We should also bear in mind that hedonism, corruption and violence have been the hallmarks of Royalty ever since the concept was invented. Saying that the Kennedy family is american royalty is a compliment one way you look at it, and an insult another. Now, if you're going to call the Kennedys an American version of royalty, you might mean that they are rich, politically powerful and clannish. Royal does not mean well behaved, nor does it mean free from vice. You could also mean that the Kennedys are regal, dignified and stately. But they do seem to act like members of European royal families, both the good and the bad, neh?