The immense freedoms of the British royal family and the strict rules of marriage have led to sexual scandals, not only for the male members of the family but also the royal women who have also been involved in moral issues. Their irresponsibility and forgotten marriage vows have raised new issues in the media every day. In addition, the racism of the royal family is another issue that the “Firm” is directly involved in, with no apparent attempts having been made to address it.
History of Royal Sex Scandals
The British Royal Family is looked up to for is philanthropic work and consistent undertaking of responsibilities to bring different social issues to light. In the meantime, the royals have also had a never-ending relationship with outrageous issues and gossip. Given their ubiquity and colossal number of fans, one cannot resist the urge to investigate the dim insider facts of their life.
Besides carrying on with a great lifestyle and being looked up to, the British royals need to deal with the consistent buzz that encompasses them at each point in their lives. The Royal Family has avoided numerous embarrassments. From the resignation of King Edward VIII from his privileged position to the affairs of Princess Diana, the British royals have consistently stayed in the headlines for different reasons. The latest scandal involved the detailed interview by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, disclosing the most extraordinary details of royal life throughout the entire existence of the Royal Family.
While the government and Queen Elizabeth II have made a valiant effort to make up for the harm done, there are a few embarrassments that cannot be hidden where no one will think to look. The Epstein embarrassment is likely their most dreaded fear.
Prince Andrew’s Sex Scandal
The disputed sex scandal and ensuing embarrassment, otherwise called the ‘Epstein outrage’, came to the fore in 2019 when Jeffrey Epstein, an American financier and tycoon, was arrested on charges of sex offences involving minors in Florida and New York. Shortly after his arrest, he was found dead in his Manhattan prison cell.
Prince Andrew, son of Queen Elizabeth II, purportedly had close connections to Epstein at a certain point. In addition, according to the accusations made by the then minor in question, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, the Duke of York was involved in the embarrassing scandal.
The Palace stripped Prince Andrew of his royal duties and titles, saying that he would not be known as “His Royal Highness” as he battles a US sex assault case in which he is blamed for sexual activities with a minor. Andrew the Duke of York, 61, had to step down from public obligations in 2019 due to his association with the convicted American sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, after a deplorable BBC TV interview that the prince had trusted would demonstrate his innocence.
Moral Scandal by Princess Anne
Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, wedded Olympic equestrian Mark Phillips in 1973. Yet, the couple did not have all the earmarks of being cheerful and parted ways. People magazine portrayed the marriage as a “dismal farce.”
In spring 1989, a British paper revealed stolen letters from one of the Queen’s equerries to Princess Ann — a maritime officer named Timothy Laurence. However, the contents of the letters were not disclosed. UK tabloids portrayed them as “incredibly close” and “ridiculously hot.” In 1992, Anne declared that she was divorcing Phillips and marrying Laurence. The two have been together ever since.
Racial Discrimination in the Royal Family
When Prince Harry declared his engagement to Meghan Markle, the world hailed the Royal Family for changing and moving into the new century — she was non-British, of mixed race, divorced and an actress. Sadly, things went astray and, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan declared that they were “stepping back” as senior royals.
What followed was what the British tabloids named Megxit, and the couple and baby Archie moved to California in the US. In March 2021, Meghan and Harry gave a detailed interview to Oprah Winfrey about their break with the Royal Family, uncovering an endless flow of sensations.
The two revealed in that interview that individuals from the Royal Family had “concerns and discussions” about how dark Archie’s skin would be before he was born. Meghan, likewise, had suicidal thoughts due to what she claims to be racist behaviour at the Palace. She asked for help, but did not receive any.
Poll on Royal Sex Scandals in the UK
Prince Andrew is said to be the Queen’s “favourite child”. But a survey by YouGov on 13 January showed that over 80% of the British public have a negative perspective of Prince Andrew, and 70% think that Virginia Giuffre’s accusations of sexual assault against him have also harmed the government “definitely” or “to some degree.” Yet positivity trackers checking the senior royals show that towards the end of January, the popularity of the sovereign, Prince Charles, and Kate and William had not been impacted by the embarrassment, remaining at similar levels as before the scandal even began.
It is not yet evident if the Royal Family’s status can endure Prince Andrew’s most recent scandal. The sovereign has relieved Andrew of any outstanding obligations, stripping him of his privileged military titles, jobs, and patronage of different charities.
However, it should be noted that William and Kate play a very influential role in increasing the Royal Family’s popularity and making the royal sex scandals in the UK less visible. They have something new to say. The Duke believes that the royal family will remain for long as the people want it to. Also, Charlie Mayhew MBE, the CEO of Tusk with which the sovereign has a 17-year affiliation, believes that William is turning into a strong power on the global stage.
Conclusion
Elizabeth II has been the Queen since the age of 25 and has faced many hardships. She is currently celebrating her Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of reign. There have been many royal sex scandals in the UK since 1950. These successive scandals by the Royal Family are a warning that the monarchy is not very well established. The Queen kept the Royal Family on top after her uncle’s abdication, however, and the scandals fade away with the popularity of Prince William. With his travels and engagements, he seems to have changed the monarchy for the better.
