Sophie Winkleman has described royal life as “a form of torture”, admitting she would never wish to swap places with the senior members of the Royal Family.
Lady Frederick Windsor, 45, who is married to Lord Frederick Windsor, the son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and a second cousin to the King, said that the public spotlight on the monarchy makes their existence “total hell”.
“The more I get to know the Royal Family, the more I get that their lives are total hell and that level of unasked-for fame is a form of torture,” she said.
“None of them went on Pop Idol or something to be famous.
“To have that sort of blinding spotlight in your face from when you’re born, not knowing quite whom you can trust, not knowing if someone’s going to betray you, people writing lies about you the whole time, is just brutal.”
Ms Winkleman, who is known professionally as an actor and has appeared in Peep Show, Sanditon and Two and a Half Men, said she feels “deep sympathy” for those born into the monarchy and believes the constant scrutiny they face is “not remotely healthy”.
Despite her proximity to the Royal Family, she said she has no desire for a more prominent role, adding that she prefers her independence and privacy.
Her comments come as senior royals continue to take on a full programme of duties while the King remains under treatment for cancer.
Sophie Winkleman brands royal life ‘total hell’ and ‘a form of torture’
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Princess Anne and the Duchess of Edinburgh remain among the most active members of the working Royal Family, with both currently undertaking extensive overseas visits.
Later in the interview, Ms Winkleman defended her royal relatives against criticism, describing them as “hard-working” and highlighting the importance of their charitable efforts.
“The senior royals work really hard with thousands of charities in Britain and around the world,” she told the Times.
“There’s no getting away from the fact they add huge prestige and heft to whatever cause they’re supporting.
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Sophie Winkleman pictured with the King and Queen
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“The King’s Trust is the greatest engineer for social mobility in Britain. Princess Anne does nearly 500 engagements per year.
“The Duchess of Edinburgh has just come back from Sudan, meeting surgeons who operate on violently raped toddlers — that is traumatic, serious work.”
Ms Winkleman and her husband live in London with their two daughters, Maud, 12, and Isabella, nine.
Although a member of the extended Royal Family, she continues to work in television and film and is set to appear in the BBC drama Wild Cherry later this year.
Sophie Winkleman and Princess Beatrice pictured at Ascot
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Ms Winkleman, who is also half-sister to broadcaster Claudia Winkleman, married Lord Frederick at Hampton Court Palace in 2009.
The couple spent several years living in Los Angeles before returning to Britain to raise their children.
She continues to balance acting with charity work, supporting organisations including The Big Issue and Age UK.
Despite her royal connections, Ms Winkleman has often described enjoying a quieter, more private life away from royal privilege.