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The Royal Family’s links to the secretive society of Freemasonry

It is often dubbed as one of the world’s most secret societies – the world of Freemasonry. From covert handshakes to Masonic rituals, mystery surrounds the organisation which has connections to the British Royal Family.

Many members of The Royal Family are rumoured to be Freemasons, although only two current members are publicly known to be part of the society.

The Duke of Kent has been the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England for 55 years.

This means Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin is the most senior Freemason in the hierarchy.

Last month, the Duke attended a Concert at Freemasons’ Hall to commemorate His Royal Highness’s Fifty Fifth Anniversary.

In 2017, the His Royal Highness conducted 20 engagements that were connected to Freemasonry according to the Court Circular.

The Duke’s brother, Prince Michael of Kent, is also a Freemason and is Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, and Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Middlesex.

The Duke of Edinburgh was a freemason, being initiated to the role in the year his wife, Elizabeth, ascended to the throne.

In the past, five Monarchs have been members of a Masonic lodge.

This includes The King’s grandfather, George VI, who was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland between 1936-37.

Edward VII was also Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England from 1874–1901.

There are around 5 million Freemasons around the world – 200,000 of them living in England and Wales.

Freemasons believe in brotherhood help out one another in times of hardship. However, the organisation does not come without controversy.

Because of the secrecy and alleged elitism within lodges, there is strong opposition to the movement in many countries.

A number of years ago, the group said they had written to the Equality and Human Rights Commission due to members being members are “undeservedly stigmatised”.