The royal family has always maintained an air of mystery and tradition, but a surprising revelation has recently emerged about Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s private lives. According to Sunrise host Edwina Bartholomew, the monarch and her late husband shared a deep fondness for British soap operas, so much so that they were affectionately nicknamed after two iconic characters from the sitcom Keeping Up Appearances.

The royal couple were dubbed “Hyacinth and Richard” by their family, a nod to the central characters from the beloved comedy series, which aired in the 1990s.

Keeping Up Appearances centered around Hyacinth Bucket, played by the brilliant Patricia Routledge, a character who constantly tried to climb the social ladder with her snobbish behavior and obsession with appearances. Her long-suffering husband, Richard, was often caught in the middle of her antics, providing a perfect match for the royal couple’s own dynamic.

The nickname “Hyacinth and Richard” seems particularly fitting given the Queen and Prince Philip’s well-known public composure and sense of humor.

This revelation came to light when Bartholomew shared her observations during a segment on Sunrise, noting that the Queen, in particular, enjoyed watching Coronation Street and EastEnders, along with Keeping Up Appearances. The fact that the royal family was so fond of these soap operas is endearing to many, showing a side of the Queen that is more relatable and down-to-earth than her usual public persona.

“Apparently, she loves a bit of Coronation Street, a bit of EastEnders too, and Keeping Up Appearances,” Bartholomew remarked.

For many years, the Queen and Prince Philip’s private tastes and preferences have remained largely out of public view, making this glimpse into their personal lives all the more fascinating. The couple’s shared affection for soap operas humanizes them in a way that is rare for such high-profile figures.

Their fondness for the genre also reflects the enduring appeal of British soap operas, which are beloved by millions of viewers around the world.

In fact, the Queen’s affection for Coronation Street is so well-known that she visited the set of the long-running show to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2020. It was a landmark moment, as the Queen had last visited the set in 1982, when the show was still filmed in its original location in Manchester.

Since then, Coronation Street has moved to MediaCity in Salford, a transition that the Queen described as “remarkable.” During her recent visit, she toured the set of Weatherfield, meeting several of the show’s most beloved actors, including William “Bill” Roache, who has held the world record for the longest-serving soap opera actor as Ken Barlow since 1960.

While on set, the Queen took a moment to praise Coronation Street for its ability to adapt and continue filming during the pandemic, despite the challenges it faced. In a touching exchange, William Roache replied to the Queen’s compliment with a smile, saying, “Ma’am, you’re the one that’s carried on.”

This brief but heartfelt interaction highlighted the mutual respect and admiration between the monarch and the actors who bring Britain’s most beloved soap operas to life.

The Queen’s genuine admiration for Coronation Street, coupled with her family’s affectionate nickname for her and Prince Philip, shows that even royalty has a soft spot for popular culture. It’s refreshing to see that the royal couple, despite their public responsibilities, were able to enjoy the same simple pleasures as many of their subjects.

Their shared enjoyment of soap operas is a reminder that even those at the very top of British society are not immune to the charm of a good TV show.

In addition to Keeping Up Appearances and Coronation Street, the Queen’s love for EastEnders also stands out. The popular soap opera, known for its gritty realism and complex characters, holds a special place in the hearts of many viewers.

Like Keeping Up Appearances, EastEnders deals with family dynamics, societal issues, and the challenges of everyday life, making it easy for anyone to relate to. The Queen’s fondness for these shows suggests that, despite her royal status, she enjoys the relatable, sometimes dramatic, storytelling that defines British soaps.

While we may never fully know the extent of the royal family’s private TV habits, these glimpses into their personal tastes offer a heartwarming and endearing side of the Queen and Prince Philip. Their shared love of soap operas is a reminder that everyone, no matter their status, can find joy in the simplest of pleasures.