Whilst the world continues to mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, many weren't so touched or enthralled by the 10-day historic event that lead to her funeral earlier this month. For some LGBT+ people, the monarchy is the subject of a heated discussion with many people having contrasting views about the millennia-old establishment.
Steeped in tradition, a number of royals have chosen to step away from precedent and voice their personal opinions more regularly when it comes to causes and issues they feel passionately about. But while some working royals, such as Prince William, have actively supported LGBT+ charities, many believe that the monarchy is also associated with a more negative side of history.
During the time of the reign of King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II's father, homosexuality in the United Kingdom was illegal, forcing many to go underground and conceal who they truly were to protect themselves. When the Queen came to the throne in 1952, homosexuality was still an illegal act for over 10 years until it was legalised in 1967. Although she had no role in the legislation herself, some people believe that the Queen as head of state remained a symbol of an establishment that inflicted punishment on LGBT+ people.
Going back in time, interestingly, the monarchy has had some LGBT+ tendencies itself from the very beginning. With kings such as William II, the son of William the Conqueror, being described as 'effeminate' and taking a liking to 'fashionable young men' by historians, it looks like aristocrats took to 'buggery' just as us common folk. Another monarch from the past who wasn't so hidden with his homosexuality was Edward II. Taking to the English throne in 1307, Edward was close to a man called Piers Goverson, who many believe was his lover. Taking little interest in the opposite sex, Edward's lover was brutally murdered after barons were unsuccessful in forcefully exiling him from the court.
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In more recent decades, treatment towards those in the LGBT+ community has been no less violent. Despite being a huge asset in World War Two, in 1952 Alan Turing was convicted for gross indecency. Taking his own life in 1954, he was posthumously pardoned in 2013 by the Queen. Even though she had no ability as a constitutional sovereign to get involved in politics, some people think that this very helplessness makes it hard to celebrate the monarchy.
"Royalty, not just in this country but around the world, has rarely acknowledged its queer family members and the individuals themselves have mostly kept any diverse sexuality a secret. Hence, if we never see ourselves represented in royalty there is no connection, and this is true for many other diversities," historian Norena Shopland told WalesOnline.
"Given that UK polls since the 1990s have shown those favouring a republic range from 13% to 29% (stats from Wikipedia) then there would be a similar proportion of LGBTQ+ people who probably feel the same. There is also an antipathy for the rich and powerful who have often been protected, or who have bought their way out of trouble, while working-class people were prosecuted."
A survey held by YouGov in September 2022 found that 20% of the 1,710 asked felt that Britain should have an elected head of state instead of a monarchy, while 67% said the monarchy should continue in their role. A further 13% of those asked said they didn't know. When asked whether they thought there should be a referendum on whether or not Britain continues to have a monarchy, 22% voted in favour, with 64% against.
Nora continued: "Many historic houses that were, or are, owned by aristocrats rarely acknowledge a queer past. Despite my many attempts to get places in Wales to take part in History Month, I was continually refused, so imagine my surprise when in 2017 the National Trust published its Prejudice & Pride: Celebrating LGBTQ Heritage - So, there are many reasons for mixed feelings towards royalty."
Whilst the relatability of the Royal family - some more than others - is a reality, some agree that the establishment they represent is damaging to the community. Stemmed in a religion does not always facilitate the actions of LGBT+ people, the royals represent to some people an archaic imperialism which doesn't have a place in modern Britain. On the other hand, some support the monarchy and admire their dedication to service of the country.
"In a professional capacity, gay men were castrated in [the royal family's] name, including Alan Turing and her mercy pardons came 60 years too late for them all. She had an overwhelmingly negative effect on LGBT+ rights throughout the years," 31-year-old Franklin Quill from Cardiff said, speaking about Queen Elizabeth II.
"The royals have always represented to me and many other LGBT+ an institution stuck in a time that would see us ostracised at best and eradicated at worst. The Queen as its head was no different."
On September 22, 2018 the Queen's cousin Lord Ivar Mountbatten married his partner James Coyle in what was the British Royal family's first ever same sex marriage. In an interview with Tatler in 2019, Lord Mountbatten, when asked if his decision to come out had been good for the royals, replied: “Well, you would hope so!”, adding: “But then they don’t really talk about it. I mean, the royals, they don’t communicate very well.”
However, for 47-year-old Chris Anstee from Rhondda, who queued for over 11 hours to see the Queen lying in state, the longest-serving UK monarch taught him lessons by just "being who she is." You can read about Chris meeting David Beckham in the queue here.
Chris said: "I have always been a supporter of the Queen and have always been a loyal supporter for everything she stands for in terms of resilience and making the best of what you're given. It was important for me as a huge supporter to be there and have the opportunity to stand and nod in thanks for some of the lessons she's taught me through just being who she is. I think it was also important for me because I recognise that there probably won't be another head of state or leader ever again that will command that much emotional support, in terms of the impact they've had."
With King Charles III now succeeding to the throne, only time will tell of what is to come for one of the world's most famous families and their purpose in an ever-changing modernising United Kingdom.
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