THEN AND NOW: 24 photos that show how royal life has changed over the years

Talia LakritzJun 2, 2020, 20:16 IST

The royal family is different than it used to be.Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

There used to be only one paparazzo that would photograph the royal family. Now there are hundreds.
It used to be taboo to marry someone who was divorced, but Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018.
Younger royals tend to be less strict about observing protocol.

The monarchy looks and feels different than it did when Queen Elizabeth was coronated 67 years ago. Some strict rules have been relaxed or changed, and younger members of the royal family continue to incorporate elements of modernity into their lives.

Here's how royal life has changed over the years.

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The ceiling in the White Drawing Room in Buckingham Palace was designed by John Nash.

The White Drawing Room in Buckingham Palace pictured in 1901. The Print Collector/Getty Images

While some of the furniture has been swapped out, much of the room's original decor remains.

The White Drawing Room today. Xinhua/Han Yan via Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth used to hold her grandchildren on her lap at events.

Queen Elizabeth and Zara Phillips in 1984. Alisdair MacDonald/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty Images

Now, her grandchildren attend events with her as adults.

The Queen with Zara Phillips, now Tindall. Indigo/Getty Images

Ray Bellisario, known as "Britain's first paparazzo," was one of the first photographers to take unofficial and informal photographs of the royal family.

Ray Bellisario in 1962. Popperfoto/Getty Images

Now hundreds of photographers follow the royals' every move.

Photographers gathered outside the hospital after Kate Middleton gave birth to Princess Charlotte in 2015. Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images

The Church of England used to forbid marriage after divorce.

King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. AP/Len Putnam

The ban has since been lifted, paving the way for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's love story.

Meghan Markle is divorced, but no one in the royal family took issue with their marriage. Aaron Chown/pool photo via AP

Queen Elizabeth's wedding was broadcast by BBC Radio in 1947.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip married at Westminster Abbey in 1947. AP

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding was broadcast by 15 different networks in the US alone.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave St George's Chapel. Ben STANSALL - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The Queen gave birth to all of her children at home.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip with baby Princess Anne. PA Images via Getty Images

Not only are royal babies now delivered in hospitals, royals greet photographers outside hours after giving birth.

Prince William and Kate Middleton with Prince Louis. Jack Taylor/Getty Images

Royal births used to be announced via a bulletin posted on the gates of Buckingham Palace.

A bulletin announcing the birth of Prince Andrew is posted at Buckingham Palace in 1960. PA Images via Getty Images

These days, birth announcements are posted on the official Kensington Palace Twitter as well as the palace gates.

Kensington Palace announces Prince Louis' birth on Twitter in 2018. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Sons used to take precedence over daughters in the line of succession.

Then-Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip with their baby daughter Princess Anne and son Prince Charles in 1950. Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The Succession to the Crown Act came into effect in 2015 and changed the male primogeniture rules.

Princess Charlotte gives younger brother Prince Louis a kiss. Kensington Palace

Royals used to put on Christmas pantomimes for the holidays.

Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret in costume in 1941. Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/Getty Images

Rumor has it that the royal family now exchanges hilarious gifts on Christmas Eve.

Members of the royal family at Sandringham for Christmas 2018. From left: Prince Charles, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry. Getty Images

The Queen used to lead the Trooping the Colour parade on horseback.

Queen Elizabeth in 1977. AP

These days, she sits in a horse-drawn carriage.

Queen Elizabeth at Trooping the Colour in 2018. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Bowing or curtsying to royalty used to be necessary.

Charlie Chaplin bows to Princess Margaret in 1952. Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

While it remains the traditional greeting, royals today often opt for a less formal approach.

Kate Middleton arriving at a royal engagement with a handshake. WPA Pool/Getty Images

Royals used to keep their distance from commoners.

Queen Elizabeth visiting Toronto in 1973. Popperfoto/Getty Images

Younger royals aren't afraid to break protocol and go in for a hug.

Meghan Markle is a hugger. KGC-107/STAR MAX/IPx 2018/AP

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