The Royal Family: A History of Scandal and Controversy

The breakdown of Charles and Diana’s marriage unfolded in stages between 1992 and 1996, culminating in Diana’s bombshell 1995 Panorama interview with Martin Bashir. Her remark, “there were three of us in this marriage,” in reference to Charles’ love for Camilla, became emblematic of her royal candor. Decades later, an inquiry found Bashir had used deceit to secure the interview.

Prince Harry has spoken out against the airing of the Panorama programme, stating that it holds no legitimacy and should never be shown again. He believes that it established a false narrative that has been commercialized for over a quarter of a century. Prince William also expressed his concerns, emphasizing the impact of exploitation and unethical practices on their mother, Princess Diana.

The royal family has faced numerous crises over the years, from Princess Anne’s 1974 kidnapping attempt to Sarah Ferguson’s infamous “toe-sucking” scandal in 1992. Prince Harry himself has been embroiled in controversy, with incidents such as his 2005 Nazi costume scandal and the release of naked photos from a party in Las Vegas.

More recently, Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure to the U.S. in 2020, known as “Megxit,” and Harry’s upcoming memoir Spare have further tested royal unity in the digital age. These events have sparked debates and discussions about the role of the royal family in modern society.