The British Royal Family

The British Royal Family

The term “The Royal Family” has no strict legal definition. Nor does the family have a constitutional role, but the work of its members is an essential part of the modern monarchy.

Queen Elizabeth II became Queen of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth on the sixth of February ,nineteen fifty-two (1952) . As of today she has reigned for 60 years, and she is celebrating the Diamond (60th) Jubilee of her reign in two thousand twelve. She is head of the British Royal Family, has 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchilden, and is 86 years old.

Her eldest son Prince Charles who was 64 years old on 14th November two thousand twelve (2012) is currently the longest waiting and the second oldest ever heir to the throne.

The Queen's husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is 91 years old.

On the twenty-nine (29^th) of April two thousand eleven (2011) the Queen's grandson Prince William, who is 2nd in line to the throne, married Catherine (Kate) Middleton in Westminster Abbey. They are now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and in Scotland the Earl and Countess of Strathearn. On the third of December 2012 it was announced that they are expecting their first child who will become 3rd in Line of Succession to the thone.

Many places in London are closely connected with the Crown. There are royal palaces, royal parks, roads and streets where beautiful ceremonies are held. The most important building is Buckingham Palace which is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. The Mall, a wide avenue used for royal processions runs from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace through St. James's Park.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh move throughout the year between five houses, the official residences of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, and the Queen's private homes at Sandringham and Balmoral.

All together there are ten royal parks in and around London which are owned by the Crown. They are open to the public free of charge. Each park has its own character. Hyde Park, for example, used to be a hunting forest. Regent's Park was also a hunting place and is now the home of London Zoo, and an open-air theatre which gives performances of Shakespeare's plays in summer.

Queen Victoria's granddaughter. Elizabeth II is on the British throne now. The Queen's title in the United Kingdom is Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, etcetera, etc. etc.

Queen Elizabeth II has been supported throughout her reign by members of the Royal Family who as well as having their own private and official lives serve the country and the commonwealth whenever called to do so.