Things to Consider When Writing About Royalty

sandydragon1:

• How is the throne inherited? How strict are the traditions concerning transfers of power? How is the order of succession determined? Can commoners become royalty?
  
• How are heirs trained?
• How much, if at all, are marriages for power/political ties favored over marriages for love? How common are arranged marriages
• What are the biggest threats to their position?
• How good is there relationship with their subjects? 
• What is their preferred method of interacting with their subjects? Do they prefer to interact with them directly or indirectly?
• How long has the monarchy been in power? How did it originally gain that power?
• What special etiquette is required when dealing with royalty? How strict is it?
• How are princes and/or princesses that aren’t first in line for the throne handled? Are they given special responsibilities in the hopes of discouraging resentment?
• How do they deal with assassination attempts?
• How do they spend their wealth? Why do they prioritize certain aspects of their kingdom’s well being over others?
• Would they rather inspire love or fear in their subjects?