11 Surprising Things We Learned About the Royal Family Recently

Michelle Obama revealed one of the most enlightening facts about the royal family this year when she told the Press Association that Queen Elizabeth II once said, "Oh, it's all rubbish," when referring to the many complicated protocols that surround the royal family. With so many stories circulating about how the queen may feel about the younger royals relaxing the notoriously strict royal rules, it's refreshing to hear that even she thinks a lot of it is unnecessary.

Demi Moore! Naomi Campbell! Robbie Williams's daughter as a bridesmaid! Princess Eugenie's wedding wasn't just one of the most memorable royal events of last year, it was a unique insight into the princess's incredible social circle and the wide array of high-profile friends she has made over the years. After all, there aren't many occasions where you'll find Queen Elizabeth II and Kate Moss in the same room.

The arrival of Prince Louis was the big royal baby news in 2018, but a little tidbit about George's birth was also revealed, and it made us feel like maybe the royals are just like us after all. Apparently, after she gave birth to George in 2013, Kate eschewed hospital food and ordered a pizza instead. She's definitely our kind of girl.

In a documentary about the queen, Prince Harry joked to a group of scholars working at Buckingham Palace, "you guys will spend way more time in Buckingham Palace than I ever have, and you've only been here for two weeks." While he may have been exaggerating slightly, the Prince does make a point. Though he's often seen at official events at Buckingham Palace and currently lives a stone's throw away at Kensington Palace, when it comes to extended family time, the royal family usually chooses to get together at Sandringham, Balmoral, or Windsor Castle.

People are obviously obsessed with finding out if the royal family watches The Crown, but what about their other TV habits? When Prince Charles caught up with Tom Hiddleston at a BFI event in December, he apparently spoke to the actor about how much he enjoyed The Night Manager. William and Kate, meanwhile, apparently like Homeland and Game of Thrones, while Harry has an alleged penchant for TV talent shows.

Like most younger siblings, Charlotte apparently inherits many of her toys from her older brother. However, we're not talking the odd threadbare teddy bear or set of Lego here. Apparently one of her hand-me-downs is a motorized Jeep!

Prince Charles's passion for the environment has been passed down to his sons, and Harry ensures he's conserving energy around the home by turning off unnecessary lights at every opportunity. The Prince recently revealed that this has resulted in some interesting conversations with Meghan. "My wife certainly goes, 'Well, why turn the lights off? It's dark,'" he admitted in a documentary that aired on Prince Charles's 70th birthday. "I go, 'We only need one light, we don't need, like, six.'" he continued.

We've always known Prince Charles loves his furry and feathered friends, but last year the future king really took his obsession to new heights. We learned that he names the squirrels on his estate, watched him laughing as a bee attacked Prince Harry, witnessed him making gobbling noises at his turkeys, and even saw him say "hello" to a sheep.

Toward the end of last year, rumors swirled of a "rift" between William and Kate and Harry and Meghan. First came the news that Harry and Meghan would be opening their own offices separate from those of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, followed later by the news that they will actually move from London to Windsor. Some allege that this is because Meghan and Kate don't get on, but it's far more likely be rooted in practicality. Nottingham Cottage, where Harry and Meghan have been living, is one of Kensington Palace's smallest properties with only two bedrooms. With a baby on the way, Harry and Meghan are looking for a little more space. They've been extending and renovating Frogmore Cottage, the home in Windsor that the queen has given them ready to move in any day now.

During the royal tour of Australia and New Zealand, Meghan ran into a familiar face from her past in the crowd. Apparently, during her Suits days, Meghan became friends with some fans on Instagram, including Hannah, a 20-year-old from New Zealand who received messages of advice and encouragement from Meghan via direct message. When the duchess spotted her in the crowds during a walkabout in Auckland, the sweet moment of recognition was captured on camera, and the pair finally got to meet.

Resurfaced photos from Prince Harry's days at Eton revealed that long before he met Meghan Markle, he held a torch for another American actress. Halle Berry joked "Ok #PrinceHarry, I see you!" on Twitter when she was made aware of the fact a photo of her stood pride of place at the center of a wall hanging in Harry's room.