LHBTQ+ Royalty

[BeatrixFan]

In the Prince William forum, we have been discussing what would be the public reaction if William was to declare that he is in fact homosexual. If he said, "Well - Kate's just a friend and we tried to cover up but I don't want to so I'll be your first openly gay King" - what would you say? Would it affect his ability to rule?

This isn't a new thing of course - Prince George, Duke of Kent was well known for his relationship with Noel Coward and there have been many gay Kings over the past.

How would society take it and how would the reign be affected by the revelation?

 

[ysbel]

Well if he were openly gay, I think there would be a problem. But as long as he married a nice girl and had a son to inherit the throne, I don't think people would mind if he decided to follow his natural inclinations (of course as long as he conducted himself with discretion) The girl might mind though.

The problem with Edward II is that kings of England had real power, it was the Middle ages, and he did not conduct himself with discretion.

 

[Smilla]

Great, beatrixfan!
Thanks for opening this thread; it's an interesting topic.

I read Amanda Foreman's biography of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was a close friend of Marie Antoinette of France. Foreman claims that in the 18th century, there was a highly charged erotic atmosphere among the women at the French court, including kissing and tearful hugs among the queen and her favourites. Foreman says that this atmosphere was not necessarily regarded as "lesbian", but simply as "feminine".
I'll try to dig up some more information.

 

[windsor the troll]

I read a book on Royal Scandals and it claimed that Queen Anne had a lesbian affair with Lady Churchill I think it was.
I suppose her husband, Prince George, was only there to help produce an heir - he failed.

 

[Zonk]

BeatrixFan...you must be reading my mind...I thought about the same question while reading a thread about Princess Christina's son.

In this day and age...I would imagine it would be very hard to be gay and a heir to the throne if for no other reason that how would you provide an heir? In vitro? Are you honest with your wife....I am gay, and I care about you but I need to provide an heir! Also, the ramfications within the church would be a problem.

Also, these are just my general thoughts..not trying to come across as homophobic or anything.

 

[Elspeth]

I don't think an openly gay crown prince or king would be able to marry; it'd be seen as a marriage of convenience like Charles's, and the notion of a wife who acts as a hired uterus and is compensated with a cushy lifestyle and some children while the king goes off with his lover (of whatever sex) is going to be a hard sell in the future. As far as younger brothers, I don't see a problem with an openly gay lifestyle; it's better than secrecy and media speculation.

It'd be interesting to see if the public would accept a gay monarch, knowing that he wouldn't have children to inherit, or if there'd be pressure for the non-gay sibling who was the parent of the heir presumptive to take over.

 

[Elspeth]

The problem with Edward II is that kings of England had real power, it was the Middle ages, and he did not conduct himself with discretion.

If we had a prize for understatement of the month, I think the above would be a clear winner!

 

[Smilla]

that how would you provide an heir?

I'm not convinced that this would be THE big problem. Just imagine that Princess Victoria turns out to be infertile or just doesn't get married. Her brother and sister's children would be next in line to the throne, and the problem would be solved neatly. The same could be done in the case of a gay king.

 

[lashinka2002]

I think the acceptance of a gay King could be possible in about 30 years.
The public just isn't ready for it yet IMO.

 

[branchg]

In the Prince William forum, we have been discussing what would be the public reaction if William was to declare that he is in fact homosexual. If he said, "Well - Kate's just a friend and we tried to cover up but I don't want to so I'll be your first openly gay King" - what would you say? Would it affect his ability to rule?

This isn't a new thing of course - Prince George, Duke of Kent was well known for his relationship with Noel Coward and there have been many gay Kings over the past.

How would society take it and how would the reign be affected by the revelation?

Well, he certainly wouldn't be the first or last major figure to be gay, so I doubt in today's globalized and more sophisticated society, anyone would be shocked to learn of it. However, whether the conservative elements of British society, including devout Anglicians, would accept a Head of the Church of England as a gay man is highly doubtful.

My guess is William would follow the dictates of his world and marry an appropriate woman to produce an heir. If he had something going on the side with a man, that would be OK provided there was no public disclosure about it and his Consort accepted the marriage as part of her duty. Whether this is realistic in a modern society is another matter altogether.

The reign would become clouded under the public disclosure, but he probably could go on eventually.

 

[Zonk]

I'm not convinced that this would be THE big problem. Just imagine that Princess Victoria turns out to be infertile or just doesn't get married. Her brother and sister's children would be next in line to the throne, and the problem would be solved neatly. The same could be done in the case of a gay king.

True...as long there are other heirs in the line of succession. then providing the heir would not be a big deal. But I guess the bigger question is....would be the public be open to a gay heir. And I don't think they will.

 

[Iain]

I once read that King Gutav adolf of Sweden was homosexual but as he was married twice I don't know if that is true. Also, when Norway became independent the throne was to be offered to Prince Waldemar of Denmark (uncle of Prince Carl who was to become King Haakon) but it was discovered that he was in an incestuous relationship with one of his own nephews (a Greek prince).

 

[windsor the troll]

It's possible that there is a constitutional clause which prevents an openly gay monarch from taking the throne.
I am not too clear on the 1701 Act of Settlement but did it not declare that the Monarch would have to be protestant? Or was it just anti Catholic? If he or she were openly gay, could the church not reject them stripping them of protestant credentials needed to succeed?

 

[Smilla]

It's possible that there is a constitutional clause which prevents an openly gay monarch from taking the throne.
I am not too clear on the 1701 Act of Settlement but did it not declare that the Monarch would have to be protestant? Or was it just anti Catholic? If he or she were openly gay, could the church not reject them stripping them of protestant credentials needed to succeed?

That's an interesting questions. As far as I know, at least the Catholic church hasn't excommunicated anybody for being gay. (Even though they think it's unnatural and an illness). I don't know about protestants.

 

[branchg]

I once read that King Gutav adolf of Sweden was homoexual but as he was married twice I don't know if that is true. Also, when Norway became independent the throne was to be offered to Prince Waldemar of Denmark (uncle of Prince Carl who was to become King Haakon) but it was discovered that he was in an incestuous relationship with one of his own nephews (a Greek prince).

Waldemar was in a lifetime relationship with his nephew, HRH Prince George of Greece and Denmark, son of the former Prince Wilhelm of Denmark who became King George I of the Hellenes. George married HIH Princess Marie Bonaparte, a very wealthy heiress who owned a large share of the casino in Monaco. She had affairs throughout their marriage as well.

 

[branchg]

It's possible that there is a constitutional clause which prevents an openly gay monarch from taking the throne.
I am not too clear on the 1701 Act of Settlement but did it not declare that the Monarch would have to be protestant? Or was it just anti Catholic? If he or she were openly gay, could the church not reject them stripping them of protestant credentials needed to succeed?

I don't think there is any legal standing to remove someone from the line of succession for being gay. Certainly not in the Act of Settlement. More likely, it would be another Edward VIII situation where the Prime Minister and the Archbishop of Canterbury would advise the King to abdicate for the sake of the nation. However, the Prime Minister would have to be sure the Cabinet and Parliamentary Council would support a resignation of the Government if the King did not accept the advice.

 

[windsor the troll]

If I'm not mistaken, there was a recent hate campaign against the Swedish Royals.
The King was accused of being homosexual as was his immediate family. It was the work of a hugely homophobic site connected to some extreme church.

I linked to the site out of interest and it was vulgar. Its hopefully the last time I will come across such an ill minded site.

 

[BeatrixFan]

Re:

Prince Carl-Philip was thought to be gay but it seems he's been adopted as a bit of a hunl by the Swedish Gay Community. Queen Silvia said that he was flattered by the attention.

 

[branchg]

In the progressive Scandinavian monarchies, I think the people would accept an openly gay sovereign. Possibly it would be OK in the Netherlands too. I doubt it would be accepted in Spain or Monaco (even though rumors about Prince Albert have been around for years).

Crown Prince Fredrik of Denmark has many gay friends and has always been very supportive of the gay community.

 

[Smilla]

Crown Prince Fredrik of Denmark has many gay friends and has always been very supportive of the gay community.

So has Haakoon of Norway. And didn't Mette-Marit actually hold a speech about the rights and problems of gay people?

 

[Maxie]

In the progressive Scandinavian monarchies, I think the people would accept an openly gay sovereign. Possibly it would be OK in the Netherlands too. I doubt it would be accepted in Spain or Monaco (even though rumors about Prince Albert have been around for years).

I think a openly gay king is possible in the Netherlands. But that's just my point of view as a young student with several gay friends. I don't know how other people would react to it.

 

[Margrethe II]

I just noticed this thread and haaaaad to have a browse!

I think its wonderful how the Scandinavian nations inparticluar have welcomed and embraced the gay communities so warmly. Its also very comforting to see how many royals are actually supportive of, and have many gay friends.

I think the homosexual movement has come a long way in recent years, but has a long, long way to go before it is accepted and respected for what it is, especially in the Roman Catholic nations. And who knows. It may never really be accepted!

Unfortunately, here in Australia the gay community does not share the same rights as that of the heterosexual community and it is (from what I have been exposed to) still finding it rather difficult to make that transition (of course having a homophobic Prime Minister does'nt help much).

Those who hold prejudiced views against us should realise that we ourselves are the result of a heterosexual union, so how are we so different from them?

Contrary to what people think, gay isnt a choice (those who claim to be Bi are just greedy.lol.). I know I had no say in the matter and had known from a very early age (early primary school) that I viewed things differently to the other boys.

So all I can say is that its the personality that makes a person, not their sexuality!

"MII"

 

[BeatrixFan]

Re:

Well said Margrethe II! I think that its a good thing that the Scandinavians seem to have a good attitude to the gay community - but how far does it extend? They may welcome the gay community but would they welcome a gay King or Queen as quickly?

I too knew of my orientation from primary school and so I think that it must be common for people to know from an early age. But the family could be just as big an issue for Royals as it is for commoners. I don't think the Queen would welcome a gay grandson at all - she's well known for being a devoted christian and loves tradition.

 

[branchg]

I don't think the Queen would welcome a gay grandson at all - she's well known for being a devoted christian and loves tradition.

I think the Queen is more progressive than people give her credit for. Yes, she takes her role as Monarch and Head of the Church very seriously. But, she is also well-known to have tolerated and accepted gay male servants for years, perhaps not quite to the extent her mother did, but tolerant nonetheless.

I know the Household is not the same as having a gay grandson, but I have to believe she would be supportive of her grandchildren no matter what.

 

[Margrethe II]

Which Quuen are we referring to here?

Elizabeth II or Margrethe II?

If Elizabeth, hen I beliee HM would be tolerant and understanding to the best of her ability.

Indeed, the Queen Mother did have a soft spot for her gay employees. I remember reading how she thought her gay staff to be well spoken, charming and could arrange a mean floral spray.lol. God love her!

"MII"

 

[BeatrixFan]

Re"

But, she is also well-known to have tolerated and accepted gay male servants for years, perhaps not quite to the extent her mother did, but tolerant nonetheless

The Palace once had a policy only to employ gay footmen. They wouldn't leave to get married nor would they get the housemaids into trouble. George V hated the idea and once refused to knight a homosexual chap saying, "I do not knight buggers". The Queen allows her gay servants to bring their partners but she doesn't like to see men dancing together. She's not overkeen on gay women but she doesn't mind gay men.

The Queen Mother had a whole host of gay footmen running after her. The wonderful story goes that two obviously and well-known gay footmen are having a heated argument when the Queen Mother glided past and said, "When you two old queens are finished, do you think you could get this old queen a gin and tonic?"

 

[Margrethe II]

The wonderful story goes that two obviously and well-known gay footmen are having a heated argument when the Queen Mother glided past and said, "When you two old queens are finished, do you think you could get this old queen a gin and tonic?"

HAHAHAHA Oh I love it "B"

"MII"

 

[Royal Fan]

Ive heard of the rumors about Albert of Monaco
have there been rumors about Joachim , Frederik , Felipe ,Willem - Alexander , William or Harry

 

[grecka]

I once read that Queen Mary II (as in the Mary of William and Mary) was actually in love with another woman when she was forced to marry Prince William of Orange and that she maintained a relationship with that woman for the rest of her life.

 

[Margrethe II]

Although not English, It was said that Her Majesty the Queen Consort Marie - Atoinette of France conducted a passionate love affair with her close friend and confidante, Madame de Polignac. So, history dictates that such rumours are not uncommon umongst the aristocratic circles of Europe and have been around for many centuries.

There is no doubt that Antoinette loved Madame and Madame her, but the likeliness of the two conducting an active lesbian relationship is most unlikely.

Such a shame that Polignac's influence over "the Austrian" proved to be most catastrophic.....

"MII"