It’s not always the heir to the throne that makes the headlines in royal history. Many famous royals have been the heir’s brother or sister. Here’s a look at famous second-born siblings within the British monarchy that grew-up to wind up being famous for other reasons outside of their noble blood:
King Henry VIII: Perhaps one of the most notorious famous second siblings in the British Monarchy, was Henry VIII. The second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, Henry VIII acceded the throne in 1509. Henry VII’s eldest son, Prince Arthur, died in 1502. Henry VIII is arguably most notorious for having six wives; two he executed, and two he divorced.
Queen Elizabeth I: She was not second-in-line to the throne, but she was the second-born of King Henry VIII. Queen Elizabeth I’s early life, and early reign, were faced with uncertainties. She was faced with execution and narrowly escaped. Despite her tumultuous beginnings, she reigned for 45 years, secured the Church of England, and her name was personified in an era: the “Elizabethan era.”
King George VI: Prince Albert, later known as King George VI, father to Queen Elizabeth II, was never supposed to be King. Prince Albert worked hard to learn his new role following his brother’s scandalous abdication of the throne in 1936, after a reign of only 325 days.
Princess Margaret: King George VI and The Queen Mother’s younger daughter, and sister to Queen Elizabeth II. Outside of her royal duties and charity work, Princess Margaret was also known for her personal struggles. She became the first member of the royal family to divorce since Henry VIII.
Princess Anne: How many Royals in the British Monarchy can say they’re former Olympians? The Princess Royal – Princess Anne, that’s who can! Second born to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Princess Anne competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. To this day, she is a supporter of the British Olympic teams. She’s even written an official equestrian autobiography titled Riding Through My Life. Her daughter would follow in her footsteps.
Prince Harry: “An heir and a spare” is a saying that hasn’t escaped the press throughout Prince William and Harry’s life. Harry, however, has never seemed too concerned about the “spare” part. He’s seen as the “wild” one compared to William, with his share of personal scandals. His dedication to his charity work, however, has triumphed in recent years over his past indiscretions.
Zara Philips: Zara Philips, daughter of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Philips, wasn’t born second in-line to the throne, but she’s a famous second-born royal. Like her mother and her father, Zara can also claim the title “Olympian” to her name. Not only that, Zara is the first royal Olympic medalist, having won an eventing team silver medal at the 2012 Olympics. Her father, also an equestrian, won gold at the 1972 Olympics, and silver at the 1988 Olympics. She is also married to rugby player Mike Tindall.
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