The British Royal Family (B2)

A glossary to make it easier to understand the topic “The British Royal Family”

📝 Exercise. Complete each sentence with the correct form: Past Simple or Present Perfect.

👑 Since the 1930s, the royal family _____ itself as a “model family” in public life. a) presented b) has presented
🎖️ During the Second World War, the monarchy _____ to appear more informal and relatable to the public. a) tried b) has tried
In 1939, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother _____ warmly with crowds during a trip to Canada. a) interacted b) has interacted
🗂️ In the 1960s, “coloured immigrants or foreigners” _____ from clerical posts in the royal household. a) were banned b) have been banned
🧩 Since that era, public debate about inclusion _____ around the institution. a) grew b) has grown
✈️ In 1970, Queen Elizabeth II _____ a major tour of Australia and New Zealand. a) undertook b) has undertaken
🚶 Over the years, the term “walkabout” _____ closely associated with royals meeting the public on tours. a) became b) has become
📰 In 1992, relationship breakdowns _____ the monarchy’s “model family” narrative. a) damaged b) have damaged
🕊️ In 1997, the family’s early response to Diana’s death _____ widely criticised. a) was b) has been
🧭 In the 1990s, the family _____ the Way Ahead Group to discuss modernisation and public expectations. a) formed b) has formed
🔧 Since its creation, the group _____ as a forum for navigating changes in public opinion. a) served b) has served
🎗️ Over the years, senior royals _____ thousands of official engagements in the UK and abroad. a) carried out b) have carried out
📜 For decades, the Court Circular _____ daily appointments and official events. a) listed b) has listed
💒 In April 2011, Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s wedding _____ a surge of public goodwill. a) generated b) has generated
🌍 In recent years, the royal household _____ criticism over environmental impact. a) faced b) has faced
📊 In 2019, a YouGov poll _____ that roughly two-thirds of Britons supported keeping the monarchy. a) showed b) has shown
🧳 In early 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex _____ from royal duties permanently. a) withdrew b) have withdrawn
🔥 Since the scandal interview, arguments about racism and bias _____ more intense. a) became b) have become
👑 Since Charles III became king in September 2022, the monarchy _____ further pressure. a) faced b) has faced
🎖️ In 2023, the Trooping the Colour balcony appearance _____ a widely circulated symbol. a) became b) has become

A quiz exercise on the topic “The British Royal Family”

New Year Celebration by the British Royal Family

📝 Exercise. Prepositions in collocations

👉 Choose the correct preposition (A / B / C) in each sentence.

🎆 During the New Year broadcast, the royal family reflects ___ the past year. A) on B) at C) for
🎄 Members of the royal household prepare ___ New Year celebrations at Sandringham. A) to B) for C) about
👑 The monarch traditionally speaks ___ the nation on New Year’s Eve. A) with B) at C) to
🕯️ The family focuses ___ calmness and reflection after the Christmas period. A) at B) on C) for
📜 Royals show respect ___ tradition during New Year ceremonies. A) to B) for C) with
🎆 The atmosphere around the palace contributes ___ a sense of elation. A) for B) to C) with
🧾 Courtiers are responsible ___ organising official holiday schedules. A) of B) for C) about
💤 After late celebrations, even royals may suffer ___ tiredness the next day. A) from B) of C) with
😌 The family feels relaxation when they stay ___ public attention. A) away from B) out C) aside
😤 Royals are expected to react calmly ___ criticism during the holidays. A) at B) on C) to
😞 Disappointment may occur when plans change ___ the last minute. A) in B) on C) at
⚡ Repeating formal greetings can lead ___ exasperation. A) for B) into C) to
🏰 New Year traditions are deeply rooted ___ royal history. A) at B) in C) on
🕊️ Royals try to remain neutral ___ political debates. A) in B) on C) to
❄️ The family often stays indoors due ___ low temperatures. A) to B) for C) from
📚 Younger royals are educated ___ constitutional traditions. A) about B) on C) for
🧠 Calmness helps the royals cope ___ public pressure. A) with B) from C) about
🧾 Officials report ___ the monarch after the holidays. A) to B) for C) at
🎇 New Year celebrations mark a transition ___ one year to the next. A) into B) from C) between
👑 The royal family remains committed ___ duty even during holidays. A) for B) to C) with
🎆 The message usually ends ___ hope for the coming year.

A) with B) in C) by

Recap: New Year celebrations by the British Royal Family

📝 Gap-Fill Exercise: Past Simple vs Present Perfect. Choose the correct option (Past Simple or Present Perfect).

🎆 Over the years, the Royal Family ___ more relatable by sharing simple New Year wishes. A) appeared B) have appeared
👥 Yesterday evening, they ___ with crowds outside the palace after the service. A) interacted B) have interacted
✈️ In December 2023, the King ___ a major royal tour before returning for New Year. A) undertook B) have undertaken
👑 Since 2022, Camilla ___ closely associated with several winter charities. A) became B) has become
💍 In 2011, Catherine ___ a royal title, and the public got acquainted with her new role. A) shared B) has shared
🕯️ After the death of a senior royal in 2022, the family ___ quickly and publicly. A) responded B) have responded
🧯 This week, the Palace ___ crisis-planning seriously because of security concerns. A) treated B) has treated
🏛️ Recently, Buckingham Palace ___ as a forum for national unity in the holiday season. A) served B) has served
🤝 Two years ago, the Prince ___ a charity focused on youth wellbeing. A) established B) has established
🌟 So far this winter, the royals ___ a surge of goodwill through calm public appearances. A) generated B) have generated
❄️ Last New Year’s Eve, the temperature dropped sharply, so the family ___ indoors and felt more relaxed. A) stayed B) have stayed
🎄 Today, I ___ relaxation while watching the royal New Year message at home. A) felt B) have felt
📚 This month, I ___ overwhelmed because I still ___ an assignment to submit. A) felt / had B) have felt / have had
🧩 When I felt anxious yesterday, I ___ problems into small steps and solved them one by one. A) broke B) have broken
➗ This morning, I ___ calmer because I ___ equations without rushing. A) felt / solved B) have felt / have solved
🧾 After the long rehearsal last night, the staff ___ fatigue. A) noticed B) have noticed
💤 Since the celebrations started this week, many guests ___ real tiredness the next day. A) noticed B) have noticed
😞 When the schedule changed on 31 December, we ___ disappointment because plans were cancelled at the last minute. A) felt B) have felt
🌍 In recent years, the royals ___ public criticism more often online. A) faced B) have faced
🔥 In 2020, tabloids ___ arguments, ___ criticism, and ___ concerns about the “model family” image. A) intensified / attracted / raised B) have intensified / have attracted / have raised

New Year Celebration by the British Royal Family

📝 Exercise. Prepositions in collocations

👉 Choose the correct preposition (A / B / C) in each sentence.

🎆 During the New Year broadcast, the royal family reflects ___ the past year and the get-togethers at Sandringham. A) on B) at C) for
🎄 Members of the royal household prepare ___ New Year celebrations, including a feast and small gifts. A) to B) for C) about
👑 The monarch traditionally speaks ___ the nation on New Year’s Eve and thanks people for their support. A) with B) at C) to
🕯️ The family focuses ___ calmness and reflection, preferring a quiet evening at home after midnight. A) at B) on C) for
📜 Royals show respect ___ tradition: they raise a toast at midnight and open a bottle of sparkling wine. A) to B) for C) with
🎆 The atmosphere around the palace contributes ___ a festive mood that fades by the next morning. A) for B) to C) with
🧾 Courtiers are responsible ___ organising holiday schedules and checking the inbox on Monday morning. A) of B) for C) about
💤 After late celebrations and listening to music late into the night, even royals may suffer ___ tiredness. A) from B) of C) with
😌 The family feels relaxation when they stay ___ loud music late at night and public attention. A) away from B) out C) aside
😤 Royals are expected to react calmly ___ criticism, even if plans fall apart at the last minute. A) at B) on C) to
🎇 Members of the royal household prepare ___ welcoming the New Year with friends at Sandringham. A) to B) for C) about
🥂 Royals show respect ___ their guests by raising a toast at midnight. A) for B) to C) with
🍾 Courtiers are responsible ___ opening a bottle of sparkling wine at the right moment. A) about B) for C) of
📸 During the celebration, staff focus ___ taking photos and keeping everything discreet. A) at B) on C) for
🎁 The family often speaks ___ gratitude when they exchange small gifts. A) at B) of C) to
📬 On the first working day, the palace reflects ___ its priorities while checking the inbox on Monday morning. A) on B) at C) for
🕯️ After the fireworks, the festive mood fades ___ the early hours, and the palace becomes quiet. A) in B) at C) on
🧹 After the feast, courtiers suffer ___ tiredness but still clean up after guests. A) from B) of C) with
🕛 The royals stay up past midnight, yet they remain calm ___ sudden changes in the schedule. A) to B) at C) on
😤 Even if plans fall apart at the last minute, the family reacts calmly ___ the situation and makes plans for the coming year. A) at B) to C) on