Was the Royal Family in European Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

Have you ever watched the classic comedy movie “European Vacation” and wondered if the Royal Family was actually in it? Well, the answer is yes and no.

Who is the Royal Family?

Before we dive into whether or not they were in “European Vacation,” let’s first establish who the Royal Family is. The British Royal Family is one of the most famous and influential families in the world, consisting of Queen Elizabeth II, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Their Cameo Appearance

In “European Vacation,” there is a scene where the Griswold family visits Buckingham Palace. While they are there, they witness a royal procession with guards on horses and a carriage carrying a woman who looks like Queen Elizabeth II. However, it was not actually her.

The woman in the carriage was an actress named Jeanette Charles, who portrayed Queen Elizabeth II in several films during her career. The guards were real members of the Household Division, but they were not on duty during filming. Instead, they were actors hired to play their roles.

Why They Were Not Actually in It

While it may seem strange that the real Royal Family was not involved in a movie that features them so prominently, it’s important to remember that they are very private individuals who do not typically participate in pop culture events or media.

Additionally, at the time of filming “European Vacation” (1985), Queen Elizabeth II had been on the throne for over 30 years and was already an iconic figure around the world. It’s possible that involving her directly in a comedy movie could have been seen as disrespectful or inappropriate.

The Bottom Line

So while it’s true that the Royal Family does make an appearance in “European Vacation,” it is not actually them. Instead, it’s an actress portraying Queen Elizabeth II along with actors hired to play the guards. While it would have been fun to see the real Royal Family in the movie, their absence is understandable given their status and reputation.

In conclusion, “European Vacation” remains a beloved comedy classic with or without the involvement of the Royal Family.