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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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Artist Spotlight

Ice Spice Stuns in Paris Fashion Week Photo Dump, Fans Celebrate Her Iconic Looks and Natural Glow

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Ice Spice is showing that she’s not only a rising star in rap but also a true fashion icon. Recently, while in Milan, she brushed aside rumors about her dating football player Sauce Gardner and then took Paris Fashion Week by storm, leaving her fans in awe. In her latest series of Instagram photos, captioned “princess in paris,” she displayed an amazing mix of high-fashion styles, proving that she knows how to set trends. She flaunted various looks, from chic and cool to gracefully glamorous. Whether she was sporting wavy hair in a sheer dress or sleek and stylish in leather with straight hair, Ice Spice radiated confidence and creativity.

Some photos even featured her with fellow artists PinkPantheress and Chappell Roan, showing how well she blends music, culture, and fashion. Fans couldn’t help but shower her with compliments, celebrating her bold changes in style and her undeniable star quality. However, there was some chatter about her body along with the fashion talk. Some fans pointed out that Ice Spice seemed to have gained some weight, which reminded them of her earlier look, playfully nicknamed “Old Spice” by her followers.

While it’s easy for social media to focus on how celebrities change over time, it’s essential to remember that body image is a personal journey. As always, Ice Spice carries herself confidently, promoting self-acceptance and self-expression. No matter what others think, she embraces her individuality, balancing her artistry with a refreshing honesty that keeps fans engaged. Her time at Paris Fashion Week was a strong message. Ice Spice is determined to set her own. Whether she’s front row at the hottest fashion shows or casually sharing snapshots, the world is paying attention, and she’s making the most of every moment.

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Artist Spotlight

Adin Ross Blindsided by Kanye West’s Controversial Gift, A Swastika Shirt With His Name

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Adin Ross is a well known streamer in the hip-hop community, famous for showcasing some of the biggest artists in the genre. He has hosted viral interviews and has helped amplify the work of music giants like Drake, earning a reputation as a connector between artists and their fans. However, things took a shocking turn with Kanye West, and the relationship may be irreparable. In the past, Ross has expressed his admiration for West and even tried to collaborate with him on his stream. Recently, West made a bizarre attempt to reach out to Ross by gifting him a custom t-shirt with a Swastika and Ross’s name. This left Ross, who is Jewish, feeling horrified and betrayed.

The awkward moment unfolded during a FaceTime call that Ross recorded and shared with his followers. What started as a friendly chat quickly turned shocking when West unveiled the offensive t-shirt. Ross was visibly stunned, exclaiming, “What the f*ck?!” as he processed what he had just seen. He paused the video and turned to his audience to express his disbelief. “He has a shirt with a Swastika with my name on it,” he said, clearly disappointed and in shock. His viewers reacted with outrage and support for Ross, flooding the chat with their messages.

Throughout the call, Ross tried to keep his cool and handled the situation carefully. He later explained that some fans might have expected him to confront West more aggressively, but he felt the entire situation was just too absurd. “I know y’all are gonna say I didn’t stand up to him,” he noted, emphasizing that his calm reaction didn’t mean he supported West’s actions. This incident is just another episode in Kanye West’s ongoing controversies, but for Adin Ross, it feels like a personal betrayal.

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