1 / 12Royal families around the world have long been under scrutiny for their opulent lifestyles, privileged social status, and, in some countries, the political power they wield. Yet, some scandals involving royals have left an indelible mark on history. As another controversy hits the British royal family, we look back at some of the most shocking royal scandals that have made global headlines over the past few decades. (AI-generated image)
2 / 12Prince Andrew has reportedly been stripped of his title over his association with convicted US child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to a BBC report, Andrew has also been evicted from his Windsor residence, Royal Lodge, following weeks of mounting scrutiny. (Reuters photo)
3 / 12“The King’s brother will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Thursday night, according to the BBC report. These scandals have captivated public attention and, in many cases, altered the course of royal history. Here’s a look at some of the most infamous examples: (Reuters photo)
4 / 12King Edward VIII’s Abdication: In 1936, King Edward VIII triggered a constitutional crisis when he announced his intention to marry Wallis Simpson, a twice-divorced American socialite. He became the first English monarch to voluntarily abdicate the throne. The British government and the Church of England refused to approve the marriage, leading to Edward’s abdication on 10 December 1936, which placed his brother, George VI, on the throne. (Reuters photo)
5 / 12Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles: The affair between Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, while Charles was still married to Princess Diana, remains one of the most infamous scandals to rock the British royal family. A leaked phone conversation between the pair, dubbed “Tampongate”, shocked the nation with its explicit content. (Reuters photo)
6 / 12Charles and Diana, who married in 1981 in what was dubbed “the wedding of the century”, separated in 1992. In her 1995 television interview, Diana candidly addressed Charles’s infidelity, famously saying, “There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.” Charles and Camilla later married in a civil ceremony on 9 April 2005. (Reuters photo)
7 / 12Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein: Prince Andrew’s friendship with convicted American financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein sparked international outrage. Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers, claimed that she had been sexually assaulted by the prince — allegations he has consistently denied. The scandal led to Andrew’s withdrawal from public duties and the loss of his military affiliations and honorary titles, both in the UK and abroad. (Reuters photo)
8 / 12Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Royal Exit: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision in 2020 to step back from royal duties sent shockwaves around the world. The couple cited toxic tabloid culture, racism, and a lack of institutional support as reasons for their departure. Their subsequent interview with Oprah Winfrey further intensified debate. Dubbed “Megxit”, the couple’s move divided opinion — with some praising their courage and others criticising them for perceived disloyalty to the Crown. (Reuters photo)
9 / 12King Juan Carlos of Spain’s Exile: In 2020, Spain’s former monarch King Juan Carlos I fled the country amid allegations of financial corruption and hidden wealth. Born in Rome in 1938, he ascended the Spanish throne on 22 November 1975 and abdicated in 2014 in favour of his son, King Felipe VI. After nearly two years of self-imposed exile in Abu Dhabi, the former king returned to Spain in 2022. (Reuters photo)
10 / 12Princess Margaret’s Complicated Love Life: Princess Margaret’s romance with divorced war hero Group Captain Peter Townsend was forbidden by the royal family due to the Church of England’s strict stance on divorce. Ultimately, Margaret chose duty over love and ended the relationship. She later married photographer Anthony Armstrong-Jones, who became the Earl of Snowdon. However, their marriage ended in divorce following reports of infidelity on both sides, including Margaret’s affair with a younger man. (Reuters photo)
11 / 12Prince Harry’s Nazi Costume Scandal: In 2005, Prince Harry faced widespread backlash after wearing a Nazi uniform to a fancy dress party. Following the outrage, he issued an immediate public apology, saying: “I am very sorry if I caused any offence or embarrassment to anyone. It was a poor choice of costume, and I apologise.” (Reuters photo)
12 / 12Marius Borg Hoiby’s Criminal Charges: Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been formally charged with 32 crimes, including rape, domestic violence, and assault. The scandal has made global headlines due to his connection to the Norwegian royal family. His trial is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2026 and is expected to last six weeks. (Reuters photo)
