
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 royals 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 over 50 years.
This means The Queen’s cousin is the most senior Freemason in the hierarchy.
In 2017, the 82-year-old conducted 20 engagements that were connected to Freemasonry according to the Court Circular.
This included attending lunches at Freemasons’ Hall in London as well as holding private audiences with the Pro Grand Master.
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.
In the past, five Monarchs have been members of a Masonic lodge.
This includes The Queen’s father, 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 –Â 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.
The Freemasons on Thursday called for an end to the “discrimination” against their members.Â
The group said they had written to the Equality and Human Rights Commission due to members being members are “undeservedly stigmatised”.
Should members of The Royal Family be associated with the Freemasons? Is it a harmless pastime or do you think there is a lack of transparency? Let us know by commenting below:
Freemasons raise millions of pounds for charitable organisations every year. They fund The Royal Masonic School, where children who have lost a parent, can be educated. A lot of good is done without being shouted about! I know, my Dad was a member.
That’s why they lost their charitable tax deduction rating from the taxman. Look it up dear.
P,P,S.
In addition to the ‘puzzling’ omission of Prince Phillip from your Masonic cavalcade you left off King Edward VIII, he was also Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England when he was the Prince of Wales I believe. He’s the one who abdicated and ran around Europe having fraternal pictures taken with some Germans.
P.P.P.S
The present Duke of Kent’s late father, The Duke of Kent who succeeded the Prince of Wales as Grand Master, was supposedly the intended destination for some reason of the Deputy Chancellor Mr. Hess during his Messerschmidt ride to Scotland. Which is I suppose may be just a Masonic oddity. No pun intended. Of course this info might be unwelcome in Grand Master Staples lights.
The Masons are essentially a religious organization and work for charity. The media and film industry are responsible for the bad press, nothing the Masons do is offensive or subversive. My parents and grandparents were part of Masonic groups, my father was a minister, chaplain, and a 50-year Mason. I am proud of his commitment to do good.
A non sectarian organisation.
the have a book wroted by a 33 degree , Mr Albert Pike, called “Moral and Dogma” and they still saying “we aren’t a religion”…
My husband is a Free Mason and I am a Past Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star – for their females…although I entered first because my beloved farther was a Mason. I could not be prouder! I only know that those that belittle it know nothing of it. Their curiosity could easily be solved if they just asked a brother.
Is Prince Charles a Freemason, I have seen him making what appear to be Masonic Recognition Handsigns (Cutsigns) on a number of occasions during public duties. Ditto for his brother Prince Andrew and his sons Prince William and Prince Harry. Is it fit-for-purpose to be using State Visits to promote and secretly recognize Freemasonry, a private organization in this way? Taxpayers paid for these trips and they weren’t all your taxpayers either! Of course Prime Ministers, Generals and other Politicians do the same. Please tell us the lodges they belong to, all of them. And why is their membershi[ in it a secret, other than their father/grandfather Prince Phillip?
P,P,S.
In addition to the ‘puzzling’ omission of Prince Phillip from your Masonic cavalcade you left off King Edward VIII, he was also Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England when he was the Prince of Wales I believe. He’s the one who abdicated and ran around Europe having fraternal pictures with some Germans.
P.P.P.S
The present Duke of Kent’s Father, The Duke of Kent, was supposedly the intended destination for some reason of the Deputy Chancellor Mr. Hess during his Messerschmidt ride to Scotland. Which is I suppose may be just a Masonic oddity. No pun intended.