We’re so used to seeing senior royalty with a pen in hand that we sometimes forget to look a little closer.
Because surprisingly many of them have one essential thing in common with Leonardo Da Vinci, Michaelangelo and Albert Einstein.
And they use their “wrong” hand.
Perhaps that’s an advantage, as it’s been said that left-handers tend to be more analytical, creative and articulate – ideal traits for kings.
Let’s see how they fit together…
Prince William
Prince William at Manchester Cathedral where he met members of the local community in 2017
William signs a book of condolence for the victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States in September 2001 at the American Consulate in Edinburgh, Scotland
An eight year old Prince William signs the guest book at Llandaff Cathedral during his first official engagement on St David’s Day 1991 in Cardiff, Wales
Prince William is known to be left-handed and has been spotted signing papers with his left hand on numerous occasions.
This quality first came to the attention of royal observers when he signed a book on his first day of school at Eton – a tradition followed by all pupils. He was pictured alongside his parents King Charles and the late Princess Diana, as well as his younger brother Prince Harry.
Although it might be difficult to play Williams’ beloved polo as a left-handed player, since the club can only be held in the right hand, that has never stopped him.
William has even joked about it in the past, claiming that “left-handed people have better brains” than right-handed people.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh
Sophie signs a book as she opens a new studio for the Central School of Ballet in London in 2020
The Duchess of Edinburgh consults a guest book during a visit to Southwark in June 2004
The mother of two signed a book with her left hand for the National Literacy Trust at St Ethelbert’s Catholic Primary School in Slough in 2006
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh is another left-handed queen.
Prince Edward’s wife and mother of two is often photographed signing her name with her left hand.
Left-handers are good problem solvers who approach difficult situations with ease, perseverance and creative solutions.
Princess Leonor of Spain
Princess Leonor during her first day in uniform at the General Military Academy on her first day in uniform on August 18th
Leonor’s face was a picture of concentration as she took notes on her first full day at the military academy
Princess Leonor of Spain, the 17-year-old heir to the Spanish throne, was recently photographed for the first time at a military school as she begins a three-year apprenticeship.
On her first full day of study, Leonor always looked like a military princess, dressed in camouflage and concentrating in class – while taking notes with her left hand.
To mark King Felipe’s 50th birthday in 2018, a video released by the Spanish royal family showed Leonor eating soup while using the spoon in her left hand.
Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo
Spanish Infanta Elena and her husband Jaime de Marichalar attend a dinner at Castle Berg in Luxembourg in July 2006
Elena of Spain with her husband after the marriage of her brother, the Crown Prince, in 2004
Another member of the Spanish royal family who prefers to use the left hand is Infanta Elena.
The eldest daughter of King Juan Carlos I of Spain and Queen Sofía, and third in line to the royal throne of Spain, was often spotted using her left hand during royal engagements.
King George VI
King George VI, also known as the Duke of York, pictured during a tennis match in 1922
The late Queen’s father’s left-handedness was revealed when he played tennis
King George VI was born left-handed, but also learned to write with his right hand.
The late Queen’s father was left-handed when he played tennis and was often seen holding the racquet with his left hand.
Prince William may have inherited the left-handed gene from his great-grandfather and former King George – or maybe his wife…
The Queen Mother
The Queen Mother during a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show in London in May 1971, holding her handbag with her left arm
King George VI’s wife, Queen Elizabeth, was also left-handed.
However, the Queen Mother and King George did not pass on their left-handedness to their daughters Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, who were both right-handed.
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria (pictured 1896) appears to be one of the first royals to be left-handed
It seems like King George VI. inherited his special trait from his great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who was also left-handed.
Although she was taught to write with her right hand, she continued to paint with her left hand, suggesting that she may have been encouraged to write with her right hand, which was common at the time, even as a child.
