LGBT-friendly royal families – Norway’s King Harald, Sweden’s King Karl, Spain’s King Felipe and India’s outspoken gay Prince Manvendra
From Denmark’s Queen Margrethe to King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia, these are the royals who have spoken up and lead by example when it comes to equal rights for LGBTQ+ lives
The British royal family, however, is not the only one that has been vocal in its support for queer lives. Here are seven royals from around the world who have made their belief in equality clear to all.
King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden
In summer 2000, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden made history when they ate under the rainbow flag at Djurgårdsterrassen, a Stockholm restaurant owned by gay owner Arto Winter. At that time, the decision was seen as controversial, and played a valuable role in moving conversations forward – while making the royals’ position abundantly clear.
Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of India
The son and probable heir of the Maharaja of Rajpipla in Gujarat caused quite a stir when he came out as gay in 2006. Quoted by NBC News, the Prince recalled it was the first day of Holi when the news of him being gay broke out in a local paper. Holi is India’s festival of colours, when wood and dung cakes are burned in a bonfire to signify the victory of good over evil.
“The same pyre was used to burn my effigies,” Gohil lamented. The prince was disowned by his family soon after, though the decision has been reversed due to legal reasons. Since his coming out, the prince is now one of the most vocal LGBTQ+ advocates in India.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark