The Crown at war and peace: duties of British royals

Assuming a leadership position

A classic wartime occupation for the royals is to assume a leadership role of some description, both to offer moral support and to serve as a symbol of national unity.

Princess Elizabeth during WWII

During World War II, for example, Princess Elizabeth (who would later become Queen Elizabeth II) joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS).

Serving in the military

Various members of the British royal family have also served in the active military. A very recent example is Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who fought in Afghanistan.

Further examples

George VI served in both the Royal Navy (RN) and the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War I, and he was joined in the RAF by Edward VIII.

Commitment to their country

While not all royals are involved in military service, it is considered an important way for the family to demonstrate their commitment to the country.

Doing charity work

Another wartime occupation for members of the royal family is to become a patron of charitable organizations that help those affected by war.

Invictus Games

For example, in 2014 Princes William and Harry founded the Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel and veterans.

Making direct addresses

The British royals also have a habit of directly addressing their subjects during wartime in a bid to boost morale and provide direction.

King George VI, 1939

Just as war with Germany had been declared, the King appealed to the people of his country to stand firm in face of the tough times ahead.

Practicing diplomacy

During peace time, one of the main responsibilities of the royal family is diplomacy. Indeed, British royals play an important diplomatic role in promoting peace and goodwill between nations.

During her reign, Queen Elizabeth II made an impressive number of state visits and hosted a wealth of foreign leaders to promote diplomatic relations.

Doing humanitarian work

Favorite causes that British royals have supported over the years include healthcare, education, environmental conservation, and poverty alleviation.

King Charles III

The current king has been an advocate for sustainable development and environmental issues since the 1970s, in particular through his Prince’s Trust and Prince’s Rainforest projects.

Getting involved with philanthropy

Through their patronage, the royals lend their support to a wide range of causes and use their influence to raise funds and awareness.