Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York has been stripped of patron roles at multiple UK charities following a leaked 2011 email in which she apologized to convicted criminal Jeffrey Epstein and described him as a “steadfast, generous and supreme friend.” Seven organizations, including Julia’s House and the British Heart Foundation, said the revelations made her continued role untenable. Her spokesperson says the email was sent under pressure to mitigate legal threats.
One of the few universal truths is that you can’t choose your family. That’s a hard cross to bear for the royals when a few wild family members don’t play by the rules. Many princes and princesses, and even kings and queens, have indeed rebelled against their duties or abused their powers.
Let’s take a look at a few royals around the world who broke the mystique and showed that they’re just as flawed as anyone else–if not more so! Click through the gallery to get started.