15 Royal Family Secrets That Only Recently Surfaced

Recent royal family secrets have shocked the public, from explosive accusations and health battles to controversial personal choices, painting a picture of a monarchy grappling with scandal, secrecy, and shifting power dynamics.

Alyana Aguja
May 9, 2025
5 min read

15 Royal Family Secrets That Only Recently Surfaced — Diogo Nunes from Unsplash

In 2024 and 2025, a series of stunning revelations have emerged about the royal family, exposing personal struggles, tense relationships, and questionable choices. From Prince Andrew’s connections to a Chinese spy to Prince Harry’s bombshell public allegations against his family, these secrets have rocked the monarchy’s carefully crafted image.

1. Prince Andrew’s Alleged Connection with Chinese Spy

Image from Wikipedia

Prince Andrew came under fire in December 2024 for his connection with Yang Tengbo, a Chinese businessman who was accused of being a Chinese spy. Yang allegedly became the boss of Andrew’s Pitch@Palace China scheme, and security concerns were raised. The Duke of York claimed innocence, but the revelations made his permanent retirement from public life more of an inevitability.

2. Kate Middleton’s ‘Kategate’ Photo Scandal

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Princess Catherine released a Mother’s Day photo in March 2024 that was subsequently found to have been digitally manipulated. The controversy, so-called ‘Kategate,’ caused public outrage and raised transparency issues in the royal family. Kate acknowledged that she had manipulated the photo and apologized for causing confusion.

3. Princess Märtha Louise’s Controversial Wedding

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Princess Märtha Louise of Norway married shaman Durek Verrett in August 2024, granting a British tabloid exclusive rights to their wedding. Selling out to hide themselves in a plastic tent and behind a curtain to keep all but tabloid photographers from photographing their wedding was roundly criticized as a show of “shame and greed.” Norwegian media excoriated the couple for using national symbols for personal profit.

4. Marius Borg Høiby’s Criminal Problems

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Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, was arrested several times during 2024 on charges ranging from rape and assault to possession of drugs. His criminal problems have brought major embarrassment to Norway’s royal family and raised questions regarding the monarchy’s future. Crown Prince Haakon had shown concern about his stepson and stressed that he needed care and rehabilitation.

5. Prince Harry’s BBC Interview Fallout

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Prince Harry sat down for a BBC interview in April 2024, where he spoke about his father’s health and continued security fears. The interview rekindled tensions with the royal family, with Harry being slammed by insiders for sharing private issues publicly. King Charles was said to have refused to greet Harry while visiting the UK, and the Duke’s relationship with the family is still tense.

6. Queen Letizia and King Felipe Pelted with Mud

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In November 2024, Queen Letizia and Spanish King Felipe VI were showered with mud when they visited the Valencia region, which was hit by floods. The royals were greeted with fury from locals who accused the government of the disaster’s consequences. The event brought into focus increasing public discontent with the role of the monarchy in national crises.

7. Sarah Ferguson’s Christmas Absence

Image from Town & Country Magazine

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, was noticeably absent during the royal family’s Christmas party at Sandringham in December 2024. Her absence was said to be because of the controversies still surrounding her former husband, Prince Andrew, and his suspected involvement with a Chinese spy. The absence sparked concerns about her role in the family.

8. King Charles’ Cancer Diagnosis

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It was announced in early 2024 that King Charles had been having cancer treatment. The news was made after an interval of speculation regarding his well-being. The King has since made public appearances and shown strength and determination to fulfill his royal obligations.

9. Princess Anne’s Health Scare

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In June 2024, Princess Anne suffered a concussion and memory loss following an accident involving a horse. The incident raised concerns about her health and the physical demands of royal duties. She returned to public life in July, resuming her official engagements.

10. Queen Camilla’s Pneumonia Battle

Image from The Court Jeweller

In December 2024, Queen Camilla reduced her royal duties because she was suffering from a chest infection that was diagnosed as a type of pneumonia. The Queen Consort has already recovered but still gets chronic fatigue. Her ailments have triggered debate on the older royal family and succession.

11. Prince William’s Plan to Strip Titles

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Reports in May 2025 indicate that Prince William intends to strip Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their “His/Her Royal Highness” titles when he ascends to the throne. The action is interpreted as a reaction to the current tensions and public criticisms expressed by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Insiders interpret the move as an attempt to legitimize their break from the royal institution.

12. Princess Märtha Louise’s Commercial Exploitation

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Princess Märtha Louise of Norway was criticized for still using her royal title on commercial activities despite a promise not to do so. Her affiliation with alternative healing and spiritual beliefs has been a point of controversy, prompting her to be asked to give up her title. The issue has generated arguments on the role of contemporary royals and their commercial activities.

13. Prince Harry’s ‘Treacherous’ Remarks

Image from The Guardian

After a court loss over losing taxpayer-funded security, Prince Harry publicly accused Prince William of bullying and referred to Queen Camilla as “dangerous.” Harry has been attacked by experts who accuse him of being irresponsible and say that reconciliation with the royal family depends on an apology. The Duke’s statement has also put his relationship with family members under further stress.

14. Kate Middleton’s Health Privacy Breach

Image from InStyle

In March 2024, unauthorized personnel at the London Clinic reportedly tried to view Princess Catherine’s private medical records after she underwent abdominal surgery. The incident sparked fears of privacy and management of sensitive information among the royal family. The incident prompted greater scrutiny of the medical facilities used by the royals.

15. Prince Andrew’s Christmas Day Withdrawal

Image from People.com

In December 2024, Prince Andrew stepped back from joining the royal family’s annual Christmas Day service at Sandringham. The move was said to be motivated by continued scandals over his claimed links to a Chinese spy. The withdrawal has sparked debate regarding his future role in the royal family.