
- Queen Elizabeth's great-grandchildren have an adorable nickname for her: "Gan-Gan."
- Although the nickname has become famous among royal fans as the Cambridge kids' name for the Queen, it was actually coined two generations earlier in the royal family.
- A brochure from Prince Charles' 1969 investiture as the Prince of Wales revealed that Charles came up with the nickname for his own grandmother, Queen Mary.
Queen Elizabeth might be "Your Majesty" to most people, but to her great-grandkids, she goes by a much simpler (and more adorable) moniker: Gan-Gan.
Kate Middleton shared that adorable tidbit with the world during her first solo interview in 2016, according to The Sun. At the time, Prince George was the only royal kid using the nickname, but his sister, Princess Charlotte, reportedly uses it now, too.
"George is only two-and-a-half and he calls her 'Gan-Gan,'" Kate explained. "She always leaves a little gift or something in their room when we go and stay and that just shows her love for her family."
The nickname's origins go even further back in the royal family's history though. According to Express, the nickname traces its roots back to George's grandpa, Prince Charles, who came up with the name when he was a kid.
The paper cited a souvenir brochure from Charles' 1969 investiture as the Prince of Wales when sharing the story of "Gan-Gan's" origins.
"His mother spent as much time with her son as her duties allowed and part of the day was always devoted to him," the brochure read. "Often, he was taken to visit Queen Mary—whom he called Gan-Gan—at Marlborough House and the Queen—later known as the Queen Mother—as Buckingham Palace."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
The Perfumer Behind Last Year's Most Talked-About Fragrance Just Released Another Perfect Scent
Aqua Media Cologne forte embodies a feeling of balance and harmony.
By Deena Campbell
-
'Yellowface' Is Our June Book Club Pick
Read an excerpt from R.F. Kuang's latest novel, here, then dive in with us throughout the month.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
I Scoured the Summer Runways—Here Are the Six Shoe Trends Actually Worth Buying
Hit the ground running this season.
By Emma Childs
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Blames 'Daily Mirror' Publishers for Chelsy Davy Breakup in Court Documents
The court case began this week.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Tabloid Stories About Prince Harry Came From Members of the Royal Family, 'Daily Mirror' Publisher Claims
These claims could corroborate previous statements from Harry.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Hugged a Little Girl Who Burst Into Tears During Windsor Walkabout, And Told Her Mom to Get Her an Ice Cream
So cute!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Here's How Princess Kate Kept an Eye on Prince Louis During the Coronation, According to a Body Language Expert
Smart.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Louis Was Filmed Eating a S'more So Delicious It Literally Made Him "Weak at the Knees"
Oh, Louis.
By Iris Goldsztajn