born to the purple

Meanings

1. Born and raised in a royal family.
2. Of children, born of prominent or high-ranking parents.

Etymology

Calque of Ancient Greek πορφυρογέννητος (porphurogénnētos); purple was a luxury color reserved for the Byzantine imperial family. In other kingdoms as well, purple has been traditionally associated with royalty; in some times and places this was because vibrant purple dyes were expensive.