Originally formed 1978 by Michael Anthony Keane (sound effects) and Arthur McDonald (vocals), their sound was created by dismantling a radio receiver and wiring it up to a small analog synthesizer & connecting them both to an old stereo gram. This could then be manipulated by moving magnets around the receiver in the radio. In fact the oblique band moniker soon became the identity of just one man, Michael Anthony Keane, whose chequered history is a complicated tale of perseverance in the face of adversity. After sending a tape with sound frequencies and rap, they were signed by Factory.

1979 RFATP were joined by Nathan McGough (bass) and Phil Hurst (drums), and Mike Keane took over vocals, guitar and keyboards. Played at the Moonlight Club in London supporting Joy Division.
By 1980 Phil Hurst left to join Hollycaust and was replaced by Donald Johnson.

The end of 1981 and into the following year saw the Royal Family revert back to the original duo, playing their final gig at Plato's Ballroom (which Arthur & Nathan had set up as a venue). Arthur then moved to Newcastle and Mike got involved in solo projects and also formed Legend Agency & the Project

1984 Mike Keen is resurrecting the Royal Family with himself, John Neesham on violin, Peter Hook on drums, vocals, keyboards, Lita Hira on keyboards, and Chris Jones (vocals). Mike Keane is touring the UK at this point with Stockholm Monsters.

In 1985, The Royal Family & The Poor left Factory Records and Mike Keane formed his own record label, Gaia Communications World Network. They quickly released one LP and a 12 single, as well as recording an entire collection of new material before the distribution company Red Rhino collapsed, effectively wiping-out the label over night.
1984/85 also sees another complete new line-up: Mike Keane (vocals, keyboards, guitar, percussion), Karen Halewood (keyboards), John Walsh (2) (bass, guitar), Ambrose Reynolds (bass, percussion), Jeff Turner (3) (saxophone, guitar, violin), Kif Cole (percussion). This line up toured with New Order.

1986 saw Jeff, Karen and Kif depart and to be replaced by Paula Simms (vocals), John Metcalfe (violin) and Judith Laity (cello). Touring Holland.

In 1987 RFATP recruites Simon Crab (vocals, keyboards), Merlin Shepherd (saxophone), Andy Frizell (bass). Band toured Germany & Belgium.
Pete Fuck (aka Pic Meter, Peter Jones, Cosmic) played keyboards in 1987 (then aged 19), but didn’t do any gigs.

In 1995 Gaia Communications World Network is re-launched, releasing the third audio release by Gaia Records, recorded during 1989-1990, a CD LP release titled, Songs For The Children Of Baphomet: A Musickal Celebration on the Theme of Magick and A Tribute to The Life & Works Of Aleister Crowley, (1875 - 1947).

In 2004 another release followed: North West Soul on The Boutique Label. In 2010 Arthur McDonald self-released a new album titled The Pope's Daughter under the RFATP moniker, though this project did not involve Mike Keane.