IT’S fair to say that the Royal Family is the most famous dynasty in Britain.
Thanks to their heritage, they are known for living in luxury, but there are many members of the monarchy who remain “working royals” and committed to public duty.
1
Who are the working royals in the British Royal Family?
The “working royals” are representatives of the monarch and appear on their behalf at official engagements.
This can include hosting state dinners, presenting awards, opening buildings and going on an international tour.
As The Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation.
King Charles
The most important responsibilities, like receiving heads of state, are performed by direct heirs, such as the Prince of Wales
All expenses for these royal engagements are paid for by King Charles by using income from his private estate, the Duchy of Lancaster.
However, the government pays for travel and security.
King Charles III
King Charles became the reigning monarch, after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
He was the Prince of Wales for more than 60 years and became the Duke of Edinburgh on his father’s passing before becoming King.
Not only was he the longest-serving heir apparent in British history, but also the oldest member to assume the throne.
The King’s Coronation took place on June 6, 2024, and was watched my millions of people all around the world.
In his first speech as reigning monarch, after his mother passed, King Charles pledged to serve his country: “The role and the duties of Monarchy also remain, as does the Sovereign’s particular relationship and responsibility towards the Church of England – the Church in which my own faith is so deeply rooted.
“In that faith, and the values it inspires, I have been brought up to cherish a sense of duty to others, and to hold in the greatest respect the precious traditions, freedoms and responsibilities of our unique history and our system of parliamentary government.
“As The Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation.”
Queen Camilla
Queen Camilla regularly performs duties both on her own and with her husband, King Charles.
She became a senior member of the Royal Family when she wed Charles in a civil ceremony in 2005.
The couple were married at Windsor Guildhall, followed by a Church of England Service of Prayer and Dedication at St George’s Chapel.
The pair’s wedding marked the first time a Royal Family member wed in a civil ceremony in England.
Prince William and Kate Middleton, The Prince and Princess of Wales
After his father became King, Prince William became the new Prince of Wales.
The senior royal is next in line to the throne, and he and his wife Kate Middleton have taken on more royal duties because of this, which includes overseeing King Charles’ beloved Princes’ Trust Foundation.
Over the years their royal tours have included Canada, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Although she often fulfils her royal commitments with her husband Princess Kate is well known for her solo work with charities, and is a patron of the East Anglia Children’s Hospice.
Anne, the Princess Royal
The Queen’s only daughter, Princess Anne, is considered among the hardest working of the royals.
This is due to the amount of royal engagements she undertakes.
In fact, in 2023 she carried out more than 450, which was more than any other royal.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Telegraph: “Anne is one of the best advertisements for the Royal family because she is hardworking, she is dedicated and she is popular because people look at the way she handles things and they like it.
“The public see Anne as someone who is grounded, I think the institution does need her very much.”
In 2022, Princess Anne took over from Prince Harry as Captain General of the Marines.
The post became available after Harry and wife Meghan Markle stepped down as senior royals.
One of her first duties in this role was a trip to Papua New Guinea and Australia for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Prince Edward and Sophie, The Earl and Countess of Wessex
The Queen’s youngest son Prince Edward and his wife Sophie Wessex are very active within the Royal Family.
After his mother died, they took on new titles of Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
They carry out a busy schedule of engagements across the UK and overseas for the Duke’s charities and patronages.
The couple also established a foundation, the Wessex Trust, in 1999, with a focus on helping, supporting and advancing registered charities which provide opportunities specifically for children and young people.
The couple have two children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.
Prince Richard and Birgitte, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
Prince Richard is the Queen’s first cousin, and though less well-known than the rest of the working royals, he’s been a full-timer for the Royal Family for many years.
His official residence is at Kensington Place in London.
Along with his wife Birgitte, he attends national and international events in support of the monarch.
Royal Family roles explained
