While the Royal Family can certainly engage in various leisure activities, there is a known discouragement against playing the popular board game Monopoly, particularly for its older members. This unofficial rule is primarily due to the game's competitive nature, which has historically led to heated arguments.
Understanding the Royal Family's Stance on Board Games
The Royal Family, like any other family, enjoys downtime and recreational activities. However, there are certain unwritten rules and traditions that guide their public and private lives. When it comes to games, some are seen as more suitable than others, especially those that might lead to conflict or un-royal behavior.
For the Royal Family, maintaining decorum and avoiding disputes is paramount. Games that can foster intense competition and potential disagreements are often sidestepped to preserve harmony, especially during family gatherings or official engagements.
Why Monopoly is Off-Limits
Monopoly, with its focus on property acquisition, strategic bankrupting of opponents, and sometimes lengthy gameplay, can easily ignite strong emotions. The specific reasons cited for its discouragement within royal circles include:
- Highly Competitive Nature: The game's design encourages players to dominate and eliminate opponents, which can lead to significant friction and arguments.
- Potential for Disputes: Discussions over rules, property values, and financial transactions can escalate into heated debates, something the Royal Family reportedly seeks to avoid.
- Maintenance of Harmony: To ensure family gatherings remain pleasant and devoid of conflict, activities known to cause discord are often avoided. This is particularly true for older members, who have been noted as no longer permitted to play.
This means that while the game is a household staple for many, it is generally considered off-limits for members of the British Royal Family to prevent any potential squabbles that might arise from its competitive gameplay.
