the times, keeping its traditional charm and rigid dress standards while adding modern touches to its entertainment and hospitality options. It continues to represent British grace, heritage, and the Royal Family’s timeless appeal.
6. The Royal Family Traditions The Royal Marriages Act
One of the most important pieces of law in British history, the Royal Marriages Act of 1772, controlled the union of members of the British Royal Family. It was instituted under King George III’s reign to guarantee royal weddings, the monarch’s blessing, and protect the royal dynasty’s honor and privileges.
Historical Background
The Duke of Cumberland, the younger brother of King George III, married a commoner, which the King deemed inappropriate, prompting the passage of the Royal Marriages Act. The Act mandated that all descendants of King George II (apart from the descendants of princesses who married into foreign houses) acquire the sovereign’s authorization before getting married to prevent future marriages that would jeopardize the royal family’s standing and political ties.
Notable Cases
- King George IV and Maria Fitzherbert: Without his father’s approval, George IV secretly wed the Catholic widow Maria Fitzherbert while serving as Prince of Wales. The Act ruled the marriage null and void.
- Without the queen’s approval, Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex, wed Lady Augusta Murray and then Lady Cecilia Underwood. His children were regarded as illegitimate, and both of his marriages were ruled null and void.
Repeal and Contemporary Law
For more than 240 years, the Royal Marriages Act was in effect, affecting many royal marriage. The Succession to the Crown Act of 2013, which updated the laws surrounding royal weddings, took its place, though, when it was repealed.
Modern Relevance
The Royal Marriages Act’s repeal represents the British monarchy’s adjustment to modern norms, granting members of the royal family more personal independence while preserving the institution’s core customs and stability.
In conclusion, the Royal Marriages Act was a noteworthy custom that influenced marital preferences and royal family dynamics for more than 200 years. Its removal and replacement by more recent laws demonstrate how the monarchy can change with the times without sacrificing its essential principles or continuity.
