The origins of the British Royal Family can be traced back to the 10th century. While the empire then headed by English monarchs was limited, the power became thoroughly "consolidated" through the years.
By the time Queen Victoria ascended to the throne, it was clear that the Royal Family will continue to live on. She and her husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, had nine children, being Albert Edward as the then-Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII.
While he was Queen Elizabeth II's great-grandfather, the reigning monarch of today was not directly intended to become the Queen of the British Monarchy during the 19th century. As it happened, King Edward VII's supposed successor was Prince Albert Victor, and not George, who later became King George V.
According to Express UK, the British Royal Family was forever changed because of the Influenza pandemic that hit the world in the late 19th century. Unfortunately, the then-second person in line to the throne contracted the virus and met his demise a few weeks after getting engaged to Princess Mary of Teck.
Royal historians and experts reportedly shared that the impact of Prince Albert Victor's death in 1889 can be compared to if Prince William or Prince Harry dies of coronavirus today. So, the impact of his demise was truly a huge deal within the British Royal Family and Monarchy.
The only difference is that when Eddy died, he had no children as he was just about to get married. Accordingly, his younger brother, George, succeeded him in his positions as the future King of the United Kingdom and Princess Mary of Teck's husband.
In 1910, he became King George V and his wife became the well-known Queen Mary, who later on became Queen Elizabeth II's grandparents through King George VI. It was also noted by History Extra that George was King Edward VII's "favorite."
While the Influenza pandemic was indeed deadly during that particular century, medical solutions and innovations were able to resolve the matter. However, the British Royal Family is now facing another "dreadful" pandemic, the coronavirus.
As of today, in the United Kingdom, more than 5,000 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19. The death toll has already reached more than 200.
The impact of the current outbreak has been huge not only to the royal family but, also to the rest of the British public and the world. As of the moment, senior members, including especially Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip have been already self-isolating in Windsor Castle.
As for its impact in terms of the line of succession, it seemingly appears that the coronavirus will not gravely affect the British Royal Family the same way the Influenza pandemic did in the 19th century.
