Queen Elizabeth II's Down-to-Earth Side and the Wales Family's Ordinary Upbringing

When envisioning the daily life of the late Queen Elizabeth II, many might picture lavish banquets and royal ceremonies. However, beneath the grand exterior, she possessed a surprisingly relatable demeanor. Though the royal household employs numerous staff members, when residing at their private properties, the royal family often chooses to handle some responsibilities themselves. According to writer and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, one of Queen Elizabeth II's favorite pastimes was donning yellow marigold gloves to wash the dishes.

Brandreth recounted an amusing experience shared by former Prime Minister David Cameron, who recalled a visit to Balmoral Castle, where the Queen and Prince Philip not only served dinner to guests but also managed the cleanup afterward. Cameron recounted how he attempted to break the unspoken rules of royal protocol by helping with the washing up, causing the Queen to question his actions. Gyles also mentioned that Elizabeth’s fondness for doing dishes developed in her younger years; an anecdote from her childhood friend Alathea Fitzalan-Howard revealed that Lilibet enjoyed washing dishes and frequently did so during their cookery lessons.

In contrast, the younger members of the Wales family are raised with a more commonplace lifestyle compared to former royal generations. The Prince and Princess of Wales encourage their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—to participate in household chores. A source disclosed that the family's dynamic is refreshingly ordinary, as the children are involved in activities such as setting the table, clearing their dishes after meals, and tidying up, without any form of preferential treatment.