Top 10 Savage Royal Family Moments

Welcome to MsMojo, where well be counting down the sassiest exchanges from the House of Windsor.

#10: Grumpy World Leaders

The late Queen Elizabeth II lived to the grand age of 96, making her reign one of the most impressive in global history. In 2021, despite being in her 90s, she was still as sharp-tongued as ever. This was proven at the G7 summit, held at the Eden Project in Cornwall. Her Majesty was joined by a variety of world leaders, including Joe Biden and Boris Johnson. At one point, she sensed a hint of negativity in the air. This prompted her to remark: [Are you supposed to be looking as if youre enjoying yourselves?] No one except the Queen could be that sassy towards the worlds most powerful people.

#9: Seen to Be Believed

Privacy is one of the few privileges these monarchs dont have. Their job is to serve their country, which involves constantly appearing at events all over Britain and the globe. Its something monarchs have done for centuries, long before Elizabeth I, let alone the second. This is an aspect of Elizabeth IIs job she took very seriously. She took it so seriously, she would famously say, I have to be seen to be believed. In a digital world, her insistence on keeping a physical presence has a no-nonsense edge to it. Its like saying she doesnt need theatrics, her visibility is more than enough to reinforce her authority.

#8: Cant Wait to Be King

Prince George is one of the newest royals, born to William and Kate in 2013. Hes still a long way from adulthood, and by extension, being king. Regardless of that fact, he doesnt shy away from asserting his authority. His parents have informed him of his royal lineage, something hes used to elicit respect from his classmates. Prince George apparently tells his classmates, My dad will be king, so you better watch out. Most kids brag about their parents' strength or wealth, but George can one-up them all by dropping the monarchy bomb.

#7: Argument With the Queen Mother

The Queen Mother was quite the sassy character herself, which is probably where Elizabeth II inherited her wit. She also lived an exceptionally long life, dying at the grand age of 101. There are many examples of hilarious interactions between the two. One comes from when the pair attended a show in the West End. It seems they were having a minor argument, prompting the Queen Mother to ask her daughter, Who do you think you are? Elizabeth II responded, The queen, Mummy, the queen. Her mothers response is undocumented, but were certain she had no chance of retaliating against that.

#6: Princess Anne & the Photographers

One of the Royals who takes the least nonsense is Princess Anne, King Charles IIIs only sister. In her younger years, she was a talented horse rider, so skilled that she competed at the 1976 Olympic Games. Her career wasnt mistake-free; however, in 1982, she accidentally fell off her horse. At the time, journalists reported that she told them all to naff off afterward. Later reports revealed reporters had fabricated the naff part, shed actually said something a lot ruder, but not family-friendly enough for tabloid news articles. It makes sense, since naff is pretty tame for a woman as savage as Anne.

#5: Cathys Clown

The American rock duo the Everly Brothers was remarkably successful in the 50s and 60s - so much so that even the Queen started listening to their tracks. Unlike artists such as ABBA, Fred Astaire, and Vera Lynn, Her Majesty wasnt fond of what she heard. Its safe to assume she hated them, since she believed their hit single Cathys Clown sounded like two cats being strangled. That didnt stop the track from becoming their best-selling single. A band who loved it were the Beatles, who fascinatingly once considered calling themselves The Foreverly Brothers, a much less catchy name.

#4: Driving King Abdullah

In Saudi Arabia, women were banned from driving until 2018, a phenomenally late year to enact a basic law. In 1998, Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia went on a state visit to Balmoral, a Scottish royal estate. After a spot of lunch, the Queen asked if Abdullah would join her for a drive. He was frightened when Her Majesty sat behind the wheel, then got even more scared when she started zooming through the estate, talking the whole time. The prince was so terrified, he begged her to slow down. Her driving skill is hardly surprising, since she was a trained mechanic and truck driver in the Second World War.

#3: Harrys Memoir Spare

One of the most divisive royals is undoubtedly Prince Harry. As King Charles IIIs younger child, its unlikely hell ever take the throne, which made him feel like a spare. This became the title for his 2023 memoir, released after his exit from royal duties. Its one of the most personal critiques of the family ever published, written by Harry himself. The traditional royal code is never complain, never explain, but by publishing Spare, he shattered the code. It painted the royal family as being emotionally cold, manipulative, and image-obsessed. It includes tons of savage moments, like calling Camilla an evil stepmother and his brawl with William.

#2: Harry & Meghans Oprah Interview

In 2021, the controversial royal couple was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey in a monumental television special. It was a direct takedown of the monarchys image, which had some humongous allegations. For instance, they accused the family of racism regarding their childrens skin tone. Meghan also revealed she felt isolated from the family, which took a huge toll on her mental health. Millions took their side, sympathetic to their struggles. Others were outraged, saying they were liars who were being excessively dramatic. A year later, the pair released a Netflix documentary, which was similarly controversial. It also strengthened their opponents arguments, who thought they werent interested in a quiet life.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Poisonous Lilies

Elizabeth II Jokes to a Gardener About Being Poisoned by Gifted Lilies

Eric Clapton Sass

Elizabeth II Asked Clapton a Rather Condescending Question

Football Quip

Her Majesty Once Called Footballers Prima Donnas

#1: Dianas Panorama Interview

Long before Megxit, Diana was the first royal to publicly expose issues within the family in 1995. It shocked the world, breaking numerous unspoken royal rules. She spoke openly about dark topics like her depression, her marriages infidelities, and her bulimia. Diana even questioned whether Charles was fit for the job of king. Soon after, the Queen ordered a divorce between the couple. Public opinion of the monarch changed forever, with people largely taking Dianas side. The press turned Diana into the peoples princess, portraying her as a woman wronged. Thats why its easily the most savage moment, and sent shockwaves across the globe.

Were there any scathing quips we forgot to mention? Let us know in the comments below!