The Chosen Few: How Members of the British Royal Family Are Chosen and Their Titles Are Awarded
The topic of the British royal family is as intriguing as it is controversial, especially when compared to the themes of discrimination and privilege that are often associated with it. The perception that members of the British royal family are ldquo;chosenrdquo; people and that they hold themselves above others is deeply rooted in the narrative of their history and the privileges they have enjoyed and continue to enjoy.
Challenging the Myth of Selection
Contrary to popular belief, members of the British royal family are not ldquo;chosenrdquo; in the sense that they are picked from a pool of individuals. They are born into the family and the process of becoming a member of the royal family is a long and complex one, often determined by lineage and seniority rather than personal achievement or merit.
The term ldquo;Royal FAMILYrdquo; is a significant clue in understanding the dynamics of the royal family. It indicates that individuals are already part of the family, and their titles and roles are often predetermined by their level of seniority and family connections. This means that the ascendency within the family, and the acquisition of titles, is not a decision made by the family themselves but by the Monarch and the established hierarchy.
The Selection Process
One might wonder how individuals from the royal family gain such prominent positions and titles. The traditional process for becoming a minor royal within the family often involves an annual intensive contest, much like a reality show. Participants take part in a twelve-week program that requires them to exhibit a range of skills that are essential for royal engagements, such as smiling, making people feel at ease, and participating in charity work. These skills are not innate; they are cultivated through rigorous training and upbringing within the royal household.
The winner of this contest, referred to as Britain's Next Royal (BNR), goes through a six-year internship within the royal family. This is a period of preparation and learning, during which they observe and are exposed to the day-to-day responsibilities of being a part of the royal family. Those who impress during this period can then move on to more prominent roles, eventually becoming a close member of the royal family. If successful, they might be conferred minor royal titles and roles.
It is important to note that while the internships are intense, they are not as public as they once were, likely due to previous controversies involving interns. During major events like the coronation of King Charles, one can observe the interns and their role in the training process, often seen on the training balconies at Buckingham Palace during ceremonies.
The Irreplaceable Crown: Why Queen Camilla's Path to Royalty Was Special
Queen Camilla's journey to becoming Queen Consort is a testament to the complex and sometimes irregular path to the royal family. She was initially seen as a shoe-in for the BNR contest in 1972, which was a precursor to her eventual rise to the royal throne. However, she faced unexpected challenges and ended up competing again in 1999, after a six-year hiatus. Her second successful run in the contest paved the way for her marriage to Charles and her eventual ascension to the throne upon his coronation.
The experiences of both BNR winners in 1959 and 1972 reveal that while the process is deeply rooted in tradition, it is also flexible and can accommodate changes in circumstances and opportunities. This highlights the adaptability of the royal selection process while maintaining its essential traditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the British royal family is not a chosen group of individuals but a family that is passed down through generations. The titles and roles within the family are often predetermined by lineage, seniority, and hierarchy, rather than arbitrary selection. The perception of ldquo;chosen peoplerdquo; and ldquo;chosen familyrdquo; is more of a myth than a reality, and it is the product of a meticulously constructed narrative that often overlooks the complexities and traditions that govern the royal family.
Understanding the royal selection process and the role of titles in the British royal family can provide a clearer picture of this institution's structure and the significance of its members in the broader context of British culture and politics.
Keywords: British Royal Family, Royal Titles, Selection Process