The Tragic Story Of Queen Elizabeth’s Hidden Cousins

The British royal family, while renowned globally, is a complex dynasty with a rich and intricate family tree that extends far beyond the well-known figures we often see in the public eye. While the likes of Princess Catherine and Camilla, the Queen Consort, are familiar faces representing the great monarchy that Queen Elizabeth II oversaw for decades, the House of Windsor has its fair share of secrets and lesser-known stories that have unfolded over generations.

One such tale is that of Elizabeth’s first cousins, Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon. Their story, which once captivated and appalled the public, brought about a media storm that challenged the public perception of the British royal family in a unique way. Despite their close relation to one of the world’s most famous monarchs, the curious circumstances surrounding the Bowes-Lyon sisters’ disappearance from public view have continued to fascinate the world even decades after the story first broke.

The situation raises questions about why the two girls seemingly faded from existence, why they were registered as deceased while alive, and what other skeletons may be lurking in the closet of the infamous House of Windsor. From alleged payoffs to secret funerals, this desperately tragic tale is one that is unlikely to be erased from the history books anytime soon, serving as a reminder of the complexities and secrets that can exist within even the most renowned of families

Tracing the lineage of the royal family can be a complex task, even for the most knowledgeable historians. It may seem that Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon were distant relatives of Queen Elizabeth II, but that is not the case. These two women were the daughters of the Queen’s maternal uncle, John Herbert Bowes-Lyon, and his wife, Fenella Bowes-Lyon.

The couple had five daughters, with Nerissa born in 1919 and Katherine in 1926. Tragically, their firstborn child passed away as an infant. While the bloodline between the Bowes-Lyon sisters and the Queen was close, there is little information available on the extent of their interactions with Elizabeth’s immediate family.

Like many monarchs, Queen Elizabeth II never publicly discussed the dynamics within her family, including who she spent time with during her childhood. While photographs of the Bowes-Lyon sisters as children exist, they are scarce, and the siblings do not appear in any publicly released group photos from that time period.

Given that Elizabeth’s mother was their paternal aunt and Elizabeth only became the heir apparent when King Edward VIII abdicated the throne in 1936, it is reasonable to assume that she socialized with her cousins at family gatherings on at least one occasion. However, the nature of their relationship may have changed after Elizabeth became the heir to the throne.

The Bowes-Lyon sisters, Katherine and Nerissa, were born with developmental disabilities that affected their cognitive abilities, despite being physically healthy. During their time, society had limited understanding and acceptance of such conditions, especially for those from prominent families. Their uniqueness was viewed as a taboo, rather than being supported and embraced as it would be today.

In the early 20th century, medical knowledge about disabilities was scarce, leading to misunderstandings about the sisters’ condition. It was later revealed that they had a genetic condition shared by three other female cousins and siblings, Edonia, Rosemary, and Etheldreda Fane, making it a more widespread occurrence within the family than initially thought.

Reports suggest that Nerissa and Katherine had a mental age of approximately 6 years old. They lacked the ability to speak and required significant supervision and care, as they could not perform many tasks independently. Despite their challenges, they were raised at home with their siblings until a pivotal event in 1941 that drastically changed their circumstances.

The story of Katherine and Nerissa Bowes-Lyon is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges and uncertainties they faced, their unwavering strength and determination to embrace life’s journey is truly inspiring.

While the reasons for their institutionalization may remain shrouded in mystery, their story serves as a testament to the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their circumstances. It is a call to embrace compassion, empathy, and understanding, and to recognize the profound impact that our actions, or inactions, can have on the lives of others.

The stark contrast between their lives and those of their privileged family members highlights the importance of breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity. It reminds us that true freedom lies not in external circumstances, but in the ability to embrace our shared humanity and celebrate the richness of diversity.

As we reflect on their journey, let us draw inspiration from their resilience and use it as a catalyst for positive change. May their story ignite a flame within us, inspiring us to create a world where every individual is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive. For in their silent struggle, they have left an indelible mark, challenging us to be better, to do better, and to create a more just and compassionate society for all.

The tragic story of Katherine and Nerissa Bowes-Lyon, cousins of Queen Elizabeth II, took an even more saddening turn as the years passed. For decades, their existence remained unknown to the public, partly due to a trusted publication, “Burke’s Peerage,” erroneously reporting their deaths in 1963. This false information went unchallenged, causing the sisters to fade further from public view.

Despite being declared dead, the Bowes-Lyon sisters continued living their lives at the hospital, known only to those closest to them. The staff who cared for them carried on as usual, unaffected by the inaccurate report.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, wave as they leave Liverpool after attending an ice show, ‘Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs’, 25th May 1961. (Photo by George Freston/Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

It wasn’t until 1987 that the truth was finally revealed when the British tabloid The Sun published a shocking headline, “Queen’s Cousin Locked in Madhouse,” along with a picture of Katherine. This revelation sparked a public debate about mental illness and prompted reporters to delve deeper into the royal family’s history, uncovering information about other cousins with similar disabilities.

For the notoriously private Windsor family, this exposure was likely unsettling. Several other newspapers also covered the story, fueling public speculation. The revelation was particularly stirring as Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was a beloved figure in Britain and a patron of the Royal Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults.

Interestingly, the Queen Mother reportedly learned about her nieces’ existence only five years before the public revelation and sent them money to ensure their well-being. However, she did not correct the mistake in Burke’s Peerage, a decision that raised questions from some observers.

Queen Elizabeth II was born in 1926, making her a young teenager when her cousins Katherine and Nerissa Bowes-Lyon were sent away to an institution due to having learning disabilities. Reports indicate the Queen was unaware her cousins were still alive until the news broke in 1987, as the family believed they had died in 1940 and 1961 respectively.

The cousins’ institutionalization was likely kept secret to avoid scandal and protect the monarchy, as having family members with disabilities was stigmatized at that time. The palace tried to distance itself when the story emerged, stating it was a private family matter.

Despite being institutionalized from young ages, former staff reported that Katherine and Nerissa never forgot their royal roots. They would recognize and show deference to the royal family when seeing them on television, displaying the aristocratic etiquette instilled in them from childhood before being sent away.

While nonverbal, the sisters could still communicate in other ways. Their hidden existence raises questions about why they were kept secret for so long from the public and seemingly the Queen herself.

The situation surrounding the Bowes-Lyon sisters raised many questions and speculations about a potential cover-up by the royal family. While the palace remained silent, which inadvertently fueled rumors, the Bowes-Lyon family firmly denied any attempt to falsify information or conceal the sisters’ existence.

Lady Elizabeth Anson, the daughter of Princess Anne of Denmark, provided an explanation in 1987. She attributed the lack of information to her grandmother Fenella Bowes-Lyon’s vague nature, stating that she often failed to complete forms sent by Burke’s Peerage, a genealogical publication. This, according to Anson, led to crossed wires and miscommunication, rather than an intentional effort to keep the sisters hidden from public view.

Despite the family’s denial, the fact that the palace had been sending £125 annually to the hospital caring for the sisters raised further questions about who arranged these payments and the level of awareness within the royal household.

The situation surrounding the Bowes-Lyon sisters remained shrouded in mystery and tragedy, with differing perspectives on whether a cover-up occurred or if it was simply a case of miscommunication and oversight.

The story of Katherine and Nerissa Bowes-Lyon, the Queen’s cousins, is a poignant one that sheds light on the treatment of individuals with disabilities in the past. Initially, reports of their deaths were inaccurate, but it was later revealed that Nerissa had indeed passed away in 1986, a year before the public became aware of their existence.

The revelation that Nerissa had been buried in an unmarked grave without a proper headstone, and that no royal family members attended her funeral, was met with shock and dismay. It was a stark reminder of the stigma and neglect faced by those with disabilities at the time. However, the public’s outpouring of support, with many sending flowers to Katherine, the surviving sister, demonstrated a growing awareness and empathy.

Katherine’s own story continued until her death in 2014 at the age of 87, having spent most of her life at Earlswood Hospital before being moved to a care home when the institution closed in 1997. Both sisters were eventually laid to rest at Redstone Cemetery, near the hospital where they had lived.

While the full details of their lives and the reasons behind their institutionalization may never be known, the story of Katherine and Nerissa Bowes-Lyon serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Their legacy has helped to shed light on the often-hidden experiences of those with disabilities and has contributed to ongoing efforts towards greater inclusivity and understanding.