With the recent Queen Elizabeth’s passing, it has come to light how little everyone understands about the royal family, especially Americans. When it comes to the family tree, family dynamics, and succession to the throne, there is a lot to unpack. 

The Royal Family Tree

Starting with Queen Elizabeth the first and King George VI, the two had 2 children: Princess Elizabeth II and Princess Margret. Elizabeth II married Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark in 1947 before becoming queen in 1953. This was the “First Generation”.

Moving onto the “Second Generation”, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had four children: Anne the Princess Royal, Prince Edward Earl of Wessex, Prince Andrew Duke of York, and the heir to the crown, Charles Prince of Wales who as of now is known as King Charles III. 

The “Third Generation” are who are most known, children of Prince Charles and Princess Diana: Prince William Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales. Prince William is next in line for the throne after his father, and Prince Harry has left his royal duties with his wife Meghan Markle. 

Lastly, the “Fourth Generation ” children of Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge: Prince George of Wales (successor to the throne), Princess Charlotte of Wales, and Prince Louis of Wales. Harry and Meghan have two children: Archie and Lilibet. 

Family Dynamics

There’s no question that the royal family has some rather questionable dynamics. For example, Queen Elizabeth II was married to her cousin she’s known since childhood. They were both great-great-grandchildren of Queen Victoria making them third cousins. 

Princess Diana, formally married to King Charles III, was cheated on twice by the king. After her death in 1997, the king married his current wife: Camilla, Queen of Consort. 

In terms of family rules, nobody is supposed to touch the royals, even though that rule is usually ignored nowadays. If you are dining with the monarch, you are required to stop eating once the monarch is finished with their food. Members of the royal family are not allowed to run for office nor have political views. 

Succession To The Throne & Titles

Marrying into the royal family does not mean you are in line for the throne. Princess Catherine Middleton will never have a chance at becoming queen, even though her husband is next in line for the throne. The wife of a king is named “Queen of Consort”, but the husband of a queen is named “Prince of Consort”.

The current line of the throne goes: King Charles (current), Prince William, then Prince George of Cambridge.

There are also titles such as Duke and Dutchess. Each has their own name, such as Duke of Cornwell, or Duke of Cambridge. Based on the positions in the family tree is how these titles are assigned, and as one becomes a prince or princess, they acquire new titles.