The Royal Family has a long-standing tradition of using affectionate nicknames that reveal a more intimate, human side of their lives behind the palace gates. Queen Camilla, now a grandmother of five, has recently been given a charming nickname by the young royal children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis call her “Gaga.”
This endearing moniker was shared by Camilla herself during the 2016 Royal Variety Performance, where she told Lady Gaga, “My own grandchildren call me GaGa. I don’t know if it’s because they think I am! It is funny but still very sweet.” This warm term of affection reflects the close bonds within the royal family and adds a personal touch to their public image.
The tradition of unique pet names goes back generations. The late Queen Elizabeth II was affectionately called “Lilibet” by her family—a childhood nickname she gave herself when she couldn’t pronounce her own name. Other nicknames for the Queen ranged from playful to quirky: Prince Philip called her “Cabbage,” while a young Prince William, before he could say “Granny,” referred to her as “Gary,” leading to some amusing confusions during his childhood.
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Prince William, known for his energetic mischief, earned the nickname “Whirlwind Will” from his father, Prince Charles, due to his lively antics as a toddler. Meanwhile, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is fondly called “M” by Prince Harry, who goes by “Haz” or “H” in return. King Charles himself once nicknamed Meghan “Tungsten,” a nod to her resilience and strength.
Among the younger royals, nicknames are common and reflect their affection for family members. The Cambridge children refer to their late grandmother as “Granny Diana” and call King Charles “Grandpa Wales.” This echoes Queen Elizabeth’s own affectionate nickname for her grandfather, ‘Grandad England.’
In addition to the children’s sweet terms, King Charles and Queen Camilla share unique pet names for each other, “Fred” and “Gladys,” inspired by characters from the comedic 1950s and ’60s radio series, The Goon Show. These intimate details showcase the warmth and closeness at the heart of the British Royal Family, beyond the public spotlight.