Just like us, the royals are humans, and sometimes, they make mistakes. But unlike us, all of their actions are viewed on a global scale — which means that when they mess up, everyone knows. As a result, many members of the royal family have had to issue apologies over the years for various missteps.
Sometimes, the reason for apologizing is innocuous. Perhaps a royal was unable to attend an event at the last minute, or they jokingly apologized for something that isn't really their fault. Other times, the regrets they've expressed have been quite serious. Some royals have been friends with convicted criminals. Others have used offensive language. And then there's the fact that the monarchy was responsible for atrocities against humankind through its actions, like colonization and participation in the slave trade. All of that is worth acknowledging, and many members of the royal family have done just that over the years.
Sometimes, the apologies seem more passionate than others, or perhaps that's just the effect that releasing an "I'm sorry" statement through a palace spokesperson creates. Still, the statements can seem a bit cold at times, but there are plenty of instances of genuine regret.
Check them out.
Prince Harry Using a Slur
When Prince Harry was training with the military, he used a slur against Pakistanis to refer to a friend of his.
There was widespread uproar, and the prince later had to issue an apology. "Prince Harry fully understands how offensive this term can be, and is extremely sorry for any offence his words might cause," the palace said on his behalf. "Prince Harry used the term without any malice and as a nickname about a highly popular member of his platoon. There is no question that Prince Harry was in any way seeking to insult his friend."
Sarah Ferguson's Friendship With Jeffrey Epstein
Sarah, Duchess of York, told the Evening Standard that she was sorry for ever being friends with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who lent her money at one point to pay off some debts.
"I personally, on behalf of myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey Epstein became involved in any way with me," she said. "I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf. I am just so contrite I cannot say. Whenever I can I will repay the money and will have nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again."
Prince Andrew Embarrassing the Royal Family
Prince Andrew also apologized for his friendship with Epstein, but mostly with regard to how he'd made the royal family look. "We try and uphold the highest standards and practices," he said of the monarchy. "And I let the side down, simple as that."
He has since stepped back from official royal duties.
King Willem-Alexander & Queen Maxima Not Social Distancing
Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands were forced to apologize on Twitter after a photo circulated of them not wearing masks and breaking social distance rules while traveling in Greece.
They said, "A photo appeared in the media in which we keep too little distance. In the spontaneity of the moment, we did not pay attention to that. Of course we should have. Because compliance with Corona rules is also essential on holiday to get the virus under [control]."
Princess Mary's Handshake
Princess Mary of Denmark also messed up with regards to social distancing when she accidentally shook someone's hand during an official event.
She later apologized on Instagram, writing: "It slipped for me and I unfortunately came to shake hands. It reminded me how important it is that we help each other live up to the recommendations. Take care of yourself, and take care of each other."
Prince Harry's Costume
In 2005, Prince Harry was forced to say sorry after a photo circulated of him wearing a Nazi uniform to a costume party. His apology was very brief, with the palace saying, "Prince Harry apologized tonight after he was pictured on the front page of The Sun newspaper in a Nazi soldier's uniform which he wore to a fancy dress party." Not a whole lot of passion in that statement considering how mad everyone was.
Prince William Apologizing for Kate Middleton
The Duchess of Cambridge was unable to attend a 2014 event in Malta while pregnant with Princess Charlotte and dealing with her extreme morning sickness. She sent William instead, and he apologized to everyone on behalf of his wife.
"Catherine has asked me to say how very sorry she is that she couldn't be the one to pass on The Queen's greetings to you all," he said. "She was looking forward to coming here, and I know she hopes very much that she will be able to visit in the future."
Actions of Queen Elizabeth's Ancestors
In the '90s, the Queen apologized on behalf of her ancestor, Queen Victoria, to a New Zealand Maori tribe for killings and colonization decades ago. According to the Independent, the letter to the tribe expressed regret for "the loss of lives because of the hostilities arising from its invasion and at the devastation of property and social life which resulted."
Kate Middleton's Dress
Usually, Kate is known for matching her wardrobe to the places she visits — often wearing local designers while on tour. But in 2012, there was a mistake and the wrong clothes were laid out for a trip to the Solomon Islands. She wore a dress from the Cook Islands instead.
The palace released an explanation and apology after the incident: "It was not learned until later in the evening that the clothes weren’t from the islands. But it was understood that the duke and duchess intended to wear traditional Solomon Island clothes and this was appreciated. No offense was caused."
Prince Philip to Prince Charles
Sometimes, the royals fight among themselves as well. Prince Philip wrote an apology letter to Prince Charles in 2001 after reports surfaced claiming that Philip had called his son unfit for the throne. Charles allegedly accepted the apology from his father, and the two seem on fine terms today.
Prince Charles About Slavery
The Prince of Wales made his own apology in 2018, when he acknowledged the UK's role in the transatlantic slave trade centuries ago.
"The appalling atrocity of the slave trade, and the unimaginable suffering it caused, left an indelible stain on the history of our world," he said adding, "While Britain can be proud that it later led the way in the abolition of this shameful trade, we have a shared responsibility to ensure that the abject horror of slavery is never forgotten."
Prince Harry on Institutionalized Racism
Following in his father's footsteps, Harry acknowledged institutionalized racism in a speech in 2020.
"My wife said recently that our generation and the ones before us haven't done enough to right the wrongs of the past," he said. "I too am sorry — sorry that we haven't got the world to a place you deserve it to be. Institutional racism has no place in our societies. I want you to know that we are committed to being part of the solution."
Prince Philip's Car Crash
In 2019, Prince Philip was involved in a car crash that left a passenger from the other car with a broken arm. He later issued an apology to the woman.
"I would like you to know how very sorry I am for my part in the accident," the 97-year-old said. "I am deeply sorry about this injury. I wish you a speedy recovery from a very distressing experience."
Meghan Markle to Her High School
Meghan Markle missed her high school reunion, because she was a little busy preparing for the impending birth of her son Archie. Despite the fact that she had a legitimate reason for not going, the Duchess of Sussex still apologized for her absence via a handwritten note on Kensington Palace stationery. What a class act.
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
Kate Middleton Not Being a 'Real Princess'
On a trip to Wales in 2020, Kate Middleton met a young girl who was disappointed that the Duchess of Cambridge was dressed rather plainly. "I thought you'd look like Cinderella," the girl said, adding that she thought she'd be meeting a "real princess." Kate reportedly responded, "I'm really sorry I'm not wearing a pretty dress today."
