Are You Keeping Up With the British Royal Family?

By: Jennifer Post
Estimated Completion Time
6 min
Are You Keeping Up With the British Royal Family?
Image: Wiki Commons by Library and Archives Canada

About This Quiz

The House of Windsor has been on the throne since 1917, but it was even ruling before then, just under a different name. The name was changed from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to Windsor after it was seen as unsavory to have a German-sounding name. Makes sense given what was happening at the time. While the British royal family doesn't technically have a last name, immediate heirs of Queen Elizabeth have the last name Mountbatten-Windsor, and everyone else is just known as Windsor. The whole last name thing is confusing, and it's not really that crucial to understanding the royal family.

There are so many fun facts and random tidbits that have come out about the royal family thanks to documentaries, Freedom of Information Act requests and simple observation. Now that fans of the family have smartphones and like to feel the rush of commenting on them to the press, we know that Kate and William called Princess Charlotte "Lottie" and they like to order Chinese takeout and binge-watch TV. The media rampage is a concern of the family, due to the untimely death of Princess Diana, but they have more control over what gets published than ever. How much more do you know about the British royal family? Take this quiz to find out!

Prince Harry and Meghan
Guardian News
What will be different about Harry and Meghan's titles now that they've stepped back?
They will lose the HRH title.
They will have to assume Meghan's last name.
They will no longer be the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Harry will no longer be considered a prince.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Harry and Meghan were hoping to step back and to retain their titles, but the Queen insisted that they were stripped of the royal distinction. Instead of being known as Her Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, they will carry the less formal title of Duke and Duchess without the HRH.

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Countess of Wessex 23
WikiCommons by Carfax2
Which contemporary royal is said to be the Queen's favorite?
Sophie, Countess of Wessex
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Katharine, Duchess of Kent
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It wouldn't be proper for Queen Elizabeth to admit it, but many have said Sophie, Countess of Wessex is her favorite. A royal through marriage, Sophie is married to the Queen's youngest son, Prince Edward. Many speculate that she will fill in for the Sussexes now that they have stepped down.

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Princess Beatrice
Wiki Commons by ITU / M. Jacobson – Gonzalez
Princess Beatrice's fiance comes from which country's noble line?
England
Germany
Italy
Belgium
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In late December 2019, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Beatrice announced their plans to marry. Although he was born in England, his father was born in Italy and still holds aristocratic ties to the country.

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Princess Eugenie
The Royal Family
In 2018, which royal has added Mrs. Jack Brooksbank to her name?
Zara Tindall
Lady Louise Windsor
Sarah, Duchess of York
Princess Eugenie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The tenth in line for the throne, Princess Eugenie of York married Jack Brooksbank in a ceremony at St. George's Chapel. Now, her full name reads Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Mrs. Jack Brooksbank.

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Sarah Duchess of York
Wiki Commons by Mugisha Don de Dieu
Do you know which duchess recently admitted to spending every Christmas alone?
Sarah, Duchess of York
Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sarah, Duchess of York, mother to Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, recently admitted to spending every Christmas alone for the past 20 years. She doesn't harbor any bitterness about it, though. She says she's proud to share her children while they fulfill their royal holiday duties.

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1 Pouring champagne
Elva Etienne / Moment / Getty Images
Does Queen Elizabeth drink alcohol?
She sure does!
Absolutely not
That's not becoming.
Only if she's off duty
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Queen certainly imbibes! She has been seen enjoying champagne at official events and she is known to have a gin drink before lunch and wine during lunch. You won't ever see her drunk, though.

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2 Celebrity signing autographs
Paul Bradbury / OJO Images / Getty Images
Even though they're not supposed to, have members of the royal family signed autographs?
Definitely not
Yes!
They wouldn't risk it.
Not that's been reported
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Meghan Markle, Prince Charles and the Queen herself have all been seen signing autographs. However, they were for very special circumstances. Meghan Markle, who was a celebrity prior to being a Duchess, may have just gotten lost in the habit.

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3 Elizabeth_II bright yellow
Wiki Commons by NASA
Why will you most likely only see the Queen in bright colors unless there's been a death?
That's what's always been done.
They look the best on her.
So she can be easily located in a crowd
So no one upstages her
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You could say that the Queen is an important person, so her safety is crucial. If she's wearing bright colors, her security detail can keep a better eye on her and get to her more easily if something were to go wrong.

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4 Prince Louis
The Royal Family Channel / YouTube
What's the name of William and Kate's youngest child?
Prince Arthur
Prince Archie
Prince George
Prince Louis
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Prince Louis of Cambridge was born on April 23, 2018. The youngest of their three children, he is the first male born heir who will be further back in line for the throne than his sister due to a new birth order rule.

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5 Archie
The Royal Family Channel / YouTube
How are Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the Sussexes, raising their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor?
As a private citizen
As a Lord
As a Prince
The same as the Cambridges
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Meghan and Harry have decided not to give their first child a title and to raise him as a private citizen, or as much or a private citizen he can be. He is still around seventh in line for the throne.

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6 UK Driving license
Juliet White / Photographer's Choice RF / Getty Images
Does the Queen need a driver's license?
Of course she does
Nope
Only when driving outside England
Not since she turned 50
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Queen is the only person in the UK who is not required to have a driver's license. She's never needed one ever since she learned to drive, and she can often be seen driving around town or around her estates.

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7 royal table setting
pictafolio / E+ / Getty Images
Which food is never allowed at dinners with the Queen?
Black pepper
Strawberries
Garlic
Cheese
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

She hates the smell of it almost as much as she hates the taste of it. You'll also never see shellfish on the menu if the Queen is in attendance. She does, however, eat Corn Flakes every morning.

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8 Elizabeth_II_at_the_Queens_Birthday_Party 2018
Wiki Commons by Ralph_PH
How many birthdays does the Queen have?
The Queen doesn't celebrate her birthday.
As many as she wants
One
Two
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The day she was born is April 21, but she officially celebrates her birthday on the second Saturday of June to celebrate with the public. This tradition actually goes all the way back to the 1700s.

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9 Squeezing toothpaste
Image Source / Stockbyte / Getty Images
Does Charles, Prince of Wales, have someone else squeeze his toothpaste onto his toothbrush for him?
He does.
No way
Only if his hands are preoccupied
That was one time.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Prince Charles does, in fact, have his valet squeeze his toothpaste for him. His pajamas are also pressed every day, his shoelaces are pressed with a flat iron and he likes his bathwater tepid. He really does enjoy the finer things in life.

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10 Pink nail polish
Krit of Studio OMG / Moment / Getty Images
What's the Queen's nail polish color that she wears every day?
She doesn't wear the same color everyday.
Essie "Ballet Slippers"
It's just clear.
OPI "Sand Tropez"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The opaque pink "Ballet Slippers" is what the Queen always has on her nails. The Queen's hairstylist even sent Essie a letter telling them how much the monarch loves the color. Kate Middleton has also taken her lead and often wears the color.

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11 Princess Diana dress train
ThamesTv / YouTube
How long was Princess Diana's train on her wedding dress?
45 feet
10 feet
25 feet
30 feet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana did not end at all how people thought, but the wedding itself was a huge spectacle. The train on Diana's dress was 25 feet long and is one of the longest in royal history.

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12 Queen Elizabeth decorating Christmas tree
The Royal Family Channel / YouTube
Can those who marry into the royal family spend Christmas with their own families?
They cannot.
Christmas is the Queen's holiday.
Of course they can
Only if they're invited to the Queen's Christmas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Meghan Markle's mother has been invited by the Queen to Sandringham estate for Christmas, but if she weren't, Meghan, Harry and their children would see Meghan's family another time to celebrate the holiday.

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13 Camilla Parker-Bowles
Wiki Commons by KoronaLacassePhoto
Does Camilla Parker-Bowles have a royal title despite being the second wife of Prince Charles?
She is the Duchess of Cornwall.
She does not.
Remarried women are not allowed titles.
She didn't want one.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, was given that title to match Prince Charles as the Duke of Cornwall. She was not, and will not, be given the title of Princess of Wales. It is likely that she will be crowned Queen at some point, though.

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14 University diploma
DNY59 / E+ / Getty Images
Which royal bride was the first one with a college degree?
Diana Spencer
Kate Middleton
Queen Elizabeth II
Princess Margaret
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kate Middleton graduated from St. Andrews with a Master's Degree in History of Art. That makes her the only royal bride to obtain a college degree. Prince Harry also married a royal bride with a college education.

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15 Meghan Markle
Wiki Commons by Northern Ireland Office
Has Meghan Markle, as Duchess of Sussex, ever spoken about politics?
Never
She doesn't follow politics.
She did, but the tweet has been deleted.
Not publicly
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

She once tweeted out that she was pleased about Ireland's decision to legalize abortion. Prior to marrying Prince Harry, Meghan was an outspoken feminist and just as outspoken about other aspects of politics.

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16 Badge of the House of Windsor
Wiki Commons by Sodacan
Do you know the official last name of the British royal family?
Batenburg
Wales
Mountbatten
Windsor
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The last name of the royal family can get tricky. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's children have the last name of Mountbatten-Windsor, which is also the last name of Harry and Meghan's son, Archie. But William's last name is Windsor.

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17 Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth
The Royal Family Channel / YouTube
Besides English, what language is the Queen fluent in?
French
Spanish
German
Mandarin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It comes in handy, of course, when she travels to France, but she will use the language when she hosts guests at the palace from that region. It also might even save the taxpayers some money on an interpreter.

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18 Kate Middleton and Prince William
The Royal Family Channel / YouTube
Did Kate Middleton and Prince William ever break up?
They never did.
Yep! In 2007
That was only a rumor.
When they were in college
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It was reported that Prince William broke up with Kate over the phone, but that has never been confirmed. Kate said the time apart made her a stronger person and eventually made them stronger as a couple.

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19 Princess Diana
Wiki Commons by Nick Parfjonov
How did Princess Diana die?
Tackled by a fan
Plane crash
Car accident
Natural causes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The paparazzi became a huge part of Princess Diana's life, especially after her divorce from Prince Charles. They became so involved that the driver of the car she was in crashed to try and get away from the press. The end result was the world losing the people's princess.

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20 Meghan Harry wedding
The Royal Family Channel / YouTube
Which of the below did Meghan Markle not have to do when she agreed to marry Prince Harry?
Delete her social media
Become baptized into the Church of England
Become a British citizen
Change her name
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Working members of the royal family are not permitted to have personal social media accounts, so Meghan's, as well as her blog "The Big" had to be deleted. She was also baptized into the religion of the royal family and started studying to become a British citizen.

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21 Prince Harry and Prince William
The Royal Family Channel / YouTube
Which of the below is a tradition for princes in the British royal family?
Military training
Marrying other royals
Naming their sons after themselves
Studying abroad
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This has been a tradition for as long as anyone can remember, and while military training is not an exact requirement of the British royal family, it would be very odd and unheard of for a prince to not have military training.

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22 Curtsey to the Queen
Wiki Commons by State Library of Queensland, Australia
Do American citizens have to bow or curtsey to the Queen?
Everyone inferior to her does.
They don't.
They do if they're in the UK.
Only if they're marrying into the royal family
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It is not required that American citizens address the Queen in any certain way, but it is a show of respect to bow or curtsey. All British citizens, however, are required to address her with a bow or curtsey.

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23 Fans taking photos
Paul Bradbury / OJO Images / Getty Images
Are people normally allowed to take photos with the Queen?
Only during official engagements
If you ask first
No
Only if they're an official photographer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Queen has been known to say how much she hates when she looks at her fans and all she sees is the back of their phone because they're taking photos of her. Even if you ask to take a photo with her, she'll almost always say no unless it's for an official engagement.

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24 Windsor Castle fire
Network First / YouTube
What year does Queen Elizabeth refer to as "annus horribilis" (horrible year)?
2000
1945
1986
1992
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

1992 was the year that Prince Charles and Diana divorced, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson divorced, and a fire broke out in Windsor Castle, damaging the Queen's residence and many irreplaceable things inside.

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25 Prince Charles
The Royal Family Channel / YouTube
What was the name of Prince Charles' published book and corresponding documentary?
"A Vision of Britain"
"Room with a View"
"The Real Life of the Prince of Wales"
"Here I Go Again on My Own"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Prince Charles has long been an advocate of preserving British architecture and style without modern renovations. His book and documentary, "A Vision of Britain," focuses on the prince's endeavors for building restoration.

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26 Queen coronation
The Royal Family Channel / YouTube
Was Queen Elizabeth ever expected to be Queen?
She was second in line.
She actually wasn't.
Since birth
No because she wasn't the oldest child.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

She was third in line for the throne behind her Uncle Edward and her father. When Edward proposed to divorced American Wallis Simpson, he was basically forced to abdicate, putting Elizabeth's father on the throne. She became Queen after his untimely death.

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27 Charles and Diana
IBTimes UK / YouTube
When did Charles and Diana finalize their divorce?
May 18, 1996
Dec. 21, 1995
Aug. 28, 1996
Feb. 11, 1997
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Their marriage was nothing short of tumultuous, with both of them having extramarital affairs before their divorce was official. Late in the summer of 1996, the couple finalized the details of their divorce, and Diana officially lost her title, though people still called her "princess."

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28 Surveillance
krisanapong detraphiphat / Moment / Getty Images
Did the NSA (National Security Agency) in the United States have Princess Diana under surveillance?
No, but they did have the Queen under surveillance.
They didn't get involved in the royal family.
They did not.
You bet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Due to national security concerns, the contents of her file cannot be released, so it is not exactly known why she was under surveillance or what they found, but a Freedom of Information Act request did show that the NSA had her under surveillance.

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29 Prince Harry and his girlfriend Meghan Markle
The Royal Family Channel / YouTube
How did Prince Harry and his now-wife, Meghan Markle meet?
On a blind date
On the red carpet
At a bar
At the BAFTAs
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A mutual friend set the two up, and reportedly told Meghan that she "might" like him, the "him" being sixth in the line to the British throne. Turns out, the friend was right and Meghan did like him. The rest is history!

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30 ATM
Mongkol Chuewong / Moment / Getty Images
Is there an ATM inside Buckingham Palace?
No way
Yes, there is.
The Queen doesn't need cash.
They would never be so tacky.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You would never see the Queen on the street at an ATM or at the bank, so she has her very own ATM inside Buckingham Palace. The weirdest part? The money that comes out of the Queen's ATM has the Queen's face on it.

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31 Prince Harry
Wiki Commons by DoD News
Was there a dating show based on Prince Harry?
The royal family would never allow that.
Not in real life
It was called "I Want to Marry Harry."
No, but there was one on Prince William.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Believe it or not, there was in fact a dating show called "I Want to Marry Harry." Barely anyone watched it, because there was an actor portraying Harry. It's not clear if the women actually thought Prince Harry was appearing on a reality dating show, but it was canceled after four episodes.

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32 Woman with tea
Image Source / Photodisc / Getty Images
Which actress did Princess Diana invite to tea because Prince William had a crush on her?
Julia Stiles
Alyssa Milano
Farrah Fawcett
Cindy Crawford
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

How embarrassing! Prince William had a schoolboy crush on Cindy Crawford, so Princess Diana thought it would be funny to invite her to tea. Can you imagine sitting through that tea?

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33 William Kate wedding
The Royal Family Channel / YouTube
What will Kate Middleton's title be when Prince William becomes King?
Queen Consort
Queen Mother
Queen Regnant
Princess of Wales
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Queen Consort is the wife of the reigning King. She shares the same noble and societal status as her husband, but does not have ruling power equal to the King. It is different than Queen Regent, as that one inherited the throne by family.

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34 HM_The_Queen_and_Prince_Philip
Wiki Commons by Carfax2
Are Queen Elizabeth and her husband related?
Ew no
Yes!
First cousins
That was a nasty rumor.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, are third cousins. This might seem weird now, but it was actually really common at that time. It was a way to keep the royal family all in the same bloodline.

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35 Prince Harry in camo
Wiki Commons by Eva Rinaldi from Sydney Australia
When did Prince Harry fight on the front lines in Afghanistan?
2004
2002
2008
2012
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

He was sent on a secret mission to Afghanistan in 2008, but was sent home in 2012 after the media learned of his service there. It's easy to see why knowledge of Prince Harry on the front lines might put him, and his regiment, in danger.

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36 Prince_Charles_2012
Wiki Commons by Dan Marsh
Who was Prince Charles dating when he met Diana Spencer, future Princess of Wales?
Sheila Ferguson
Cindy Buxton
Camilla Parker-Bowles
Her older sister
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When Diana and Charles met, she was only 16 years old. That would be weird, but Charles wasn't actually courting Diana at that time. He was dating her older sister! He eventually married, and then divorced, Diana.

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37 Kate and the Queen outdoors
The Royal Family Channel / YouTube
How do the ladies in the royal family keep their dresses and skirt from flying up in the wind?
They have weights sewn into the hemlines.
Hairspray
They keep their dresses longer.
Always have their hand by their side
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Queen started the tradition of having weights sewn into the hems of her dresses and skirts. This was to avoid wardrobe mishaps like the skirt flying up and revealing more skin than should ever be seen. Modesty is key.

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38 Suitcase with black clothes
David Malan / Photodisc / Getty Images
Why is it a requirement that every member of the royal family travels with a black outfit?
For formal dinners
In case someone dies
It can be worn anywhere.
It hides stains.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

On royal tours, every member going must pack a black outfit in the event that someone dies while they're on tour. They must always have the appropriate outfit and show respect no matter where they are.

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39 Prince William and George
The Royal Family Channel / YouTube
Prince William and his children are never supposed to travel together. Why?
He's afraid of flying.
Children always travel with their mother.
Heirs don't travel together in case of tragedy.
Kate doesn't allow it.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If the whole family travels together by plane and the plane goes down, the heir and his heirs are no longer. That would seriously mess up the line of succession and wouldn't preserve the lineage.

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40 Royal family
The Royal Family Channel / YouTube
According to popular polls, who is the least popular member of the royal family?
Prince Philip
Queen Elizabeth
Prince Andrew
Prince Charles
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Maybe it's the way he treated Diana or the distant relationship he had with his sons for a while, but Prince Charles is by far the least popular member of the royal family. Hope that doesn't keep going once he becomes king.

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Wiki Commons by Library and Archives Canada