Let’s talk about the woman who’s been at the center of the British monarchy for decades. You know her as Queen Elizabeth II, but have you ever wondered what her full name is? Born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor back in April 1926, she stepped into her role as Queen at just 25 years old. Along with her reign came a name change for her family, adopting the surname Mountbatten-Windsor to honor both her heritage and that of her beloved husband, Prince Philip. But here’s the kicker—within the royal family, they don’t just call her "Elizabeth." Oh no, it’s much more interesting than that!
Why the Royals Rarely Call Her "Elizabeth"
Now, you might be thinking, "Why wouldn’t they just call her by her given name?" Well, buckle up because this story is as charming as it is quirky. From a young age, the Queen was affectionately known as "Lilibet" by her family. The reason? As a toddler, she apparently had trouble pronouncing her own name correctly, and "Elizabeth" came out sounding more like "Lilibet." It’s a nickname that has stuck with her all these years and is still used by her closest loved ones, including Prince Philip, who reportedly calls her "Lilibet" in private moments.
But wait, there’s more! Prince Philip isn’t the only one with a cute nickname for his wife. He’s also been known to call her "Cabbage," which is derived from the French phrase "mon petit chou," meaning "my little cabbage." Adorable, right? It’s clear that even within the formal confines of the monarchy, there’s room for a little sweetness and playfulness.
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What Do Her Kids and Grandkids Call Her?
The Queen’s four children—Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward—tend to refer to her as "Mummy," a term that’s both endearing and familiar. As for her eight grandchildren, they’ve taken things a step further, opting for the warm and cozy "Granny" when addressing their grandmother. It’s a testament to the fact that despite her regal title, she’s still a doting mother and grandmother at heart.
But what about her seven great-grandchildren, including the ever-popular Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis? According to Kate Middleton, her eldest son affectionately calls the Queen "Gan-Gan." It’s a sweet moniker that perfectly captures the blend of tradition and modernity within the royal family.
Meghan Markle’s Journey in Addressing the Queen
When Meghan Markle joined the royal family, she initially adopted the very formal "Your Majesty" when speaking to the Queen. Over time, she graduated to the slightly less formal "Ma’am," a term commonly used by those close to the monarch. However, one royal expert suggests that Meghan might eventually adopt the nickname "Mama," a term Princess Diana once used for the Queen. Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, explained, "‘Ma’am’ can be shortened to Mama when Meghan gets to know her as Diana did. But never her pet name Lillibet, which is reserved for very close family and friends."
It’s fascinating to see how these nicknames and terms of endearment reflect the personal relationships within the royal family. Even in such a formal setting, there’s room for warmth, love, and a little bit of fun.
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