What Royal Family Is The Crown Family?

Meet the Windsors: The Royal Family Behind 'The Crown'

Ever found yourself binge-watching The Crown on Netflix, wondering who these royals are, and if they're anything like their on-screen counterparts? Well, gather 'round, because we're spilling the tea on the real-life royal family, the Windsors.

Who Are the Windsors?

The Windsors, or the British Royal Family as they're more commonly known, are the reigning monarchs of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms. They've been around since 1917, when King George V changed the name of the royal house from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to Windsor, to distance themselves from their German roots during World War I.

But let's rewind a bit. The Windsors are actually part of the House of Hanover, which has ruled the UK since 1714. So, they've been around for quite some time, and their influence can be seen in everything from British culture to politics.

Who's Who in the Windsor Family?

At the helm of the family is Queen Elizabeth II, who's been ruling the roost since 1952. She's the longest-reigning monarch in British history, and her life is the stuff of fairy tales (and Netflix series).

Next in line to the throne is her eldest son, Prince Charles, followed by his son, Prince William. You might know William as the Duke of Cambridge, or perhaps as the husband of the ever-stylish Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, are the great-grandchildren of the Queen and are fifth, fourth, and sixth in line to the throne, respectively.

But the Windsors aren't just about the direct line of succession. There are plenty of other royals in the family, including Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who stepped back from their royal duties in 2020. And let's not forget the Queen's other children, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward, each with their own unique roles within the royal family.

Royal family genealogy chart | Family tree queen elizabeth, The crown

Royal Life: A Mix of Tradition and Modernity

The Windsors are known for their rich history and traditions, but they're also a family that's evolved with the times. Queen Elizabeth II, for instance, is the first monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne. She's also the most traveled head of state in history, having visited over 100 countries during her reign.

But it's not all pomp and circumstance. The royals are also known for their charity work. The Queen is patron of over 600 charities and organizations, while Prince William and Prince Harry have been vocal about mental health awareness and other social issues. Even Prince Charles, known for his love of organic farming and the environment, has been a pioneer in sustainable living.

Royal Etiquette: A Few Tips from the Crown

Ever wondered how to curtsy like a royal, or what to do when you meet the Queen? Here are a few tips straight from the crown:

2024: Our favourite photos from the Royal Family • The Crown Chronicles

• Meeting the Queen: A simple "Your Majesty" will do. You don't need to curtsy or bow unless you're male and wearing a hat (in which case, you should remove it and bow).
• Dining with royals: Start eating only when the Queen does. And if you're not sure which fork to use, just follow the Queen's lead.
• Gift-giving: The royals are known for their love of horses, dogs, and flowers. But remember, they can't accept gifts worth more than £150 without the Queen's permission.

Royal Fun Facts

Did you know that the Queen has never had a driving test? She's been driving since she was a teenager, and she's even driven a number of different vehicles, including a tank!

And how about this for a fun fact: Prince Harry and Prince William were once in a boy band together. They performed at a charity concert in 2002, and their band was called 'Wings'. Unfortunately, there's no footage of their performance, but we can only imagine the royal harmonies.

Reflections: The Windsors in Our Daily Lives

The Windsors might seem like a world away from our daily lives, but they've influenced everything from our language to our culture. Think about it: we use phrases like "the elephant in the room" and "knock on wood" because of the royals. And who can forget the Queen's iconic line from The Crown: "You can't run a country like you would a household."

But perhaps the most important lesson the Windsors can teach us is the power of tradition and change. They've shown us that even in a world that's constantly evolving, there's still room for history and ceremony. And that's something worth celebrating, whether you're a royal watcher or not.