The scientific reason why we’re all obsessed with the Royal Family
There's a good explanation for the excitement we feel every time Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton step out
FROM Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding to the birth of Prince Louis, it's been quite a year for the Royal Family.
But as bystanders, why are we so fascinated by what they're up to?
Of course, some of our interest can probably be put down to the women's stunning designer wardrobes, their lavish palaces and, er, Harry's beard.
But apparently, we're also comforted by seeing the family carry out their hectic schedules and adhering to strict protocol.
According to Dr. Donna Rockwell, Psy.D. - a clinical psychologist specialising in the area of celebrity and fame - this feeling can be akin to a child finding peace in structure and boundaries.
Even if we don't realise it's what we need, it could be doing us some good.
"So in the same way, I think that when an adult is feeling a sense of inner chaos, it's comforting, even neurologically speaking, to be able to observe something of structure.
"We see structure, and we feel comforted.
"So it's actually a neurological response of relaxation that occurs in us in seeing the Queen, and the [grand]daughters-in-law, and the line [of heirs].
"The universe is profoundly chaotic. So whenever we can anchor ourselves into a sense of order and safety, really, we tend to relax.
"And that generates the reward centre of the brain. Ahhhh, is the reaction."
Rockwell also references the Queen's meeting with President Trump earlier this summer, continuing: "She was gracious, and it was lovely to see.
"To see it witnessed right there where some of us, perhaps, are pulling our hair out and we're at our wits' end - we see the monarch, the monarchy, exhibiting graciousness to what we see as confusion and upset."
We like this theory a lot.
Next time we're trying to justify copying Meghan's £327 dress, we're just going to call it relaxing.
In more royal news, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have given their new dog this cute name.
If you want to to fuel your obsession even more, you can grab tickets to hang out with Harry and Meghan… for just £33.
And Pippa Middleton will be copying Kate when it comes to this royal baby tradition.