Were Any Members Of The Royal Family Living In An Asylum?

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’s cousins. Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon, first cousins of Queen Elizabeth, were secretly incarcerated in the Royal Earlswood Asylum for Mental Defectives in 1941. The scandal was uncovered after Nerissa’s death in 1987. The piece contained details about how the two girls were publicly declared dead and rarely received any visitors from their relatives. It also revealed that three other members of the Bowes-Lyon family also had mental difficulties. Born with severe learning difficulties in 1919 and 1926, respectively, the little-known royal relatives were committed to a psychiatric hospital at the height of World War II. Despite incorrect reports of their death, the palace had no comment about the sisters when approached in 1987, while a Bowes-Lyon relative denies a royal family cover-up.

In real life, 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 in 1941. The British media also reported in 1987 that three more relatives of the queen mother — her cousins Edonia Elizabeth, Rosemary Jean, and Etheldreda Flavia Fane — were also involved.

In The Crown, Princess Margaret learns through a therapist that two maternal cousins, Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon, who had been recorded as dead from 1963, were actually living nearby with three more of their blood relatives at Royal Earlswood Hospital.

Who Had Mental Illness In The Royal Family?

The article discusses ten royals who experienced mental illness, highlighting the struggles faced by figures like King George III, Ludwig II, and King Charles II of Spain. Notably, Queen Elizabeth's cousins, Katherine and Nerissa Bowes-Lyon, were revealed to have severe learning difficulties and a mental age of around three; they were secretly institutionalized in the Royal Earlswood Asylum during WWII, which became a scandal after Nerissa's death. The piece acknowledges that historical accounts of these mental health issues may be influenced by political bias or rumor, and that all had significant impacts on the royal family.

George III's mental health is a well-documented case, with numerous bouts of illness throughout his reign, while other royals like Prince Otto are believed to have experienced schizophrenia. The article also touches upon the modern royal family's attempts to destigmatize mental illness, with Prince William and Harry leading initiatives like "Heads Together." Princess Diana's advocacy for mental health, particularly around eating disorders and depression, is recognized as well. The text underscores a historical pattern within royal families grappling with mental health issues, signaling the importance of discussing these challenges openly, both then and now.

Did Princess Sofia Have An Illegitimate Child?

Princess Sophia of the United Kingdom, born on November 3, 1777, was the fifth daughter and the twelfth child of King George III and Queen Charlotte. Despite never marrying, she was rumored to have had an illegitimate son in the summer of 1800. This speculation arose while she was at Weymouth, allegedly recovering from dropsy. Some historians suggest that the father was Thomas Garth, an equerry to her father. By late 1800, gossip about her illegitimate childbirth began to circulate widely, with claims that her son grew up to blackmail her regarding his father's debts.

Throughout her life, Sophia was known to be shy and reserved, and according to biographer Christopher Hibbert, she had a close relationship with her father. The scandal of her rumored illegitimate child was one of many that have historically plagued royal families. The incident mirrored similar situations within European royalty, where having children out of wedlock has often led to public scrutiny and familial strife.

Despite her personal challenges and societal expectations, the legacy of her life is significantly marked by these rumors and the intrigue surrounding her private affairs. Sophia passed away on May 27, 1848, leaving behind a complex narrative intertwined with royal history.

Does The British Royal Family Have A Secret?

Every family harbors secrets, and the British royal family is no exception. In a notable episode of "The Crown" entitled "The Heredity Principle," shocking truths regarding royal life were explored, including security arrangements for royals like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who lost their round-the-clock protection upon stepping down from duties. The episode hinted at Queen Elizabeth II revealing an unsettling truth about Archie, Harry and Meghan's son, alongside nearly 30 other family secrets they prefer to keep hidden.

Historic revelations included Prince Philip's sisters being Nazis and adjustments to royal financial matters involving contracts from taxpayer-funded bodies. The privacy rights of the royal family are protected by British courts, yet intrigue surrounding their finances and operations remains high, with exemptions from freedom of information laws. The monarchy's ties with UK intelligence date back to Queen Victoria, manifesting in personal protection and international issues.

The royal family's closed nature extends to their wills, hidden for decades, and their overall health transparency. As King Charles III aims for a modernized monarchy, calls for increased transparency and reform persist, reflecting ongoing public interest in royal affairs.

Which Royal Had A Down Syndrome Child?

Princess Alexandrine, known as "Adini," was born in 1915 as the fifth child of Prince Wilhelm of Prussia and was diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth. Unlike other disabled royals of her time, she was not hidden away and was an integral part of her family. Her life remains largely undocumented, but she was featured prominently within her family circle.

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, son of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, has been claimed to exhibit traits of Down syndrome, sparking discussions on royal children with disabilities. Historical parallels are drawn to the experiences of royals like Prince John, who suffered from epilepsy and likely Asperger syndrome, and the Queen's cousins Katherine and Nerissa Bowes-Lyon, both of whom had severe developmental challenges.

Public perception of Down syndrome within royal families has evolved; for instance, Princess Diana championed those with disabilities, including her god-daughter, Domenica, born in 1995 with Down syndrome. Meghan and Harry have also been involved in raising awareness, as seen during their royal tour in Australia. The families of children with such challenges often find community and support through initiatives like Down Syndrome Victoria, emphasizing a shift towards inclusion.

What Was Katherine Nerissa Bowes-Lyon Diagnosis?

Nerissa Jane Irene Bowes-Lyon (1919-1986) and Katherine Juliet Bowes-Lyon (1926-2014) were sisters with significant disabilities, described in the era's terminology as "imbeciles." Both women had severe learning disabilities and were nonverbal, with a mental age of approximately six. They were daughters of John Herbert Bowes-Lyon, a brother of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. In 1941, at ages 22 and 15, they were admitted to the Royal Earlswood Asylum for Mental Defectives, where their existence was later misreported as having ended.

The public learned that Nerissa had already died by the time Katherine's situation became known. Though the exact medical diagnoses of their conditions remain unclear, family reports and societal attitudes at the time reflected the stigma surrounding mental disabilities. Their case gained renewed attention through the series "The Crown," which depicted the royal family's hidden history. In 1963, the Bowes-Lyon family inaccurately stated both sisters had died, further obscuring their lives until revelations came to light years later. Medical experts later identified a genetic disorder affecting their family, though it spared the Queen and immediate relatives.

Does The Bowes Lyon Family Still Exist?

The Honourable Michael Albemarle Bowes Lyon, affectionately known as 'Alby,' has passed away at 83, leaving just one of the 23 maternal cousins of the late Queen Elizabeth II alive: 91-year-old Sir Simon Bowes Lyon, son of the Queen Mother's youngest brother, David. Contrary to previous beliefs that they were deceased, Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon were institutionalized since the 1940s due to severe disabilities. They were the daughters of John Herbert Bowes-Lyon and Fenella Hepburn-Stuart-Forbes and descended from George Bowes, a County Durham landowner.

The family lineage also includes John Bowes, 9th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne. Sir Simon, who served as Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire and was created a Knight, remains the only living cousin. The tragic story of Nerissa and Katherine, often overlooked, highlights a heartbreaking chapter in royal family history. Their lives in an institution were brought to public attention through Season 4 of "The Crown," illustrating the family's complexities.

Despite their institutionalization being declared in 1963, their legacy is now acknowledged, revealing a poignant aspect of the Bowes-Lyon family's narrative, particularly relating to Queen Elizabeth II's mother, the late Queen Mother.

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.

What Is The Oldest Royal Family That Still Exist?

The Imperial House of Japan is recognized as the oldest surviving monarchy in the world, founded in 660 BCE by Emperor Jimmu. Historical records of royal succession begin with Emperor Ōjin in the 4th century, and to date, 125 monarchs have been acknowledged. While Sweden acknowledges Eric the Victorious as its first king (970-995), the legends also mention previous rulers. Absolute monarchies are still present in places like Brunei and Bahrain. Japan's monarchy stands out for maintaining an unbroken bloodline, with the first verifiable evidence of lineage dating back to Emperor Kinmei in the 6th century.

Other noteworthy monarchies include the royal families of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, which, while older, operate as constitutional monarchies today. The longest-reigning dynasty in Britain can trace its heritage back to William the Conqueror in 1066, with Katharine, Duchess of Kent, being the oldest living member of the British royal family. Japan's monarchy continues to be revered for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, overall recognized as the world's oldest continuous hereditary monarchy.

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.

When Did The Royal Family Discover A Hospital?

In 1996, a Daily Express report revealed that the royal family was unaware of the existence of Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon until hospital trustees contacted the Queen Mother in 1982. The sisters, born in 1919 and 1926 with severe learning difficulties, were sent to Royal Earlswood Hospital in Surrey during World War II at ages 22 and 15, respectively. Despite being in an institutional setting, the Queen Mother purportedly sent a financial contribution.

However, a hospital administrator later disclosed that Katherine was unaware of her royal connections, leading to significant emotional turmoil for her. The royal family's deep embarrassment over the sisters' plight, as they were reportedly declared dead, is highlighted in the Netflix series "The Crown," where Princess Margaret learns about their lives in the institution. Royal Earlswood Hospital, established in 1847, was the first facility for the mentally disabled in the area.

The royal family generally favors King Edward VII’s Hospital for medical needs, with historic ties to various royal events, showing a longstanding connection between the royals and healthcare institutions. The revelation of the Bowes-Lyon sisters' existence and their mistreatment sparked discussions on mental health awareness within royal circles, reflecting societal attitudes toward disabilities during that time.

Who Are Queen Elizabeth'S Hidden Cousins?

In "The Hereditary Principle," episode 7 of The Crown season 4, the story of Queen Elizabeth's hidden cousins, Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon, is unveiled. Born to John Herbert Bowes-Lyon and Fenella Stuart, these daughters were first cousins of Queen Elizabeth, with their father being the Queen Mother's brother. Nerissa Jane Irene Bowes-Lyon (1919-1986) and Katherine Juliet Bowes-Lyon (1926-2014) faced a tragic fate; they were secretly institutionalized in the Royal Earlswood Asylum for Mental Defectives starting in 1941 and were later declared legally dead in 1963.

This scandal became public in 1987, after The Sun revealed the truth about their lives despite their classification as deceased. The cousins were severely disabled, with both having a mental age around three and never learning to speak. The revelation stirred public sympathy and outrage, spotlighting a hidden aspect of the royal family. Alongside them, other relatives like Idonea, Etheldreda, and Rosemary Fane were also committed to the asylum on the same day.

The episode depicts the somber reality of these hidden royals and touches on the broader implications of their incarceration within an era that stigmatized mental disabilities. The story ultimately brings to light a forgotten chapter in the history of the Windsor family.