Tag Archives: royal family

The Most Recent Reminder of Sexist Royal Title Protocols in the Royal Family

Title changes have been in store for several members of the royal family. But one member of the royal family has notably been left out.

Who’s Been Left Behind?

Buckingham Palace announced just recently that Prince Edward, the youngest son of the late Queen will now be known as the Duke of Edinburgh, a title previously held by Prince Phillip, the Queen’s late husband. Sophie, the former Countess of Wessex, is now the Duchess of Edinburgh, and their son, formerly James, Viscount Severn is now the Earl of Wessex, assuming his father’s title.

But someone’s missing here.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s nineteen-year-old daughter, Lady Louise Windsor doesn’t get a new title. This is because Dukedoms and Earldoms can only be passed down from father to son, leaving Lady Louise in the dust.

 Sexist royal rules have plagued Lady Louise for much longer than just this one instance, however. When her younger brother was born, he took her place in the line of succession because of male-preference primogeniture (which has since been replaced by absolute primogeniture with the birth of Princess Charlotte). And when he was born, he received the title of “Viscount Severn,” one of his father’s titles, when again, Lady Louise received nothing.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh with their children
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh with their children, the Earl of Wessex and Lady Louise Windsor

It’s Time for Change

The royal family is symbol of history and tradition, and with this symbol comes the fact that A BUNCH of its title protocols are inherently sexist. The rules prohibiting Lady Louise from receiving the same titles as her brother aren’t the only ones keeping women from holding the same value as men in terms of titles.

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, her husband wasn’t a king. Instead, he was known as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. This is because the title of “king” is considered higher than “queen” and the monarchy wanted to signal that Prince Philip’s rank was lower than the Queen’s. However, women can become Queen consorts when their husbands become Kings. This is the title that Camilla will officially receive when her husband, King Charles ascends the throne. The fact that “Queens” are ranked lower than “Kings” needs to change. Men should become known as King consorts to show that Queens are not ranked lower than their male counterparts.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip looking at each other
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip

And the only reason why Archie and Lilibet officially became “Prince Archie” and “Princess Lilibet” at the same time that the other title changes were announced is because of another sexist protocol. Only male-line grandchildren of the sovereign can use the titles of Prince and Princess. So if King Charles had a daughter, her children would not get royal titles even though her brothers’ children would.

Even further, when Princess Eugenie (one of the Queen’s grandchildren) got married to Jack Brooksbank, she became Princess Eugenie, Mrs. Jack Brooksbank, taking his name. But when Prince Harry (also one of the Queen’s grandchildren) and Meghan Markle got married just five months earlier, they became the “Duke and Duchess of Sussex.” Again, this is because of the fact that dukedoms and earldoms only get passed down to men, the same protocol affecting Lady Louise.

And these are just a few of the sexist title rules in the royal family. There are so many more outdated protocols that need to be changed if the royal family wants to maintain its popularity with the increasing equal rights movement in the UK.

With so many strong female figures in the royal family, from Queen Elizabeth who served in the British Army during World War II, to Meghan Markle, who might have encouraged Procter & Gamble to change its sexist tagline when she was just 11, it’s clear that it’s time for change. There’s no better time than now.

References:

Friel, M. (2020, October 13). The monarchy’s treatment of royal women from the Queen to Meghan Markle reveals a pattern of blatant sexism. Business Insider. https://www.insider.com/monarchy-treatment-women-queen-meghan-markle-reveals-blatant-sexism-2020-10

Matousek, M. (2017, December 1). Resurfaced video shows a young Meghan Markle asking Procter & Gamble to change a commercial with sexist undertones. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/meghan-markle-spoke-out-about-commercial-2017-11

Photos:

Cuthbert, M. (n.d.). [Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh with family] [Photograph]. https://people.com/royals/prince-edward-sophie-countess-of-wessex-children/

Graham, T. (n.d.). [Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip] [Photograph]. https://www.redbookmag.com/love-sex/g32130664/queen-elizabeth-marriage-facts/

Parsons, S. (2021, July 4). [Royal Windsor Horse Show 2021] [Photograph]. https://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/news-photo/lady-louise-windsor-participates-in-the-champagne-laurent-news-photo/1233798867

Fashion, FAST! The Most Fashionable Royal Family Members

Whenever members of the royal family have any sort of outing, for better or for worse, fashion decisions are always at the forefront. Their styles are emulated by millions around the world who aim to look as prim and proper as true royalty. But ladies of the royal family take the cake for having the most iconic fashion senses. Today, Spilling the Royaltea is awarding rankings to the top three most stylish members of the royal family.

Bronze Medal: Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth, despite not being the most daring in her fashion choices, was known for her bright-coloured ensembles and signature handbags. As told by her daughter-in-law, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, the late Queen wore these neon outfits, from bright red to green, to everything in between so that her admirers could always spot her in a crowd. Being easily spottable meant that everyone who wanted to had the chance to easily say “I saw the Queen!” Aww… she did it for us!

Queen Elizabeth II's bright outfits. 7 different colours in the order of a rainbow.
Queen Elizabeth II’s rainbow of outfits

Silver Medal: Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton’s elegant style has her looking royal every time the camera is graced with the opportunity to catch a photo. Her fashion sense, although not always the boldest, is palatable to all, making her a global fashion icon. Her ability to pull off both designer brands and more affordable pieces from places like Zara caters to women all over the world.

Kate Middleton wearing a dress from Zara during a visit to the University of London for its Children of the 2020s project on October 5, 2021
Kate Middleton wearing a dress from Zara during a visit to the University of London for its Children of the 2020s project on October 5, 2021

She often wears coat dresses and pantsuits with simple prints, paired with classic jewelry pieces, creating timeless, impeccable ensembles. Just look at her!

Kate Middleton wearing a pink pastel suit at a meeting for The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in June 2022
Kate Middleton wearing a pink pastel suit at a meeting for The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in June 2022

Gold Medal: Princess Diana

Despite her tragic passing over twenty years ago, Princess Diana’s iconic, daring outfits have left their mark on us all. From her casual outfits of the 70s and 80s fashion to her beautiful, HUGE wedding dress, Princess Diana always had us guessing what she would choose next.

Princess Diana in her wedding dress
Princess Diana’s 1981 wedding dress

But what makes her take the cake as the most fashionable member of the royal family is her ICONIC revenge dress she wore after her husband, King Charles confessed on TV to committing adultery with the now Queen Consort, Camilla. The beautiful black off-the-shoulder gown screams “I don’t care about my husband and I don’t need him” and we’re here for it.

Princess Diana in her revenge dress
Princess Diana’s iconic revenge dress in June 1994

References:

Hernández, L. (2020, May 5). The 10 pieces that define Kate Middleton’s impeccable style. Hola. https://www.hola.com/us/fashion/20211021321791/kate-middleton-ten-key-wardrobe-pieces-1/

Nelson, B. (2023, February 13). The real reason Queen Elizabeth II wore neon outfits all the time. Reader’s Digest. https://www.rd.com/article/queen-elizabeth-neon-outfits/

Salmi, N. (2020, August 30). Princess Diana style: See her most iconic looks of all time. L’officiel. https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/princess-diana-style

Photos:

Fincher, J. (1994). [Princess Diana revenge dress]. [Photograph]. Getty Images. https://people.com/royals/princess-diana-revenge-dress-true-story/

Getty Images. (1981). [Wedding dress of Lady Diana Spencer] [Photograph]. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Princess_Diana_wedding_dress.png

GMA Photo Illustration. (2022). [Queen Elizabeth neon outfits] [Photo Illustration]. Getty Images. https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/style/story/queen-elizabeth-iis-rainbow-wardrobe-96-year-monarch-63451126

I-Images/Pool. (2022). [Kate Middleton, June 2022] [Photograph]. https://katemiddletonstyle.org/pink-suit-early-years-meeting/

Tang, K. (2021). [Kate Middleton, October 5, 2021] [Photograph]. Getty Images. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a37866755/kate-middleton-rewears-zara-dress-london-university-visit/

Kate Middleton’s 5 Best Outfits of 2023 So Far

Catherine, the Princess of Wales is a global fashion icon. The term the “Kate Effect” has even been coined to describe how every outfit she wears immediately sells out, contributing an enormous amount to the British economy. Spilling the Royaltea is counting down the Princess of Wales’s top five outfits of 2023 so far:

5. Simple yet Elegant

At a Windsor Castle meeting with eight academic professionals on January 25th, the Princess of Wales wore a clean black suit over a white v-neck blouse. This simple outfit is sharp, classic, and clean, taking the fifth spot on Spilling the Royaltea’s countdown.

Kate Middleton during a meeting with eight academic professionals in 2023

4.  Power Suit

Kate flaunted the power of her new royal title as the Princess of Wales with this beautiful emerald pantsuit and turquoise blouse. The button detailing and sharp lines of the suit give her a regal aura, which is very fitting to meet Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway on March 2nd. Despite the fact that she looks absolutely beautiful in the suit, the bow at the top of her blouse crowds the outfit, making it feel a little old-fashioned, which places this outfit at number four.

Kate Middleton in a green pantsuit meeting Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway on March 2nd

3. The Burgundy on My… Blazer when You Splashed Your Wine Into Me -Taylor Swift

While visiting the England Wheelchair Rugby team on January 19th, the Princess of Wales chose her Roland Mouret suit, which she also wore during her visit to Boston in 2022 (our sustainable queen!). She kept the accessories simple with a dainty necklace and hoop earrings. She shows us that sometimes, less is more with this sleek ensemble.

Kate Middleton wearing a burgundy pantsuit while visiting the England Wheelchair Rugby team on January 19th

2. Beautiful in Black and White

Instead of one of her signature pantsuits, Kate opted for a long houndstooth black and white skirt with black books, a turtleneck top, and a long cream coat when visiting a rehabilitation center on February 28th to announce a new garden therapy initiative. Sometimes, all it takes is a bold pattern to make a statement.

Kate Middleton wearing black and while while visiting a rehabilitation center on February 28th

1. Bold in Red

Rounding out the countdown is the red Alexander McQueen suit Kate wore to launch the Shaping Us Campaign for the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood and reception at the BAFTA headquarters on January 30th. Her Gianvito Rossi pumps and Miu Miu clutch perfectly match the suit with her statement Chalk Jewelry earrings adding contrast to the all-red ensemble. The cut of the suit, the boldness of the all-red, the accessories… chefs kiss!

Kate Middleton wearing a red Alexander McQueen suit at a reception at the BAFTA headquarters on January 30th

References:

Petit, S. (2023, March 3). Kate Middleton’s Royal Style: Every Outfit Worn by the Princess of Wales in 2023…So Far. People. https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-every-outfit-2023-princess-of-wales/

Sewell, K. (2022, January 10). What is the ‘Kate effect’? Red dress searches rocket after birthday portrait reveal. The Daily Express. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/style/1547761/kate-effect-duchess-of-cambridge-red-dress-outfit-evg

Photos:

Kensington Palace. (2023). [Kate Middleton and Prince William with Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit] [Photograph]. https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-every-outfit-2023-princess-of-wales/

King, J. (2023). Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales [Photograph]. AFP via Getty Images. https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-every-outfit-2023-princess-of-wales/

Leal, D. (2023). Kate Middleton [Photograph]. Pool/AFP via Getty images. https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-every-outfit-2023-princess-of-wales/

Mulholland, E. (2023). Prince William and Kate Middleton [Photograph]. AFP via Getty Images. https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-every-outfit-2023-princess-of-wales/

Mumby, M. (n.d.). [Kate Middleton] [Photograph]. Getty Images. https://www.instyle.com/fashion/clothing/kate-middletons-most-memorable-outfits-ever

Phillips, J. (2023). Kate Middleton [Photograph]. Getty Images. https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-every-outfit-2023-princess-of-wales/

Piping Hot Take: Archie and Lilibet Shouldn’t Use Royal Titles

Disclaimer: This post reflects a considered opinion

It’s official. They’re “Prince Archie of Sussex” and “Princess Lilibet of Sussex.” After their parents ran away from the royal family and told the world how much they’d wronged them…

The Rundown

As per the 1917 Letters Patent from George V, male-line grandchildren of the sovereign, Archie and Lilibet, the children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have the right to use the titles of “Prince” and “Princess.” And when a spokesperson said in a statement that “Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on Friday, March 3,” we all learned that indeed, they would be using their royal titles. It’s been made even more official as their titles have been updated on the royal family’s website. Previously known as “Master” and “Miss,” they are now a full-blown “Prince” and “Princess.”

A spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan told CNN that the titles are the children’s “birthright” and talks of the title changes had been in the works for quite a while at Buckingham Palace. It’s inferred that King Charles III approved of these royal titles because, if he really didn’t want his grandchildren to have them, he could’ve issued a new Letters Patent. It’s probably for the best that he didn’t do this though… since tensions between him and Prince Harry and Meghan are probably running high enough.

Screenshot of royal family website for line of succession
Royal family website showing Archie and Lilibet’s new royal titles

After Everything That Happened?

Now, Prince Harry and Meghan have made it abundantly clear that they disapprove of the institution that’s failed them time after time. They’ve given interviews, written a memoir, and even made an entire documentary slandering the royal family and telling their “truth” about everything the family has done to wrong them.

So it really doesn’t make any sense why they would want their children to be “re-attached” to the Firm with their titles.

Why would they want their children to be associated with the family that’s done them so much harm? That’s allowed the press to tell lies about them and criticize Meghan for every move she’s made? That’s made racist comments about their son and how “dark” his skin would be?

They left the UK to move to America and start a new life away from the Firm and help their children live normal lives away from the gossip and rumours of the press. But now they’re making their children a prince and princess, which will inevitably put them further in the spotlight.

We Saw This Coming From a Mile Away

Will all this being said, it isn’t exactly off-brand for Harry and Meghan to be pulling something like this. They seem to be leeching off their hatred for the royal family in any way they can, and they’re making millions from it. Just look at their $135 million contract with Netflix to create documentaries, feature films, and more.

They seem to be loving the fame they’re getting from their association/non-association with the royal family: They step away to protect themselves from the press, but then they make a documentary putting them back in the press. They protect their children from the Firm, but then they give them royal titles.

Now that they’ve alienated themselves from the family, they can’t just come running back when their children have the opportunity to receive a royal title. They chose their path. Now they have to live with the consequences.

References:

Foster, M., & Said-Moorhouse, L. (2023, March 10). Prince Edward, Archie and Lilibet granted new royal titles. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/10/uk/royal-news-newsletter-03-10-23-scli-gbr-cmd-intl/

Porterfield, C. (2023, January 19). Here’s what we know about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s $135 million deals. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/carlieporterfield/2023/01/19/how-rich-are-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-heres-what-we-know-about-the-power-couples-135-million-deals/?sh=4cbc6da23d86

The Royal Family. (n.d.). Succession. https://www.royal.uk/succession

Photo:

Lubomirski, A. (2021). [Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Christmas card] [Photograph]. https://harpersbazaar.com.au/meghan-harry-first-photos-of-lilibet-in-christmas-card/

Mini Assignment 4: Remix

Poverty is a pervasive problem in the UK, with around 20% of the population, or 13.4 million people living under these conditions. My remix presents a juxtaposition between the UK’s wealthiest, the British royal family, and those suffering in poverty. The photo of the royal family standing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace wearing frivolous outfits, waving to a crowd of admirers presents a shocking contrast to the several images of children playing in poor neighbourhoods, homeless people asking for money, and people lining up at a food bank. Overall, this image aims to illuminate the severe wealth disparity that many Brits have been trying to bring attention to for years.

Reference:

Joseph Rowntree Foundation. (n.d.). Overall UK poverty rates. https://www.jrf.org.uk/data/overall-uk-poverty-rates