The practice of circumcision among the British royals has long been a topic of speculation and curiosity. While the royals are famously private when it comes to personal matters, some insight can be gleaned from available information and accounts throughout history.
History of Circumcision in Britain
Circumcision has a long history in Britain, though its popularity has waxed and waned over the centuries. It was first introduced in Anglo-Saxon Britain, likely due to the influence of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. The Normans, who invaded England in 1066, also commonly practiced circumcision. By the late medieval period, circumcision had largely faded from practice in Britain.
In the Victorian era, circumcision experienced a resurgence. The prevailing attitudes toward sexuality during this time led to a belief that circumcision could be used to discourage masturbation and extramarital sex. By the early 20th century, the circumcision rate for British newborns reached about 33%.
After World War II, circumcision rates plunged again to about 5-10%. The National Health Service decided not to cover routine circumcisions, leading to a dramatic decline. Today, about 9.6% of British male newborns are circumcised, usually for religious, cultural or medical reasons.
Circumcision in the Royal Family
There is no definitive evidence on circumcision practices among British monarchs and their families. However, historians and biographers have found some suggestive clues.
Older Generations
For royals born in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the peak of Victorian-era circumcision, the procedure was likely common.
King Edward VII (born 1841) was circumcised according to some accounts. His son King George V (born 1865) was also reportedly circumcised. Circumcision was thought to curb masturbation or extramarital affairs, concerns for the royals at that time.
Queen Elizabeth II and Her Generation
Queen Elizabeth II was born in 1926, when circumcision rates were still relatively high. However, there are no definitive accounts to confirm she circumcised her sons.
Charles, Prince of Wales was born in 1948. His brother Prince Andrew, Duke of York was born in 1960. And their younger brother Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex was born in 1964. Information on their circumcision is not publicly known.
Charles’ son Prince William was born in 1982, after circumcision rates had declined sharply. Prince Harry was born in 1984. It is considered unlikely that they were circumcised.
Modern Views
Today, circumcision is neither as common nor as universally accepted as it once was. The British royal family has adopted more modern attitudes toward circumcision and are less likely to have the procedure done without a medical indication.
However, the royal family has never commented publicly on the matter. Details about royal births and the upbringing of royal children tend to be kept private. Therefore, the circumcision status of younger royals is not officially confirmed.
Opinions on Royal Circumcision
Here is a summary of perspectives on the practice of circumcision within the British royal family:
| Viewpoint | Argument |
|---|---|
| Circumcision was likely common in the past | Historical circumcision rates were high; Victorian attitudes promoted the practice |
| Circumcision has likely declined | Lower modern circumcision rates; more progressive attitudes on sexuality |
| Practice remains speculative | Royals do not comment publicly on private matters like this |
As shown, definitive answers are elusive. The royals have revealed little about the topic. Public knowledge is largely based on speculation, rumors and historical circumstances.
Conclusions
In conclusion, clear evidence is lacking on the question of whether British royals are circumcised.
Circumcision was likely common in the royal family during the late 19th to early 20th centuries, when the practice peaked in Britain. However, rates have fallen dramatically since then.
Modern royals likely reflect today’s lower circumcision rates. But information on royals is scarce, as the family maintains privacy around personal lives and health matters.
While the circumcision status of British monarchs and princes remains unknown, societal shifts suggest the practice is now less common. Nevertheless, definitive confirmation remains elusive on this delicate question.