20th-century Royalty Quotes

Elizabeth II

Diana, Princess of Wales

George VI

Charles III

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Elizabeth, the Queen Mother

When I started my public life, twelve years ago, I understood the media might be interested in what I did. I realized then their attention would inevitably focus on both our private and public lives. But I was not aware of how overwhelming that attention would become. Nor the extent to which it would affect both my public duties and my personal life, in a manner, that's been hard to bear. At the end of this year, when I've completed my diary of official engagements, I will be reducing the extent of the public life I've lead so far.

Diana, Princess of Wales

In tomorrow's world we must all work together as hard as ever, if we're truly to be United Nations

I believe in microfinance because it isn't just a path out of poverty. It's the road to self-reliance. By allowing people to team up and literally become their own bank, you can mobilize people and resources and alleviate poverty on the global scale.

Queen Rania of Jordan

There is no way I am going to put myself through Sandhurst and then sit on my arse back home while my boys are out fighting for their country.

Prince Harry of Wales

The very idea that all children want to be cuddled by a complete stranger I find utterly amazing.

Anne, Princess Royal

Often it is the case that it takes 'just a little' to help and support people, so they can help themselves. I have met adults and children, men and women, whose living conditions are difficult for us to imagine, but every time I come away inspired by their strength and will to improve their lives and provide a better life for their children.

Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark

I married him for better or worse, but not for lunch.

Wallis, Duchess of Windsor

In our right to speak freely, please let us not become too politically correct, because surely political correctness is as severe a form of censorship as any

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall

It is not fair to accuse the Arabic language of being old-fashioned and static as if it were independent from what we mean and do, or unaffected by the outcome of our deeds. It is our language, and we are ultimately responsible for its static condition. It is our duty to restore it to its glory so that it can return to what it used to be hundreds of years ago – the language of science and literature, a language of building bridges to other civilizations, a language that affected others through its scientific and cultural achievements, pushing them to learn it.

Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned

We're very lucky. You know, we have lots of things that we are very fortunate to have. You know, we have a house, you know? We have, you know, all these sort of nice things around us. And so, you know, we're grateful for that because so many people don't have that. We have, you know, relative stability and stuff like that. And, you know, lots of things that, you know, everyone would, you know, love to have.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge

The whole imposing edifice of modern medicine is like the celebrated tower of Pisa — slightly off balance.

This crisis is a challenge to our conscience. It puts our committment to a hard test.

Henri of Luxembourg

I think, the people around home are very supportive to us and those are the people who really matter to us, our close friends and close family and I think if they feel you are doing the right thing you can only be true to yourself and you sort of have to ignore a lot of what's said, obviously take it on board, but you have to be yourself really and that's how I have stuck by it really.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Anyone who is concerned about his dignity would be well advised to keep away from horses.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

My children are not royal, they just happen to have the Queen as their aunt.

Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon

We have been given an assignment as a monarchy, and we do as well as we can … We try to be as little populistic as possible. We don't do anything on the spur of the moment to win an opinion poll, or short-term popularity.

Harald V of Norway

I think everyone is nervous the first time they meet a new boyfriend's family and it doesn't make you less nervous when it's a royal couple. You always want to give a good first impression. The first meeting being nice, means a lot.

Princess Marie of Denmark

No sorrows. No regrets. A few frustrations, perhaps. I have learned that if you put people in your game they'll root for you, but if you leave them out they'll probably become enemies.

Rainier III, Prince of Monaco

Personally I feel happier now that we have no allies to be polite to and to pamper.

I have been King for 38 years, for which I am very proud, and during those many years I have felt a strong support from the Swedish people.

Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden

I have resolved the question of the Sahara which poisoned us for twenty-five years

Mohammed VI of Morocco

After the Queen had accepted a second glass of wine during lunch:

Do you think it's wise, darling? You know you've got to rule this afternoon.

Elizabeth, the Queen Mother

You are the elayaraja (crown prince) of Travancore?' She then recollected our first meeting years back in England. I was amazed when she asked if Travancore was in the southern tip of India?

Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma

The homework is obviously in Dutch. I adapt myself accordingly. The kids just think in Dutch.

Queen Mathilde of Belgium

The genocide is a result of a loss of respect and culture. The young people do not respect or listen to their elders - If I am allowed to return, I will encourage intermarriage among the groups so that we can become one people again.

Kigeli V of Rwanda