Britain has always held their military might in high regard. My impressions from 19th Century China is that the military is work for the common people, women especially, when it comes to their Aerial Corps, and that they hold pursuits such as poetry and art in much higher regard.
While the British Royal Family has been granted more freedoms in the modern era, there have always been strict guidelines on who they can and cannot associate with. Even now, they are not permitted to so much as shake hands with those of a low social standing.