How Well Do You Really Know the British Royal Family?

By: Mark Laufgraben
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
How Well Do You Really Know the British Royal Family?
Image: The Royal Family Channel

About This Quiz

The British royal family has changed many times through history, but their role today is still at the forefront of British culture. They are held up as models for civilized behavior and nobility, and they work extremely hard to properly reflect those cherished values. The royal family is watched and celebrated by the whole world. We anticipate the new additions to the family, such as Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, child of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. We follow their travels and fashion choices. But being royal does not come easy. In order to be what the world demands of them - and what they demand of themselves - the British royals are bound by innumerable rules and restrictions that govern how they live their lives.

Beyond the restrictions that royals face, people that engage with them are likewise enveloped by gossamer bonds of decorum. The result is a very particular, almost funny, little culture whose purpose is, paradoxically, to present a very un-funny public image of themselves. At the center of it all is the sovereign, the queen, who is at once completely dominated by these rules and yet simultaneously the beneficiary of many of them. It's good to be the queen - at least sometimes - and she has allowed her own peccadilloes and particularities shine through into the modern royal family, thus putting her own spin on the world she moves in. 

How much do you know about the queen and her family? Are you a master of court etiquette? Prove your knowledge or put it to the test with our British royal family quiz!

Meghan Markle
BBC
At what age was Meghan married to Harry?
18.
36.
23.
28.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Meghan Markle was wed at the age of 36. The ideal age range for marriage, with the lowest subsequent divorce rate, is between 28 and 32.

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Meghan Markle
BBC
Who is seventh in line to the throne?
Prince George
Princess Charlotte
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor
Prince Harry
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Meghan Markle's son, who has yet to be named, was born seventh in line to the crown. He was born on May 6th, 2019 and weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces. Prince Harry is the sixth in line to the throne.

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The Queen smirking
BBC
Who do royals need permission from to marry?
The queen herself!
Parliament!
Only the House of Lords!
A public plebiscite!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In order to marry, members of the royal family need the direct permission of the queen. One would hope that nowadays this is a mere formality, but the reality is that no one knows but the queen herself - and she isn't telling!

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a prominent royal woman in party wear
The Royal Family
What do all royal women need to wear to formal events?
Hats!
Brooches!
Rings!
The insignia of the house of Windsor.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ladies need to wear hats. It's not just a good idea, it's the (royal) law! One positive upshot of this rule is that royal gatherings are particularly fashionable affairs, with a bevvy of creative headwear on display.

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pictures of two heirs together- Charles and William
Prince's Trust
What is the royal rule about heirs and traveling?
Two heirs cannot be at the same event!
Two heirs cannot travel together!
Two heirs cannot win the same award!
Two heirs cannot be in line for the same property!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Two royal heirs cannot travel together. Travel can be naturally dangerous - engine failure and the like - and of course there are always concerns about terrorist attacks and the like.

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Queen with purse
Inside Edition
What piece of body language means the queen has finished a conversation?
She removes her hat.
She moves her purse from one arm to the other.
She gives a slight bow.
She offers to shake your hand.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The queen relocating her purse is a subtle signal that she needs to conclude the conversation. Don't take it as an insult - the queen has many, many social responsibilities to fulfill!

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a royal dinner
The Royal Family
How does the queen converse at dinner?
The queen starts by speaking to the person to her left.
The queen converses as she pleases!
The queen addresses the entire table jointly.
The queen starts by speaking to the person to her right.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Even the queen is bound by these royal rules, which exist to smooth social situations. She will always start the meal conversing with the person to her right, and after the course changes, switch to her left.

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The Queen and Phillip
ODN
How does the queen stroll with her royal consort?
Philip walks ahead of her to be ware of danger.
They walk side by side.
Philip walks a few steps behind her.
The queen always walks alone.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The deference that must be shown the queen includes even in as simple a manner as being out for a walk, and it extends to her Philip following her a few steps behind. If this is awkward, this is a matter they keep between them!

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The Queen on a trip
The Royal Family
How is the queen's passport used when she travels in the Commonwealth?
The queen doesn't need a passport to travel!
Only a specially assigned passport agent may assess it.
She herself renews it, using a royal stamp.
The queen needs to follow the same rules as everyone else!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The queen is herself the sovereign, and she needs permission from no one to travel, nor does she need to prove her identity to anyone. To do otherwise would be an insult to her status.

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one of the Queen's corgis
ABC News
What was once cause for the queen to fire a footman?
He stole one of her corgis and replaced it with a shelter dog!
He took her corgis out to the zoo!
He had been getting her corgis drunk!
He accidentally got one of the corgis pregnant while out for a walk at the park!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The queen was once compelled to fire a footman when she discovered that he had been dispensing gin to her faithful corgis! The dogs would get drunk, and there was the fear they would become addicted!

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royal dog food
Shutterstock
What kind of food do the royal corgis eat?
They just receive normal dog food. They're just dogs, after all.
They receive special gourmet meals prepared just for them.
They eat a special dog food that even has its own unique brand.
They actually eat scraps from the royal table!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The royal corgis, as befitting their status, receive specially prepared meals that are crafted based on their particular nutritional needs. It's good to be a royal dog!

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Harry and Meghan
Northern Ireland Office via Wiki Commons
What kind of affection are royals permitted to show in public?
A quick kiss, that's it!
Whatever they feel like - they're royals!
No public displays of affection are permitted.
There are particular rules about hugging and kissing, and how to go about each.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although it might seem restrictive, the fact is that royals are not supposed to engage in public displays of affection. The obvious reason for this is that it humanizes them and subtracts from the air of dignity that they are supposed to project at all times.

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tiara
Shutterstock
Who is permitted to wear a tiara?
Any royal may wear one, assuming the queen has one on.
They may be worn by any royal women, but only at matters of state.
Only married royals can wear them.
Tiaras can only be worn by royal children younger than 13.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Only married royals are permitted to wear tiaras. This of course conveniently marks them in a crowd, and allows them to be avoided by the endless array of would-be royal marriage seekers!

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document signing
Shutterstock
How do you get a royal's autograph?
You don't.
You go through a particular bureau and wait 4 to 6 months.
You contact the royal's publicist.
You ask them politely after they offer to sign one for you.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Signing autographs is not a thing that royals do. It is true that they are famous, like movie or music stars, but unlike the latter, they must maintain an air of dignity and decorum that forbids using their signature as a public relations tool!

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breakfast
Shutterstock
How does the queen eat breakfast?
Alone, with her dogs.
In a particular ceremony, unchanged since the 1800s.
In public, with the common folk.
From tupperware containers, with cornflakes, her favorite.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Yes, the Queen likes her cornflakes. And the rest of her breakfast is served to her in tupperware, accompanied by English Breakfast Tea, which is actually a very "common" brand!

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UK drivers license
Juliet White/Photographer's Choice RF/Getty Images
How did the queen get her driver's license?
She was administered the test by her father, the King.
She doesn't need a license!
She has a special, one-of-a-kind license made just for her.
There is a "royal" classification for licenses, of which hers is one.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There is no one with the proper authority to license the queen. As the sovereign, the queen is the source of authority, and hence she does not need to be licensed by anyone to drive.

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tea cup
Shutterstock
How do royals hold their teacups?
Thumb and index holding the top, middle finger supporting the bottom.
Any way they like!
In a grip using all of their fingers.
Using only pinkie and middle finger.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The rules of etiquette are demanding, and they extend to there being a proper way to drink tea. When everyone does these things correctly, an air of proper civility and decorum is maintained.

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tiara
Shutterstock
What is Meghan's official title, now that she has married Harry?
Countess.
Queen-in-waiting.
Duchess.
Princess Meghan.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Trick question: Meghan is indeed now a princess, but she is not called Princess Meghan. That would be for full blooded royal princesses only. She is now HRH Princess Henry of Wales, thus taking her husband's name. And she is also the Duchess of Sussex.

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a royal dinner
The Royal Family
How do you know when dinner is coming to an end?
Time is set ahead of time.
The queen gives a particular cough.
The queen places her handbag on the table.
There is no set time when dinner must end.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The queen is of course the arbiter of how long a social engagement like dinner will continue. She will signal that things are wrapping up by placing her bag on the table, which means everybody's got five minutes!

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kate middleton
Nick Warner via Wiki Commons
What is the royal family's nickname for Kate?
They simply call her Kate.
They call her Catherine, as nicknames are not permitted.
Katie!
Katy-did!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Decorum and dignity are key to the image the royals present to the public, so it should come as no surprise that nicknames are not permitted. Kate may have been Kate her entire life, but in the royal family she is Catherine.

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vegetables
Shutterstock
Which food is BANNED at Buckingham palace?
Tumeric!
Ginger!
Lettuce!
Garlic!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The queen despises garlic, so out it goes. Her power most definitely extends to what is on the menu, and by all accounts she has personally intervened on this matter.

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a royal dinner table
Real Stories
Which of these foods is forbidden at dinner?
Mushrooms
Bread
Beef
Pasta
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pasta is forbidden from being eaten at dinner. For whatever reason, the queen sees it as an inappropriate choice for that meal, so out it goes!

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The Queen on holiday
Braemar Media
Which country was the queen the first British ruler to visit?
China.
Argentina.
Japan.
Cordoba.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Royals are too busy with affairs of State to do much traveling outside the Commonwealth, and the previously closed or chaotic nature of China under communism meant that prior to the queen in 2017, no British sovereign had visited there.

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A dinner plate full of food
Shutterstock
What food are the royals generally forbidden from eating?
Chicken.
Shellfish.
Pasta.
Goose.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although no one can actually enforce this, the royals are not supposed to eat shellfish. This is for simple safety reasons - shellfish of course has a slightly higher risk of contaminants than many other foods.

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a palace celebration
The Royal Family
What is the queen's album called?
"Fun with the Queen."
"Dance with Her Royal Highness."
"Rockin' the Royals."
"Party at the Palace."
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Party at the Palace was a live concert held at Buckingham as part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee. The ensuing album of the concert sold very well indeed, and was certified gold!

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casual clothes
Shutterstock
What are the rules for royals about wearing casual clothes?
You can't wear casual clothes in public.
You can wear what you like - you're a royal!
You can wear it on holiday.
They can only wear a particular line of "casualwear" that actually looks semi formal.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Projecting the proper image is extremely important for the royal family, and they are not permitted to look like schlubs. If you are in the public eye, you must wear formal clothing.

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Queen_Elizabeth_II, bright dress
Titanic Belfast via Wiki Commons
Why does the queen wear bright clothing?
To stand out in a crowd.
Because she likes it, silly!
It is royal tradition.
Because of the fashion designer she favors.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The queen may indeed like bright colors, but she wears the clothes she does in order to stand out. Socially it is always helpful to be able to find the queen at a glance, and in a dangerous situation she needs to be able to be spotted instantly.

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Prince Harry smiling for a picture
Wiki Commons
Which royal reputedly takes the most selfies?
William.
Harry.
Royals do not selfie.
The queen herself!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Royals do not selfie. Again, this kind of undignified modern affectation is seen as lacking dignity and is not smiled upon by the British royal family. Let others take pictures of them.

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the royal emblem
Sodacan via Wiki Commons
What is the surname of the royal family?
They do not need one.
Mountbatten-Windsor.
Saxebourg-Gotha.
Tudor.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The name of the royal house has changed down through the ages, as royal lines have died out, merged out, or even been replaced wholesale. The current royal family is Mountbatten-Windsor, or just Windsor.

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board game
Shutterstock
What board game is the royal family not allowed to play?
Parcheesi.
Monopoly.
Battleship.
Sorry!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Amazingly, royals are not allowed to play Monopoly at home. Prince Andrew explained that "it gets too vicious."

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close up of the Queen's hand
CBC News
What nail polish does the queen wear?
Chanel's "Vamp."
Essie's "Ballet Slippers."
China Glaze's "For Audrey."
Sally Hansel's "Bare Dare."
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Essie's Ballet Slippers is the only color that the queen will allow on her nails. And what the queen wants, I assure you the queen gets! It is thought of as a fairly neutral or "safe" shade.

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wedding
Shutterstock
Who were the royals permitted to marry in 2011?
Scots
Irish
Catholics
Americans
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The queen is of course the head of the Church of England, and there has been an enduring conflict between the Church of England and the Catholic Church from which it sprang. Nowadays, people are a little bit more laid back in this regard.

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horse
Shutterstock
What hobby is the queen extremely successful at?
Horse racing!
Ballet!
Martial Arts!
Baseball!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The queen owns many stables of horses, and her horses have had an extraordinarily above average rate of victory at the various races. Something any royal would be proud of!

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Queen Elizabeth standing
Wiki Commons
If the queen stands, you must:
Stand as well.
Sit.
Lie down.
Leave the room.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If the queen is standing, you are standing. To do otherwise is to offer an insult to the royal person. Obviously exceptions are made for people with disabilities or who have taken ill, however.

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the queen, departing
WSJ
How do you end a conversation with the queen?
With a curtsy or bow.
You don't.
By kissing her hand.
By averting your gaze.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The queen will decide when a conversation with you is over. In theory, nothing you have to do is more important than talking with the queen, if she so wishes it!

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the queen from behind
Guardian News
When is one allowed to turn one's back on the queen?
When gestured to by her handmaid.
At the end of the social engagement.
You don't.
When you are done speaking.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One does not turn one's back to the queen. If she wishes to depart, she will do so, and until that time you are expected to be available to her as a courtesy befitting her station.

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couple argument
Shutterstock
What objects did the queen hurl at her husband, way back in 1954?
An accordian
A tennis racket and shoes
A baseball bat
A cricket bat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

We are all of us human beings, and things do not always go according to plan. In one particularly notable row, her Majesty hurled a pair of shoes and a tennis racket at her Philip. One must assume that the shoes and racket were flattered to be so used.

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parliament
Shutterstock
What political faction do the royals favor?
Royals do not play politics.
Conservatives.
Labour.
Both, depending on their personal leanings.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Royals do not take a role in temporal politics. Should they back a winning horse, so to speak, it would only improve the status of the winners, whereas if they backed losers their own status would diminish. Correspondingly, they are beyond such matters.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
ITV News
What color clothes to the royals always have on hand?
Brown.
Black.
Red.
Navy.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tragedies strike at unknown and unknowable times, so the royal family must always be prepared with sober styled clothing. This isn't being fatalistic, it's simply decorum.

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Diana's older sister
BBC One
Who did Charles date prior to Diana?
Diana's cousin!
Diana's best friend!
Diana's older sister!
Diana's schoolmate!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Prince Charles dated Sarah Spencer back in 1977. She claims to have introduced Charles to her younger sister Diana, in fact.

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The Royal Family Channel