Charles Nearly Became King 37 Years Ago. Here's The Shocking Reason Why

Royals | Celebrity

Charles Nearly Became King 37 Years Ago. Here's The Shocking Reason Why

We often think of the royals as living charmed lives like something out of the fairy tales we read when we were children. Nothing bad ever happens and they all live happily ever after. Unfortunately, fairy tales are nothing like real life and the shocking news that just came out gives potent testimony to that fact.

If one troubled teenager had had his way, Queen Elizabeth's reign would have suddenly ended in violence in 1981. Instead of the nearly 70-year-old Prince Charles waiting patiently to take over the crown, he would have been thrust into the role at a much earlier age!!

You didn't know this, you say? I'm not surprised since the incident has been kept a state secret for nearly four decades! Here's the scoop:

In 1981 when Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip were on tour in New Zealand, a teenager by the name of Christopher John Lewis had every intention of assassinating the reigning monarch as she and the Prince were enjoying meeting their subjects and seeing the sights.

"Lewis did indeed originally intend to assassinate the queen, however did not have a suitable vantage point from which to fire, nor a sufficiently high-powered rifle for the range from the target," one declassified memo states.

Even more shocking is the fact that New Zealand officials tried to cover up the entire incident. The youth was never charged with the attempt on the Queen's life or with treason and the whole incident was chalked up to the fact that he was a "seriously disturbed youth." Details of the crime have been kept under wraps since, and have been declassified only recently.

"Current police investigations into the shots have been conducted discreetly and most media representatives probably have the impression that the noise was caused by a firework of some description."

It adds: "There is worry, however, that in court the press may make the connections between the date of the offense and the Queen's visit."

All we can say is "Thank Goodness" that the nefarious plot failed and that we have had the pleasure of Her Majesty's presence for these additional 37 years!! Long live the Queen!!

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