The Queen has banned the word ‘pregnant’ and says ‘in the family way’ instead

The Queen reportedly hates the word ‘pregnant’ and has banned it being used in her presence as she finds it ‘vulgar’. Instead, she insists that people refer to expectant mothers as being ‘in the family way’. The saying is an old fashioned phrase but is not as commonly used nowdays.

It’s understood that the Queen hasn’t banned the word ‘pregnant’ altogether but prefers it not to be used in front of her. Prince Harry and William have both used the term when speaking about their wives to the media.

Whenever there is a royal birth, strict protocol and tradition must be followed. Before social media, news would be announced at the gates of Buckingham Palace. A royal aide would deliver the news to the palace in the form of a note and once family members were informed, an easel would be placed in the grounds with the time of birth and the gender of the baby. The wording is very specific, and states that all new mothers “are safely delivered of” their sons or daughters.

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When Kate Middleton gave birth to Prince George in 2013, the notice was quickly put up at the palace. It said: “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 1101 hrs. The baby weighs 8lbs 7oz. The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth. Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well.”

The Queen now has 12 great-grandchildren and is said to be close to all of them, often mentioning them in her Christmas speech. They seem to be fond of her too and have come up with a cute nickname for her majesty – ‘Gan-Gan’.

Royal expert, Ingrid Seward said: “She is close to them all, mentioning them in her Christmas speeches, in her letters and in conversation. She delights in leaving little surprises in their bedrooms when they come to stay.”

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