The British Royal Family is one of the most highly-respected and beloved families in the entire world. Comprising Queen Elizabeth II and her close relations, the Royal Family owns much property and are the current monarch system ruling over the United Kingdom.
The Royal Family owns more than 20 properties, including three that are officially designated as castles.
Besides their vast wealth, the Royal Family is known for its influence on politics, fashion, and culture.
Brief History
The Royal Family has been the official and unofficial rulers of the United Kingdom for centuries now. Their rule once extended across vast regions of the planet but now it consists of mainly the homeland of Britain and its surrounding areas.
The family currently consists of its monarch, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Philip the Duke of Edinburgh.
Their son Charles, Prince of Wales, is next in line to take over the throne. Below him are his two sons, William the Duke of Cambridge and Harry the Duke of Sussex.
The family is wide and continually growing, with William and Harry having children of their own. There are also numerous relatives not using the royal style.
The Royal Family no longer has much power but still maintains a major public within the realm of the crown. They carry out over 2,000 official engagements through the world annually.
Some of the events they attend are receptions, garden parties, funerals, national festivities and visits to the Armed Forces.
The Royal Family also spends much time focusing on various charities they are a part of. For example, Prince Charles started The Prince’s Trust, which assisted young people who are disadvantaged.
Other charities related to the Royal Family include The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, the Wessex Youth Trust, The Royal Foundation, and more.
Over 3,000 organizations and charities list someone from the Royal Family as president or patron.
The Royal Family is still immensely popular throughout the world and especially in their home countries. They claim to receive and answer at least 100,000 letters every year.
One of the major things the Royal Family takes pride in doing is what they call strengthening national unity. They try to remain an important and strong part of the national consciousness and personality.
They are also a major source of speculation and reporting in tabloids and newspapers. The British journalism industry has made millions reporting on the latest news of the Royal Family and multiple events and scandals have become major points of interest across the world.
Their Owned Properties
The Royal Family has always been immensely wealthy and have owned many residences all over the world. Currently it is recorded that they own over $18 billion worth of property, much of which isn’t publicly reported on.
Much attention is paid to Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace. While Windsor is one of the few official castles owned by the Royal Family, many of their properties are large and luxurious.
Balmoral Castle in Scotland is an example of another castle owned by the Royals. It is a 50,000-acre property with 150 buildings.
In Ireland, the Royal Family owns Hillsborough Castle which is the official Northern Ireland residence of the Queen. It was a popular destination for the family in the 1940s.
The Royal Family owns many other properties that are not strictly known as castles, such as Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire, England and Highgrove House in Tetbury, England.
They also own and attend smaller residences such as Llwynywermod in Llandovery, Wales and Welsh Cottage in Windsor, England. The Welsh Cottage was a gift given to Queen Elizabeth on her 6th birthday by the people of Wales.
In Berkshire, England, the Royal Family owned Sunninghill Park which was a wedding gift to the Duke and Duchess of York. After the Duke and Duchess divorced, the property was sold for 15 million pounds.
One of the biggest properties the Royal Family owns is Buckingham Palace in London. It contains 775 rooms and is a national monument and major tourist attraction.
Buckingham Palace contains 52 bedrooms, 92 offices, 78 bathrooms, and 188 staff bedrooms.
But perhaps the most memorable property owned by the Royal Family would be one of the few castles they own: Windsor Castle. It is a grand building that hosts many royal weddings, including Prince Harry and Meghan Merkle’s.
Windsor Castle is also known as the property the Queen likes to use as her getaway home when she wants a break from the city and Buckingham Palace.