The world of the British Royal Family differs from that of the commoners in many respects. Not only do clothes have rules that can be broken: There are also some subtle differences between royals and the rest of the UK population when it comes to language.
For example, the strict etiquette of the British royal family does not allow the use of a number of terms and instead provides for a specific vocabulary. Royals expert Kate Fox explained these etiquette rules in an interview with Hello!.
1: "Scent" instead of "Perfume"
If the always stylish Duchess Kate (39) or another member of the royal family wears a perfume, she would not use the word "perfume", but always speak of spritzing on a favourite "scent".
2: "Dinner" instead of "Tea"
The non-royal Englishman does not only refer to a cup of tea in the afternoon when he speaks of "tea", but also to his dinner. While the middle-class Brit speaks of "tea" when he means his evening meal, Prince William (39) & Co. would get together for "dinner" or supper.
3: "Lavratory" instead of "Toilet"
Even if it sounds like classy French, "toilet" is a term that does not appear in the active vocabulary of the Royal Family. Instead, Prince Harry (36) or Prince Charles (72) disappear into the "Lavratory" or simply "loo" when they need to relieve themselves.
The reason for the rejection of the word is the historically rather difficult relationship between the British and the French.
4: "Drawing Room" instead of "Lounge"
Buckingham Palace has many many rooms, but no royal house would ever call one of the rooms a "lounge". The place where commoners come together when they want to sit comfortably together is a "drawing room" for the royals.
By the way, you don't sit there on a "couch", but rather on a "sofa".
5: "Smart" instead of "Posh"
Ironically, the royals would never use the word "posh". Only when the nobles talk to each other about the use of the word among commoners would Camilla (74) & Co. use the adjective. Otherwise, "smart" is an adequate substitute for "posh" among the royals.
6: "Sorry" instead of "Pardon"
Another French word that non-royals use every day without thinking about it: "Pardon". When the little Prince George (8) does not understand something correctly, he is taught to ask for repetition with "Sorry" or simply "What" instead of the French term.
