There are moments when we feel like we have seen all of `the pictures of the British royal family. After all, they might be the most famous family in the world and they get more exposure than just about anyone else! The affluent family is always in the spotlight and we have seen some photographs over and over again. The list includes the fabulous royal weddings and other momentous events. However, we have managed to compile a gallery of snaps that few people know about. These rare images depicting the Royals are hardly seen by the general public! Read on to see photos and appreciate the side that no one knows about. We bet you will have a blast looking at these pictures!
The Most Eligible Bachelor Once Upon A Time
Take a look at Prince Philip when he was only a teenager! Back then, he had a full head of hair and he was definitely a good-looking young man. The photograph below shows him at Gordonstoun School, the Scottish exclusive school for boys he attended for secondary education. He enjoyed the time he spent there and it shaped him into the man he is now. We are sure this is why he ended up sending Prince Charles, his son, to the same school when the time came. However, the younger man apparently did not enjoy his time there as much as his father did.
The Most Eligible Bachelor Once Upon A Time
A Winning Smile Even With Braces On
Take a look at Prince Harry’s huge smile! And those braces – we weren’t even aware he had them before. Regardless, he wore them as a young man in 1999. On Christmas day that year, this photo was taken at the Sandringham Estate, the place where the royal family regularly spends the holidays. Just like other families, they exchange gifts as per tradition. This young man has definitely matured over the years, but isn’t it a pleasure to see him in his adolescent years?
A Winning Smile Even With Braces On
Summer At Park House
Here, you can see Princess Diana and Charles, her younger brother and the 9th Earl of Spencer. It was taken at Park House in Sandringham, Norfolk. The photo was snapped during the summer of 1967, the same year that their parents got separated. The divorce, however, was only finalized two years later. Diana said that she did not have an especially happy childhood as their family life proved to be unstable. It is unfortunate that she herself went through a divorce years later, an event that negatively impacted her children as well.
Summer At Park House
The Lovely Kate Middleton Lived In Jordan As A Little Girl
Here, you can see the young Duchess of Cambridge on the left. The Middleton family lived in Amman, Jordan for a couple of years when she was a little girl. She was only two years old when they moved to the Middle East, while her sister Pippa, on the right, was only an eight-month-old infant. Her father was actually employed by the British Airways at the time and they offered him the opportunity to relocate to the Jordan capital. They lived there for two years. You can see how tanned they all are from the heat of the sun!
The Lovely Kate Middleton Lived In Jordan As A Little Girl
Formalities Even At An Early Age
In this photograph, you can see the seventh birthday celebration of Prince Charles. Even at such a young age, he had to wear a Balmoral to his party. It was an original tartan kilt designed by Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, in 1853. Queen Elizabeth likes to wear it like a regular skirt herself. Many Royal family members also wear it, though they need the express permission of the Queen first. Little Charles looks adorable and serious at the same time!
Formalities Even At An Early Age
A Lovely Family Portrait
This wonderful family portrait shows Prince William with his parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana. It was snapped sometime in March of 1983 at their place of residence, the Kensington Palace. They lived in a double apartment on the north portion of the palace. Isn’t it a lovely photo? Charles and Diana looked like a couple head over heels for each other. Just like his parents, little Prince William looked content. They definitely fit the role of a perfect family.
A Lovely Family Portrait
The Little Girl Turned Heir Presumptive
Queen Elizabeth was a ten-year-old girl when the picture was taken. That was the same year that King Edward VIII abdicated the throne. He did this to marry the twice-divorced American woman Wallace Simpson whom the Church of England forbade Edward to marry. The abdication caused George VI, Elizabeth’s father, to take over the title of King of England. He only had two daughters and the elder girl, Elizabeth, became the heir presumptive from that moment onwards. To say the least, her entire life completely changed.
The Little Girl Turned Heir Presumptive
Can I Take The Dress Off Now?
Lady Jane Spencer, Diana’s sister, tied the knot just three years before Diana became Princess. She got married to Robert Fellowes in 1978 and Diana served as a bridesmaid at the ceremony. She was only 16 years old at the time and she had no say about the dress she had to wear. We have to say that it was not something she would have picked out herself! Luckily for her, she had more freedom to impress us with her amazing fashion sense a couple of years after this.
Can I Take The Dress Off Now?
An Officer In The Navy
Did you know that Prince Philip was in the Royal Navy? To be specific, he was the first lieutenant aboard the HMS Wallace! Impressively, he helped create a diversion in the middle of the Sicily invasion during an attempt to rescue the ship from a night bomber. He came up with the idea to throw wooden rafts with smoke floats overboard so that they would look like nothing more than burning debris. It was a great plan and the ship managed to sail away to safety when the enemy thought the ship had already been destroyed.
An Officer In The Navy
Attending University Instead Of Joining The Armed Forces
As we have previously mentioned, Prince Charles attended Gordonstoun School and took his A-levels there. He was able to get A-levels in French C and History B in addition to five O-levels. He enrolled at Trinity College in Cambridge University in 1967 instead of enlisting in the British Armed Forces. He read history and anthropology during his time there and he graduated in 1970. Apparently, this event made him the first heir apparent to have completed university studies.
Attending University Instead Of Joining The Armed Forces
Leaving University Behind For The Real World
Prince William and Kate Middleton first met when they were both students at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. In 2001, the two freshmen lived in the same dormitory and had numerous classes together. They both graduated from the university in 2005, many years before they got engaged. Middleton graduated with a Master of Arts degree in art history while William earned a Master of Arts degree in geography. Here is a photo of the Duchess of Cambridge on graduation day.
Leaving University Behind For The Real World
His Personal Approach To Fatherhood
The photo shows the famous Prince Charles yet again. This time, he was snapped with his sons Prince Harry and Prince William as they were spending some time in the garden. This was taken in 1988, during which Prince Charles and Princess Diana were still happily married. It’s adorable that the boys were dressed identically. It is true that they weren’t twins but they could not have been closer. They all look happy and we can take this for proof that Charles has always loved his sons.
His Personal Approach To Fatherhood
A Birthday Celebration Full of Smiles
This 1952 photograph shows Queen Elizabeth and her son Prince Charles during the little boy’s fourth birthday. Charles recently revealed that he and his mother had a cold relationship when he was growing up. Looking at this photo, you would have thought otherwise. They looked really happy together in the comfort of their beautiful home. Perhaps this is because Charles was thrilled about his birthday celebration. Clearly, the Royal family does not forget to celebrate anyone’s special day.
A Birthday Celebration Full of Smiles
An Elegant Little Lady
Below, you can see Princess Diana posing for a photo when she was just two years young! It was taken at Park House in Sandringham, Norfolk yet again. The family must have been spending some time at Sandringham Estate, the country home of the Queen. The house the family lived in was leased from Her Majesty herself for a fair sum of money. Since this little aristocrat grew up near the Royals, Diana grew up spending time with Andrew and Edward, the younger brothers of Prince Charles.
An Elegant Little Lady
The Official Announcement Of The Royal Wedding
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip officially announced their engagement on July 9, 1947. However, the engagement was not new as it was decided a year prior to the announcement. King George VI, however, said they could only let the public know after Elizabeth’s 21st birthday in April 1947. It is impressive to learn that the engagement ring Philip gave Elizabeth was a 3-carat round diamond with side stones in platinum. The couple first met in 1934 and they got to know each other after exchanging letters.
The Official Announcement Of The Royal Wedding
Princesses Raised By A Loving Mother
Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of York, was born three years after the wedding of King George and his wife Elizabeth. Four years later, the family welcomed a new addition in the form of Princess Margaret Rose. The Queen Mother was exceptionally attached to her daughters and she hated to part with them. Shortly after the birth of Elizabeth, the King and Queen had to go to Australia in order to open the Parliament house in Canberra. The Queen mother was reportedly unhappy to leave the country as she wanted to be near her baby.
Princesses Raised By A Loving Mother
Prince Harry’s Snapshot Of The Beautiful Meghan Markle And Her Baby Bump
Even if you grew up in the most luxurious home in the country, it seems like you will still find a stroll in the woods to be relaxing and romantic. That was certainly the case for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle! The Prince actually took this photo of his new wife and her noticeable baby bump. They announced the pregnancy to the world on October 15, 2018. Even as early as now, everyone wants to know what they plan on naming the baby. Some people are betting on ‘Diana’. Whatever they decide to go with, we are thrilled for the couple and the whole royal family!
Prince Harry’s Snapshot Of The Beautiful Meghan Markle And Her Baby Bump
Look Who’s Missing In This Family Portrait Taken On Prince Charles 70th Birthday
Now, we are all aware of the fact that Queen Elizabeth II decorates her audience room with photographs of her grandkids. We daresay that this lovely family portrait will definitely look perfect alongside the older portraits in her collection at the palace! Considering the fact that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have a little one coming in 2019, they will have to take a new one next year as well. This one was taken to commemorate the 70th birthday of Prince Charles in November 2018. Everyone here looks fantastic and we have to commend Kate and Meghan for the designer dresses they are wearing! It’s unfortunate that Queen Elizabeth couldn’t make it when the photograph was taken.
Look Who’s Missing in This Family Portrait Taken On Prince Charles 70th Birthday
Another Royal Baby Is On The Way
The youngest of the Royal couples went to a charity event by the Royal Variety Performance and we daresay they looked nothing short of amazing. The Duchess of Sussex stole the spotlight from her husband with her adorable baby bump and amazing outfit! The glowing Meghan Markle wore a designer ensemble by Safiyaa and it fit her figure like a glove. Prince Harry wasn’t too shabby either and he wore an outfit that matched her getup. They are due to become parents this coming spring and we definitely cannot wait to meet the newest addition to the royal family!
Another Royal Baby Is On The Way
The Controversial Princess Margaret
To the right of Queen Elizabeth II is her sister. Princess Margaret became the Countess of Snowdon and she has been known for several controversies. After the conclusion of the Second World War, she grew infatuated with the married Group Captain Peter Townsend. In 1952, he got a divorce and then proposed to Margaret. The Church of England forbade the young woman from marrying a divorcé, however. They ended the relationship and she later got married to the photographer Anthony Armstrong-Jones. Sadly, they got a divorce 18 years later and she reportedly had numerous male suitors afterward.
The Controversial Princess Margaret
The Royal Couples Go For A Walk Hand In Hand
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tried to keep their relationship as private as possible but we daresay that the actress does not seem to have any problem getting along with anyone. Apparently, she has since become close to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as well. During the engagement, Harry told the interviewer that the ladies became friends naturally. They got along like a house on fire and the news even reported how they both wore polka dot dresses several days apart last October. Among other things, Meghan and Kate apparently have great fashion sense and a pair of royal husbands in common.
The Royal Couples Go For A Walk Hand In Hand
An Actress Turned Princess
If you ever watched Suits, you probably know Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane. She has definitely come a long way since then! This photo was taken during her special day in May 2018. Meghan and Prince Harry looked gorgeous during the royal wedding and everyone adored watching the ceremony. The actress looked simple but elegant and we’re sure she will remember that day for the rest of her life. In October 2018, they announced that there was a baby on the way. The Internet went into frenzy and everyone is eagerly waiting for the birth of the baby.
An Actress Turned Princess
An Elegant Engagement Photoshoot
Queen Elizabeth II was just 21 years old when she and Prince Philip got engaged in 1947. When they finally let the public know about the engagement, they had a photoshoot for the press release. In this photograph, Elizabeth looked absolutely dazzling in a white dress and a pearl necklace. However, there were a lot of people who felt that Philip would not be a good husband for the then-princess. Luckily, their love managed to survive all the criticism and they remain in love to this date. In more recent news, Queen Elizabeth II underwent a cataract surgery in May 2018.
An Elegant Engagement Photoshoot
A Mother At Only 22
After Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip walked down the aisle, it did not take long before a child was on its way. In 1948, the royal couple welcomed Prince Charles into the world. We are sure that it must have been an exciting but challenging time for the new mother! We bet she fell in love with her son the moment she first laid her eyes on the baby. Everyone waited for the first photoshoot of the new family and they certainly delivered. Prince Charles is the person who will take over the throne after his mother.
A Mother At Only 22
A Young Girl With Mature Fashion Sense
We adore seeing pictures of the royal family members when they were little kids! Queen Elizabeth II herself was once an adorable young girl but her excellent fashion sense was already noticeable back then. She enjoyed playing dress up and it seems like she liked to wear mature clothes even then. Apparently, she carried a purse with an ‘E’ on it. She continued to express her passion for fashion as she grew older and we bet she felt thrilled whenever she wore the most fashionable designer gowns. To her left here in this photograph is her younger sister. Unfortunately, Princess Margaret succumbed to cardiac problems in 2002.
A Young Girl With Mature Fashion Sense
The Animal-Loving Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth had always been an animal-lover even when she was a little girl. The royal family traditionally owned several pet dogs and Elizabeth adored the dogs they kept. She did not mind getting down and dirty as she embraced her pet dog for this photograph! It is also clear that the pooch loved her just as much based on the kisses he gave her. Apart from dogs, Elizabeth also loves horses. We bet that they give these animals the best care that money can afford! In fact, we have to admit that we feel a little jealous of these animals.
The Animal-Loving Queen Elizabeth II
A Royal In The Army
Queen Elizabeth II is not unlike the other members of the royal family in the sense that she also served her time in the army. Most royals who join the military are men and she was actually the first woman in the family to have done so. During her time in the army, she was with the Auxiliary Territorial Service under the British Army. She underwent driving and mechanic training, even earning the rank of honorary junior commander later on. Elizabeth started her service during the Second World War. Isn’t it fascinating to see her in her army-regulated uniform instead of tailored clothing? Nonetheless, we think she looked just as good!
A Royal In The Army
The Lovable Royal Corgis
As we have previously mentioned in the other slides, Queen Elizabeth II truly loves dogs. She has a favorite breed and it is apparently corgis! These dogs have been traced back to the 10th century and she first fell in love with the breed upon meeting the first royal Corgi, a pooch named Dookie, in 1933. When she was growing up, Elizabeth liked to spend some time playing with her Pembroke Welsh Corgis. She was given a corgi, Susan, for her 18th birthday. We are sure that Elizabeth loves her pets so much she will do everything she can to keep them safe and happy!
The Lovable Royal Corgis
Quiet, Daddy
It is no secret that Queen Elizabeth II has plenty of royal duties to take care of, leaving her with little time to take care of her children. Luckily, the royals can afford to pay for nannies to attend to the kids. The Royal family hired several nannies who played a huge role in the childhood of her children. We are sure they all adored the nannies who took care of them. This photo shows Elizabeth spending some quality time with her young children. Prince Philip may have retired in 2017, but Elizabeth remains the monarch of the United Kingdom to this day.
Quiet, Daddy
Little Elizabeth
This lovely family photo shows a baby Elizabeth with her parents, George VI and Queen Elizabeth. When she was born, her grandfather King George V was the reigning monarch of the kingdom. As a young girl, Elizabeth must have not considered she would also end up on the throne. She grew up in a rather normal environment as her parents did not lead an exceptionally lavish lifestyle. Apparently, the family cleaned their own dishes and made their own meals every now and then. Elizabeth’s father died in 1952 while her mother passed away in 2002.
Little Elizabeth
Paying The Horses A Visit
When you come from an affluent family, there is a great chance that you were exposed to the equestrian lifestyle at some point. Queen Elizabeth II was particularly fond of horses and she made sure to have them around for the rest of her life. She typically goes to see the horses on the palace grounds in her free time and she always looks great during her visits! It seems like Elizabeth was born ready for the camera, regardless of the occasion. Of course, Prince Philip looked just as dashing by her side. If you wish to learn more about the Queen’s love for horses, make sure to read the book called The Little Princesses!
Paying The Horses A Visit
A Momma’s Boy Through And Through
Princess Diana was a well-loved member of the British royal family and the general public adored her even though she was surrounded by numerous scandals. It was unfortunate that her life was cut short when she was involved in a deadly car accident back in 1997. At the time, her son Prince William was only 15 years old. William was heartbroken upon hearing the news of his mother’s death since they had always been close. The photo you are looking at shows just how special their bond was. Prince William helps out with Child Bereavement UK in order to help kids who lose their parents far too early.
A Momma’s Boy Through And Through
Sisters and Best Friends
Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret were born four years apart but that did not stop them from forming a very close relationship with each other. Apparently, Princess Margaret called her by a special nickname, “Lilibeth”. They were glued to the hip and they made sure to remain in touch even after they got married and lived in separate homes. Apparently, the Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace shared a direct phone line which must have made communication much easier for the sisters! Princess Margaret was a rather controversial member of the royal family thanks to her divorce, heavy smoking, and numerous relationships with different men.
Sisters and Best Friends
Princess Anne The Award-Winning Equestrian
Isn’t it impressive to learn that Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II have been married for over seventy years already? Together, they have welcomed four lovely children into the world. However, the couple only had one daughter, Princess Anne. Like her mother, the princess also has a special fondness for horses. In fact, she even enjoyed a successful career as an equestrian. She managed to snag the gold medal for the European Eventing Championships in 1971. She holds the title for the first Royal to have competed in the Olympics as well.
Princess Anne The Award-Winning Equestrian
Little Meghan Markle On Stage
If you can’t recognize who this little girl is, we would like to confirm that it is none other than the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. She was only five years old at the time of the photo and it seems like she was born ready to perform! It figures, though, since her director of photography father frequently took her to the set. Her parents got a divorce the year after this photograph was snapped. Meghan has two half-siblings but they do not have a good relationship. Meghan and Prince Harry recently announced that they were expecting and the baby is due in the spring.
Little Meghan Markle On Stage
The Sleepy Princes With Princess Diana
Aww, isn’t this the most adorable photo of Prince William and Prince Harry you have ever seen? It was taken in 1988 when the family had been in Mallorca and the young princes were clearly ready to take a nap when they were sitting with their mother. The three had been close to each other and Prince Harry has recently become open to discussing the late Princess Diana. When he got married this May, he earned another title. Like his brother and sister-in law who became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, he and Meghan took on the title of Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The Sleepy Princes With Princess Diana
The First Photo On Meghan Markle’s Twitter Upon Receiving The Title of Duchess
Unlike the royal couples that preceded them, Harry and Meghan appear to be especially close to each other. They clearly enjoy each other’s company and they have never been shy about showing their affection, even in public. The couple must be thrilled to learn that they are about to become parents in the coming year. We sure hope they enjoy their time as a parentless couple before Meghan is due to give birth, however. It seems like Meghan is proud of her husband’s achievements and she recently posted a photo of him during the Invictus Games in the land down under.
The First Photo On Meghan Markle’s Twitter Upon Receiving The Title of Duchess
A Homecoming Queen Turned Royal
Did you know that Meghan Markle was actually born as Rachel? It’s pretty crazy that the character she portrays on the legal drama show Suits shares the same name. This gorgeous woman actually took home the title of homecoming queen in 1998 and she truly looked regal even then. However, what separates her from the rest is her down-to-earth character and warm personality. Twenty years after this photo was taken, she officially became the Duchess of Sussex upon marrying Prince Harry in May 2018. We are glad to have a royal role model who uses her influence to advocate for women and fight against gender inequality.
A Homecoming Queen Turned Royal
Coordinated Mother And Son Outfits
Prince Harry has been described as playful when he was a little boy, a contrast to his serious older brother, Prince William. Here, you can see the younger prince wearing an outfit that matches his mother’s ensemble. This is truly a precious photo of Princess Diana and her younger son! As we all know, the princess always had a fantastic fashion sense. During an interview earlier this year, Prince Harry confessed that he mourned the loss of his mother so much that he simply chose to bury his head in the sand back then.
Coordinated Mother And Son Outfits
Young Queen Elizabeth
The photograph below shows Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother in 1940. Back then, the reigning monarch was only a young girl. Despite their title and wealth, the Queen Mother never failed to teach her children some valuable life lessons. She helped mold the then-princess into a lovely young woman fit to become a queen. The Queen Mother passed away in 2002 at 101 years old. Now at 92 years old, her daughter is the longest-reigning monarch as well as the longest-serving head of state! Queen Elizabeth II has an estimated net worth of a whopping $500 million.
Young Queen Elizabeth