Ronnie Kray was born on October 24, 1933, in London, England. He was the younger twin by 10 minutes, with his brother Reggie being the elder. They also had an older brother named Charles. The Krays grew up in a working-class family in the East End of London, a rough and tough area known for its criminal activity.
After being dishonorably discharged from the army, Ronnie and Reggie turned to a life of crime. They quickly gained a reputation for their violent and ruthless behavior, engaging in activities such as protection rackets, robberies, and murders. Ronnie's criminal exploits eventually landed him in jail for 18 months.
Upon their release from prison, the Krays began to build their criminal empire, using the guise of legitimate businesses, particularly nightclubs, to cover their illegal activities. They soon became two of the most feared and untouchable individuals in London, controlling the city's underworld throughout the 1960s.
Ronnie Kray was openly bisexual, a fact that was not well-received in the conservative society of the time. His rumored relationships with male members of Parliament caused both parties to turn a blind eye to the Krays' criminal activities, fearing the repercussions if these rumors were confirmed.
In 1969, Ronnie was sentenced to life in prison for murder, along with his brother Reggie. Ronnie was later transferred to a mental hospital on the grounds of insanity in 1979, where he remained until his death in 1995. During this time, he was married and divorced twice.
Despite their criminal activities, the Krays achieved a degree of celebrity due to their legitimate nightclub ventures. They were even photographed by acclaimed photographer David Bailey. The Krays' story continues to fascinate and intrigue people to this day, with books, movies, and documentaries being made about their infamous reign over London's underworld.