Any family tree as incestuous and elderly as the British royal family’s is bound to have some funky genetics in it. One rare disease is a source of pain. King George IIIIt is possible that they are still part of the royal family. Let’s learn all about it.
The ‘Mad’ Gene
If George III is known for anything, it’s losing the American colonies in the War for Independence. If he’s known today for anything else, it’s probably his genetic madness brought on by the incurable blood disease porphyria. A new book Purple SecretCharts the descent of the royal bloodline over 250 years. The writers discovered that some royals also suffered from the rare illness.
What is Porphyria?
Porphyria can be a rare blood condition that affects your heme. Hemoglobin component. One enzyme does not perform its job correctly. Although some people don’t experience any symptoms, it can lead to serious complications for others. The symptoms include mental changes, discolored urine, and mental problems.
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Late in George III’s life, he was struck by intense and permanent mental illness. Doctors didn’t know what was happening, but they knew he wasn’t well. His condition had worsened by 1788. He could speak for hours until his voice became hoarse. He would occasionally write. Complex sentences of 400 words.
Historians today do not agree on what caused George III’s madness, but the leading theories are either Porphyria or bipolar disorder. Both can be supported. His urine was turning blue by the end, which is indicative of porphyria. His urine could have been discolored by medication. On the other hand, George III’s hair was studied in 2005 and showed high levels of arsenic, which could have been a trigger for the blood disease.
Suffering down the Line
Purple SecretThe book will be out July 9. The book’s authors, molecular biologists and historians, trace porphyria through the royal bloodline until the present. Recent research revealed that a letter was written by Charlotte of Saxony, the great-granddaughter and great-granddaughter for George III. It closely discussed symptoms very close to porphyria, suggesting the blood disease hasn’t disappeared.
Some believe the disease could be responsible for the delusions that Mary, Queen Of Scots, experienced. The authors conclude that Prince William was the most recent victim of the disease. Not that one. It was a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth who was killed in a plane crash in 1972.
