Why We Should Conduct Ourselves Like Royalty, and What that Looks Like

How we speak and conduct ourselves matters.

Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed, I’ve spent quite a bit of time learning about the younger United Kingdom royals, especially Prince Harry’s brother, Prince William, and his wife Catherine. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on why I’m captivated by them.

It’s not because I envy the way they live. Certainly, some of what they have I’d appreciate: their opportunity to visit any place in the world, their instant access to help whenever they need it, their freedom from financial concerns. But I’d never want to be in the spotlight like they are or have to meet the demands they must.

The foursome rarely experiences a break to get away from it all. Privacy for the two couples is hard won and limited in scope. Something I definitely could not handle.

Conduct Yourself With Self-Control…

I think what most intrigues me is the way they conduct themselves — at least in public — with a great amount of self-control. Their dress shows it. The way they greet others show it. Even their conduct at traditional ceremonies show it. 

I can’t imagine they want to attend every function or greet every dignitary or shake endless hands with the public. But it is what is required of them, so they do it.

One thing that’s waning in the United States (perhaps in many other countries as well) is a sense of decorum: a carrying of oneself with self-control, respect and dignity. We say and do what we want with little regard to who we hurt or what we damage in the process.

Yet certainly as Christians we are called to a level of self-control reminiscent of the royals’ public lives. In our dress, in the way we treat others, in what we say and how we say it.

The Lord calls us to exercise self-control and conduct our lives with grace and humility, treating all with respect. Acknowledging their value in the eyes of God.

Now I’m not suggesting the Brit royals conduct themselves in that manner out of a desire to please God. Sadly, I hear little mention of Him in their speeches and interviews.

As Royalty

However, as followers of Christ — children of God — we are also royalty, royal children of the Almighty King. And like the members of an earthly royal family, we should conduct ourselves appropriately.

As followers of Christ — children of God — we are royalty, royal children of the Almighty King. And like the members of an earthly royal family, we should conduct ourselves appropriately. Share on X

For us, though, it should be less out of duty and more out of love for the King and for His children: being intentional with our words and actions so we can be a blessing to others.

We can learn much from watching how others behave. What we’re seeing in politics, in the news and on social media is teaching us something: how not to act. We shouldn’t be throwing tantrums, reacting with malice, and belittling others. Actions we see all too often. 

Instead, let’s take a lesson from the public conduct of Prince William and Prince Harry and exercise a certain degree of decorum in how we carry ourselves, in the way we treat others, and in how we address issues near and dear to us.

When we exercise self-control in our lives and in our interactions with others, we’re pleasing God, but we’re also demonstrating His love for others to see. We’re stepping into our calling to share the Good News of the love and grace of Jesus Christ with the world.

When we exercise self-control in our lives and in our interactions with others, we're pleasing God, but we're also demonstrating His love for others to see. We're stepping into our calling to share the Good News of the love and grace of Jesus Christ… Share on X

You and I may not have the reach the English royals have, but we can make a far bigger impact for Christ in our own sphere when we think, speak and act carefully. We are in the spotlight for the Lord. And we represent Him well when we conduct ourselves with self-control. 

We can make a far bigger impact for Christ in our own sphere when we think, speak, and act carefully. We are in the spotlight for the Lord. And we represent Him well when we conduct ourselves with self-control. Share on X

“But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5 CSB

Reflections: Are your words laced with grace and your actions carefully thought through when addressing an issue you feel passionately about? Do you treat others with respect in word and deed? Do you honor God in the way you live your life?