Another name for the British Royal Family is the “House of Windsor.” They initiated and formed the name in 1917. King George V. approved this title as the British Royal Family’s official title by a decree, instead of the former name Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. It stands as the family name of the Royal Family.

The question is, is the British Royal Family German?

To answer the question, Is the British Royal Family German, we need to trace the present British royal family back to its roots. The former name Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was that of Queen Victoria’s husband, Albert. Albert was born in Germany, the prince consort of Great Britain and Ireland. Their first son was Edward VII. Therefore one can trace part of the British royal family’s roots back to Germany.

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A Brief History Of The British Royal Family

The present royal family took over from the house of Hanover because of the passing away of her last ruler, Queen Victoria, in January 1901. From 1901 to 1917, the name of the British Royal Family was Saxe-Coburg-Gotha of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the British Royal Family of the United Kingdom. In 1917, it became the House of Windsor.

The dynasty starts way back from Edward VII, who reigned from 1901 to 1910. George V continued from 1910 to 1936. Edward VIII reigned in 1936 while George VI reigned from 1936 to 1952. Presently, Elizabeth II is the reigning Queen. She has ruled from 1952 to date.

The heir and first in line to the Throne is Charles, Prince of Wales. His elder son, Prince William, is next in succession to the Royal Throne.

Present members of the British Royal Family

Below are the full names and titles of the present royal family, though those titles can change from time to time, depending on their current location and duties.

The British Royal Family consists of Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, Prince Born Philip, Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, Duchess Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince William Arthur Philip Louis, Duchess Catherine Elizabeth Middleton (Kate), Prince George Alexander Louis, Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, Prince Louis Arthur Charles, Prince Henry Charles Albert David (Harry), Duchess Rachel Meghan Markle, Prince Andrew Albert Christian Edward, Princess Beatrice Elizabeth Mary, Princess Eugenie Victoria Helena, Princess Royal Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise, and Zara Anne Elizabeth.

About Queen Elizabeth II and the British Royal family

Queen Elizabeth II assumed her Throne as Queen of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth on the 6th of February 1952. She is the current ruler of the British Royal Family. She has four children, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and is 93 years old.

Queen Elizabeth II is one of the great-granddaughters of King Alfred, and the 32nd in number. Alfred was initially the first legitimate King of England in 1871-1899. On the 21st of December 2007, she became the oldest Monarch to have ever ruled the British Empire, taking that title from Queen Victoria, who passed away on the 22nd of January 1901 at 81 years. Her birthday is on the 21st of April.

Also, on the 10th of September 2015, Queen Elizabeth II has made history as she is the longest Monarch to have ever sat on the Throne in 1,200 years of British history. The duration of her reign went beyond her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, whose reign was for 63 years from the 20th of June 1837 to the 22nd of January 1901.

The Queen and her spouse Prince Philip celebrated 70 years of marriage in 2017. Prince Philip, the Queen’s husband, is 98 years old. He has served as the Royal Consort longer than anyone in history and is the most aged spouse of a British Monarch still in power.

Elizabeth II is the current Queen of the UK of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and also the Head of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Furthermore, she is also the Queen of Canada, Jamaica, Grenada, Barbados, Australia, the Bahamas, Papua, New Zealand, New Guinea, Belize, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, the Solomon Islands, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbuda, Antigua, and Tuvalu, where Governors-General represent her. The sixteen nations of which she is Monarch are we refer to as Commonwealth Realms, and their total census is 150 million.

She’s the current Head of the Commonwealth of Nations, which includes 53 member states and about 20% of the Word’s land area in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. In her reign over the years, she has worked with 14 Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom.

Who Will Be The Next In Line To Claim The Throne?

Their eldest son, Prince Charles, is the 1st in line for succession. He is 71 years old and is the most lingered to have ever waited for the Throne. He’s also the oldest heir to the rulership ever.

Prince William, who is one is one of the Queen’s grandson, is the 2nd in line for succession to the Throne. His wife is Catherine Middleton. They are currently the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Scotland. They also double as the Earl and Countess of Strathearn.

Prince George, their first child, is now 3rd in line of succession to the Throne after his father, Prince William, and his grandfather Prince Charles. Prince William and his wife consequently gave birth to their first daughter Princess Charlotte on the 2nd of May 2015, and she is the 4th in succession to the Throne. Their 3rd child, Prince Louis, who is the 5th in succession to the Throne, was born on the 23rd of April 2018.

The Queen’s grandson, Prince Harry, is currently 6th in succession to the Throne.

British Royal Family And Government

Monarchy is the first type of government in the British Empire. In the system of monarchy, a king or Queen is Head of State. The British Monarchy is a constitutional monarchy. It means that, while the Sovereign is Head of State, the power to create and enforce legislative duties belongs to an elected Parliament.

Although the Monarch no longer has any official political duty in the elected parliament, he or she still plays an essential role in the affairs of the nation. The Monarch does constitutional and representational functions, which have progressed over one thousand years from its inception.

In addition to these state obligations, the Monarch has a limited official function as ‘Head of Nation.’ The Sovereign serves as a focal point for national identity, unity, and self-worth. He or she also ensures stability and continuity, formally promotes prosperity and excellence, and backs the concept of voluntary service.

As regards these functions stated above, the king or Queen receives the backing of members of their immediate family. They need the help and support of their immediate family to discharge these responsibilities.

Duties Of The British Royal Family

One of the responsibilities of the Royal Family is to attend public functions. Those who attend to the functions are The Monarch’s close family: her children, grandchildren, and their spouses, and the Monarch’s cousins and their spouses.

It is of widespread knowledge that the royal family participates in over 2000 formal engagements around the UK and worldwide. In cases where the Queen may not be present, the other members of the royal family may represent her in those functions. For example, The Prince of Wales and Princess Royal may present individuals and members of the public with their awards at ceremonies while representing the Queen.

When formal programs such as receptions, national banquets, and garden ceremonies hold, the Royal Family aids The Queen in addressing her guests.

Also, in situations where the Queen is absent, members of the Royal Family may take the place of The Queen at events such as State funerals or through more extended visits to stimulate Britain’s political and economic relations.

The Royal Family is also majorly involved in the public sectors and various charities. Over 3000 organizations refer to the Royal Family as chief advocates and members.

The various sectors of the economy of the nation, covering every subject from education, environment, hospitals, etc. permits members of the Royal Family to associate with individuals as regards national and local livelihood and to comprehend their interests, problems, and worries

The Royal Family also plays a vital role in supporting and motivating the work of the Armed Forces. Members of the Royal Family have official relationships with many sectors in the military, making regular visitations to soldiers, sailors, and airmen within the UK and outside the country.

Finally, the Royal Family also plays a vital role in stimulating national oneness and unity. Members of the Royal Family regularly take part in the community and local events in every location in the UK, for example, the opening of new sites to celebrations or acts of remembrance

Major Scandals Associated With The Royal Family

The British Royal Family has had its fair share of scandals as expected of a royal family in constant limelight. One of such was when King Edward VIII rejected kingship so he could wed a divorced American woman.

Princess Anne divorced her husband and wedded a worker in the royal staff in 1973. Princess Diana and an alleged lover were taped on call in 1992, and the same thing happened with her husband, Prince Charles

In 1995, Princess Diana had an interview, where she discussed Prince Charles’ affair with Camilla, and consequently, the Queen told them to get separated. Also, in 2005, Prince Harry was photographed flaunting a Nazi costume and spent a day in rehab.

Just recently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle concluded that they’re retiring from their royal obligations in a bid to become financially independent and initiate their charity.

Conclusion

The British Royal Family is an exciting family to discuss. Thus, we sought to answer the question, is the British Royal Family German? We need to understand that the British Royal Family is partly traceable to German ancestry.

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