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The British Royal Family is known for their adherence to tradition, protocol and maintaining a dignified public image. However, beneath the surface of regal formalities lies a close-knit family unit with its own quirks and terms of endearment. From Prince Philip's affectionate nickname of "cabbage" for Queen Elizabeth to Princess Diana's loving moniker for Prince William of "Wombat", this tradition of using secret code names seems to have extended to the youngest generation as well.
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During a walk through the idyllic Berkshire countryside near the Middleton family home, a fortunate dog walker had a chance encounter with one of the royal children. While keeping her distance as instructed by the watchful protection officer, fate intervened when Prince George began petting her canine companion. Seizing the opportunity for friendly conversation, the woman inquired after the young prince's name though she was fully aware of his true identity. To her astonishment, Prince George flashed a mischievous grin and revealed a name other than his royal title. "I am called Archie," he proclaimed, leaving the woman both perplexed and charmed by this revelation.
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Whether this pseudonym was a casual nickname or a strategic measure to safeguard his privacy remains an intriguing mystery. Interestingly, "Archie" is also the first name of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son, who is George's cousin. Born on May 6th, 2019, he is officially known as Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, but referred to as Prince Archie of Sussex in the media. The dog walker mentioned not knowing why George chose this name in particular, though thought it was a cute choice as young children often play with name variations.
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Prince George reportedly has another nickname inspired by a popular British tea brand - "PG Tips". As his full name can be abbreviated to those initials, he is affectionately called "PG". George is said to like this name so much that it is sometimes used within the home or shortened even further to just "Tips". Prior to George's birth, Kate Middleton referred to him affectionately as "our little grape" while pregnant, indicating she had a feeling the couple were having a boy.
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Princess Charlotte also possesses an endearing moniker bestowed by her father. During a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show, while playing on a swing in the gardens, William called out to her using the French word "Minette", meaning small, sweet or delicate. This secret code name highlights the light-hearted bonds within the immediate family circle contrasting with their serious public personas.
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Even in his student days at St. Andrews University in Scotland, Prince William took steps to protect his privacy by adopting aliases. While limiting official media access, the Prince of Wales is said to have introduced himself using a different name amongst peers to blend in more seamlessly on campus. His chosen identity was reportedly "Steve", allowing William to experience university life with greater anonymity.
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The British Royal Family presents a carefully cultivated image of continuity, tradition and formality to the outside world. However, beneath the veneer of regal protocol lies a tightly knit modern family unit with its own unique terms of endearment and strategies for carving out moments of lighthearted normalcy even amid paparazzi pressures. Through secret code names within their private sphere, the younger royals are able to temporarily cast off their august titles in favor of more playful identities as children, siblings and cousins. A chance interaction reveals this tradition appears set to continue with the next generation.
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