1 hour ago
Last Updated:November 15, 2025, 19:47 IST
British actress Sophie Winkleman, also known as Lady Frederick Windsor, is married Lord Frederick Windsor, the son of Prince Michael of Kent — Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin
Sophie Winkleman with King Charles. (AFP file photo)
British actress Sophie Winkleman, also known as Lady Frederick Windsor, has described life in the royal family as “total hell," saying the constant public scrutiny and pressure faced by royals is a form of torture.
Winkleman, 45, married Lord Frederick Windsor, the son of Prince Michael of Kent, Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin, in 2009. Speaking to The Times, she said the reality of royal life is far from the fairy-tale image often portrayed in the media.
“The more I get to know the royal family, the more I get that their lives are total hell and that level of unasked-for fame is a form of torture," she told the newspaper.
She added that none of the royals chose fame, saying, “None of them went on [the U.K. reality music competition] Pop Idol or something to be famous. To have that sort of blinding spotlight in your face from when you’re born, not knowing quite whom you can trust, not knowing if someone’s going to betray you, people writing lies about you the whole time, is just brutal."
Winkleman also highlighted the challenges faced by royal children, who are under public scrutiny from birth. She said school life can be difficult because it’s hard to know who is a genuine friend, and added that even adult family members sometimes feel pressure from constant media attention.
She spoke of the strict routines imposed on royals, with schedules set months in advance, and the isolation that comes with life in the palace. Winkleman recalled her own wedding preparations, which were largely managed by her mother-in-law, Princess Michael of Kent, leaving her surrounded by unfamiliar faces despite having close friends present.
“I feel for them all," Winkleman said. “I don’t think a life with that much scrutiny and pressure is remotely healthy — but they have no choice."
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...
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United Kingdom (UK)
First Published:
November 15, 2025, 19:47 IST
News world 'Unasked-For Fame Is Torture': Lady Frederick Windsor Calls Royal Life 'Total Hell'
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