15 rare photos of royals like you’ve never seen them before

Let’s face it. Pictures of royalty are often staged and planned in advance. But it’s the less formal shots that put historical rulers in a new light.

We don’t often see them on a stroll, injured, or just having fun.

Kings, queens, princes, and princesses are still very much human, delighting in different activities to pass the time away from their duties.

Check out these interesting snaps:

1. King George V of England in Nepal, c. 1911

Game shooting and hunting were some of George V’s favorite activities.

He ascended to the throne on May 6, 1910, and with all that authority and power, came many responsibilities and perks. (Well, that’s if you consider the opportunity to kill a majestic animal an honor.)

2. Anne, Princess Royal, with a broken finger, 1964

The Queen’s only daughter loved riding horses, and specifically Equestrianism, even boasting a few wins under her name.

With an activity like that, a few injuries were been inevitable.

Wikimedia Commons - Eric Koch
Source:

Wikimedia Commons - Eric Koch

3. King Oscar I after his death, 1859

The King died at the Royal Palace in Stockholm on 8 July 1859.

It’s a photo that reminds us that every life ends, regardless of one’s title and status.

King Oscar was only 60.

Wikimedia Commons - Unknown
Source:

Wikimedia Commons - Unknown

4. Princess Grace of Monaco and family on a ski trip, 1973

She was once known as Grace Kelly before marrying Prince Rainier III in 1956. Kelly was known for her style but she wanted to be remembered a bit differently:

“I would like to be remembered as someone who accomplished useful deeds, and who was a kind and loving person. I would like to leave the memory of a human being with a correct attitude and who did her best to help others.”

Wikimedia Commons - Bernd Brenter
Source:

Wikimedia Commons - Bernd Brenter

5. Queen Victoria with Prince Luis and King Pedro V of Portugal, 1854

Taken at Osborne House, Isle of Wight, Victoria stands with her back to the camera.

The two younger royals are in a seemingly serious exchange.

Wikimedia Commons - Ernst Becker
Source:

Wikimedia Commons - Ernst Becker

6. Queen Elizabeth II with Reza Pahlavi, the Crown Prince of Iran, 1978

The Crown Prince would be 18 in this photo, and the queen at 52.

It’s a more casual shot of the queen, and the young prince shows himself to be pretty photogenic.

Wikimedia Commons - Mashrute
Source:

Wikimedia Commons - Mashrute

7. Princess Grace Of Monaco with her daughter Stephanie and the dog, 1969

Princess Stéphanie, the youngest daughter of Princess Grace, was born on February 1, 1965.

Stephanie was a teenager when her mother suffered a stroke while driving, and the young princess suffered a light concussion and a hairline fracture of a cervical vertebra while in the car, making her unable to attend her mother’s funeral.

Wikimedia Commons - MichaelXXLF
Source:

Wikimedia Commons - MichaelXXLF

8. Queen Victoria, Edward VII, and family at Windsor Castle, 1895

Edward VII was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He was dignified, fashionable, and charming, and was known for his exceptional people skills.

And there was always time for lunch with his mother.

Wikimedia Commons - Mary Steen
Source:

Wikimedia Commons - Mary Steen

9. German Emperor William II with his father, 1862

They may be royals but a father and son photo wearing similar outfits will always look adorable.

William II reigned from June 15, 1888, to November 9, 1918.

Source:

Wikimedia Commons - George Washington Wilson

10. Tsar Nicholas II of Russia with his daughter, Anastasia, 1916

A cigarette break between Tsar and Grand Duchess, father and daughter, make them seem like ordinary mortals in this shot.

Anastasia’s alleged survival and escape of her family’s execution was a very popular mystery, spawning books and films.

Source:

Wikimedia Commons - Romanov Family, Siberian Times

11. Queen Victoria and Sharp, 1866

Sharp the dog, like other dogs, could care less if someone was rich or poor.

Except of course he received the best love and care any dog could ever want.

12. King George V Of England chased by a beggar, 1920

It wasn’t an easy time for some.

Whether the king gave the beggar a little something is unknown. Royal security has come a long way since then, that’s for sure.

13. King Umberto II shakes hands with a guard before going into exile, 1946

The king spent 37 years in exile, in Cascais, on the Portuguese Riviera.

Umberto II never set foot on Italian soil again. He died in Geneva and was interred in Hautecombe Abbey.

14. Grand Duchesses Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia Romanov, 1908

This photo shows Tatiana (1897-1918), Maria (1899-1918), and Anastasia (1901-1918) having a little fun on a swing, minus their sister Olga and young Alexei.

They were born at 2-year intervals, growing close to each other and truly sharing a bond.

15. Prince Charles at his mother’s coronation, 1953

The future Prince of Wales was born in 1948, making him around 5 here. A boy that age would rather have been playing somewhere, hence his bored expression.

Prince Charles of Edinburgh is now 73.

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Article Sources:

Britannica

History.com

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