© Getty Images

Assuming a leadership position -

A classic wartime occupation for the royals is to assume a leadership role of some description, both to offer moral support and to serve as a symbol of national unity.

© Getty Images

Assuming a leadership position - Over the years, various members of the royal family have visited troops, hospitals, and war zones, in a bid to boost morale and show solidarity.

© Getty Images

Princess Elizabeth during WWII -

During World War II, for example, Princess Elizabeth (who would later become Queen Elizabeth II) joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS).

© Getty Images

Princess Elizabeth during WWII -

After joining, she trained as a driver and mechanic, and she served with the rank of Second Subaltern. After just five months she was promoted to Junior Commander.

© Getty Images

Serving in the military -

Various members of the British royal family have also served in the active military. A very recent example is Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who fought in Afghanistan.

© Getty Images

Prince Philip -

Going further back, there are examples of military royals in both the World Wars. For example, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh served in several battles during World War II.

© Getty Images

Further examples -

George VI served in both the Royal Navy (RN) and the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War I, and he was joined in the RAF by Edward VIII.

© Getty Images

Commitment to their country -

While not all royals are involved in military service, it is considered an important way for the family to demonstrate their commitment to the country.

© Getty Images

Doing charity work - Another wartime occupation for members of the royal family is to become a patron of charitable organizations that help those affected by war.

© Getty Images

Doing charity work -

On various occasions, British royals have used their influence to raise awareness and to garner support for organizations that help servicemen, veterans, and their families.

© Getty Images 

Invictus Games -

For example, in 2014 Princes William and Harry founded the Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel and veterans.

© Shutterstock

Invictus Games -

The inspiration for the event was Prince Harry’s visit to the 2013 Warrior Games in the US. It was there he became convinced of sport’s potential to help with both physical and psychological issues.

© Shutterstock

Making direct addresses -

The British royals also have a habit of directly addressing their subjects during wartime in a bid to boost morale and provide direction.

© Getty Images 

King George VI, 1939 -

For example, at 6 pm on September 3, 1939, King George VI spoke to the people of Britain and the Empire via a radio broadcast.

© Getty Images

King George VI, 1939 -

Just as war with Germany had been declared, the King appealed to the people of his country to stand firm in face of the tough times ahead.

© Shutterstock

Princess Elizabeth, 1940 -

Then, in October 1940, a 14-year-old Princess Elizabeth spoke to evacuees via the radio program 'Children’s Hour,' urging them to have courage.

© Shutterstock

Practicing diplomacy -

During peace time, one of the main responsibilities of the royal family is diplomacy. Indeed, British royals play an important diplomatic role in promoting peace and goodwill between nations.

© Shutterstock

Practicing diplomacy -

On countless occasions, members of the royal family have made state visits and undertaken diplomatic missions to strengthen relationships and foster international cooperation.

© Shutterstock

Practicing diplomacy -

During her reign, Queen Elizabeth II made an impressive number of state visits and hosted a wealth of foreign leaders to promote diplomatic relations.

© Shutterstock

Doing humanitarian work - Another important facet of the royal family’s work is to get involved with humanitarian efforts. Indeed, different members of the royal family have been involved with a wide variety of humanitarian activities.

© Getty Images

Doing humanitarian work -

Favorite causes that British royals have supported over the years include healthcare, education, environmental conservation, and poverty alleviation.

© Getty Images

King Charles III - Perhaps the most well-known example of a royal doing humanitarian work is King Charles’ environmental initiatives.

© Getty Images

King Charles III - The current king has been an advocate for sustainable development and environmental issues since the 1970s, in particular through his Prince’s Trust and Prince’s Rainforest projects.

© Getty Images

Getting involved with philanthropy -

The British royals love to get involved with philanthropy. Over the years, they have been patrons of several different charitable organizations.

© Getty Images

Getting involved with philanthropy -

Through their patronage, the royals lend their support to a wide range of causes and use their influence to raise funds and awareness.

© Getty Images

The Prince and Princess of Wales - The current Prince and Princess of Wales, for example, are involved in a range of different charitable endeavors.

© Getty Images

The Prince and Princess of Wales -

The focus of the couple’s charity work tends to be on mental health and children’s well-being, as well as other social issues.

Sources: (Imperial War Museums) (Western Front Association)

See also: How the British royal family lived through 2023

© Getty Images