10 Jaw-Dropping “Did You Know” British Royal Family Facts That Are Hard to Believe

Without a doubt, our social media feeds are filled with “did you know” facts, but some leave you anxious to hit the “share” button and post them in your group chats. From interesting game rules to shocking background truths, are you sure you know everything about the British royal family?

At Bright Side, we squeezed out these 10 facts that include unique and captivating truths that will have your jaw-dropping in no time. And in the bonus part, you will learn more about the throne.

1. They can’t play Monopoly.

See the picture above? That’s not the kind of fun the royal family has. Regardless of how bizarre it may sound, the royals are not allowed to play Monopoly in order to maintain peace in the family. An interview of the Duke of York in 2008 revealed that the royals consider this family game to be vicious in their household.

2. Kate Middleton is the UK’s first royal bride who holds a college degree.

Kate Middleton graduated with a major in art history from the University of St. Andrews, which happens to be the same university Prince William attended. Moreover, her sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, now holds the title of the second royal bride in the UK to have a graduate degree as she possesses one in theatre and international studies from Northwestern University.

3. Princes Charles dated Princess Diana’s sister, Sarah, before marrying Diana.

When Prince Charles was in his twenties, he had a brief relationship with Sarah Spencer, Lady Diana’s eldest sister. This relationship led him to meet his future wife, Princess Diana, despite the 12-year age difference. Reportedly, Lady Sarah introduced Charles to Diana while they were at the Spencers’ ancestral home, the Althorp House.

4. The family actually responds to fan mail.

Although we can’t guarantee a personalized reply, there have been many cases where fans actually received replies from the royal family members. In fact, The Queen receives around 300 pieces of fan mail every day and has hired an assistant correspondence officer who ensures fans receive a prompt and proper answer to their questions.

5. Princess Diana was once a teacher.

Before Lady Diana became a princess, she had various jobs revolving around children. Her first job was as a nanny to help play and take care of children for $5 an hour. However, when she met and dated the Prince of Wales, she was working as a kindergarten teacher at the Young England School.

6. There’s a reason why Queen Elizabeth wears bright colors.

Ever wonder why Queen Elizabeth II visits places in bright, fluorescent colors? Just like her statement hats, the color of her dress isn’t really a fashion choice. “She needs to stand out for people to be able to say, ‘I saw the Queen!” said Sophie in a documentary. The best part is her strategy hasn’t gone unnoticed. When The Queen is surrounded by a swarm of people, people see her bright hat and dresses from afar.

7. Queen Elizabeth II has a spreadsheet for all her outfits.

Considering how The Queen puts a considerable amount of thought into her outfits, it should come as no surprise that she strictly keeps a spreadsheet for all her outfits. The royal staffer, Angela Kelly, tracks The Queen’s clothes and advises designers on coming up with unique and gorgeous outfits for The Queen. Doing this ensures Queen Elizabeth II doesn’t repeat clothes too frequently.

8. Prince Charles doesn’t squeeze his own toothpaste.

According to Princess Diana’s former butler, Paul Burrell, in the documentary, Serving the Royals, the Prince of Wales has his own unique way of living his life. “His pajamas are pressed every morning, his shoelaces are pressed flat with an iron, the bath plug has to be in a certain position, and the water temperature has to be just tepid,” Not just that, but the butler also revealed that he “has his valets squeeze one inch of toothpaste onto his toothbrush every morning.”

9. Male royals never used to show up in the delivery room.

When Prince Charles was born in 1948, Prince Philip was busy playing squash. Ever since that incident, the royal males have been more attentive during their wifes’ labors, making sure they are present in the delivery room during the birth of their children.

Prince Charles said during William’s birth, “I am so thankful I was beside Diana’s bedside the whole time because by the end of the day I really felt as though I’d shared deeply in the process of birth.” And later, Prince William made sure to be present when his little bundle of joy, Prince George, was born in 2013.

10. Prince Harry was a cowboy.

After Prince Harry graduated from Eton College in 2003, he went on to pursue his passion for horses and began working as a cowboy at Tooloombilla Station. This is a 16,000-hectare cattle property in the outback of Queensland.

Bonus: You can’t get to the throne by marrying a royal member of the family.

Unlike the movies and shows about royalty you watch, you can’t get to the throne that easily. If you marry a monarch, you will be titled either “queen” or “king-consort.” Only the deserving ascend to the top.

Now that our facts have come to an end, which jaw-dropping tidbit shocked you the most? Feel free to share your responses with the Bright Side team.