James Haskell, the former England rugby union player, has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. In a recent interview with The Times, Haskell shared his thoughts on the Royal Family, his attendance at high-profile weddings, and a scandalous incident from his past that led to his suspension from school.
Haskell’s Royal Encounters
As a friend of the Royal Family, Haskell has had the privilege of attending several high-profile weddings, including that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. He has also spent time with the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Kate Middleton, and has praised their “wicked sense of humour.” Haskell has often spoken about the Royal Family in previous interviews, and his latest comments offer a glimpse into the more personal side of the monarchy.
A Scandalous Past
However, Haskell’s past is not without controversy. In 2003, he was suspended from Wellington College in Crowthorne, Berkshire, for filming his best friend, Paul Doran-Jones, having sex with a 17-year-old girl. Haskell has spoken publicly about the incident, acknowledging that it was “wrong” and “stupid.” The incident led to Haskell’s suspension, along with Doran-Jones and the girl involved, for breaking the school’s “no sex” rule.
Haskell’s comments about the incident offer a candid insight into his past mistakes and his willingness to learn from them. “I was suspended from Wellington College, not because I was rebellious, but because I was stupid,” he said. “My friend was sleeping with a girl. He asked me if I had a camera. I said, ‘Yeah.’ We set it up in a cupboard. Obviously, that was wrong. One of our classmates sold the story and then we were on the front pages.”
A New Chapter
Despite his past mistakes, Haskell has gone on to build a successful career in rugby and beyond. He has appeared on several TV shows, including I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2019, and has spoken publicly about his experiences with mental health and addiction.
Haskell’s candid confessions offer a refreshing insight into the life of a public figure. His willingness to speak openly about his past mistakes and his experiences with the Royal Family make him a relatable and endearing figure. As he continues to build his career and share his thoughts and experiences with the public, it’s clear that James Haskell is a man who is unafraid to speak his mind and share his story.
