17 Outrageously Petty Royal Feuds That Changed the Course of History

Royal rivalries are notorious not just for their grand scale, but also for the surprisingly small grievances that often sparked them—sometimes changing nations’ destinies in the process. From sibling squabbles to jealous spats over court ceremonies, these outrageous quarrels have shaped dynasties, redrawn borders, and even caused wars. Explore 17 of the most notoriously petty royal feuds that left an indelible mark on history.

1. Elizabeth I vs. Mary, Queen of Scots

The rivalry between Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, was a complex and multifaceted conflict that spanned nearly two decades. Both women were granddaughters of Henry VII, making them first cousins once removed, and thus, both had legitimate claims to the English throne. Mary, a devout Catholic, was viewed by many Catholics as the rightful queen of England, especially after Elizabeth’s excommunication by Pope Pius V in 1570. (rmg.co.uk) Mary’s return to Scotland in 1561 after the death of her French husband, Francis II, marked the beginning of her contentious relationship with Elizabeth. In 1565, Mary married her cousin, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, whose own claim to the English throne made their union politically significant. However, Darnley’s murder in 1566 and Mary’s subsequent marriage to James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell, led to scandal and Mary’s forced abdication in 1567. (rmg.co.uk) Seeking refuge, Mary fled to England in 1568, where Elizabeth, cautious of Mary’s Catholic sympathies and potential to incite rebellion, placed her under house arrest. Over the years, Mary became the focal point of several Catholic plots against Elizabeth, including the Ridolfi Plot (1571) and the Babington Plot (1586). The Babington Plot, in particular, provided the evidence needed to convict Mary of treason. After much deliberation, Elizabeth signed Mary’s death warrant on 1 February 1587. Mary was executed on 8 February 1587 at Fotheringhay Castle. Her death had profound implications, solidifying Elizabeth’s position and altering the course of English history.

2. King George VI vs. Edward VIII

George VI’s ascension to the throne followed the scandalous abdication of his brother, Edward VIII, over a love affair with Wallis Simpson. This threatened to bring down the entire British monarchy but ultimately George VI consolidated and persevered. The brothers’ mutual bitterness lingered for decades, straining family ties and setting precedents for modern royal protocol. (history.com)

3. Henry II vs. Thomas Becket

King Henry II’s close friendship with Thomas Becket deteriorated into a bitter conflict over church authority. Their dispute intensified when Becket excommunicated three bishops who had crowned Henry’s son as co-king, a ceremony traditionally performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. In response, Henry reportedly exclaimed, “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” This led to Becket’s murder in Canterbury Cathedral on December 29, 1170, a tragedy that redefined the power balance between the crown and the church. (history.com)

4. Catherine de’ Medici vs. Diane de Poitiers

Queen Catherine de’ Medici’s rivalry with her husband King Henry II’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers, profoundly influenced French court politics. Their competition for Henry’s affection led to symbolic power plays and a toxic atmosphere at court. Diane’s influence was evident as she received the Château de Chenonceau, a property Catherine had coveted. After Henry’s death, Catherine exiled Diane, reclaiming the château and asserting her authority. (offbeatfrance.com)

5. Ivan the Terrible vs. Prince Kurbsky

Ivan IV of Russia’s paranoia turned on his childhood friend and advisor, Prince Andrei Kurbsky. Their bitter correspondence—full of accusations, betrayals, and philosophical debates—mirrored Russia’s descent into autocracy and bloodshed, leading to Kurbsky’s infamous defection. In 1564, fearing Ivan’s wrath, Kurbsky fled to Poland, where he was received by King Sigismund II Augustus. Ivan’s subsequent letters to Kurbsky were filled with rage and accusations, reflecting his deepening paranoia. (britannica.com)

6. Louis XIV vs. Philippe, Duke of Orléans

King Louis XIV’s rivalry with his flamboyant younger brother, Philippe, Duke of Orléans, was marked by jealousy and snubs, profoundly influencing the etiquette and strict hierarchy at Versailles. Philippe’s preference for male companions and his effeminate attire contrasted sharply with Louis XIV’s image, leading to tensions that revealed the pettiness at the heart of absolute monarchy. (en.chateauversailles.fr)

7. Empress Dowager Cixi vs. Emperor Guangxu

Empress Dowager Cixi’s rivalry with her nephew, Emperor Guangxu, intensified over modernization policies. In 1898, Guangxu initiated the Hundred Days’ Reform, aiming to modernize China’s government, education, and military. However, Cixi, fearing the reforms threatened her authority and the stability of the Qing dynasty, orchestrated a coup, placing Guangxu under house arrest and halting the reforms. This power struggle significantly impacted China’s trajectory, leading to the dynasty’s eventual downfall. (Smithsonian Magazine)

8. Queen Victoria vs. Empress Eugénie

The rivalry between Queen Victoria and Empress Eugénie of France was marked by competitive social posturing at state functions, reflecting the broader Anglo-French tensions of the era. Their interactions at events like the 1855 state visit to Britain highlighted the intricate dynamics of royal diplomacy and the influence of personal relationships on international relations. (youngqueenvictoria.co.uk)

9. Richard the Lionheart vs. King John

The turbulent relationship between brothers Richard I and John sowed seeds of civil war and shaped the English monarchy for generations. John’s frequent betrayals during Richard’s crusade returned as infamous tales of royal backstabbing. For instance, during Richard’s absence, John sought alliances with King Philip II of France, aiming to seize Richard’s territories. This treachery led to John’s temporary loss of lands upon Richard’s return. (nationalgeographic.com)

10. Princess Margaret vs. Queen Elizabeth II

Behind palace doors, Queen Elizabeth II’s sense of duty often clashed with her sister Princess Margaret’s rebellious streak, most notably over Margaret’s thwarted romance with Peter Townsend. Their differing views on duty and personal happiness strained their relationship and affected the monarchy’s public image. (history.com)

11. King Charles I vs. Parliament

King Charles I’s steadfast belief in the divine right of kings led to escalating tensions with Parliament over issues of royal prerogative and governance. His attempt to arrest five Members of Parliament on January 4, 1642, marked a significant escalation, as he entered the House of Commons with armed soldiers, an act that was met with resistance and further deepened the rift between the monarchy and Parliament (parliament.uk). These conflicts culminated in the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, a struggle between the Royalists, who supported the king, and the Parliamentarians, who sought to limit his power. The war resulted in significant battles, including the Battle of Naseby in 1645, where the Parliamentarian forces decisively defeated the Royalists. After his defeat, Charles I was captured and tried for high treason. Despite his refusal to recognize the court’s authority, he was found guilty and executed by beheading on January 30, 1649, outside the Banqueting House in Whitehall, London. This event marked the first time a reigning monarch was tried and executed by his own subjects, leading to the temporary abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.

12. Peter the Great vs. Sophia Alekseyevna

Peter the Great’s power struggle with his half-sister, Sophia Alekseyevna, who acted as regent for years, was marked by coups, intrigue, and sibling rivalry. Sophia’s humiliating forced retirement set the tone for Peter’s brutal reforms and Russia’s westernization. She was forced into exile as Peter enforced his dominance over the Russian Empire (britannica.com).

13. Marie Antoinette vs. the Duchesse de Polignac

Marie Antoinette’s close friendship with Yolande de Polignac, whom she met in 1775, led to the Duchesse de Polignac’s rapid rise at court. Appointed Governess of the Royal Children in 1782, she received significant privileges, including lavish apartments and a cottage in the Petit Trianon. This favoritism sparked courtly resentment and public criticism, fueling anti-monarchy sentiment during the French Revolution. (en.chateauversailles.fr)

14. The War of the Roses – York vs. Lancaster

The War of the Roses was a series of civil wars fought between the rival Houses of York and Lancaster, both vying for control of the English throne. The conflict began in 1455 and was marked by intense personal rivalries, betrayals, and power struggles. Key battles included the Battle of Towton in 1461, the largest and bloodiest battle on English soil, and the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, which led to the rise of the Tudor dynasty. (history.com).

15. Princess Diana vs. Prince Charles

The breakdown of Princess Diana and Prince Charles’s marriage became a public spectacle, profoundly impacting global perceptions of the British royal family. In a 1995 BBC interview with Martin Bashir, Diana candidly discussed the challenges within their union, including Charles’s infidelity and her own struggles with mental health. She famously remarked, “There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded” (history.com). This unprecedented openness set new standards for royal transparency and intensified media scrutiny, leading to their divorce in 1996.

16. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella vs. Joanna the Mad

King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile’s daughter, Joanna, known as “the Mad,” faced a contentious relationship over her capacity to rule. After Isabella’s death in 1504, Joanna ascended to the Castilian throne, but Ferdinand and her husband, Philip the Handsome, questioned her mental stability. In 1506, Ferdinand and Philip signed the Treaty of Villafáfila, effectively removing Joanna from power and allowing Philip to govern Castile. Joanna was confined to the Royal Convent of Santa Clara in Tordesillas, where she remained until her death in 1555. (en.wikipedia.org)

17. Akbar the Great vs. Prince Salim (Jahangir)

Emperor Akbar’s relationship with his son, Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir), was marked by significant tension and rebellion. In 1599, Salim, dissatisfied with his position and fearing his father’s intentions to favor his grandson Khusrau, declared himself emperor in Allahabad, effectively challenging Akbar’s authority. This act of defiance led to a series of confrontations, including the assassination of Akbar’s trusted advisor, Abu’l-Fazl, orchestrated by Salim’s ally, Raja Veer Singh Bundela. The rebellion culminated in a reconciliation facilitated by family members, allowing Salim to return to Akbar’s court. Despite this, the father-son relationship remained strained, influencing the succession dynamics within the Mughal Empire. (indiastudychannel.com)

Conclusion

Seemingly petty disputes among royals have often escalated into matters of state, irreversibly altering the destinies of countries and their people. These historical feuds reveal how personal grudges can tangle with politics, shaping the world in often unexpected ways. For instance, the rivalry between King Charles I and Parliament led to the English Civil War, resulting in the first regicide in British history and the temporary abolition of the monarchy. (news.bbc.co.uk) Similarly, the conflict between Princess Diana and Prince Charles not only affected their personal lives but also had profound implications for the British royal family’s public image and its relationship with the media.