12 rare photos that show the royal family's playful side - Prince Louis on palace balcony to Queen cutting cake
The monarch has fun too!
When you think of the royal family, photos of ceremonies, formal attire and strict traditions might come to mind rather than playful moments. But beneath the polished exterior lies a family that knows how to have fun.
Whether they’re sharing a laugh during a public appearance, pulling faces, or getting involved in activities, these moments offer a glimpse of their lighter, more relatable side.
In this article, we explore 10 unforgettable pictures that show the royal family letting their guard down. Prepare to see a whole new side of the monarchy!
Photos of the royal family’s playful side
1. Queen Elizabeth II cutting a cake with a sword
Queen Camilla and Princess Kate shared a laugh as Queen Elizabeth II wielded a ceremonial sword to cut a cake at the Big Lunch during the G7 Summit in 2021.
When offered a regular knife, the queen quipped: “I know there is, this is more unusual.”
2. King Charles and Queen Camilla startled by a bald eagle
Captured during the Sandringham Flower Show in 2015, this unforgettable moment between King Charles and Camilla and a bald eagle is one of our favourite candid royal snaps.
As the eagle dramatically flapped its wings, Charles couldn’t help but react in amazement – even pointing out the moment to his wife.
This photo perfectly captures his unfiltered reaction.
3. William and Kate at Wimbledon
Every year at Wimbledon, the Prince and Princess of Wales are known for their passionate and genuine reactions to the matches, and the 2014 tournament was no exception.
Caught up in the excitement of the game, their facial expressions ranged from intense concentration to delight.
William and Kate‘s authentic emotions add a refreshing touch to their royal personas.
4. Harry and William race
In 2017, Prince William and his brother, Prince Harry, took sibling rivalry to new heights in a friendly race.
The intense competition had both princes giving it their all, and their hilarious facial expressions as they sprinted to the finish line were priceless.
But Kate also joined in, letting her competitive streak take hold.
The moment was a perfect example of how the royal family can let loose and have fun.
5. Prince Louis on Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour
Prince Louis has become a fan favourite for his candid and hilarious reactions at royal engagements, and his appearance during Trooping the Colour in June 2023 was no exception.
As the RAF planes flew overhead during the iconic ceremony, Louis’ face lit up with pure excitement as he attempted to mimic them.
At this point, we might as well address him as the prince of mischief!
6. Royal family showed their playful side when King Charles and Queen Elizabeth II laughed in candid photos
In one of the most endearing moments between King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth II, the two royals shared a genuine laugh while watching a children’s sack race at the 2012 Braemar Highland Gathering in Scotland.
This royal moment beautifully captured the closeness of their relationship, as well as offered fans a glimpse into their playfulness.
7. King Charles enjoying the playground
King Charles III proved that age is no barrier to fun when he tapped into his inner child during a visit to Wigan House in Clapton, London, in 2005.
The monarch was caught swinging on parallel bars at a local playground, showing that he’s never one to shy away from getting hands-on and having a laugh.
This spontaneous moment highlights his playful side.
8. Princess Diana at Thorpe Park with William and Harry
This candid moment of Princess Diana, captured with her sons Princes Harry and William, perfectly embodied the carefree joy and playful side that the royal family only really show behind closed doors.
Enjoying a log ride at Thorpe Park, the trio radiated pure happiness and excitement.
The picture showed Diana laughing wholeheartedly with her sons, clearly enjoying the moment as much as they were.
It’s a beautiful reminder of the late princess’ playful nature, as well as the special bond she shared with her children.
9. Prince Harry sharing popcorn with little girl
In 2017, during the Invictus Games, founder Prince Harry shared a super cute moment with a little girl in the audience.
The Duke of Sussex was watching a volleyball competition at the games in Toronto. He had a box of popcorn with him.
Sweetly, a little girl who was sat with her mum next to him began helping herself to the prince’s popcorn.
Harry later caught on and playfully moved the box away from her as he pulled faces. After teasing her, he then let her continue enjoying the sweet treat.
10. Harry hugging a young fan
During their 2018 tour of Australia, Prince Harry enjoyed a cute moment with a young fan, five-year-old Luke Vincent – who rubbed the prince’s beard.
The touching moment occurred in Dubbo, where Harry and wife Meghan Markle were greeted by thousands of fans.
Despite the usual no-touching rule with royals, Harry was gracious and seemed to enjoy the interaction.
11. Playful photos of Princess Charlotte poking her tongue out at reporters
In 2019, Princess Charlotte – the middle child of the Prince and Princess of Wales – made her feelings known as she cheekily stuck her tongue out at crowds below.
Charlotte was joining her parents at the The King’s Cup Regatta. But as Kate encouraged her to wave down to the crowd, Charlotte poked her tongue out.
Later, the real reason behind Charlotte’s antics was revealed. She apparently spotted her grandfather, Michael Middleton, and that’s why she pulled the silly face!
Read more: Inside the biggest royal weddings and the marriages which have ended in divorce
12. Savannah Phillips putting her hand over Prince George’s mouth
Savannah Phillips, the eldest daughter of Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips, was cheekily caught on camera putting her hand over Prince George‘s mouth during Trooping the Colour in 2018.
As the royals stood on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the event, Savannah was seen covering George’s mouth whilst pulling a cheeky smile.
No more royal chat for George!
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