When we think of Britain’s royal family, we associate them with timeless sophistication, exquisite style and an effortless charm. There have been 63 monarchs across England and Britain over 1200 years, each contributing to the legacy in their own way.
Over the past century, several members have undergone remarkable changes in appearance and public conduct. Have you ever wondered what the royal members looked like as children? Let’s find out.
To begin with, Queen Elizabeth’s mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, was born in 1900 as the ninth child of her parents. According to her biography, she grew up in a healthy family filled with joy and happiness, which was a good environment for her.
Born on 14 August 1900, the London native survived two world wars and a serious house fire at Glamis Castle, where she grew up. Elizabeth was 14 when Britain declared war on Germany during the Great War. Her elder brother, Fergus, an officer in the Black Watch Regiment, was killed in the Battle of Loos in 1915.
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She later married King George VI (then Prince Albert, Duke of York) and lived a dramatic life while witnessing major historical moments unfold. Her style as a child resembled iconic Edwardian looks, comprising white lacy dresses with large embroidery, big bows and long stockings.
Second, we have Queen Elizabeth II, born Princess Elizabeth in 1926 to the Queen Mother. She grew up during a period described as “on the brink of industrial chaos.”
The mother of four, Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward, was not initially expected to inherit the throne, as her parents hoped for a son and her uncle could have provided heirs to replace her. However, when her father abruptly died after an illness, she was bound to become queen at 25.
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Elizabeth II became the head of seven independent Commonwealth countries. She went on to become the world’s longest-reigning monarch by 2015. Throughout her time, she was known for wearing bright signature colors, floral prints, long, solid skirts, and unique hats.
According to The Business Insider, royal curator Caroline de Guitaut told the New York Times. “The queen has always been aware that she needs to stand out from the crowd, and it is for this reason that millinery has always played an important role in her wardrobe.”
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Third, we have Princess Anne, Elizabeth, and Philip’s daughter, who developed a passion for horseback riding in her childhood and was successful in equestrian competitions, winning the individual European Championship in 1971.
According to The List, she was considered the daring sister amongst all her siblings and was known to mirror her father’s blunt and duty- driven, strong personality.
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In contrast, Anne’s brother and the youngest child of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Edward, was a quiet, introverted child who enjoyed spending time alone.
By the time he went to boarding school in Scotland, he had a geeky personality immersed in books and self-development and excelled in both studies and sports. He later pursued a career in television production before stepping away to focus on royal duties.
Finally, we have the two brothers, Prince Harry and Prince William. As the eldest child of Prince (now King) Charles and Princess Diana, William was heir to the throne, and circumstances as a prince in the spotlight matured quite early on despite witnessing Princess Diana’s tragic death in 1997.
Both brothers saw their mother wallow in grief and media scrutiny, even after their parents divorced in 1996. While Diana devoted herself to raising Prince William and Harry, she was in agony, dilemma, and confusion during her last days.
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When Diana died, William and Harry, who were aged 15 and 12, could not process their loss. Media outlets wrote about Diana’s life and covered every aspect of the difficulties and alleged abuse she endured.
However, since Diana’s death, Harry has matured into a responsible, loving husband and father. While his ginger hair remains iconic, despite stepping away from royal duties in 2020, he has managed to retain his aura beyond the royal tag.
