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Episode details

World Service,02 Jan 2023,39 mins

Coming out as India’s first gay prince

Lives Less Ordinary

Available for over a year

Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil risked everything when he faced his parents and society He was next in line to a centuries-old royal dynasty in the Indian state of Gujarat - and grew up in the 1970s in a gilded cage. His family's desire to keep his blue blood away from what they called ‘commoners’ meant that, growing up, he missed out on formative experiences like making friends. After a failed marriage to a princess, Manvendra finally shed his royal cocoon and was determined to break out and explore the world, and his sexuality. With the help of his new friend Ashok, a gay rights activist, the prince began a process of self-acceptance that would be put to the ultimate test. Presenter: Mobeen Azhar Producer: Edgar Maddicott Editor: Munazza Khan

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