The most touching photos of royal grandparents with their grandchildren

In their youth, monarchs work hard for the benefit of the Crown, so they do not always have the opportunity to spend a lot of time with their children. So they have to make up for lost time with their grandchildren. We have collected the cutest photos of the royal grandparents, which show their sincere love for the baby heirs.

Many members of the British royal family have an excellent sense of humor. For example, after the birth of Prince George, the Duke of Wales said that he was very happy to become a grandfather and added that it was great that grandchildren could always be given back to their parents.

But, of course, it was only a joke. Perhaps all royal grandparents have a special love for their grandchildren. The photos from our collection are a clear proof of this.

The Queen Mother has been the most popular member of the British royal family for many years. She was loved for her non-confrontational nature, her loyalty to the nation, and the charming smile she lavished on her subjects. She never dreamed of the throne, but managed to become the mainstay of her entire family. Elizabeth helped her husband to get rid of his natural shyness, took care of her daughters — Elizabeth and Margaret.

The Queen Mother and Prince Charles, 1946

Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon with her grandson Andrew, 1960

When the Second World War broke out, she insisted that they should not be separated.

Charles and Anna with her grandmother, 1954

She also became a caring grandmother for her grandchildren. While her daughter Elizabeth II was engaged in state affairs, it was she who raised her children.

Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon with her grandchildren: Prince Edward, Viscount Linley and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones, 1970

The Queen Mother has a particularly warm relationship with Elizabeth II's first child, Prince Charles. She saw how sensitive and homesick this child was growing up, so she tried her best to dissuade Prince Philip from sending him to Gordonstoun Boarding School.

Prince Charles meets his grandmother at Waterloo Station, 1954

Unfortunately, she did not succeed. Subsequently, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon more than once took an active part in the fate of her grandson. It was she who supported Charles when she realized that the only woman he really loved was Camilla Parker-Bowles.

The Queen Mother with her grandson Charles in Sandringham, 1969

The current Queen of Great Britain has four children, each of whom had two children. By simple mathematical calculations, you can understand that Elizabeth II is the grandmother of eight grandchildren. However, they do not call her "grandmother" at all, but "Gan-gan".

Elizabeth II with Princes Harry and William, 1987

The author of this original nickname was Prince William. As a child, he could not pronounce the word "granny" correctly. Therefore, when he addressed Elizabeth II, something vaguely resembling the name "Gary"came out of his mouth.

Elizabeth II with her daughter Anna and eldest grandson Peter, 1977

One day, this caused a small commotion in the palace: William desperately called "Gary", but none of the courtiers could understand who the young prince meant. Then the Queen appeared in the doorway and said calmly:

The Queen with her granddaughter Zara, 1984

Over the years, the nickname "Gary" was transformed into an even simpler one - "Gan-Gan", which became the unofficial name of Elizabeth II among all her grandchildren.

Elizabeth II and Prince Harry leave the church after the Easter service, 1989

Zara and Peter Phillips and William with their grandmother in Sandringham, 1988

The Queen's husband had always been strict with his own children. His favorite was Princess Anne — the most lively girl with an iron inner rod.

Prince Philip with his grandchildren-Peter and Zara Phillips, 1985

But with Prince Charles, his relationship was not the best: Philip criticized his eldest son for being too sensitive and unprepared to face the challenges of fate.

Peter Phillips, Duke of Edinburgh, Princes William and Harry, Princess Diana, 1990

Historians agree that the Duke of Edinburgh's formation as a parent was strongly influenced by his own childhood.

Prince Philip with his granddaughter Zara, 1991

His family survived exile, his mother became seriously ill, and as a teenager, Philip was separated from his parents — he was sent to study in England, where he had to learn to survive in a new world on his own.

Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice with their grandfather, 2003

Therefore, he considered it his duty to cultivate independence and resilience in his children, and rarely spoiled them. However, it is curious that for his grandchildren, Philip did not become the same authoritarian grandfather.

Princess Eugenie, Louise Windsor, Sophie of Wessex and the Duke of Edinburgh, 2012

"All of Philip's grandparents died before he was born or when he was very young," writer Phil Dampierre tells the American Harper's Bazaar. Philip was very close to Princess Victoria, because he hardly knew his own parents.

In the 1930s, it was she who helped pay for his education, and she was always there if Philip needed any advice. I am sure that Prince Philip adheres to a similar philosophy in relation to his own grandchildren."

Prince William greets his grandfather, 2007

According to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, Philip's closest relationship was with his eldest grandson, Peter Phillips. They do have a lot in common: they are both sharp-tongued, educated at Gordonstoun, and have a passion for racing cars and hunting.

The Duke of Edinburgh with Princes Harry and William, 2015

Prince Philip's second favorite was Prince Edward's daughter, Lady Louise Windsor. She and the Duke of Edinburgh share a love of horse-drawn racing.

On the eve of Prince Charles ' 70th birthday in A photo shoot was held in Kensington Garden, where the birthday boy posed with family members. The images were subsequently published by The Sunday Times.

Prince Charles with daughter-in-law Kate Middleton and grandson Louis

For the cover of the magazine, perhaps the most successful and touching photo was chosen — it shows a smiling Prince Charles holding his six-month-old grandson Louis.

The Dukes of Cambridge with their children, the Dukes of Sussex, Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla

Prince Charles cooks Christmas pudding with his grandson George under the Queen's strict supervision

Prince Charles with his son Harry and grandson Archie

The fact that the Prince of Wales is a wonderful grandfather was also mentioned by Prince William in the BBC film "Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70".

Sonja and Harald V with their granddaughter Leia, 2012

King Harald V (second cousin of Elizabeth II) ascended the Norwegian throne after the death of his father in 1991. At that time, he already had two heirs born in a marriage with Soney Haraldsen as Prince Haakon and Princess Martha-Louise.

Sonja and Harald V with their granddaughter Ingrid Alexandra, 2013

Harald, now 83, is a happy grandfather to five grandchildren who love spending time with him and his wife.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has two children and eight grandchildren. She always said that she regretted not being able to spend a lot of time with her sons while they were growing up. And she now has to make up for lost time with her grandchildren. Magrete II ironically admits that she may not be "the best grandmother" in the world.

The Great Danish Royal Family, 2011

However, judging by the photos, there is no doubt that the Danish queen sincerely loves all her grandchildren.

Margrethe II and Henrik of Denmark with their twin grandchildren, Vincent and Josephine, in 2011

Princess Isabella and Prince Christian with their grandparents, 2012