FACT WIKI · Institution
British royal family
British royal family
The British royal family's public role includes supporting the monarch's State and national duties. Its account of that role also describes working members undertaking public and charitable service in their own right.
Roles and functions
The royal family's description of its work includes recognizing and supporting the Armed Services through official relationships with military units and visits to soldiers, sailors and airmen serving at home and abroad.
The royal family's account describes members attending official occasions where the monarch cannot be present, including State funerals and national festivities. It also describes visits intended to strengthen Britain's diplomatic and economic relations.
How it works
Official engagements are one way working royals carry out their public responsibilities. The royal family's description gives examples including visits to community initiatives, welcoming visiting heads of State, meeting garden-party guests and presenting honours at investiture ceremonies.
Royal patronages and presidencies connect members of the family with public and charitable organizations. The royal family's description covers fields from education and the environment to hospitals and housing, and explains that these connections help members meet people and learn about the challenges they face.
History and changes
Some royal family members have established charitable organizations of their own. The royal family's account names the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers as examples.
References
Related stories
FactSnap stories are secondary summaries.