Royal Family Faces Major Crisis Comparable to King Edward's Abdication, Expert Warns

Royal Family Is Dealing With Biggest Crisis Since King Edward s Abdication Expert Claims

The Royal Family. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

The royal family is currently facing a difficult period, with royal expert Robert Jobson comparing it to King Edward VIII abdicating the throne.

"I believe this could be seen as the most significant crisis since the abdication," Jobson mentioned in ABC News Studio’s IMPACT x Nightline: The Crown in Crisis special, available for streaming on Hulu. "The situation is quite delicate."

King Edward VIII ruled England until he abdicated in 1936 due to being forbidden by the church to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée. His younger brother, King George IV, then became the ruler. George was the father of Queen Elizabeth II. (Following his abdication, Edward and Simpson lived in France until his death in 1972.)

Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96 after reigning for 70 years. Her oldest son, King Charles III, then took over the throne. However, eighteen months later, Charles, aged 75, was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer and reduced his public engagements. (Despite this, he still holds some audiences at Buckingham Palace and recently attended the royal Easter service.)

During Charles' absence, his wife Queen Camilla, son Prince William, and brother Prince Edward have stepped in to cover his engagements. Princess Kate Middleton, William's wife and a senior working royal, has canceled all public duties to focus on her battle with cancer and undergo treatment.

Royal Family Is Dealing With Biggest Crisis Since King Edward s Abdication Expert Claims

Jobson, who has been covering the royal family since 1990, described his experience as a roller-coaster ride. In a special released on April 11, he talked about the current period in 2024. He mentioned how Camilla, once known as the 'Rottweiler pariah,' is now leading the royal family in ceremonies at Westminster Abbey. Jobson found this shift quite surprising.

In 2005, Camilla, 76, tied the knot with Charles after a scandalous affair while they were still married to Andrew Parker Bowles and Princess Diana. Following their divorces, they had a small civil ceremony. Camilla officially became queen in May 2023 during Charles' coronation.

Now, with only Camilla, William, 41, Edward, 60, and his wife, Duchess Sophie, making public appearances, there are concerns about the future of the monarchy.

According to royal expert Omid Scobie, even before the current events unfolded, the royal family was already dealing with a crisis concerning their future popularity, especially among the younger generations in the U.K. He mentioned in a documentary that the health crisis has now presented them with their biggest challenge yet.

Scobie also highlighted that there is a significant gap in the royal lineup.

Scobie pointed out that this is not the streamlined monarchy that King Charles had envisioned. He had hoped for a strong lineup of royals, including Prince Harry, but now the lineup seems lacking at times. As the queen herself said, "To be seen is to be believed." If we are not seeing the others and their actions, what are we supposed to believe in?

Following some family drama involving his father Charles and brother William, Prince Harry, 39, and his wife Meghan Markle decided to step down from their roles as senior working royals. Despite the ongoing rift between the siblings, Scobie mentioned that Harry and Charles are actually having regular phone conversations. In February, Harry even made a short visit to London upon hearing about his father's cancer diagnosis.

Editor's P/S:

The current crisis within the British royal family is undoubtedly a momentous event, drawing comparisons to the abdication of King Edward VIII. The absence of King Charles III due to cancer and the reduced public engagements of other senior royals have raised concerns about the future of the monarchy. Royal expert Robert Jobson aptly describes the situation as a "roller-coaster ride," with the once-scandalous Camilla now leading ceremonies at Westminster Abbey.

The health crisis has exacerbated an existing challenge faced by the royal family: declining popularity among younger generations. As royal expert Omid Scobie notes, the lack of a "streamlined monarchy" with a strong lineup of royals has created a significant gap in the public's perception of the institution. The absence of Prince Harry, who stepped down from his royal duties, further compounds the issue. Despite ongoing family drama, it is encouraging to hear that Harry and his father, Charles, are maintaining regular communication. However, the overall situation remains delicate, and the long-term impact on the monarchy remains to be seen.