Royal Bastards

Royal Bastards are individuals born outside of their parents' marriage, often to a king or noble. Historically, they held a complex social status—they might be acknowledged and given estates or titles, or they could be marginalized. Their legitimacy was uncertain, which affected inheritance rights and political influence. Despite this, some royal bastards gained significant power, becoming notable figures or even rulers, such as Henry VIII of England. The term underscores issues of legitimacy, inheritance, and social hierarchy related to birth circumstances within royal and aristocratic contexts.