The 12 biggest scandals of the British royal family

The British royal family is always making headlines - sometimes for rather unsavory reasons.

The past few generations of the House of Windsor have been dogged by scandals of nearly every variety, from tactless costume choices to explosive divorces and even an unprecedented abdication of the throne.

Thanks to gossip-hungry media outlets, much of their dirtiest laundry has been broadcast and published all across the world.

Here are the stories behind 12 major scandals that captured the world's attention.