10 Royals Who Were More Scandalous Than Their Reputations

These royals shocked their courts and countries with behavior far more outrageous than history usually remembers.

Sophia Zapanta
May 9, 2025
4 min read

10 Royals Who Were More Scandalous Than Their Reputations — Boasson and Eggler on Wikimedia Commons

Royal lives often seem polished, but some rulers lived wildly behind palace doors. From secret affairs to reckless spending, these royals stirred up scandal that left lasting marks. Their reputations don’t always show the full story.

1. King Edward VIII, United Kingdom

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Edward VIII caused a constitutional crisis in 1936 when he gave up the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée. At the time, it was considered unacceptable for a monarch to marry someone divorced with living spouses. His relationship had started while she was still married, adding to the controversy. Even after abdication, his close ties with Nazi officials raised serious concerns.

2. Queen Christina of Sweden

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Queen Christina ruled Sweden in the 1600s and shocked many with her rejection of traditional roles. She dressed in men’s clothing, refused to marry, and later abdicated her throne. After leaving power, she converted from Lutheranism to Catholicism, a bold move in Protestant Europe. Her lifestyle and choices were considered scandalous for a female monarch of her time.

3. Princess Margaret, United Kingdom

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Princess Margaret, the sister of Queen Elizabeth II, was known for her glamour and rebellious streak. In the 1950s, she had an affair with Group Captain Peter Townsend, a divorced man, which created a public scandal. Her later marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones was also filled with rumors of affairs and parties. Her lifestyle often clashed with the expectations of royal duty.

4. King Ludwig II of Bavaria

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Ludwig II spent huge sums of public money building fairy-tale castles like Neuschwanstein. His obsession with art and fantasy led many to consider him mentally unstable. He avoided politics and rarely showed up for state affairs. Eventually, his government declared him insane and removed him from power.

5. Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi)

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Empress Elisabeth was admired for her beauty but lived a private and troubled life. She was obsessed with her appearance and followed extreme diets and exercise routines. She disliked court life and traveled constantly, often avoiding her family and duties. Her rebellion against strict royal expectations made her both admired and criticized.

6. King Farouk of Egypt

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Farouk was known for lavish spending, gambling, and womanizing during his rule in the 1940s. He collected hundreds of cars and rare items while much of Egypt lived in poverty. Stories claim he once stole a pocket watch from Winston Churchill. He was overthrown in 1952 and lived in exile with a reputation for excess.

7. Marie Antoinette, France

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Marie Antoinette has long been blamed for saying “let them eat cake,” though there’s no proof she did. Still, her life of luxury during France’s economic crisis led to widespread resentment. Her spending habits and involvement in scandals like the Diamond Necklace Affair damaged the monarchy’s image. She was executed during the French Revolution in 1793.

8. King Charles II, England

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Charles II had numerous mistresses and acknowledged several illegitimate children. His court was known for its entertainment, affairs, and relaxed morals. Though he restored the monarchy after Cromwell’s rule, his personal life stirred constant gossip. He was nicknamed the “Merry Monarch” for his love of pleasure.

9. Catherine the Great, Russia

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Catherine came to power after her husband was overthrown, possibly with her knowledge or involvement. She had several known lovers, some of whom were given titles and gifts. Though a strong ruler, her personal life drew attention both during her reign and after. Many rumors about her were exaggerated, but some were rooted in truth.

10. Prince Albert Victor, United Kingdom

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Albert Victor, the grandson of Queen Victoria, was linked to several scandals during his short life. He was rumored to have been involved in the Cleveland Street scandal, a case involving a male brothel, though no charges were made. His name has also appeared in conspiracy theories about the Jack the Ripper case, though no evidence supports this. He died young, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions.