Why is the Royal Family known as The Firm?
MEGHAN Markle referred to the Royal Family as "The Firm" in a clip ahead of her bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview.
But why is the Royal Family known as The Firm and what does it mean? Here's all you need to know...
Why is the Royal Family known as The Firm?
The Firm is essentially a nickname for the Royal Family.
The Queen’s father King George VI who ruled from 1936 to 1952 is thought to have coined the term.
According to The New York Times he said: "British royals are not a family, we are a firm."
However Prince Philip is thought to have actually brought the phrase into use when he married into the Royal Family.
In Journalist Penny Junor’s 2005 book, The Firm: The Troubled Life Of The House Of Windsor, she said: "Prince Philip calls it 'The Firm,' and all the royal executives and their powerful associates are supposed to make every effort to avoid even a hint of scandal that could diminish the reputation of the family business."
What does 'The Firm' mean?
The phrase The Firm refers to the Royal Family's business-like operation, rather than its personal side.
It refers to both Royals and those who work for them, including senior courtiers and advisers.
What is the 'Firm of Eight'?
The Firm of Eight is the inner circle within The Firm who publicly represent the Royal Family.
The group was reportedly officially formed in December 2020 and members include the Queen, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Kate Middleton and Prince William, Prince Charles and Camilla, and .
Prince Philip is not among the Firm of Eight as he retired from public office in 2017.
Harry and Meghan are no longer part of the Firm as senior working royals after they stepped back from official duties.
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew was also banned from front-line duties after his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was revealed.