Rare Photos Show What Life Is Like In The Royal Family

For centuries, the British Royal family has provided us with endless entertainment! Let’s be honest – who doesn’t love to see a gorgeous Prince and Princess at their fairytale weddings? We’ve loved watching William and Kate tie the knot in 2011, or Harry saying his vows to Meghan Markle.

But if you’re like us and can’t get enough, we have scoured dusty photo albums across the country to bring you these rare throwback pictures of beloved royals. Just keep reading through to take a step back into history as we explore their more candid moments from over the last century!

The Boys And Their Grandmother

In this sweet photo, Queen Elizabeth II watches over her grandsons as they take in a match from The Royal Box at Guards Polo Club, Smiths Lawn, Windsor in 1987.

Harry was just three years old, while William was five.

Which Way, Dad?

Here is another Royal family vacation photo in the Klosters from 1997. King Charles was seen sledding with his youngest son Prince Harry near their hotel. In this snap, father and son appear to have taken a pause after Harry took control of the toboggan. King Charles appears to be concerned about what might happen next.

This is a great contrast to how cold and formal the prince’s parents seem in other photos. It’s especially neat to see King Charles enjoying a more relaxed environment with his son.

She Manned The Carpool

As the Queen, it’s probably not often that you get to drive yourself wherever you need to go like the average citizen does. The Royal Family most likely has people to chauffeur you around the clock.

But back in 1957, Queen Elizabeth had a bit of fun playing soccer mom. Here she is driving King Charles and Princess Anne at Windsor. Because of the audience present, this was most likely some event and not a candid photo of the Queen making a grocery run with her kids.

Unflappable Poise?

During the Sandringham Flower Show in 2015 in King’s Lynn, the mascot of The Army Air Corps gets a little bit excited and flaps his wings, causing the pair to veer back in the most hilarious way possible.

Seriously, someone paint a portrait and hang it in Buckingham Palace ASAP. This needs to be documented in every way possible for the history books.

Cousins Are Your First Best Friends

Though we cannot confirm that such was the case for these royal relatives, we do know that there were plenty of Royal family trips. This picture was also taken at Klosters in 1995. Here, Prince Harry and Prince William pose with their cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York.

Beatrice and Eugenie are the daughters of Queen Elizabeth’s second son, Prince Andrew.

Young Love

We can’t get enough of a good love story, can we? Dating when you’re in the royal family can be a bit of a minefield, but Kate and Will managed to navigate it all pretty well. They reportedly started dating in 2003 after meeting at university. Although they briefly split in 2007, they officially tied the knot in 2011.

To celebrate the upcoming nuptials in 2011, the Middleton family released personal pictures of the young couple, including this one which was taken on the day they graduated from university in 2005.

The Darkest Of Days

When Princess Diana died in a car crash in 1997, the entire world was shaken. Dubbed “The People’s Princess,” Diana flipped the script on what it meant to be a divorced royal. The public adored her – in their eyes, she could do little wrong. While her relationship with ex-husband Charles was strained, when it came to her funeral he was there for his kids.

This striking photograph was taken at Diana’s funeral seven days after her death. Prince Philip, Prince William, Earl Spencer, Prince Harry, and King Charles, all dressed in black suits, bow their heads during the service which took place at Westminster Abbey on September 6th, 1997.

Lending A Hand

Prince Harry and Prince William are undoubtedly the most popular royals in modern times. There’s something about them that makes them seem relatable and accessible – even though Harry had a few blunders in his youth. The brothers have never shied away from doing their bit.

In 2010 they visited Semonkong, Lesotho in Africa where they spent time visiting some projects supported by their charities — namely, Sentebale and Tusk Trust. Here, they’re pictured helping a young boy put on some gloves to keep away the cold. Be still our beating hearts. This couldn’t get much cuter if it tried.

“Is It Over Yet?”

Family events can be so dull, can’t they? When you’re a kid, standing in a church for an hour can feel like an eternity, and that’s just at your standard christening. Here, the future King Charles looks like he would rather be doing anything else than watching his mother’s Coronation.

The year is 1953, and little Charlie is sandwiched in between his aunt, Princess Margaret (right), and his grandmother, Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Honestly, we don’t blame the little guy. There are the recognition and the oath, the anointing, the investing, the actual crowning, then the enthronement, homage and finally the closing procession. That’s a lot for anyone to endure.

A Royal Pantomime

There’s no doubt that the life of a royal child is different from most of our lives. For starters, we imagine there’s no such thing as going out with your friends and lying to your parents about where you’ll be. It’s a privileged life, but in terms of freedom it can blow the big one.

This sweet picture of a young Queen Elizabeth II alongside her sister Princess Margaret is a hidden gem in the family photo album. Back then, kids usually had to make their own fun. Throwing a royal pantomime with the help of Hubert Tannar sounds like a pretty good way to do it. Here they are singing “The Ladies Wot Oblige” in 1943 for their own version of Aladdin.

Ching, Carol, And Crackers

We all know how much Queen Elizabeth II loved her dogs.

Here, she sits in the grounds at the Royal Lodge in Windsor in April of 1940, alongside her mother, Elizabeth, her father King George VI, and her sister, Princess Margaret. The family’s attention is focused primarily on their dogs, Ching, Carol, and Crackers. Those are some names. Way better than Fluffy, if you ask us.

A Family Vacation

Prince William was just 15 years old when his mother, Diana Princess of Wales died in 1997. Prince Harry was 12. That’s an awful trial for anyone to go through, let alone children in the public eye. Above all of her royal duties Diana prized spending time with her boys.

The above shot of Diana buried in the sand was taken in 1990 on vacation in Necker Island, a private paradise in the British Virgin Islands just north of Virdin Gorda owned by Sir Richard Branson. The mogul continues to speak highly of his late friend, insisting that Prince William and Prince Harry have ‘saved’ the royals.

Fun Day With Mom And Dad

There’s nothing quite like spending time with your parents, is there? Although the extent of our family time usually doesn’t go beyond Friday night dinners a la Gilmore Girls, the royals have dozens of events to attend every year.

King Charles laughs alongside his mother, his wife Camilla, and his father Prince Philip here as they watch their Balmoral team in the tug of war competition at the Braemar Games Highland Gathering in September of 2006.

Famous Friends

When Live Aid came to fruition in the 80s, it was only right that the huge fundraising effort was met with a royal welcome. Princess Diana and Charles had front row seats at Wembley Stadium and sat with the musical elite.

Here, Bob Geldof can be seen whispering something into King Charles’ ear, while David Bowie has a chat with Roger Taylor and Brian May of Queen. That’s a lot of famous for one photo, isn’t it? Princess Diana seems focused fervently on the festivities, probably watching the stage. We don’t blame her, as there’s a lot of famous up there too.

A Modern Day Family

They may seem like they have it all together, but do they really? The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge always look put together in family pictures with Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Sure, they probably have nannies to help them out, but we can’t help but imagine if Prince William and Kate Middleton experience the same trials that all new parents do.

Here is a photo of the royal family arriving Victoria Inner Harbour in Canada in 2016, seemingly trying to get Prince George to calm down. With a third child now in the mix, life can only get happier!

A Future King And His Grandmother

Here is a young King Charles posing with his grandmother, the Queen Mother, and her dog Pippin.

It’s photos like these that show the close bonds the royal family achieved outside of their lives in the spotlight.

Singin’ In The Rain

We know what you’re thinking, but no – it’s not the latest royal pantomime version of Singin’ in the Rain.

Above they’re pictured on a rainy in England as they visited The Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace in August of 2017. The beautiful garden was transformed into a White Garden to honor the memory of their late mother, Diana. Might want to watch the grass with those heels, Kate.

Starting Them Young

If you want your child to develop musical skills, it’s best to start them out young. Perhaps that’s the idea Princess Diana had by placing Prince William and Prince Harry together in front of a piano for this photo shoot!

Here is Princess Diana with her sons at Kensington Palace in 1985.

Give Us A Kiss

Being a member of the royal family means that all eyes are on you, all of the time. We “norms” can walk down the street holding hands and making eyes at our significant others without much more than a grossed-out stare from the neighbor across the street. For royals, a kiss can make headline news.

Although this candid shot of King Charles and his wife Camilla pales in comparison to that balcony kiss of William and Kate’s, it’s still pretty sweet. It was taken after Charles participated in a royal polo match in 2005, in Cirencester, England.

The Young Sisters

Here are the sisters years later, in 1944. This picture was taken on the grounds of Windsor Castle in Berkshire.

This picture was taken less than ten years before Princess Elizabeth had to ascend the throne herself. When this photo was taken, she was approaching her 18th birthday.

A Family Picnic

This picture was taken in 1960 on the lawns of the Royal family’s Balmoral Estate.

Queen Elizabeth II poses with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, and their children, future King Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew.

A Royal Reception

News of Prince Harry’s engagement to US actress Meghan Markle received a mixed response across the world, with some traditionalists questioning if the young prince could really marry an American divorcee. Luckily, most people – along with us – believe Meghan and Harry are a match made in heaven.

The couple visited Cardiff Castle in south Wales in January for a day that celebrated the heritage of Wales. Meghan looks really touched by all of the gifts and well wishes from the crowd. Who wouldn’t be?

When There Were Three

Princess Diana’s marriage to King Charles was short and unhappy. Though they had two children together, it wasn’t long after they tied the knot that Diana discovered Charles was having an affair with his now wife, Camilla Parker-Bowles.

Here, they’re pictured on Prince William’s first official photo engagement at Kensington Palace, London, on December 14th, 1983. The cherub-cheeked youngster looks off into the distance as his parents talk to him. This photo makes you realize how much Prince George looks like his daddy, doesn’t it? Undoubtedly Prince Louis will have the same characteristics too.

A Family Day Out

Kids love a good day out, regardless of if they’re royal or not. Throw balloon animals into the mix, and you’ve got a winning combination. Lucky Prince George and Princess Charlotte were treated to the inflatable friends during the 2016 royal tour of Canada.

Here Prince William and Kate take the tots to a party for military families and stop to get a balloon animal (or several). Charlotte holds one fashioned like a flower, while George and William are intently concentrating on what’s about to be made for them. As far as family pictures go, this is almost normal.

Like Mother Like Son

If there’s one thing Prince Harry does in honor of his mother, the late Princess Diana, it’s continuing her mission of charitable works. Here is Prince Harry in Lesotho in 2004. He was visiting the county as a guest of Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Brother of the King.

While in Lesotho, Prince Harry helped out at a local orphanage, the Mants’Ase Orphanage. There he helped put up a new fence, in addition to planting some trees on the property.

Caught In The Act

Stopping to chat with the public is one of the easiest parts of being a royal, we would imagine. After all, some of the duties are pretty intense, like visiting war-torn countries or having to sit through ceremonies for hours on end.

Here, Prince Philip stops by to have a chat with two mischievous toddlers in an unknown location, circa 1980. It’s quite likely that two boys had no idea who they were talking to. Imagine that!

Father And Son Bonding

Here is a picture from ten years later in 1997 by the River Dee at the Balmoral Castle Estate. King Charles is pictured with sons William and Harry, who by then have grown considerably. Prince William’s black labrador Widgeon and Prince Harry’s Jack Russell Terrier Tigga are along for the fun.

As they are in Scotland, King Charles is seen wearing a kilt and sporran, as well as using a Shepherd’s Crook walking stick.

Making A Splash

Here is an awesome photo of Princess Diana riding a water slide with Prince Harry as a young boy. They are riding the Depth Charge ride at Thorpe Park, an amusement park in England in 1992.

In most photos we see of Diana with her kids, we can tell that she was a caring mother who made an effort to be involved with her kids’ lives despite her royal duties. The innocence on Prince Harry’s face and knowing what would eventually happen to Diana make this picture a little heartwrenching.

Smile For The Camera

Normal people can only imagine what it’s like to grow up underneath a spotlight. As princes of an entire country, Prince William and Prince Harry must have had a lot of annoyances dealing with their fame.

It must be especially trying for children. Perhaps that explain’s Prince William’s playful antics from this 1988 snapshot. Here, William and Harry were leaving Portland Hospital, where they were visiting their cousin, Princess Beatrice, who had just been born to Sarah, the Duchess of York.

William Stole The Show

This is a photo from Prince Harry’s christening. In this photo, he is supposed to be pictured with his relatives and the godparents who were there for his special day. But it seems that during the shoot the family got a little distracted by the infant antics of a young Prince William.

He appears to be delighting all his aunts and uncles, probably savoring his last few days of the spotlight before his younger brother grows a little older and steals it from him. Jokes aside, this photo shows that the Royal family does have a funny bone in their blood.

Days With Dad

We wonder if Prince William and Prince Harry remember this special moment with their father, King Charles, from 1987. The photo shows the then Prince of Wales watching his two young sons playing on the bank of the River Dee in Scotland.

This is near the Balmoral Estate in Scotland, which serves as one of the residences for the British Royal Family. It was purchased by Prince Albert in 1852. The estate is a private property of the family and therefore is not the property of the Crown.

Hitting The Slopes

Here is a photo of King Charles with his sons William and Harry. Father and his sons are pictured here in 1994 on a ski holiday to Klosters in Switzerland.

Klosters is a popular vacation destination for the Royal family and other esteemed celebrities. Apparently, these people like to flock to Klosters for the amount of privacy they can manage while on vacation there. It’s also a resort for people who are pretty serious about getting some skiing in, which looks to be the case in this photo.

Nothing Like Family During The Holidays

This photo was taken in 2000 and depicts King Charles escorting his grandmother, the Queen Mother, out of church on Christmas Day. They attended church with Queen Elizabeth II at Sandringham in Norfolk.

This photo shows that no matter how old you get, you’ll always have respect and care for your elders, especially your own grandma! This is one of the few photos of the Queen Mother and King Charles before her unfortunate passing in 2002.

Moving Away To School

Children of the Royal family often go to private, independent schools. When he entered high school age, Prince William broke a Royal family tradition by not going to the same school as his father and ancestors. Instead, he went to Eton College, where Princess Diana’s father and brother had gone.

Prince William is pictured here in 1995 partaking in an Eton tradition of signing a special book before starting his first year there. Prince Harry looks like the typical younger brother, who’s trying to seem supportive but really wants the affair to be over with.

A Relaxed Look

Here is a photo of Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, with her son Prince George. Looks like she is making an effort to be just as involved with her kids like her late mother-in-law. This is a more relaxed look for Kate Middleton, who is usually dressed to the nines for her royal appearances.

The jeans and striped tee were probably acceptable wardrobe choices for the event they’re at in this photo, which is the Gigaset Charity Polo match at the Beaufort Polo Club in Tetbury in 2015.

The Queen Mother And Her Daughters

This photo from 1936 shows the Queen Mother, Duchess of York, with her daughters, Princess Margaret and Princess Elizabeth.

This photo was taken at the Royal Lodge in Windsor in England.