When they are away from the public eye and surrounded by close family, the British royal family often forgoes formal titles in favor of affectionate nicknames.
Personalized Nicknames Within the Royal Family
Many have unique pet names for one another. Meghan Markle once revealed during an interview with James Corden that she calls Prince Harry “Haz.” The late Queen Elizabeth was affectionately known as “Lilibet” by her immediate family, while a young Prince William reportedly called her “Gary” because he couldn’t yet pronounce “Grandma.”
The younger royals also have endearing names for their elders. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are familiar with the legacy of “Granny Diana” and refer to King Charles as “Grandpa Wales.” This follows a tradition set by Queen Elizabeth, who called her own grandfather, King George V, “Grandad England.”
Queen Camilla also has a special name given to her by her step-grandchildren. Rather than the usual “Grandma” or “Nanny,” she is lovingly called “GaGa.”
During a meeting with Lady Gaga at the 2016 Royal Variety Performance, Camilla mentioned that her grandchildren refer to her by this playful nickname.
She previously shared with the Daily Mail that after Prince George was born, she said: “My own grandchildren call me GaGa. I don’t know if it’s because they think I am! It is funny, but it is still very sweet.”
Prince George also had an adorable nickname for his great-grandmother, the late Queen. When he was just two and a half years old, he lovingly called her “Gan-Gan.” In a 2016 interview following the birth of Princess Charlotte, Kate Middleton said: “It’s very special having a new little girl…I feel very, very lucky that George has got a little sister.
“The Queen was thrilled that it was a little girl, and I think as soon as we came back here to Kensington, she was one of our first visitors here. George is only two-and-a-half, and he calls her ‘Gan-Gan.’ She always leaves a little gift or something in their room when we go and sta,y and that just shows her love for her family.”
