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In an unexpected revelation that has resurfaced amid recent controversy, former Prince Andrew once claimed the royal family had banned the board game Monopoly from their household gatherings due to the intense competition it sparked among family members.
“We’re not allowed to play Monopoly at home. It gets too vicious,” Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as the Duke of York, told onlookers in 2008 while visiting the newly refurbished Leeds Building Society headquarters in Albion Street. The comment came after he was presented with a version of the popular board game ahead of the Christmas holidays.
The seemingly lighthearted remark, captured on video and reported by The Telegraph at the time, has gained renewed attention following Mountbatten-Windsor’s recent arrest by British authorities. In February 2026, he was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his connections with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking the first arrest of a British royal in nearly four centuries.
While the former prince did not elaborate on which games the royals did play instead, his comment offered a rare glimpse into the competitive dynamics that might exist behind palace doors. The remark, though likely made in jest, has fascinated the public for its suggestion that even seemingly innocuous family activities might be governed by special protocols within the royal household.
Board game enthusiasts may understand the sentiment. Monopoly, created in the early 20th century and now published by Hasbro, is notorious for testing relationships with its property-trading mechanics and potential for dramatic reversals of fortune. Many families across the globe have experienced heated moments around the Monopoly board, making the royal family’s alleged ban relatable despite their otherwise extraordinary circumstances.
The anecdote about the banned board game stands in stark contrast to the serious legal troubles now facing the former prince. His arrest comes after years of controversy surrounding his relationship with Epstein and allegations of sexual misconduct, which culminated in a civil settlement with Virginia Giuffre in February 2022.
The royal family has faced unprecedented scrutiny in recent years, from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s explosive 2021 interview alleging racism within the institution to various legal challenges and public relations crises. The comment about Monopoly, though minor in comparison, has become part of the tapestry of details that humanize the royals while simultaneously highlighting their unusual position.
Royal observers note that the family’s public image has carefully evolved over generations, balancing tradition with calculated glimpses into their private lives. Whether the Monopoly ban was an actual family rule or simply an offhand joke remains unclear. Neither Buckingham Palace nor other royal family members have ever officially confirmed or denied the existence of such a restriction.
The peculiar anecdote serves as a reminder that despite their extraordinary privilege and position, the royal family experiences common domestic tensions. Games that pit family members against one another in competition for resources and status might hit too close to home in a family where succession, titles, and public roles are of constitutional importance.
As Mountbatten-Windsor faces serious legal challenges, this small detail from his past public appearances provides an ironic counterpoint: a man who once joked about board games becoming “too vicious” now confronts consequences far more serious than landing on Mayfair with a hotel.
Whether the royal Monopoly ban persists in the family today remains unknown, but the anecdote continues to circulate as a curious footnote in the ongoing saga of Britain’s most famous family.
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14 Comments
The royals banning Monopoly due to it being ‘too vicious’? That’s quite amusing. I wonder if they’ve ever tried their hand at a more cooperative game, like Settlers of Catan. Might be a bit less cutthroat for their liking.
Banning Monopoly due to it being ‘too vicious’? That sounds quite amusing, though not surprising given the royals’ reputation for competitiveness. I’d love to see them duke it out over Free Parking!
Interesting that the royals would ban Monopoly over concerns of it being ‘too vicious.’ I bet Prince Andrew just couldn’t handle the thought of losing to his siblings. Though I suppose a game of Risk might be more their speed.
Banning Monopoly for being ‘too vicious’? The royals must really take their board games seriously. I’d love to see them go head-to-head in a game of Risk or Cluedo. Though I suppose they have to be careful not to start any real-life intrigues!
The royal family banning Monopoly – now that’s a headline I never thought I’d see! I can just imagine the level of cutthroat gameplay that would ensue if they broke it out. Definitely a recipe for some family drama.
I can just imagine the royals getting into heated arguments over Monopoly. Definitely a game that could bring out their competitive side. Though I’m curious what other games they might enjoy that are a bit more…diplomatic?
Interesting tidbit about the royals and Monopoly. I wonder what other games the Windsor family enjoys when they get together. Perhaps a friendly round of Cluedo or Risk?
Interesting that the royals would ban Monopoly for being ‘too vicious.’ Though I suppose when you’re used to wielding real power, a mere board game might seem a bit too cutthroat. I wonder if they’ve ever tried their hand at a cooperative game instead.
Monopoly ‘too vicious’ for the royals? I find that hard to believe – I bet Prince Andrew just didn’t want to risk losing to the Queen! Though I suppose a game of Risk might be more their speed.
The royals banning Monopoly for being ‘too vicious’ – now there’s a mental image! I bet Prince Andrew just couldn’t handle losing to his siblings. Though I suppose a round of Risk might be more their speed.
Monopoly ‘too vicious’ for the royals? That’s quite a claim. I wonder what other board games they enjoy that don’t bring out their competitive sides quite as much. Maybe they’re more into cooperative games like Pandemic or Terraforming Mars.
Monopoly ‘too vicious’ for the royals? I find that hard to believe. They must have some serious family game nights to warrant that kind of ban. Though I suppose a game of Settlers of Catan might be more their speed.
Banning Monopoly? The royals must really take their board games seriously. I’d love to see them get competitive over a game of Cluedo or Risk. Though I suppose they have to be careful not to start any real-life intrigues!
Ah, the age-old debate – what board games are too intense for the royals to play? Monopoly, apparently. I wonder if they’ve ever tried their hand at a more cooperative game, like Settlers of Catan.