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The Crown: The Sad, True Story of Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret’s Estranged Cousins

The tragic tale of Katherine and Nerissa Bowes-Lyons, who were institutionalized in the 1940s, is revisited in Season 4 of The Crown….

The Crown’s episode seven of season four, “The Heredity Principle,” begins with what at first seems like a non-sequitur: two women in a mental health hospital, watching Queen Elizabeth wave to crowds on television. When the broadcast begins, they stand up, with one of them even saluting the screen. Throughout the first 25 minutes of the episode, scenes of these aging, disabled women are interwoven with those of Helena Bonham Carter’s Princess Margaret, who begins to see a therapist for the first time. Then, it’s all connected. “Are you aware of anyone else in your immediate family struggling with mental health issues?” the therapist asks Margaret. “I only ask because I am aware, through professional colleagues, of the sisters.”

The sisters, as it turns out, are the two frail mystery women we’ve seen all along: Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon. First cousins of Margaret and Queen Elizabeth, they’ve been forgotten by even their own family: “But they’re long dead!” the queen exclaims to Margaret over lunch after she mentions their names. Together, they search through a copy of Burke’s Peerage, the who’s who of British aristocracy. Indeed, it lists both as deceased. An incognito Margaret drives up to Royal Earlswood Hospital in Surrey and sends her friend in on a reconnaissance mission. When he comes back, he confirms what Margaret suspects: Nerissa and Katherine are there, along with several other relatives.

Later, Margaret confronts her mother—and Nerissa and Katherine’s aunt—about their institutionalization. “My family, the Bowes-Lyons, went from being minor Scottish aristocrats to having a direct bloodline to the crown, resulting in the children of my brother paying a terrible price,” the queen mother says. “Their illness, their idiocy and imbecility, would make people question the integrity of the bloodline. Can you imagine the headlines if it were to get out?”

Like most of The Crown’s plotlines, the episode is based in a sad reality. Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon were indeed sent away to Royal Earlswood Hospital in 1941. At the time, Nerissa was 22 years old and Katherine just 15. Although their exact diagnosis was unknown—at the time, they were just called imbecile—the sisters were said to be severely handicapped and nonverbal and have a mental age of six. They remained in hospital care until both of their deaths. (Nerissa in 1986 and Katherine in 2014.)

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Cardi B’s $60K Birkin Bag Gets The ‘Mommy Treatment’ As Daughter Unleashes Her Creativity

Honk Magazine

In a moment of relatable frustration, Cardi B took to Instagram to share a funny yet surprising story about her expensive $60,000 Birkin bag, one of her favorite items from her luxury collection. Known for her bold personality and honest social media posts, Cardi revealed that one of her daughters had turned the fancy purse into a makeshift canvas, drawing a heart on it without permission. “Look what my daughter did to my purse,” Cardi said dramatically in her Instagram Story, showing off the iconic bag to her followers. “I literally spent $60,000 on this purse,” she exclaimed, still amazed by the unexpected ‘artwork’ from her little girl.

Although she was frustrated, the mom of three tried to take it all in stride, at least for the moment. Cardi values her hard-earned luxury items, especially her growing collection of high end bags. However, as any parent knows, kids have a skill for creating chaos even in the most cherished parts of life. For Cardi, that chaos includes her high-priced accessories. The post quickly gained attention online, with fans sympathizing with Cardi’s situation. Many found humor in the irony of the event, while others offered support, pointing out that such moments are just part of the unpredictable journey of parenthood. Cardi has previously emphasized that family is her top priority, even if it means dealing with some messiness.

Check out this article: Offset Calls For Peace As He Pursues Truce With Cardi B’s Fans After Drama

But Cardi’s frustration didn’t stop there. She later took to Twitter to respond to comments made by Kanye West regarding her staying power in the spotlight. While she didn’t mention him directly, her tweet, “7 years 1 album… STILL being a topic and STILL being asked about my music!!!” sent a clear message. She confidently asserted her spot in the entertainment world, clarifying that her fans, known as “The Brim,” are not going anywhere. In the end, whether it’s a damaged Birkin bag or dealing with critics, Cardi B repeatedly shows that she remains unfazed by the ups and downs of fame, always staying true to herself and her family.

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Kai Cenat Powers Up The BAPE By KidSuper Collection, Bringing Bold Streetwear Vision to Life

Honk Magazine

The collaboration between BAPE by KidSuper and Kai Cenat has officially launched, and it’s making waves in the streetwear world. Released on April 12, the BAPE by KidSuper collection represents a blend of BAPE’s iconic style from Japan with the vibrant, energetic vibe of KidSuper, which has its roots in Brooklyn. This partnership is particularly significant for KidSuper’s founder, Colm Dillane, who started his journey selling handmade t-shirts outside BAPE stores. Now, he’s a key creative partner with the legendary brand. What sets this collection apart is its deep connection to culture.

Social media star Kai Cenat plays a major role in promoting the collection, bringing a youthful energy that perfectly matches the spirit of the collaboration. The release captures a mix of past influences and modern style, appealing directly to today’s trend-conscious audience. The first look at the collection was revealed during Paris Fashion Week at KidSuper’s Fall/Winter 2025 show, titled “From a Place I Have Never Been.” This wasn’t just a typical fashion show; it was an immersive experience featuring oversized clothing, bright colors, and a comic-inspired theme celebrating youth, memories, and imagination. These ideas are reflected in every piece of the collection, from graphic t-shirts to special sneakers, jackets, and clogs, making each item feel like a unique piece of art.

Also check this one out: Kai Cenat Offers Passionate Critique and Directorial Vision for Drake’s Latest Video

The design and packaging of the collection are also very creative, enhancing the overall experience. The packaging, inspired by comic books, ensures that this collection is a celebration of a special moment in streetwear history. Raystar, who also participated in the show, infused his own creative energy into the project, adding another level of excitement to this already iconic partnership. In a time when collaborations are common, the BAPE by KidSuper collection stands out by tapping into the core of street culture and creativity. It’s a collection that many collectors and trendsetters are going to want to have.

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