When you think about the top ten most ruthless figures ever to grace the silver screen, gangster movies instantly spring to mind. These outlaw icons have captured audiences worldwide, letting us vicariously relish the thrill of law‑breaking, bloodshed, and swagger. While the world at large clocks in at nine‑to‑five jobs, these cinematic bad‑boys choose a life of robbery, murder, and mayhem—often with a style that makes us both gasp and grin.

Top Ten Most Ruthless: What Makes These Characters Stand Out

10 Vincenzo Coccotti: True Romance

Vincenzo Coccotti serves as consigliere to Detroit’s own “Blue” Lou Boyle, and up until a fateful night he’d managed to keep his hands clean since 1984. That changes dramatically when Clarence Worley and his new bride, Alabama, pilfer Boyle’s stash of cocaine from Alabama’s former pimp, Drexl. Christopher Walken embodies Coccotti with a chilling, palpable menace, looming over a bound‑up Dennis Hopper—who plays Clarence’s father—as he interrogates him with ruthless ferocity for his son’s whereabouts.

Clarence’s dad, refusing to be cowed, hurls a barrage of insults at Coccotti’s Sicilian roots, finally provoking the mobster to snap and shatter his decade‑plus no‑kill streak. The scene has become one of Quentin Tarantino’s most unforgettable moments, and Walken delivers a masterclass in unhinged fury when his pride is bruised.

9 Tony Montana: Scarface

One of cinema’s most quoted lines belongs to Scarface, chronicling the meteoric rise (and violent fall) of Tony Montana. Early on, a terrifying encounter with chainsaw‑wielding thugs leaves an indelible mark. Instead of turning away, Montana decides to mirror their brutality, propelling himself deeper into Miami’s drug underworld.

His descent accelerates as he betrays those closest to him and even abuses the cardinal rule of drug lords—getting high on his own product. By the climax, Montana unleashes an arsenal he dubs his “Little Friend,” mowing down an army of assassins in a blood‑soaked, iconic showdown that still reverberates through gangster cinema.

8 Mr. Blonde: Reservoir Dogs

Quentin Tarantino’s debut, Reservoir Dogs, has earned cult status, and Mr. Blonde stands out as a terrifying embodiment of senseless violence. Though the heist itself is never shown, the film’s non‑linear storytelling reveals Mr. Blonde’s penchant for arbitrary cruelty. After the robbery goes sideways, he pauses for a burger and a soda, then kidnaps a police officer on his way to the rendezvous.

In a chilling display of disregard for life, he slices the cop’s ear off while a 1970s soft‑rock track plays, dancing through the carnage with a twisted glee. Not the mastermind, he epitomizes the gangster who can’t be trusted—neither friend nor foe is safe from his unpredictable brutality.

7 Carlito Brigante: Carlito’s Way

Carlito Brigante isn’t your run‑of‑the‑mill mobster; at the film’s start he’s freshly released from prison, yearning for a straight‑and‑narrow life. Yet his past is a tapestry of ruthless deeds, and his reputation haunts the streets long after his incarceration. Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance, whispering, “The streets are watching,” a nod to his infamous legacy.

Determined to retire in the Bahamas with his love, Gail, Carlito’s attempts at legitimacy are thwarted when his young cousin unwittingly drags him into a botched drug deal. The tension spikes as Carlito is forced to open fire, eliminating the dealers to secure his escape.

Although he craves peace, his seasoned instincts and cold‑blooded efficiency cement his status as one of cinema’s most formidable and ruthless gangsters.

6 Keyser Söze: The Usual Suspects

According to the slick‑talking con‑artist Roger “Verbal” Kint (Kevin Spacey), Keyser Söze is a phantom crime lord whose legend looms larger than life. The film’s twists blur truth and myth, ultimately revealing that Kint and Söze may be one and the same. Inspired by real‑life murderer John List and the espionage thriller No Way Out, Söze’s backstory is shrouded in ambiguity.

Söze distinguishes himself as the sole figure on this list who blends cold‑blooded murder with Machiavellian cunning. Whether a Hungarian drug czar who annihilated his own family or a fabricated myth, his primary weapons are terror and deception. His mastery of misdirection makes him an iconic, unforgettable gangster.

5 Tommy DeVito: Goodfellas

Based on the real‑life hitman Thomas DeSimone—dubbed “Two‑Gun Tommy”—Tommy DeVito is a feared associate of the Lucchese family. He evolves from fence to truck hijacker alongside Jimmy Conway, operating just beneath the crime boss Paulie Cicero. Tommy’s volatile temper and penchant for violence render him a valuable, albeit dangerous, asset.

By 1963, his sociopathic tendencies spiral out of control; even mundane conversations become perilous. He loathes being called “funny,” harasses civilians, and threatens coworkers. Ultimately, the mob decides to eliminate him, a grim scene that underscores his unchecked aggression and ruthless nature.

4 Michael Corleone: The Godfather Trilogy

Michael Corleone’s arc epitomizes the classic gangster saga. Initially the only son not slated for the family business, Michael graduates from an Ivy League school and serves in WWII. When a mob war leaves his father Vito wounded, Michael is thrust into the underworld.

His transformation begins with the cold‑blooded execution of rival Maffia Cappo and a police chief, spiraling into a cascade of calculated murders. By the trilogy’s end, Michael orders the hit on his own brother, Fredo—a chilling business decision that isolates him completely, leaving him bereft of love and loyalty.

3 Professor Moriarty: Sherlock Holmes

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary arch‑nemesis, Professor Moriarty, has endured for over a century across books, comics, TV, and film. While Sherlock Holmes embodies brilliant detection, Moriarty represents the “Napoleon of Crime,” orchestrating vast networks of illicit activity.

Every major illegal venture in the city passes through his hands; Holmes famously describes him as the hub of half the world’s evil, the mastermind behind countless crimes. Moriarty’s intellectual supremacy and criminal reach make him a terrifyingly ruthless figure.

2 The Joker (Jack Napier): Batman (1989)

Since debuting in 1940’s Batman #1, the Joker has taken countless forms. In Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman, Jack Napier—a mob lieutenant—gets transformed after a vat of toxic chemicals, courtesy of Batman, into the iconic Clown Prince of Crime.

Napier’s pre‑transformation violence carries over; he embraces chaos, lacing products with lethal poison and even shooting his own henchman in the face. Jack Nicholson’s portrayal captures a mob boss gone mad, cementing the Joker as one of the most ruthless cinematic villains.

1 Bodhi: Point Break

Surprisingly, the laid‑back surfer Bodhi tops this list as the most ruthless gangster. Though he preaches a zen philosophy, his bank‑robbing crew mirrors classic outlaws like Bonnie and Clyde, stealing to fund an endless summer.

In reality, Bodhi shares more in common with Henry Hill’s ruthless pragmatism—if they want something, they simply take it. His hypocrisy shines: he preaches loyalty yet would betray anyone to protect himself, making his ruthlessness uniquely self‑serving.

Serial killers have become a staple of modern entertainment, but not as real‑world monsters—rather as captivating villains on television. In the era of binge‑watching, television 8217 s delivers a steady stream of chilling characters whose murderous exploits keep audiences glued to their screens. Whether fictional or loosely based on true crime, these cold‑blooded antagonists have left an indelible mark on pop culture.

television 8217 s: Dark Delights of the Small Screen

10 Lon Suder: Star Trek Voyager

Brad Dourif, a veteran of both television and film, brings a terrifying edge to the Betazoid Lon Suder in Star Trek Voyager. Known for his unsettling roles—think Wormtongue in The Lord of the Rings—Dourif makes Suder especially chilling. Imagine a Betazoid, a species famed for empathy, who instead thrives on killing purely for amusement. That contrast alone sends shivers down any fan’s spine.

Suder first appears in the season‑two episode “Meld,” and viewers instantly sense something amiss. Stranded aboard Voyager, far from home, Suder fills his endless days by murdering his crewmates, openly admitting his sole motive is boredom. This stark departure from the typical Starfleet ideal makes his presence all the more disturbing.

When Tuvok attempts a mind‑meld to understand Suder, he inadvertently absorbs the Betazoid’s violent cravings. Though a year in the brig tempers Suder somewhat, his appetite for blood never fully vanishes. He ultimately meets his end battling a Kaison warrior, finally channeling his murderous instincts into a heroic sacrifice for Voyager.

9 Norman Bates: Bates Motel

Norman Bates, the infamous figure behind Alfred Hitchcock’s classic Psycho, gets a modern makeover in the television series Bates Motel. The show, which aired on A&E beginning in 2013, delves deep into the formative years that shaped Norman’s twisted psyche, offering a fresh perspective on the notorious killer.

Central to the series is Norman’s unsettling bond with his mother, Norma, a relationship that borders on the pathological. After the death of Norman’s father, Norma purchases a remote motel in White Pine Bay, Oregon, setting the stage for a chilling exploration of how Norman’s mind unravels during his teenage years. Over the five‑year run, his body count swells dramatically, while the ever‑present specter of his mother may be either aiding or obscuring his crimes.

Hitchcock suggested that an over‑protective mother drove Norman to madness—a theory the series expands upon, hinting that perhaps Norma herself is complicit, or even the mastermind behind the murders. Either way, Norman Bates remains one of television’s most relentless serial killers.

8 Benjamin Linus: Lost

Benjamin Linus, the manipulative mastermind of Lost, has a long‑standing record of bloodshed in the name of “the Island.” He orchestrated the massacre of the entire Dharma Initiative, even watching his own father die in excruciating agony, and personally took the lives of fourteen others, including John Locke.

Linus constantly claims to act for the Island’s greater good, but his true loyalty lies only with himself. He even permits his own daughter’s death rather than surrender to mercenaries, showcasing a chilling willingness to sacrifice anyone for his own power. Although he later assists Hurley in restoring balance to the Island, his legacy remains stained with lies, murders, kidnappings, and brutal torture—all driven by selfish ambition rather than any noble cause.

7 Joe Goldberg: You

The series You epitomizes today’s fascination with tech‑savvy stalkers. Joe Goldberg, a seemingly ordinary New York City bookstore manager, becomes obsessively infatuated with aspiring writer Guinevere Beck. He weaponizes social media—Facebook, Instagram—to isolate her, eliminating friends and exes to clear a path for his twisted version of love.

As the show progresses through four seasons, Joe’s dark past unravels: he once buried his ex‑girlfriend Candace alive, and his killing spree expands across the country, tallying roughly fifteen victims from New York to California. He even marries and fathers a child with a fellow killer, Love, only to murder her later on.

Charismatic and outwardly normal, Joe’s relentless obsession invariably culminates in murder. His unending spree makes him one of television’s most merciless killers, proving that charm can mask a dangerously lethal soul.

6 Bloody Face: American Horror Story

Oliver Thredson, better known as Bloody Face, is the terrifying antagonist of American Horror Story. Abandoned by his mother and raised in an orphanage, he later attends medical school, where his fascination with cadavers morphs into a macabre obsession with women whose skin resembles his mother’s.

Thredson kidnaps, flays, and beheads his victims, fashioning their skin into furniture and a grotesque mask dubbed “Bloody Face.” To the outside world, he appears as a calm, compassionate physician, yet beneath that façade lies a brilliant, unhinged, and blood‑thirsty predator. The original Bloody Face’s reign began in the 1960s, spawning copycats, including a second Bloody Face—Johnny Morgan—whose combined body count remains largely unknown. Both meet their demise at the hands of Lana Winters, who shoots them in the back of the head.

5 Hannibal Lecter: Hannibal

While Anthony Hopkins immortalized Hannibal Lecter in the classic film Silence of the Lambs, the television series Hannibal expands the legend with Mads Mikkelsen delivering a chillingly elegant performance. The series follows the brilliant psychiatrist who doubles as a cannibalistic serial killer.

Lecter, serving as an FBI consultant, exploits his position to delve into the mind of other killers, all while indulging his own gruesome appetites. He not only murders his victims but also savors them by consuming their flesh. His relationship with FBI agent Will Graham gives him a strategic edge, allowing him to outmaneuver authorities and continue his murderous feasts for sheer pleasure.

4 Arthur Mitchell: Dexter

In the hit series Dexter, the “Trinity Killer”—Arthur Mitchell, portrayed by John Lithgow—stands out as a particularly chilling antagonist. On the surface, Mitchell appears as a charitable home‑builder and devoted family man, yet he follows a ritualistic pattern of three murders, each echoing a traumatic event from his childhood.

The cat‑and‑mouse game between Mitchell and Dexter intensifies throughout season four, culminating in a brutal showdown where Dexter slams a hammer into Mitchell—the very method Mitchell used on his third victim. Tragically, before Mitchell meets his end, he murders Dexter’s wife, Rita, leaving their son Harrison drenched in blood, a haunting echo of Dexter’s own origin story.

Mitchell’s complex backstory, combined with Lithgow’s masterful performance, cements him as one of television’s most ruthless villains, a perfect blend of domestic normalcy and cold‑blooded murder.

3 Walter White: Breaking Bad

Walter White, the once‑mild‑mannered high school chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin, epitomizes the transformation from ordinary to monstrous. Early in Breaking Bad, his first victim, Emilio, dies in self‑defense, but the true turning point arrives when he murders Krazy‑8, a decision that haunts him for two episodes before he finally embraces his darker self.

By the series’ climax, Walter has evolved into a merciless drug lord, eliminating anyone—friends, foes, and even close allies like Mike—to protect his empire. His body count swells to nearly three hundred, a staggering number that underscores his evolution into a ruthless serial killer.

Walter’s descent showcases how ambition, pride, and desperation can morph a seemingly benign individual into a serial murderer, making him a cornerstone of television’s most chilling anti‑heroes.

2 Dexter Morgan: Dexter

The eponymous hero‑turned‑anti‑hero of Dexter is perhaps the most iconic television serial killer. Discovered as a child in a pool of blood after his mother’s murder, Dexter grows up under the tutelage of his adoptive father, Harry, who teaches him a strict “code” that permits only the killing of fellow murderers.

By day, Dexter works as a blood‑spatter analyst for the Miami Police Department, a role that grants him insider access to investigations and keeps him one step ahead of law enforcement. His code, however, restricts his victims to those who have escaped justice, leading to countless tense confrontations throughout the series’ eight‑season run, later extended by Dexter: New Blood in 2021.

Over the course of the show, Dexter amasses 144 confirmed kills, with the potential for many more undisclosed murders. His methodical efficiency and cold calculation cement his reputation as a ruthless yet oddly principled killing machine.

1 The Lopper: Seinfeld

The season‑nine finale of Seinfeld introduces a chilling, unnamed serial killer known only as the Lopper, who stalks New York’s Riverside Park. Though the series is famed for its comedic “show about nothing,” this dark subplot adds a startlingly grim twist to the otherwise light‑hearted narrative.

The Lopper’s modus operandi involves brutally decapitating victims, leaving audiences to wonder about the killer’s identity. Theories abound—some point to Cousin Jefferey, others to the eccentric Joe Davola, and still others suggest the enigmatic “Slippery Pete.” To this day, the true nature of the Lopper remains a haunting mystery, underscoring how even comedy can brush against the macabre.

When you think of ancient Rome, the image that springs to mind is usually that of stoic senators and battle‑hardened generals. Yet beneath the marble columns, a handful of women slipped into the shadows and wielded power with a ferocity that would make even the toughest legionary blush. These 10 ruthless women mastered intrigue, manipulation, and outright murder to keep the throne within their grasp.

10 Ruthless Women Who Dominated the Empire

10 Messalina

Messalina is forever linked to scandalous rumors about her prodigious sexual appetite, a trope Roman writers loved to weaponise against anyone they wished to discredit. Pliny the Elder even boasted that she managed to sleep with twenty‑five men in a row simply to outdo the city’s most infamous courtesan.

The reason such gossip clung to her is that, by the mid‑first century AD, Messalina had become the most influential woman Rome had ever seen. Her husband, the unassuming Claudius, had ascended the throne largely because his more ambitious relatives dismissed him as a simpleton and never bothered to eliminate him. After Caligula’s assassination, Claudius was discovered cowering behind a curtain and was plucked from obscurity to become emperor.

From the moment Claudius took the purple, Messalina seized the reins, steering his administration with an iron grip. She could have anyone arrested on fabricated charges, and she even convinced the emperor to execute her own stepfather after claiming a prophetic dream that painted him as a conspirator.

Her ambition, however, overreached in AD 48 when she secretly wed another nobleman, apparently plotting a full‑blown coup to supplant Claudius. The bureaucrats of Rome, preferring the pliable emperor, persuaded Claudius to order the execution of the conspirators. They also barred Messalina from seeing her husband before her death, fearing she might sway his decision.

9 Agrippina

Following Messalina’s downfall, Claudius rewrote Rome’s incest statutes and married his own niece, Agrippina, a seasoned veteran of imperial scheming. (Her sister had met a grisly end, starved to death on Messalina’s orders.) As before, the emperor proved a malleable figure, while Agrippina swiftly commandeered the empire, even signing official documents and handling foreign ambassadors on her own.

Agrippina’s ultimate goal was to see her son Nero, born of a previous marriage, ascend the throne. She persuaded Claudius to adopt Nero and to favour him over his biological heir, Britannicus, systematically eliminating any opposition to her chosen successor.

When Nero was finally granted equal imperial authority, Agrippina decided she no longer needed her husband and served him a banquet of poisonous mushrooms. A sudden bout of severe diarrhea saved Claudius from the lethal concoction, but his physician later slipped a feather‑laden dose of poison down his throat, ensuring Nero’s rise to power and cementing Agrippina’s triumph.

8 Poppaea Sabina

Once Nero claimed the throne, Agrippina continued to pull strings from behind the curtain, but she soon ran head‑to‑head with her son’s ambitious lover, Poppaea Sabina. Poppaea coveted marriage to Nero, yet he was already wed to Octavia, the daughter of Claudius and Messalina.

Agrippina had laboured tirelessly to secure that very marriage, even framing Octavia’s first fiancé for treason, and she refused to let her son dissolve the union. Meanwhile, Poppaea—whose mother had been forced into suicide by Messalina—detested Octavia and pressed Nero to defy his mother.

Cornered between these formidable women, Nero chose Poppaea and even commissioned a collapsing boat designed to sink and kill his mother. Agrippina survived the trap, swimming to safety, but she recognised the ploy because she had witnessed the “rescue” crew brutally clubbing survivors with their oars. In a panic, Nero abandoned the ruse, ordering his mother’s murder outright; legend says she faced her assassins bravely, urging them to strike first at her womb.

7 Julia Domna

After a century dominated by male rulers, the Severan dynasty ushered in a renaissance of female influence, with Julia Domna, wife and confidante of Emperor Septimius Severus, leading the charge. While Septimius ruled, Domna acted as his trusted adviser, but her true authority blossomed after his death in AD 211.

When the empire passed to their sons, Caracalla and Geta, Julia Domna stepped into the administrative arena, effectively steering the empire while Caracalla campaigned abroad. She was recognised as an official ruler, managing state affairs with competence and poise.

Unfortunately, tragedy stalked her family. Caracalla, in a fit of rage, murdered his brother Geta, and later, the prefect Macrinus assassinated Caracalla. Overwhelmed by the cascade of bloodshed, Julia Domna chose to end her own life upon hearing the grim news.

6 Julia Soaemias

Following Caracalla’s murder, the usurper Macrinus claimed the throne, underestimating the resolve of the Severan women. Julia Maesa, Domna’s sister, and her daughter, Julia Soaemias, plotted revenge and set about restoring their family’s dominance.

Through a whirlwind of intrigue, Soaemias and Maesa persuaded the Eastern legions to back Soaemias’s son, Elagabalus. Although Elagabalus bore no blood relation to Septimius Severus, they fabricated a rumor that he was Caracalla’s illegitimate offspring, a claim that somehow swayed the troops.

Macrinus rushed to suppress the rebellion but met defeat and execution outside Antioch. Elagabalus ascended as emperor, yet the fourteen‑year‑old showed little interest in governance. In reality, Soaemias and her mother Maesa pulled the strings, running Rome from behind the throne.

5 Julia Maesa

While Soaemias helped steer the empire, the young emperor Elagabalus indulged in a spree of decadence, reputedly prostituting himself within the imperial palace and marrying a charioteer named Hierocles. Cassius Dio even claimed he offered a fortune to any surgeon brave enough to create a vagina for him.

On another occasion, Elagabalus fell for the athlete Zoticus, famed for his prodigious endowment. Jealous Hierocles poisoned Zoticus’s drink, leading to an embarrassing night wherein the emperor was unable to achieve an erection, prompting his exile from the palace, Rome, and eventually Italy.

Whether these tales are factual or embellished, it is clear Elagabalus alienated the Roman elite, and his mother refused to rein him in. Eventually, his grandmother Maesa intervened, orchestrating a coup that deposed Elagabalus in favour of his cousin Alexander, the second emperor she installed. In a chilling display of ruthlessness, Maesa ordered the execution of both her own daughter Soaemias and grandson Elagabalus to cement Alexander’s rule.

4 Julia Mamaea

After Maesa’s death, her daughter Julia Mamaea inherited the reins, becoming the mother of Emperor Alexander and the final matriarch of the Severan dynasty to wield real power. Historians agree that Mamaea “totally dominated” her teenage son, steering the empire alongside a council of senators.

Defying convention, Mamaea even accompanied the army on campaigns, a rarity for a woman of her era. However, the military ventures faltered, and the legions eventually mutinied. In the resulting chaos, soldiers slew both Alexander and Mamaea as they clung together inside their tent, bringing the Severan line to a violent close.

3 Ulpia Severina

Ulpia Severina was married to Emperor Aurelian, a celebrated general whose reign ended when his own soldiers assassinated him in AD 275. Beyond this brief marriage, little is known about her, and most of what we do know comes from monuments and coinage suggesting she may have briefly ruled after Aurelian’s death.

During Aurelian’s rule, Roman mints produced coins bearing both his and Severina’s names—a common practice. Yet after his demise, the mint issued coins solely in Severina’s name, displaying imagery that appears to portray her shoring up her authority.

Ancient sources note a gap between Aurelian’s death and the accession of Tacitus, leading some historians to speculate that Severina briefly held power before being erased from the official record. Her coins, however, remained in circulation, hinting that she could have been the first woman to rule the Roman Empire in her own right.

2 Aelia Pulcheria

Aelia Pulcheria was a prodigious teenager who, at just fifteen, declared herself regent for her brother, the emperor. She maintained a tight grip on authority for the next forty years, bolstering her position by taking a lifelong vow of chastity and cultivating a reputation as a pious, religious figure.

When her brother died in 450, Pulcheria, who had already been the true power behind the Eastern Roman throne, faced the unprecedented challenge of ruling alone—a scenario almost unthinkable for a woman at the time. To preserve her authority without breaking her vow, she eventually married the senator Marcian, who became her co‑emperor after publicly agreeing never to consummate the marriage.

1 Galla Placidia

Galla Placidia, daughter of Emperor Theodosius, lived through the waning days of the Western Empire. As a young woman, she demonstrated her steel by confirming the execution of the woman who had raised her. Years later, the Visigoths sacked Rome and abducted Placidia, intending to ransom her to her brother, Emperor Honorius, who refused to pay. The Goths dragged her across Europe for six long years.

In 414, Placidia married the youthful Visigothic king Athaulf. Their union seemed genuine, yet Athaulf was murdered within a year. Returning to Rome, Placidia wed Emperor Constantius. After his death, a usurper attempted to snatch the throne from her infant son, prompting Placidia to flee to Constantinople, where she persuaded her niece Pulcheria to furnish an army.

Back in Rome, Placidia installed her son as emperor and governed as regent for the ensuing fourteen years, cementing her legacy as a formidable power behind the throne.

Being part of the British royal family isn’t a walk in the park – every slip, every whisper can become headline news in seconds. The institution’s unwritten rulebook says you must stay out of politics, avoid controversy, and never show emotion. Yet, behind the polished veneer lie ten ruthless moves that have kept the crown on its throne. Below we count down these bold, sometimes brutal, actions that illustrate just how the royals protect their power.

10 ruthless moves in action

10 Taking The Saudi Prince For A Ride

Queen Elizabeth II was not just a figurehead; she was a competent driver, a skill she honed during World War II while serving as a second sub‑altern in the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she learned to handle heavy trucks. Although the sovereign isn’t required to hold a driver’s licence, she loved being behind the wheel.

In 1998, former Saudi ambassador Sherard Cowper‑Coles recalled a visit by Crown Prince Abdullah to Balmoral. After a leisurely lunch, the Queen suggested a tour of the estate and pointed the prince toward the royal Land Rover. The Crown Prince, seated on the passenger side, was taken aback when the Queen slipped into the driver’s seat, started the engine, and sped off across the rugged Scottish terrain, chatting animatedly as the vehicle bounced over the rough tracks. The startled prince, through his interpreter, eventually begged her to slow down – a moment that coincided with the fact that, at the time, women were still forbidden to drive in Saudi Arabia.

The prince emerged unharmed from the whirlwind ride, and a decade later, in June 2018, Saudi Arabia finally lifted its ban on women drivers, a change that some observers link, at least symbolically, to that unforgettable Scottish spin.

9 The Trial Of Paul Burrell

Paul Burrell, once the personal footman to Queen Elizabeth II and later a trusted aide to Princess Diana, enjoyed a close bond with the late princess – she reportedly called him “my rock.” After Diana’s tragic death in August 1997, Burrell rose to media prominence, joining television panels and taking a high‑profile role with the charity established in her memory.

On 18 January 2001, police raided Burrell’s London home and uncovered 342 items belonging to Diana, hidden away in the attic. The cache included signed CDs, garments, private letters, and photo albums. Burrell vehemently denied any theft, yet he was formally charged and his trial commenced in October 2002.

Media frenzy swirled around the courtroom. Yet, after nine days, the case was abruptly adjourned. Judge Mrs Justice Rafferty sent the jurors home without explanation, only to repeat the instruction the following day. Meanwhile, the Queen, who had been unaware of the proceedings, saw a news report and recalled Burrell mentioning that he had safely stored Diana’s possessions. Prompted by this, the police were informed, and prosecutor William Boyce, QC, told the court there was no realistic prospect of conviction. Burrell walked free, later declaring outside the court, “The queen came through for me.” The Palace issued a statement denying any interference, and Diana’s belongings were eventually returned to her family. The royal family never publicly addressed the episode.

8 The Queen Puts Mrs. Thatcher In Her Place

When Margaret Thatcher shattered glass ceilings as the United Kingdom’s first female prime minister, she and Queen Elizabeth II became the two most powerful women in the nation. Their relationship, however, was far from harmonious. The Queen grew irritated by Thatcher’s habit of arriving early for their meetings and was rumoured to refer to her privately as “that woman.” When Thatcher suggested they coordinate their outfits for a state occasion, the Palace curtly replied, “The Queen does not notice what other people are wearing.”

The Commonwealth, a cornerstone of Elizabeth’s reign, was a point of contention. Thatcher viewed the institution as antiquated, while the Queen pushed for trade sanctions against apartheid‑era South Africa to keep the Commonwealth united. The clash peaked in the 1980s, a period marked by global unease over South Africa’s policies.

In 1986, The Sunday Times ran a headline: “Queen dismayed by ‘uncaring’ Thatcher.” The article detailed a growing rift, prompting the Palace to issue a denial and the Queen to personally telephone Thatcher – a surprising move given the source of the story, Michael Shea, the Queen’s press secretary, was thought to have spoken without royal clearance. Despite the tension, Elizabeth eventually grew to respect Thatcher, and after Thatcher’s death in 2013, the Queen made a last‑minute decision to attend the funeral, even though protocol did not obligate her to be present.

7 Royal Nanny Out In The Cold

The unwritten rule for anyone serving the royal household is simple: keep your mouth shut. In 1932, Marion Crawford, affectionately known as “Crawfie,” began her tenure as nanny to Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. When Edward VIII abdicated to marry Mrs Simpson, the family moved into Buckingham Palace, and Crawfie followed them into the royal residence.

Over the years, Crawfie earned the trust of the royal family, remaining in service until 1948, when Princess Elizabeth became engaged to Philip Mountbatten. In 1949, the American Ladies’ Home Journal approached her for a feature on royal children. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, seeing an opportunity for extra income, gave her blessing – on the strict condition that Crawfie’s identity remain anonymous.

The resulting article, filled with sweet anecdotes from the royal nursery, was a hit with American readers. However, the magazine mistakenly named Marion Crawford as the interviewee. Furious, the Queen Mother immediately blamed Crawfie, accusing her of “going off her head.” The royal family severed ties, and Crawfie retreated to Scotland, where she battled depression and attempted suicide twice. She kept the letters granting permission to speak to the magazine locked away, refusing to release them even when they could have cleared her name. Marion died in a nursing home in 1988, still hoping for a reunion. In her will, she requested that all personal letters be returned to the Palace for safekeeping, a request the royals have never publicly addressed.

6 Diana’s Rage

Following Charles’s divorce from Diana, he appointed Alexandra “Tiggy” Legge‑Bourke, a well‑connected young woman, to assist with the upbringing of his sons. Tiggy’s role was less that of a stern nanny and more of a fun older sister, quickly forging a close bond with the princes. Diana, however, was far from impressed.

As tensions rose between the two households, Diana began to suspect – erroneously – that Tiggy and Charles were involved in an affair. A false rumor circulated that Tiggy had undergone an abortion. At a staff party in December 1996, Diana confronted Tiggy, allegedly saying, “So sorry about the baby.” In response, Tiggy hired top libel lawyer Peter Carter‑Ruck to write to Diana’s solicitors demanding an apology for the remark.

Tiggy continued working for Charles until 1999, when she left to marry. She has remained close to Princes William and Harry, maintaining a lasting connection despite the earlier drama.

5 The Attempted Kidnap Of Princess Anne

Princess Anne’s reputation for resilience was put to the ultimate test on 20 March 1974 when 26‑year‑old Ian Ball attempted to snatch the queen’s only daughter. While Anne, her husband Mark Phillips, a bodyguard, and her lady‑in‑waiting traveled in a royal limousine, Ball rammed his car into theirs, leapt out, and brandished two handguns.

Anne’s bodyguard moved to intervene and was shot in the shoulder. Ball shouted, “Open or I’ll shoot!” as he tried to force his way into the vehicle. Anne and Phillips struggled to keep the doors shut. The chauffeur, attempting to protect the princess, was shot in the chest. Ball managed to seize Anne’s wrist while Phillips, a captain in the British Army, clung to her waist.

Ball demanded, “Please come out,” to which Anne famously retorted, “Not bloody likely!” The assailant then shot a police officer and a passing motorist who tried to help. A passerby finally punched Ball in the head, allowing police to intervene. As Ball fled toward a nearby park, Anne oddly told him, “Go on, now’s your chance.” He was apprehended shortly thereafter. A search of his rented car uncovered handcuffs, Valium, and a ransom note addressed to the queen demanding £2 million and threatening that Anne would be shot dead.

Ball was sentenced to life in a psychiatric unit. All those who came to Anne’s aid survived and were later recognized for their bravery. Anne later described the harrowing encounter as “a very irritating conversation.”

4 The Death Of A Princess

On 31 August 1997, Princess Diana was killed in a high‑speed car crash in Paris. The world mourned, while the royal family was on a summer holiday in Scotland. Apart from a brief statement, the monarchy remained largely silent, fueling public anger and speculation.

In London, crowds gathered outside Kensington Palace, laying flowers and grieving openly. Many focused their frustration on Buckingham Palace, where the Union Jack continued to fly at full‑mast. To many observers, this symbolised the perceived coldness of the royals toward Diana, who, despite her popularity, had lost the “HRH” style after her divorce.

In reality, the Royal Standard, which represents the continuity of the monarchy, is never lowered. When a sovereign dies, another instantly assumes the throne, so the flag never flies at half‑mast. At the time of Diana’s death, the Queen was not in residence, and the Union Jack was the flag flown, which is only lowered to half‑mast for the death of an HRH. The media seized on the discrepancy, publishing headlines such as “Where is the Queen?” The royal family stayed on holiday, and the flag remained at full‑mast.

On the eve of Diana’s funeral, the Queen delivered an unexpected televised address, paying tribute to the late princess. The following morning, without prior announcement, the Union Jack was finally lowered to half‑mast and remained so until midnight, marking a last‑minute gesture of respect.

3 Farewell, Britannia

One of Queen Elizabeth II’s cherished retreats was the royal yacht Britannia. Launched in 1953, the vessel toured the globe, hosting luminaries such as Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela. It also served as a private family holiday haven, offering the monarch a rare sense of peace.

In 1997, newly elected Prime Minister Tony Blair, amid a cost‑cutting drive, blocked a £17 million refurbishment request for the yacht. The move came after public criticism of royal spending following the Windsor Castle fire. As the royals are prohibited from expressing political opinions, the decision was a blow.

In December 1997, the Queen and Princess Anne stood on the dock as Britannia was decommissioned and sent to become a tourist attraction beside a shopping centre in Edinburgh. The loss lingered for years; Prince Philip later remarked that the yacht could have sailed for another half‑century. Some observers speculate that the incident contributed to the decision to exclude Tony Blair from Prince William’s 2011 wedding guest list.

2 An Awkward Meeting

Queen Elizabeth II shared a close bond with her cousin, Lord Mountbatten, who mentored the young Prince Charles. In 1979, Mountbatten fell victim to an IRA‑planted bomb that exploded on his boat in Ireland, killing his 14‑year‑old grandson and a local 15‑year‑old boy.

Martin McGuinness, a former IRA leader who later became Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, crossed paths with the Queen in June 2012. During a visit to Belfast, she shook his hand publicly – a historic moment given their fraught histories. Their second encounter in 2016 saw McGuinness ask how she was, to which she replied, “Well, I’m still alive.”

1 Sitting Pretty

Marrying into the royal family is a delicate dance; the acceptance of a new member often puts their own family under a microscope. When Kate Middleton wed Prince William, the public saw a warm, cohesive family, a stark contrast to the more distant Prince Charles. After the birth of William’s children, Charles began to sense his own marginalisation.

The tension peaked when the couple chose to spend Christmas with Kate’s parents, sidestepping the traditional gathering at Sandringham. In response, Charles’s staff reportedly began to freeze out the Middletons, a move that irked William. The media caught wind of the rift, prompting the Queen – who reportedly held a fondness for Kate’s family – to intervene.

In September 2016, the Queen personally invited the Middletons to stay at Balmoral as her own guests. Photographs captured the royal party heading to a shooting party, with the Queen at the wheel and Kate seated beside her as the honoured guest, while the security detail was relegated to the back seats. It was a subtle yet powerful visual declaration: the queen had her own version of “game, set, match.”