13 Words You"ll Never Hear the Royals Say

When middle-class Kate Middleton married into royalty in 2011, she had to say goodbye to a whole lot of words. That’s right: there are certain words the British Royal Family just doesn’t use. Anthropologist Kate Fox says if you do use them, that will mark you as a commoner. You’ll be surprised to see the words that have landed on the black list. 

1. Pardon

To a Royal, “pardon” is worse than a curse word. It’s because it’s derived from French and appears to be an attempt by the middle class to be delicate and refined. Royals prefer “sorry” or “what.” Or sometimes used together, as in “Sorry – what?” or “What – sorry?”

2. Toilet

Again, “toilet” is hated because of its French origins. Royals prefer “loo” or “lavatory,” pronounced “lavuhtry” with the accent on the first syllable. It’s considered middle class to use words like “Gents,” “Ladies,” “bathroom,” “powder room,” “facilities,” and “convenience.”

3. Mom and Dad

Normal people call their parents “Mom and Dad”; royal children say “Mummy and Daddy.” Prince Charles provided an example of this at the age of 64 by addressing the Queen as “Mummy” in his speech at her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

I can just picture Charlotte and George calling Will and Kate “Mummy” and “Daddy.” Too cute!