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The customs and historical legacy of the British monarchy captivate many, even those outside its realm. From the intricacies of regnal numbering to the protocols of protecting The Queen, this guide explores some of the most fascinating and unique traditions tied to the British Monarchy and its rulers.
10. The Sovereign Never Dies
While individual monarchs inevitably pass away, the Sovereign—the reigning Monarch—never dies. Thanks to the British Crown's operational framework, the successor assumes the throne instantly upon the death of the current ruler. Consequently, the Royal Standard (shown above) is never lowered to half-mast! However, it can be flown at half-mast over a building or vessel (excluding Buckingham Palace) if the deceased monarch's body is present there, provided the current monarch is not also in attendance at the same location.
9. Elizabeth II is Elizabeth I & II
Since James VI of Scotland ascended to the English throne, monarchs have maintained distinct numerals for England and Scotland. For instance, James VI of Scotland was also James I of England. This historical practice impacts the monarchy today. While there has been an Elizabeth I of England, there has never been an Elizabeth of Scotland. Thus, the current Queen should technically be referred to as Elizabeth I & II. However, she is not, and as a result, post boxes and other items in Scotland bearing the Royal Cypher display only the Crown of Scotland without any initials.
8. No Queen and King
Have you ever questioned why a King’s wife is called a Queen, but a Queen’s husband isn’t referred to as King? This often leads to confusion, but the explanation is straightforward. Typically, a wife takes her husband’s title and surname upon marriage (e.g., Miss L Jones becomes Mrs L Peters when marrying Mr Peters), but the opposite doesn’t apply. A title is usually granted to the man in the marriage so his wife can adopt the appropriate style. This was particularly relevant in 1947 when HRH Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten. To grant Philip a title, he was given the Duke of Edinburgh title; otherwise, he would have remained simply Philip Mountbatten (Note: He would NOT have been Prince Philip of Greece, as he renounced his Greek titles and religion to marry Princess Elizabeth in a Church of England ceremony).
7. Monarchs’ Reigning Names
When a new Monarch ascends the throne, one of the first questions they are asked after condolences is, ‘What name would you like to reign under?’ This choice isn’t dictated by their birth name but is entirely their decision. Notable examples include Queen Victoria (born Princess Alexandrina of Kent), King George VI (born Prince Albert, Duke of York), and King Edward VIII (born Prince David, Prince of Wales). Monarchs often choose different names for specific reasons. In 1936, Prince Albert chose to reign as King George VI to emphasize continuity after his brother Edward VIII abdicated. It is also anticipated that Prince Charles will reign as King George VII rather than Charles III due to the negative associations with previous King Charles. The first King Charles was executed, the second was known for his indulgent lifestyle, and the third, ‘Bonny Prince Charlie,’ never became king but would have been Charles III.
6. The UK Lacks a Written Constitution
To say the UK has no constitution would be an overstatement. Rather, it possesses a constitution, but not in the conventional sense. The United Kingdom lacks a single, written constitutional document. Instead, its constitution is derived from various parliamentary acts and long-standing traditions. This unique approach has sparked significant debate due to its ambiguity and the challenges it presents in interpretation.
5. The Queen’s Residence Isn’t the Monarch’s Official Base
Since Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837, Buckingham Palace has served as the Monarch’s official residence. However, it is not the official base of the Monarchy. Before Buckingham Palace became the primary residence, St James’s Palace, located just a short distance away, held this role. When Queen Victoria moved into Buckingham Palace, the Royal Court remained at St James’s Palace. As a result, St James’s Palace is technically the Monarchy’s official home in Britain. It is where Accession Councils gather to proclaim a new King or Queen and where foreign diplomats are accredited—known as ‘The Court of St James’!
4. The Queen’s Guards
When imagining London or England, one often pictures a tall, solitary sentry in a bearskin hat and red coat, stationed outside Buckingham Palace. These sentries are genuine soldiers from the British Army, belonging to one of the five Foot Guards regiments: Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, Welsh Guards, Irish Guards, and Scots Guards. Their role is dual-purpose—half ceremonial (guarding) and half infantry. One week, they might be standing motionless outside one of The Queen’s palaces on guard duty, and the next, they could be deployed in combat zones like Afghanistan, fighting the Taliban. The key takeaway is that these sentries are not merely decorative; they perform real military duties. When they guard, they are prepared to defend, not just to adorn. If you observe closely in the photo above, you’ll notice they carry machine guns, not ceremonial swords.
3. The Queen’s Role in Scotland
Here’s an intriguing fact. In Scotland, Her Majesty’s official residence is the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, but she only stays there for one week each year. In contrast, every summer, The Queen spends over six weeks at Balmoral Castle, also in Scotland. Despite this, Balmoral remains secondary in status to Holyroodhouse.
2. Certain Titles Are Reserved for Specific Roles
While the title of Prince of Wales is reserved for the heir to the throne, other titles are designated based on the Royal Family member’s position. The title ‘Duke of Cornwall’ is automatically granted to the Monarch’s eldest son. Similarly, the title Duke of Rothesay is given to the Monarch’s eldest son for use in Scotland (both titles are currently held by Prince Charles, the Queen’s eldest son and heir). The title Duke of York is reserved for the Monarch’s second son (currently held by Prince Andrew, the Queen’s second son). The title ‘Princess Royal’ is bestowed upon the Monarch’s eldest daughter (currently held by Princess Anne, the Queen’s first daughter). Additionally, the title of Prince Consort is reserved for the husband of a reigning Queen, though Prince Philip does not officially hold this title, as it was decided he would not be granted it.
1. State Opening of Parliament
Among all royal events, the State Opening of Parliament stands out as the most extravagant and ceremonial. Each year, Her Majesty attends the Houses of Parliament to carry out a historic ritual, officially opening the parliamentary session by delivering a speech prepared by the government, outlining the agenda for the upcoming political year. While the event is steeped in tradition, its practical significance is minimal. Despite its grandeur, the State Opening of Parliament is largely symbolic, serving as a display of the Monarch’s historical role as the nation’s supreme leader rather than a functional necessity for governing the country.
