Hold on to your hats, folks, because we’re about to dive into the world of the working royals

With a recent announcement that only working royals will appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at King Charles III's coronation, it's got us wondering, who are these working royals and what do they actually do?

Let's find out.

Let's start by defining what a working royal is.

These individuals are members of the royal family who represent the king at official engagements.

They are considered full-time employees of the monarchy, with all expenses, including living costs, accommodation, and overseas travel, covered by the king.

So who exactly are these working members of the monarchy?

Presently, there are only ten confirmed working royals.

While there are others who work on a reduced basis, such as Princess Alexandra of Kent, our focus will be on the full-time working royals for now.

At the forefront, we have His Majesty, King Charles III.

As the head of state, Charles has already assumed some of the duties typically reserved for the monarch, including the opening of Parliament.

Following closely is Queen Consort Camilla, who was confirmed by the late Queen Elizabeth II before her passing to be the Queen Consort when Charles ascends to the throne.

Previously known as the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla frequently undertook duties either alongside Charles or independently.

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine, are also among the full-time working royals.

Recently appointed as the Prince and Princess of Wales, they have taken on increased royal responsibilities on behalf of the Queen and now the King.

As the heir apparent, William is expected to assume even more duties, possibly taking over tasks previously carried out by his father as the former Prince of Wales.

Their children, Princess George, Louis, and Charlotte, will also join them on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the King's coronation.

Princess Anne, the sole daughter of the Queen, is recognized as one of the most industrious royals, consistently ranking at the top of the list for the most official engagements completed annually.

This year, Anne embarked on a tour of Australia and is speculated to become the first female head of the Marines.

Although Anne's husband, Vice-Admiral Timothy Lawrence, is not a working royal, he will accompany Anne on the palace balcony at King Charles's coronation.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Sophie, are additional full-time working royals.

While their children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn, are not classified as working royals, it is probable that both will stand alongside their parents on the palace balcony during King Charles's coronation.

Prince Richard, the first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and his wife, Bridget, participate in national and international events in support of the former monarch and her duties as head of state.

Despite being less familiar to some, Prince Richard has been a dedicated full-time working member of the royal family for several years.

It's essential to note that merely being a patron of various charities does not automatically qualify a royal as a working royal.

The patronage must be on behalf of the monarch.

Consequently, royals like Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, who serve as patrons for different charities, may engage in numerous functions but are not officially recognized as working royals.

Being a working royal entails a demanding full-time commitment with an endless array of responsibilities.

These responsibilities can vary from attending state dinners to charity events to inaugurating new hospitals and schools.

The seniority of a working royal is determined through negotiations between various government entities, including Buckingham Palace and ambassadors or high commissioners in foreign countries, to ensure the individual is suitable for the task at hand.

While the king or a direct heir typically handles significant tasks like welcoming a foreign president, the day-to-day duties are consistently managed by these dedicated working royals, who represent the monarchy with poise and respect.