Did Any Members Of The Royal Family Have Disabilities?

In Season Four, Episode Seven of The Crown, “The Heredity Principle”, creator Peter Morgan delves into a shocking Windsor family secret: the institutionalization and subsequent abandonment of Queen Elizabeth II’s cousins. In 1986, The Sun published an exposé about the Royal Family, which revealed that Nerissa and Katherine had been at the Earlswood Institution for Mental Defectives for 45 years, and that family members had presumably informed Burke’s Peerage about their deaths.

In this documentary, Queen Elizabeth II’s cousins, Katherine and Nerissa Bowes-Lyon, were born with severe learning difficulties in 1919 and 1926, respectively. They were committed to a psychiatric hospital at the height of World War II. A Channel 4 documentary tells the story of the Queen’s hidden cousins, born in an era when children with learning disabilities were a family’s shameful secret.

Both Katherine and Nerissa were born with developmental disabilities and seemed to have been raised at home. However, in 1941, they were quietly placed in the Royal Earlswood mental hospital, aged 15 and 22 respectively. The palace had no comment about the sisters when approached in 1987, while a Bowes-Lyon relative denies a royal family cover-up.

The headlines did get out in 1987 when The Sun broke the news that two of Queen Elizabeth’s first cousins, Katherine and Nerissa Bowes-Lyon, were secretly placed in the Royal Earlswood mental hospital. Their cousins Idonea, Etheldreda, and Rosemary – the daughters of Fenella’s sister Harriet – also had a similar disability, and were admitted to Katherine and Nerissa Bowes-Lyon.

The Queen’s mother had nine brothers and sisters, as well as cousins from her father’s side of the family. Most of her aunts were locked in a mental institution and declared legally dead. Queen Elizabeth’s developmentally disabled cousins drew nationwide support, but the Royal Family was never responsible for them.

What Is The Royal Family Disease Called?

Hemophilia, often dubbed "the royal disease," had significant implications for the royal families of England, Germany, Russia, and Spain during the 19th and 20th centuries. This hereditary bleeding disorder, specifically hemophilia B or factor IX deficiency, is believed to have originated with Queen Victoria of England, who reigned from 1837 to 1901 and was a carrier of the condition. Many European royals suffered from hemophilia, which became notorious due to its impact on royal lineage and intermarriage practices that minimized the genetic pool.

Consequently, Queen Victoria's descendants, who married into other royal families, disseminated the hemophilia gene, particularly affecting noble families across Europe. Despite its historical ties to royalty, it was not until 1928 that the term hemophilia was formally adopted. The condition hindered normal blood clotting, leading to various health issues among affected royals. Interestingly, modern scientific inquiry into the disease's presence among European royalty indicates a shared genetic background, with Queen Victoria's lineage playing a pivotal role in its spread. Today, members of the British royal family are no longer believed to carry the hemophilia gene, marking a significant shift from the past association of this genetic disorder with royal lineage.

How Many Queen Elizabeth'S Cousins Were Hidden Away In A Mental Hospital?

Fifty years ago, five of Queen Elizabeth II's cousins were secretly placed in a mental institution, igniting a national discourse on mental health. The revelation focused on Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon, who were first cousins of the Queen and had been hospitalized at the Royal Earlswood Hospital in Surrey since 1941 due to developmental disabilities. Initially thought to be dead, both women had lived in the facility for decades, raising significant public scrutiny when their existence came to light, following Nerissa's death. Although closely connected to the royal family, they were hidden away to avoid potential scandal during Elizabeth's reign.

Alongside Nerissa and Katherine, three other cousins—Idonea, Etheldreda, and Rosemary Fane—also faced similar fates in the same institution. The issue garnered attention as public interest surged with the airing of the series "The Crown" post Queen Elizabeth II’s death. The family’s decision to conceal the existence of these relatives sparked discussions about the historical treatment of individuals with disabilities and the lengths the royal family went to maintain its image. Despite their confinement, there were no records indicating any contact from the royal family after their placement. This hidden chapter remains a significant, if troubling, aspect of royal history.

Did The Royal Family Inform Burke'S Peerage About Their Death?

In 1986, The Sun exposed the royalty's concealed truth about Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon. For 45 years, the sisters resided in the Earlswood Institution for Mental Defectives, contrary to claims from their family that they had died. The Bowes-Lyon family had informed Burke's Peerage in 1963, a respected guide to British aristocracy, that Nerissa died in 1940 and Katherine in 1961. This purported information led to their deaths being recorded within the esteemed Burke's Peerage, masking the years where the sisters were still alive and hidden from public scrutiny.

The Bowes-Lyon sisters' actual admission to Earlswood occurred in 1941, contradicting the family's narrative. Over decades, the belief persisted that the sisters were deceased based on Burke's Peerage's claims, leading to a significant misunderstanding about their existence. Burke's Peerage, established in 1826 by genealogist John Burke, includes detailed records of British and Irish aristocracy, and it is considered a vital resource for aristocratic lineages.

The Queen and Queen Mother were not privy to the circumstances surrounding the sisters; it was their mother who orchestrated the decision to conceal their whereabouts. Although palace officials remarked that the Queen was aware of the exposé, they refrained from expressing further comments, firmly attributing the misinformation to the Bowes-Lyon family.

Which Royal Has Down Syndrome?

Alexandrine, affectionately known as "Adini" in her family, was born with Down syndrome, a condition evident shortly after her birth. Unlike other disabled royals, she was not concealed from public view. This raises questions about others born into aristocracy with similar conditions and their treatment and legal status. The revelation about Katherine and Nerissa Bowes-Lyon in 1987 sparked public outrage at the royal family's treatment of its own members with disabilities.

Additionally, claims about Meghan Markle's children and their potential health issues added fuel to the intrigue surrounding royal children with disabilities. Princess Diana notably supported her friend Rosa Monckton when she welcomed her daughter, Domenica, born with Down syndrome. Furthermore, prominent figures like Prince William and Duchess Kate have actively engaged with children with disabilities, showcasing a more inclusive royal approach.

Historical practices often excluded disabled heirs from monarchy considerations, leading to regencies. Alexandrine’s story highlights the ongoing conversation about representation and acceptance within royal families, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding toward individuals with Down syndrome and their families, alongside the evolving public perception of disability in aristocratic contexts.

What Happened To Queen Elizabeth II'S Cousins?

Queen Elizabeth II's cousins, Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon, were institutionalized in the Royal Earlswood Asylum for Mental Defectives during the 1940s due to severe developmental disabilities. Despite being family, they were neglected by the royal family, with no visits from their relatives after their admission. Nerissa was born on February 18, 1919, and Katherine on July 4, 1926. Following the closure of the hospital in 1996, Katherine remained there until her relocation to another home and eventual death in 2014, aged 87. The sisters had only minimal financial assistance from the royals, receiving just £125 each year to cover costs at the asylum.

The plight of the Bowes-Lyon sisters was largely hidden until it was revealed in 1987 by The Sun, and later highlighted in the Netflix series "The Crown," which brought renewed attention to their tragic story. Both were classified as "imbeciles" in the terminology of their time and were never taught to speak. Nerissa died in 1986, with only hospital staff at her funeral, highlighting the family's disconnection.

This scandalous chapter of royal history raises questions about familial responsibility and the treatment of individuals with disabilities within the royal family. The sisters' existence, long thought forgotten, was discovered to be a shocking reality for the royal lineage.

What Genetic Disorder Did The British Royal Family Have?

The type of haemophilia present in Queen Victoria's descendants remained unidentified until 2009, following the death of the last known affected royal in 1945. Haemophilia, a hereditary genetic disorder that impairs blood clotting, has been noted since the second century. Hemophilia B, which results from a deficiency in clotting proteins, can lead to severe bleeding. This disorder predominantly affects males and became particularly notable in the British royal family during the Victorian era, earning it the moniker "the royal disease." Queen Victoria was a carrier of this X-linked condition, having passed the gene to two of her daughters who each had sons with haemophilia.

The disease's nomenclature was established in 1928, while researchers postulated its origins with Queen Victoria, attributing it to a spontaneous genetic mutation. Additionally, recent DNA studies of the Russian royal family, the Romanovs, confirmed that they too suffered from this rare subtype of haemophilia. The condition has significantly impacted multiple royal families across Europe, including those of England, Germany, Russia, and Spain, highlighting its pervasive legacy among European aristocracy.

Which Member Of The Royal Family Has Dementia?

Denmark's Prince Henrik, the husband of Queen Margrethe, has been diagnosed with dementia, significantly impacting his behavior and judgment, according to a palace announcement on Wednesday. Recently, Princess Alexandra joined an event at the Alzheimer’s Society in London, celebrating their efforts in supporting dementia patients. During the visit, she met with various staff dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by the condition. Meanwhile, the British royal family has been in the spotlight regarding health issues, with King Charles III announcing his treatment to mitigate speculation.

Other members, including Princes William, Harry, Andrew, and Edward, are fulfilling royal duties in his absence. The royal family has historically kept health matters private, as seen with King George III's mental health challenges. In more personal news, the Queen Consort has urged awareness about osteoporosis after facing similar family health history. The Danish royal family and Queen Margrethe face this health challenge together, navigating a new reality for the monarch as she adapts after the loss of her husband, Prince Philip. As dementia awareness rises, the royal family continues to support initiatives combating stigma around mental health, showing solidarity with public efforts led by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

What Happened To The Royal Family During World War II?

Born with severe learning difficulties in 1919 and 1926, two lesser-known royal relatives were institutionalized in a psychiatric hospital during World War II and remained there for the rest of their lives. On August 15, 2020, the world commemorated the 75th anniversary of the war's end, following Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945. This anniversary prompted reflection on how the British royal family endured the conflict.

As the Second World War began in September 1939, then-14-year-old Princess Elizabeth and her younger sister, Princess Margaret, were initially considered for evacuation to Canada due to safety concerns.

During the war, King George VI addressed the nation, reinforcing the royal family's commitment to Britain. The royal family remained in London, with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth opting against evacuation. Instead, the young princesses stayed primarily at Windsor Castle and contributed to the war effort through the Girl Guides. They frequently visited bombed areas to show solidarity with the public.

Meanwhile, European royals, such as the Norwegian royal family, sought refuge in London as German forces invaded their homeland. This historical backdrop emphasizes the resilience and dedication of the royal family amidst the global turmoil of World War II.

Did The Royal Family Have A Disabled Child?

John, a "large and handsome" baby, became "winsome" yet "painfully slow" by his fourth birthday, marking the onset of his first epileptic seizure and signs of possible autism or learning disabilities. In 1986, the Queen Mother became the patron of the Royal Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults, a leading voice for those with learning disabilities. A Channel 4 documentary now sheds light on the hidden cousins of the Queen, reflecting on a time when children with disabilities were kept as family secrets.

Princess Margaret learns in "The Crown" that she has three more cousins residing in the Earlswood Institution for Mental Defectives, who shared similar disabilities. Queen Elizabeth II’s cousins, Nerissa and Katherine, declared dead in 1940, suffered from severe disabilities and lived in a psychiatric hospital, never visited by the Royal Family. In an era when mental health issues were a stigma, families faced immense embarrassment. Katherine and Nerissa were committed to their institution in 1941.

Historically, financial constraints prevented families from caring full-time for disabled relatives, yet the royal family had means. Prince John, another royal with epilepsy and likely Asperger's, was cared for more openly. The harsh reality of the royal family’s treatment of disabled members starkly contrasts with their public image, revealing deep-seated tragedies.

What Disorder Does The Royal Family Have?

Hemophilia, often termed "the royal disease," has a storied connection to European royalty, primarily through Queen Victoria, who was a carrier of the hemophilia gene. The disorder is an inherited, sex-linked condition predominantly affecting males, resulting from a mutation on the X chromosome. Queen Victoria passed the gene to two of her daughters, who bore sons with hemophilia; one daughter also had two daughters who became carriers, sustaining the lineage of the disorder in the royal family.

The prevalence of hemophilia within various European royal families, including the British, German, and Russian, was notable throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. It was believed that Queen Victoria was not the first in her lineage to carry the disorder, suggesting a hereditary origin that impacted generations. Modern DNA analysis on the remains of the Romanovs confirmed that hemophilia B, a specific subtype of this bleeding disorder, afflicted that royal family as well.

The term "royal disease" stems from the disorder's association with royal bloodlines and its rare incidence among the general populace. Although no current members of the British royal family are believed to carry the genetic mutation, hemophilia's legacy within royal circles remains well-documented, illustrating the complex interplay between genetics and nobility in historical contexts.

Did Queen Elizabeth II'S Cousins Have Learning Disabilities?

Queen Elizabeth II's cousins, Katherine and Nerissa Bowes-Lyon, faced a tragic fate due to their severe learning disabilities, a poignant story depicted in season four of The Crown. As nieces of the Queen Mother, they were first cousins of Queen Elizabeth II. Following the death of their father in 1930, the sisters were institutionalized at the Royal Earlswood Hospital in 1941 at ages 15 and 22, respectively. Additional relatives with disabilities also resided in Earlswood, bringing to light deep-rooted stigma surrounding disabilities during that era.

The Queen's cousins were largely hidden from the public, and the royal family's inattention sparked national controversy; they were reportedly declared legally dead in 1963, reflecting societal shame towards disabilities. The stark reality was that both Katherine and Nerissa never learned to speak and lived their lives in an institution, receiving no family visits. This hidden narrative of the Bowes-Lyon sisters resonates with broader themes of the era's attitudes toward the disabled, contrasting sharply with contemporary views.

As revealed in a Channel 4 documentary and The Crown, the royal family's treatment of Katherine and Nerissa remains a lesser-known scandal, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships and societal perceptions of disability during the early 20th century. Despite the public's outrage and interest, the tragic story of Queen Elizabeth II's cousins deserves acknowledgment for its historical significance.

Who Are The Queen'S Disabled Relatives?

Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon, first cousins of Queen Elizabeth II and daughters of John Herbert Bowes-Lyon, were institutionalized due to severe developmental disabilities. Born in 1919 and 1926, respectively, they were declared dead by their family in 1940. Their story garnered public attention and controversy when revealed in the Netflix series The Crown, specifically in season four, episode seven, titled "The Hereditary Principle." The episode features interwoven scenes of these hidden royals alongside Princess Margaret, played by Helena Bonham Carter.

Both women faced significant challenges, never learning to speak and living in a mental institution, often referred to as an "institute for mental defectives." Their existence remained largely unknown until the 1987 revelations by The Sun, exposing the Queen’s hidden cousins. Alluding to a broader family tragedy, the narrative recalls the similar institutionalization of other relatives. The Queen never visited her cousins during their time in care, raising questions about the royal family's treatment of disabled members. The poignant depiction in The Crown sheds light on a heartbreaking chapter in royal history that remains crucial for understanding familial dynamics amidst societal stigma.