Relationships between Members of the British Royal Family

[sliver_bic]

Watching the body language when the royals are together I get the distinct feeling that most of the Queen's children barely talk to each other but that Andrew is on the outer with all of them - and has been for years.

Charles, I understand. Anne as well considering that, after her mother, she's the embodiment of the hard working royal. Edward, well that's for someone who knows more about him to decide.

 

[CrownPrincess5]

But they're family. They're brothers for god sakes. Does that mean anything to them?

 

[Mirabel]

There's a considerable age gap between them, and often when that happens, siblings aren't as close. At least that's what I have observed.

 

[HRH Princess Sonya]

But they're family. They're brothers for god sakes. Does that mean anything to them?

My thought exactly. I have always taught my kids no matter what you are family let nothing & no one come between you.

 

[Iluvbertie]

But they're family. They're brothers for god sakes. Does that mean anything to them?

To a certain extent but Charles has to concern himself with his own future and that of his sons. If Andrew's actions are seen as threatening that then Andrew will need to be cast adrift.

They might be brothers but they are also over 11 years apart in age with very different upbringings. Charles was rarely allowed near his mother when she was doing her 'Queen' job while Andrew actively played in their mother's office while she did that. Charles was very formally raised while Andrew had a more relaxed upbringing. Charles is his mother's heir but not her favourite - in fact from all the reports he comes across as the least favourite of the children of either parents (that isn't the same as saying that the parents don't love him - I have no doubts that they both love him dearly but they both prefer all of the other siblings).

Andrew also looks at Charles with Camilla and probably resents that fact that Charles has been allowed to find happiness in his life but he, Andrew can't find that. There are also the reports for over a decade now that Charles wants to cut down the size of the royal family and that means that his daughters will not get all the perks of being princesses.

I find it interesting that this is all put on Charles but I think it is far more deep than that - it goes both ways. Andrew and Charles had different upbringings, except for service in the navy (and Charles has stated that he was jealous that Andrew saw active service while he didn't - as much down to the timing of the war as to the fact that Andrew was only 2nd in line at the time of the Falklands War - yes I know William was on the way but Andrew was still 2nd) have very little if anything in common. Even the sports they play are different. I remember reading years ago that every time Andrew was sent somewhere to do something e.g. to Canada on a formal tour before he married Sarah he was determined to do things that Charles hadn't done and so he went further north than Charles had done on his tour some years earlier - sibling rivalry that has continued to this day.

It is rare to ever see them together - or to see Charles interacting with Beatrice or Eugenie either. Seeing them in the carriage together at Ascot just reminded me of how rarely they seem to interact at all.

 

[mommabee]

I had heard a few years ago that, in the interests of downsizing the "working" royal family,Beatrice and Eugenie were supposed to lose their titles of "Princess" when they turned 21, but of course that has not happened. But I have also read that the Queen does not want them to take part as working royals, but to get jobs and lead private lives. As Grandchildren of the Monarch they are entitled to the HRH ( even the Wessex kids, even if they are not called 'Prince" and "Princess"). But I have not noticed any pictures of Beatrice, Eugenie or the Duke of York at State dinners when Camilla, the Wessex's, and Ann are there all dolled up in full regalia. So maybe they are being frozen out some???

 

[Iluvbertie]

I had heard a few years ago that, in the interests of downsizing the "working" royal family,Beatrice and Eugenie were supposed to lose their titles of "Princess" when they turned 21, but of course that has not happened. But I have also read that the Queen does not want them to take part as working royals, but to get jobs and lead private lives. As Grandchildren of the Monarch they are entitled to the HRH ( even the Wessex kids, even if they are not called 'Prince" and "Princess"). But I have not noticed any pictures of Beatrice, Eugenie or the Duke of York at State dinners when Camilla, the Wessex's, and Ann are there all dolled up in full regalia. So maybe they are being frozen out some???

None of the Queen's grandchildren have yet attended any of these formal events - even William.

The girls wouldn't be attending yet anyway as they have both been still in full time education. Andrew does attend but...as he doesn't have a woman on his arm for people to discuss her clothes, jewellery and tiara, he doesn't get the coverage.

In time I expect that they will start attending these events - in 10 or so years but otherwise I suspect they will be working in real jobs and turning up to events on the weekends - like the Linleys and other minor royals - who are also grandchildren of a monarch.

 

[Meadow]

I agree I think Charles will change what Andrew does when he becomes King. The Queen has always been very soft with Andrew and he has been able to get away with a lot over the years. His role doesn't seem to be working out that well and if he continues to bring negative attention to it no matter how the Queen feels he may be forced to give it up. Officials have wanted him stopped for some time. You rarely hear anything positive about what he does. His bad attitude and waste of money have been getting more and more interest. I think he is being watched by the Palace and outside very closely. The whole Sarah fiasco hasn't helped and there will always be a question mark over whether he knew it was going on and if it happened before! Charles does seem to be the odd one out although I always thought he and Anne had a closeness.

 

[Iluvbertie]

I agree I think Charles will change what Andrew does when he becomes King. The Queen has always been very soft with Andrew and he has been able to get away with a lot over the years. His role doesn't seem to be working out that well and if he continues to bring negative attention to it no matter how the Queen feels he may be forced to give it up. Officials have wanted him stopped for some time. You rarely hear anything positive about what he does. His bad attitude and waste of money have been getting more and more interest. I think he is being watched by the Palace and outside very closely. The whole Sarah fiasco hasn't helped and there will always be a question mark over whether he knew it was going on and if it happened before! Charles does seem to be the odd one out although I always thought he and Anne had a closeness.

A lot of business people have given positive reports of Andrew's role but they get lost in the negative stories. BBC News - Prince Andrew: Hague joins defence of UK trade envoy This is William Hague saying he has done a good job

British PM supports Prince Andrew after sex offender link revelation This puts out the good and the bad with the government, including the PM Cameron, coming out in support of Andrew.

Charles and Anne are relatively close.

To me it is Andrew who is the odd one out - no official partner, reviled in the press, Sarah still living with him and she is loathed both by the family and the public.

 

[wbenson]

But they're family. They're brothers for god sakes. Does that mean anything to them?

Maybe it doesn't mean all that much to them. Sometimes siblings just don't have much in common. Charles was 11 years old and in boarding school when Andrew was born. They probably had very few common experiences growing up. And sometimes siblings don't get along for whatever reason. I suppose that's sad in ways, but I think that in some cases, repairing a relationship that was never really all that great in the first place just isn't worth the effort.

 

[Mirabel]

To me it is Andrew who is the odd one out - no official partner, reviled in the press, Sarah still living with him and she is loathed both by the family and the public.

I tend to agree; in recent years Charles has devoted himself to living down the scandals from the fallout of his first marriage, and I believe he sees Andrew and Sarah as undermining his efforts. I think this has more to do with any coldness between them than ancient instances of sibling rivalry. (But I also agree with the person who expects things to change when Charles becomes the monarch; he is unlikely to indulge Andrew the way the Queen has). Many VIPs describe Andrew as brusque and arrogant, with no diplomatic skills at all; it might be best if he were to resign his post.

 

[Grandduchess24]

I just wonder a couple of things of what the queen's grandchildren are like toward each other?
What the relationship is like between William and his princess cousins seeing as Wills didn't invite their mother to the wedding
And the queen's children with their parents like if Phillip or Elizabeth have a favorite child or grandchildren

 

[Mermaid1962]

They also fared differently in their education. Both Andrew and Edward seemed to thrive at Gordonstoun, whereas Prince Charles was miserable there. It might be that the school had changed, or perhaps the younger brothers are tougher characters.

Maybe it doesn't mean all that much to them. Sometimes siblings just don't have much in common. Charles was 11 years old and in boarding school when Andrew was born.

 

[Iluvbertie]

They also fared differently in their education. Both Andrew and Edward seemed to thrive at Gordonstoun, whereas Prince Charles was miserable there. It might be that the school had changed, or perhaps the younger brothers are tougher characters.

The school had changed a great deal - the younger boys didn't have the cold showers etc that Charles faced.

The school didn't suit Charles more sensitive nature while Andrew thrived there and Edward also found his niche there - as did their father and Peter and Zara Philips (the school is now co-ed).

I just wonder a couple of things of what the queen's grandchildren are like toward each other?
What the relationship is like between William and his princess cousins seeing as Wills didn't invite their mother to the wedding
And the queen's children with their parents like if Phillip or Elizabeth have a favorite child or grandchildren

The grandchildren seem friendly enough particularly the Philips' and Wales children.

Again the Yorks are that much younger that at times I think they are in the middle a bit - but they do socialise at the same places at least as Harry - we have seen photos of both Beatrice and Eugenie at the same nightclub so we can assume that get along reasonably well.

 

[fascinator]

Well I would have to say no or if they do it's extremely rare. For some reason to me the British RF seems so institutional and business like. They don't seem to be a "real" family. Obviously I have no proof other than the pictures and the occasions in which we see them.

It's impossible to speculate.

Most interaction is in their homes and we really have no idea about their lives, other than what they intentionally expose. We are the very public that they take such pains to shield themselves from, so we know very little about any of them.

 

[Iluvbertie]

Although normally when we see them greet each other it is very formal occasionally we get a glimpse into something different e.g. Ascot 2008 Prince Charles Pictures - Royal Ascot 2008 - Day 1 - Zimbio and the way Charles is almost knocked over when Zara greets him.

 

[fascinator]

I just wonder a couple of things of what the queen's grandchildren are like toward each other?
What the relationship is like between William and his princess cousins seeing as Wills didn't invite their mother to the wedding
And the queen's children with their parents like if Phillip or Elizabeth have a favorite child or grandchildren

I would assume that Anne's children would be among their favorites. Peter Philips, her first grandchild, was supposed to be her favorite. I understand the palace was quite upset that he sold the rights to his wedding for 500K, so I don't know if that had a long term effect on their relationship.

They are clearly very proud of William.

 

[MRSJ]

I just wonder a couple of things of what the queen's grandchildren are like toward each other?
What the relationship is like between William and his princess cousins seeing as Wills didn't invite their mother to the wedding

Well it is reported Phillip and Zara are very close to William and Harry....so that's 2 cousins but not sure about the Yorks...

 

[Zonk]

Without a doubt the Wales and Phillips children are close. Definitely between the four there is like an interesting age gap (Peter born in 77, Zara in 81, William in 82 and Harry in 84). I believe that William and Harry looked up to Peter as the elder cousin and Peter was a great comfort to both boys when their mother died. I remember watching Peter and Zara at Williams wedding and they did a lot of smiling.

You can see the relationship in pictures between Zara with William and Harry. Its harder to see a relationship between the York Princesses (Beatrice in 88 and Eugenie in 91) with the Phillips but I think any relationship that they do have is off camera so to speak. Had to be something as Eugenie did a reading at Peter's wedding. Zara is more sporty (in terms of horses and Mike) and I dont see Eugenie and Beatrice with the same interests. But again we don't see them 24/7. Beatrice and Eugenie also spent time with Harry and William when Diana was alive but than after her death and the lack of Sarah's presence at BRF family events ---- the Wales and Yorks could have bonded in private. But really, what boys growing up want to be followed by their little girl cousins? Add in the fact that Zara, William and Harry appear to be horse mad...and other than seeing Beatrice on a horse when she was smaller (and attending the odd polo event) you rarely see Beatrice in that set.

Interesting that Louise (born in 2003) and James (born in 2007) will most likely have relationships with Linley and Taylor kids as they are closest in age.

Frankly I think they are like a lot of other famillies, I am closest to cousins my age and not so close with cousins who are like 11 years younger than me. You care about them but you didn't play together, experience things in the same general time period (dating, college, etc.). Basically you didn't grow up together.

But as the picture of Zara and Charles proves, we really don't know unless we see photos that give off hints of their relationships.

 

[Osipi]

From what I've read from different books, Charles was very much the big brother and enjoyed spending time with his younger brothers. That is in a nutshell what I know about the siblings interacting. I don't even know if Charles and Anne had separate nannies while they were very young. I know of the nannies and tutors for Charles but I've never read much on Charles and Anne interacting when they were young.

What I do know is that for the older siblings, it was a world of a more "old school" upbringing as in the old adage I grew up with. Children are seen and not heard. It was it like performing a royal duty to go in front of one's parents. A good example is how the children is the movie "A Sound of Music" were in front of their father.

The 60s when Andrew and Edward were born saw a bit of relaxing not only in the BRF but in a general mood. HM was more relaxed in her role as Queen that she could balance duty and family and actually enjoy her role as mom. I'm sure that Charles understands this as he got older but the memories of his upbringing and the constraints. He's a sensitive person and things matter to him. Same with Anne but we really don't see the personal side of Anne too much. She's got the reserve her mother has. For all we know, his parents could have encourage Edward in whatever venture he made just as Andrew and his choices.

When they do get all together as a family its something very private to them. We know bits and pieces of picnics and BBQs and HM likes doing the cleanups. We do not know how the family interacts with each other and really who ls close to which one. This is called having a private life.

One thing I've noticed is that they're not strangers to each other.

 

[Renata4711]

The members of "The Firm" cannot afford to be "strangers to each other". The "business" could not operate as well as it does, or seem to do.

 

[XeniaCasaraghi]

Harry and the Queen Mother

In reading books about Harry and William, I have often heard that the Queen Mother essentially ignored Prince Harry. Has anyone heard about this and if so what is your take on it? Is it just a rumor or based on fact?

 

[IloveCP]

Where exactly did you read that from?I have never heard of that.

 

[Princess of Durham]

I have read that as well but I can't recall exactly where .... it may have been in the Kitty Kelly book. UGH!!!

 

[XeniaCasaraghi]

I've read it in at least two books. I think one of them was William and Harry:Behind Palace Walls by Katie Nicholl, and in another book that might have been about William and Kate, but mentioned how the Queen Mother treated William as opposed to Harry.

 

[dbarn67]

I've heard that too but I'm not sure where either. I haven't read the Kitty Kelly book soit must have been from a different source. But I did read or hear that the Queen Mother always favored the "heir" above all others. Who know what the truth is, though.

 

[fascinator]

I've read it in at least two books. I think one of them was William and Harry:Behind Palace Walls by Katie Nicholl, and in another book that might have been about William and Kate, but mentioned how the Queen Mother treated William as opposed to Harry.

I read something in a Kate & William book about about Prince Charles ignoring Harry. A friend of Kate's who was an old friend of William's told Kate (before she had met any of William's family) how sad it was to see the way PC ignored Harry. I never read anything about the Queen Mother doing the same.

 

[XeniaCasaraghi]

Yes I also read the Prince Charles ignoring Harry theory as well, I believe that was in the Christopher Anderson book. But I ignored it because he also beleived that Harry wasn't Charles' son; so I never put much stock in that theory. But the one about the Queen Mother always kind of bothered me.

 

[IloveCP]

Doesnt Katie Nicholl write for the DailyMail,a tabloid?I think that book that she wrote is not accurate.

 

[Queen Penelope]

Doesnt Katie Nicholl write for the DailyMail,a tabloid?I think that book that she wrote is not accurate.

Yup, she does.