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Graphic shows British royal family crises.
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UK

Royal moments that shocked the world

By Duncan Mil

March 9, 2021 - The British royals are some of the world’s most well-known figures, but they haven’t been exempt from the odd scandal. From Edward VIII’s abdication in 1936 to the current crisis over Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, there have been royal moments that have shocked.

King Edward VIII
1936:
Britain’s King Edward VIII abdicates to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson, sparking a constitutional crisis.

Princess Margaret
1952:
Queen Elizabeth II’s younger sister sparks a firestorm with her romance with divorced former Royal Air Force officer Peter Townsend. Eventually, Princess Margaret abandons the relationship.

Diana, Princess of Wales
Aug 1996:
Prince Charles and Diana’s “fairytale” marriage ends in divorce. Diana loses title of Her Royal Highness. One year later, in August 1997, Diana is killed in a car crash in Paris.

Duke of York
Nov 2019:
Prince Andrew -- Queen Elizabeth’s second son -- steps back from royal duties following a BBC TV interview that focuses on his connections to U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Jan 2020:
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce their decision to step back from royal duties. Sussexes no longer receive public funds and lose their HRH titles.

Mar 2021: Harry and Meghan give an explosive interview to Oprah Winfrey. Meghan talks of suicidal thoughts and says a royal family member asked Harry about baby Archie’s skin colour.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 09/03/2021; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Associated Press, Getty Images
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