INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

The Royal family is a focal part of British life, whose members attract worldwide interest with their lifestyles under constant scrutiny from the media. Their position remains one of great fascination and is based on a history of more than 1500 years.

Queen Elizabeth II is Head of State in many countries besides Britain, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Despite this list, her powers are strictly limited as a figurehead in each democratic state.

She married Prince Philip in 1947. He is called the Duke of Edinburgh and was the son of a Greek prince, although his family was originally from Denmark. Philip supports the Queen in her duties and at the same time, travels extensively to encourage world conservation projects. Until recently he was President of the Worldwide Fund for Nature. He remains active and fit as he approaches his 80's.

Prince Charles, who is called the Prince of Wales, is the Queen's eldest son and is set to succeed to the throne one day. He was in the navy before taking on a life of public duties. He is known to have strong opinions on architecture, the environment and against the genetic modification of food. His fairytale marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales, did not work, and following its end, she was killed in a tragic car crash.

Diana was recognised as one of the most beautiful women in the world and millions mourned her death. In her life, she had devoted her time to charities, specifically those involved with children and AIDS.

Charles and Diana had two sons, Princes William and Harry, who are both still at school. William is set to succeed to the throne as king after his father.

Princess Anne is the Queen's only daughter and is called the Princess Royal. She is seen as one of the most hardworking Royals. Once voted Britain's Sportswoman of the Year for competing as a horsewoman in the Olympics, she has since thrown herself into public duties, particularly in support of Save the Children.

Sarah, Duchess of York, was married to the Queen's second son, Prince Andrew. Fergie, as she is known, remains a public figure and still supports children's charities. She has presented her own TV show and wrote a series of books for children.

The Queen's youngest son is Prince Edward, who she created Earl of Wessex when he married Sophie Rhys-Jones. He is a television producer with his own company making history documentaries.

In many ways, this is a family like any other, but it is one that fate has placed in an extraordinary position.