Betting on the Royal Family in 2025: What to Watch and Wager On

The British Royal Family, a centuries-old institution, continues to captivate global attention, and with this fascination comes a unique and ever-evolving betting market. As 2025 unfolds, a confluence of ongoing dramas, health concerns, and the perennial questions of succession and new arrivals provides fertile ground for those looking to place a wager on the Windsors. From the serious to the seemingly frivolous, bookmakers are offering odds on a wide array of potential royal events. This article delves into the key areas to watch and wager on in the year ahead.

The Enduring Saga of Harry and Meghan

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, remain a significant focus for royal bettors. Since their departure from frontline royal duties and subsequent move to California, speculation about their future relationship with the monarchy and each other has been rife.

Key betting markets include:

Return to the UK/Royal Duties

Odds have consistently been offered on whether Harry and Meghan will permanently return to the UK or resume royal duties. As of early 2024, the likelihood of Prince Harry becoming a working royal again in 2024 was considered extremely low. While some past odds suggested a chance of them rejoining the Royal Family at some point, current sentiment indicates this is highly improbable.

Divorce/Separation

Perhaps one of the more controversial betting markets, odds on Harry and Meghan divorcing have been available for some time. In late 2024, bookies offered odds that the couple would separate in 2025. Earlier in 2025, reports indicated odds for a separation announcement before the end of the year, particularly after they reportedly spent Valentine’s Day apart. However, other reports suggest the couple is going from strength to strength.

Loss of Titles

Another recurring bet revolves around whether Harry and Meghan will lose their royal titles.

Prince Harry’s US Residency

Bets have even been placed on whether Prince Harry will be extradited from the United States in 2025. There is also speculation and odds on Harry relocating back to the UK.

Meghan’s Media Ventures

With Meghan launching a new Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan,” odds are available on its success, such as the chances of it getting a second series.

The couple’s every move, public statement, and media project will likely continue to fuel betting markets throughout 2025.

Health and Reign: King Charles III and Catherine, Princess of Wales

The health of senior royals has, unfortunately, become a prominent concern and, consequently, a significant area for betting.

King Charles III

• Abdication/End of Reign: Following his cancer diagnosis, there has been speculation about the length of King Charles III’s reign. While the King himself has joked “I’m still alive” in response to questions about his well-being, and palace insiders suggest his treatment is moving in a positive direction, betting markets reflect the uncertainty. Odds for King Charles abdicating by 2025 have been reported. There are also bets on whether Charles will cease to be King by the end of 2025 for any reason, including death or abdication. Some commentators believe he may abdicate around the age of 80, though historians suggest this is unlikely given his long wait for the throne.
• Public Appearances: Bets are also placed on the King’s attendance at specific events. For instance, odds for his appearance at his Buckingham Palace garden party on May 8th, 2024, were available, while his attendance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in October 2024 was also predicted with certain odds.
• Content of Speeches: Even the King’s Christmas Day speechattracts wagers, with odds on topics he might mention, such as the NHS, his late mother Queen Elizabeth II, or even Prince Harry and Meghan.

Catherine, Princess of Wales

• Return to Public Duties and Appearances: Following her own cancer diagnosis and period of recovery, there will undoubtedly be betting markets related to Catherine’s return to public life and the nature of her engagements.

The health of both the King and the Princess of Wales will be closely monitored, and any official updates or public appearances will likely cause shifts in the associated betting odds.

The Shadow of Prince Andrew

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, remains a controversial figure, and his future role, or lack thereof, within the Royal Family is another subject for bettors.

• Return to Public Duties: Despite stepping down from royal duties in 2019 following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, speculation about a potential return occasionally surfaces. However, recent reports suggest the door to a return is “firmly closed,” especially following the death of Virginia Giuffre. The likelihood of Prince Andrew resuming public duties in 2024 was previously estimated, though this may have shifted with recent developments.
• Stripping of Titles: Some predictions for 2025 include Andrew being officially stripped of his titles.

The ongoing repercussions of the Epstein scandal and Prince Andrew’s pariah status ensure he remains a topic of interest for novelty betting markets.

Succession and New Arrivals: The Next Generation

The line of succession and the possibility of new royal babies are perennial favorites in royal betting.

• Next Monarch: While King Charles III currently reigns, betting on his successor is a long-standing market. Prince William is the clear favorite to be the next King. Odds from 2022 placed Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and Prince William at certain figures. More recent odds suggest Prince William’s coronation is not expected before 2027. There are also odds that William will ascend to the throne and remove Prince Harry from the line of succession.
• Royal Babies: While no major royal pregnancies are currently announced for 2025, any such news would instantly create a hot betting market.

Other Potential Wagers and Considerations

Beyond the major players and events, a host of other niche betting markets exist:

• Royal fashion
• Royal divorces (beyond Harry and Meghan)
• Monarchy referendums

Betting on the Royal Family in 2025 offers a diverse range of opportunities, fueled by ongoing narratives of drama, health challenges, and the ever-present questions of succession and family dynamics.