THEN AND NOW: 24 photos that show how royal life has changed over the years

• There used to be only one paparazzo that would photograph the royal family. Now there are hundreds.
• It used to be taboo to marry someone who was divorced, but now Meghan Markle is a duchess.
• Younger royals tend to be less strict about observing protocol.

The monarchy looks and feels different than it did when Queen Elizabeth began her reign in 1952. Some strict rules have been relaxed or changed, and younger members of the royal family continue to incorporate elements of modernity into their lives.

Here's how royal life has changed over the years.

The ceiling in the White Drawing Room in Buckingham Palace was designed by John Nash.

Nash redesigned much of Buckingham Palace in the 1800s.

While some of the furniture has been swapped out, much of the room's original decor remains.

There's a hidden door disguised as a mirror and cabinet where the Queen enters to greet guests.

Queen Elizabeth used to hold her grandchildren on her lap at events.

Elizabeth held Zara Phillips on her lap at a polo match at Smith's Lawn in Windsor in 1984.