The first “annus horribilis” was reported 32 years ago. At that time, Queen Elizabeth wanted to use this expression to indicate the bad period her family was going through: problems in the marriages of three of her four children, humiliating and harsh press reports and of course the fire in her beloved Windsor Castle. Today, the British media is bringing back this expression for reasons that seem more “practical” for the royal family in the debate that arises shortly after the first “numbness” from the announcement of Kate’s cancer. The Guardian, Daily Mail, The Irish Times and even El Pais have headlined what translates as “horrible year” as the kingdom undoubtedly experiences another period of crisis.

The Vulnerabilities of the British Crown

Shortly before the death of Queen Elizabeth, who was presented as the only constant of the crown, the first problems had appeared. Her husband, Prince Philip, had passed away, Prince Harry had moved to America, refusing his royal duties, while Prince Andrew, for many Queen Elizabeth’s favorite son, was forced out of them as his name had been mixed up in the “Epstein case”. Just a few months later, the media made headlines for Harry’s ‘revelations’ in his incriminating biography ‘Spare’ which was only published in January 2023, something that is still being commented on today.

But 2024 did not start with the best omens either. Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and ex-wife of Andrew, famously known as Fergie, has announced that she has skin cancer. On the other hand, the new King Charles was trying to find his footing in his new role. Many polls were careful to point out that she is not the most popular member of the royal family and that many wanted the throne to go directly to Prince William’s son. On February 5, he announces that he has cancer.

His bride Kate, Princess of Wales, is on the same path. On Friday, she also announced that she is battling the disease, while Prince William – although healthy – has briefly stepped away from his duties to care for his family. In fact, people close to the couple are leaking today that together they immediately want to protect their privacy even more.

The question arises easily. Who is left to represent the British crown?

Is the British monarchy in crisis?

At the moment Buckingham Palace is essentially left with only two of its main representatives active: Queen Camilla and Princess Anne. Although many consider the monarchy to be obsolete it does not negate the fact that it is an institution for Britain, which means that it is mixed in many parts of its daily life. Every year through various rituals, protocols and events, the Palace is the one that tries to maintain the British influence in the members of the Commonwealth, that is left after the dissolution of the British Empire. The trip to Australia for example, planned for the royal couple in the second half of the year, still remains unknown if it will be represented by them, due to Charles’ health condition.

It is recalled that Australia is one of the countries that in recent years have strongly declared that they want to leave the Commonwealth. At the same time, under the auspices of the royal members there are numerous charitable institutions which are maintained through sponsorships. If their presence is not strong it is equally likely that they will lose their influence there as well.

Thus, two basic scenarios are set by the reports. One, that these trials seem to have raised awareness among the world and perhaps thus bring the royal family together, ultimately strengthening the institution, while the other is that anyway the shine of the Crown has begun to fade.

Source: DW