A bombshell new royal biography has unearthed one of the most extraordinary and unsettling encounters in modern royal history: a private meeting between Princess Anne and the monstrous serial killer Harold Shipman.
The incredible revelation, detailed in Robert Hardman's new book 'The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy', took place at the high-security Wakefield Prison in 2003. The Princess Royal, known for her no-nonsense approach and extensive charity work, visited the facility in her capacity as the patron of the Butler Trust, which recognises excellence in the prison service.
The Killer and the Princess
Shipman, a former GP, was serving a whole-life tariff for the murder of 15 of his patients. He would eventually be found to have killed an estimated 250 people, making him one of the most prolific serial killers in history. His meeting with the King's sister was kept entirely secret from the public for over two decades.
The book describes how Anne, utterly unfazed, entered the prison and engaged with staff and inmates. Her encounter with 'Dr Death' himself was reportedly brief but chillingly matter-of-fact. The princess, a pillar of the establishment, came face-to-face with pure evil housed within the walls of HMP Wakefield, often dubbed 'Monster Mansion' for its roster of infamous inmates.
A Chilling Facade
Hardman's account suggests Shipman was on his best behaviour during the royal visit. He was described as being polite and seemingly benign, a horrifying contrast to the monstrous crimes he had committed. This facade was a hallmark of Shipman's character, which allowed him to evade detection for years as he murdered vulnerable patients under his care.
The meeting adds a deeply disturbing chapter to the Shipman saga and highlights the unique, and often shocking, duties members of the Royal Family undertake in their official roles. Princess Anne's unwavering commitment to her patronages is well-documented, but this revelation shows the astonishing lengths to which she would go.
A Secret Held for Two Decades
The clandestine nature of the meeting means it was never reported at the time. It remained a hidden piece of history until Hardman's meticulous research brought it to light. The encounter took place just a year before Shipman was found dead in his cell on the eve of his 58th birthday, having taken his own life.
This revelation not only sheds new light on the hidden workings of the royal family but also reopens a dark chapter in British criminal history, forcing the public to once again confront the legacy of a man who betrayed the very essence of his profession.
