Does English Royalty Still Speak French?

Question

England were sacked and taken over in 1066 by the french province of Normandy, which is in the north. Since then the ruling class been speaking French and many of the kings been French, or of French ancestry. Even their motto is 'dieu et mon droit' which is french for, 'God and my right'.

Have they been speaking french all this time? Even the current royal families? If not, when did they stop?

Answer 1

I do know that the Queen speaks French, but that's it.

Answer 2

French, for centuries, was an international language as well as the court language for many European monarchies.

The Queen speaks French fluently as does Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (he speaks German fluently as well). The heir apparent, The Prince of Wales, speaks French as well and actually has dropped by Windsor Castle during a tour and spoke French (and German) with some tourists.

Answer 3

One could hardly understand British English!

You want them to speak French too?!!!

Answer 4

I think people study French, just as American students do.

But, like in the household?  Darlin' that was a thousand years ago, and they WERE French.  They've kind of assimilated to the New Country, now.

Answer 5

The Queen speaks fluent French and often uses the language for audiences and state visits. Whenever she makes a royal visit to Canada, she would speak both English and French as well. The Queen usually chats graciously in English, or in serviceable French. However, English is the main language exchange between royal family members.

Answer 6

and in 1066, William the conquerer was FROM Normandy - the province did not sack and take over England.

William built castles where ever he won a battle, to ensure holding on to it.

William incorporated the two cultures that were in England after he conquered the island - you need to look up those cultures, and then look at a historical timeline of how marriages ensured peace for monarchies.

Your'e missing a big part in between 1066 and the present, when the Royal Family of England became GERMAN.

Answer 7

In around the 14th Century speaking English became fashionable at Court, that is when the majority of British royalty really stopped speaking French.

Answer 8

they speak many languages presumably french is included.