Understanding Royal Marriages: Why They Rarely Marry Commoners and Modern Exceptions

For centuries, the idea that royals rarely marry commoners has been a widely accepted and often debated tradition. The royal bloodline is traditionally seen as superior and pristine, with many questioning whether such a strict practice still holds true in modern times. This article explores the reasons behind this tradition and how it has evolved over the past hundred years.

Historical Context and Exceptions

Historically, a major factor preventing royals from marrying commoners was the perception that commoners lacked the necessary wealth, land, and influence. For example, John of Gaunt, a member of the English royal family, married Kathryn Swynford, who was not a commoner per se but came from a significantly lower social status. Swynford was the daughter of a knight, Payne De Roet, and they had children together. These children, known as the Beaufort children, were granted some favor by their half-brother, King Henry IV, but were ultimately barred from the royal succession.

Current Royal Marriages: A Shift in the Tide

The notion that royals should not marry commoners is gradually changing, partially due to the sheer lack of royal eligible spouses. Queen Elizabeth II was the last member of the royal family to marry another royal, with Prince Philip coming from a family that was previously royal but no longer so. In recent decades, all of Queen ElizabethII's children and grandchildren have chosen to marry commoners, breaking away from this traditional barrier.

Modern Examples

Take the current members of the British royal family as examples:

King Charles III and Camille: In 2023, King Charles III publicly acknowledged his relationship with Camille Tyrone, though it remains unofficial. Camille is not a member of the aristocracy, which raises questions about traditional royal marriage norms. Prince William and Catherine: Prince William married Catherine Middleton, a woman from an affluent family but not royal or aristocratic. They have two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who were born into non-royal marriages. Prince Harry and Meghan: Prince Harry married Meghan Markle, an American actress, in 2018. While Markle was not a commoner, her lack of aristocratic heritage meant she was initially considered a step down in status. Their union was a significant departure from the traditional concept of a royal marriage.

It's worth noting that despite the differences, both Catherine and Meghan have assumed the feminine versions of their husbands' titles upon marriage. This tradition continues to be a part of royal protocol, even as the criteria for who is and is not considered a commoner become more flexible.

Conclusion

The recent trend toward royal marriages with commoners suggests a willingness to adapt to contemporary social and cultural changes. While the traditional idea of marrying within the royal family remains strong in some circles, the experiences of the modern British royal family show that this practice is no longer a rigid or absolute one. As the world continues to evolve, the definition of a commoner and the standards for royal marriages are likely to continue changing.