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Royal Fellow of the Royal Society facts for kids

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A Royal Fellow of the Royal Society is a special title given to members of the British royal family. The Royal Society is a very old and famous group of scientists in the United Kingdom. They choose members of the Royal Family to become Fellows.

First, the leaders of the Royal Society suggest a royal family member. Then, the existing Fellows (the scientists who are already members) vote in a secret ballot. They vote on whether to accept the royal family member. If most agree, that person becomes a Royal Fellow.

The British Monarch (the King or Queen) is always the main supporter, or Patron, of the Royal Society. This is true even if they were not elected as a Royal Fellow before. For example, Queen Elizabeth II became a Royal Fellow in 1947, before she became Queen in 1952. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was not a Royal Fellow because he was elected under a different rule in 1951.

As of 2022, the Patron was Queen Elizabeth II. The Royal Fellows were:

Who Are the Royal Fellows?

Royal Fellows are members of the British Royal Family who have been chosen to join the Royal Society. This society is one of the oldest science academies in the world. It promotes excellence in science.

How Royal Fellows Are Chosen

The process for choosing a Royal Fellow is quite formal.

  • The council of the Royal Society suggests a royal family member.
  • Then, all the current Fellows vote.
  • This vote is done in secret.
  • If the majority vote yes, the royal family member becomes a Royal Fellow.

The Monarch's Role in the Royal Society

The King or Queen of the United Kingdom has a special connection to the Royal Society. They are always the Patron. This means they are the official supporter of the society.

Patronage vs. Fellowship

Being a Patron is different from being a Royal Fellow.

  • The Monarch is the Patron automatically.
  • A Royal Fellow is elected by the other scientists.
  • Queen Elizabeth II was elected a Royal Fellow before she became Queen.
  • This shows that some royals are elected, while the Monarch's role is a tradition.

Why Some People Question Royal Fellows

Sometimes, people discuss whether it is right to have Royal Fellows. The Royal Society is all about science and discovery. Some people believe that members should only be chosen for their scientific achievements.

The Debate About Heredity

  • Some members have asked if it is time to change this tradition.
  • They wonder if a science group should honor people based on their family connections.
  • They argue that the Royal Society's goals are purely scientific.
  • They feel that the Royal Family's interest in science has not always been strong.
  • This discussion is about balancing tradition with the society's scientific mission.

Royal Fellows Through History

Many members of royal families have been Royal Fellows since 1660. This includes British royals and sometimes members of royal families from other countries.

Notable Royal Fellows Since 1660

Here is a list of some of the Royal Fellows elected over the centuries:

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