Royal Biographies
HRH Charles Prince of Wales
HRH The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George was born at Buckingham Palace, London, on the 14th November 1948, the eldest child of HRH The Princess Elizabeth (now HM Queen Elizabeth II) and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
On the death of HM King George VI on 6th February 1952, and the accession to the Throne of the Queen, Prince Charles succeeded to the titles that are borne by the eldest son of the Sovereign. He became Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron Renfrew, Lord of the Isles, Prince and Great Steward of Scotland. Prince Charles was created Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester on 26th July 1958, and ceremonially invested 1st July 1969.
As the heir to the Throne, Prince Charles' education was a mixture of the traditional and the innovative. Miss Catherine Peebles was his Governess, from whom he received much of his early education. He later attended Hill House School, Knightsbridge. He became a boarder at Cheam School, Headley, Berkshire, the first heir to the throne, though not the first prince, to attend a boarding school.
Prince Charles later went to Gordonstoun School, Morayshire, after which he spent some time as an assistant master at Geelong Church of England Grammar School, Melbourne, Australia. The prince then went to Trinity College, University of Cambridge, where he obtained a degree in anthropology, archaeology and history.
To prepare for his investiture as Prince of Wales he spent a term at the University of Wales University College Aberstwyth, where he studied Welsh.
Prince Charles followed the example set by generations of royal princes, and after attending the Royal Air Force College Cranwell and receiving his pilot's wings.
The Prince of Wales served with the Royal Navy, from 1971 to 1976. Promoted Lieutenant on 1st February 1973, he served on the frigate HMS Jupiter between January and August 1974 as Flight Deck Officer, Assistant Intelligence Officer, Officer of the Watch, Entertainment's Officer, Communications Officer, and Divisional Officer. The ship was sent on an extended deployment to Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.
From 9th February to 15th December 1976 Prince Charles commanded the mine countermeasures vessel HMS Bronington, on North Sea mine hunting duties. After leaving the navy in late 1976, he was promoted Commander, and was again promoted, this time to Captain, on 14th November 1988. He was also promoted Group Captain in the Royal Air Force at the same time.
To mark his 50th birthday His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral in the Royal Navy, and Air Vice Marshal in the Royal Air Force, with effect from 14th November 1998. From 2002 he has been a Vice Admiral, Lieutant-General and Air Marshal.
In keeping with tradition the Prince of Wales is a Personal Aide de Camp to the Queen.
The Prince of Wales was married 29th July 1981 at St Paul's Cathedral, London, to Lady Diana Frances Spencer, later Diana Princess of Wales, youngest daughter of the 8th Earl Spencer and the Honourable Frances Fermoy.
Their issue were HRH Prince William Arthur Philip Louis (Prince William of Wales), born 21st June 1982, and HRH Prince Henry Charles Albert David (Prince Henry of Wales), born 15th September 1984. Prince Charles and the Princess of Wales separated in 1992, and were divorced 28th August 1996. Diana Princess of Wales died 31st August 1997.
Prince Charles was made a Knight of the Order of the Garter on 26th July 1958, and was invested with the insignia of the Order on 17th June 1968. In 1977 he became a Knight of the Order of the Thistle, being invested in May of that same year.
He was appointed Grand Master and First or Principal Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath in 1975, and was invested with the insignia of a Knight Grand Cross of the Military Division of the Order. The Prince was appointed a member of the Order of Merit in 2002. He was made a Knight of the Order of Australia on 28th March 1981. In 1983 Prince Charles was appointed an Extra Companion of the Queen's Service Order. On 26th April 2002 he was made the first Honorary Member of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.
The Prince of Wales has received the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1953, the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal 1977, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal 2002, the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal, and the Canadian Forces Decoration.
Leading foreign orders he has received include the Grand Cordon of the Chrysanthemum (Japan), Knight of the Order of the Elephant of Denmark, and Knight of the Order of the Seraphim of Sweden. He was sworn a member of HM's Most Honourable Privy Council in 1977.
The Prince of Wales received the Albert Medal of the Royal Society of Arts in 1985, the Spoleto Prize 1989, was voted the Author of the Year 1989, and was awarded the Premio Fregene 1990. He also received the Europa Nostra Medal of Honour in 1994 from Europa Nostra, a federation of more than 200 conservation bodies in 23 European countries, for "outstanding achievement in relentless promotion of good architecture". He is a Royal Fellow of the Royal Society. He was made an honorary Doctor of Literature by the University of Otago in 1981.
In addition to his various official duties, the Prince of Wales has maintained a close interest in, and involvement with, a wide range of issues. In particular, he has focused on industry, the problems of the inner cities, and the difficulties faced by unemployed young people. He is involved with over 200 organisations covering a wide field- the arts, medicine, education, conservation, archaeology and sport.
He set up and has been President of the Prince's Trust since 1976, of Business in the Community since 1985 and of the Prince's Youth Business Trust since 1986. Public attention has been focused upon the Prince's interest in architecture, the environment, and education.
The Prince of Wales is President of The Prince of Wales's Institute of Architecture, the Prince's Trust, and of the Royal Shakespeare Company. He is also Patron of the New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and of the Prince of Wales Trust (New Zealand).
The Prince of Wales holds the appointment of Air Commodore in Chief of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and Patron of the Royal New Zealand Coastguard Federation Inc.
The Prince of Wales has visited New Zealand on a number of occasions. In both 1970 and 1974 he accompanied The Queen, in the latter year to the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch. He returned late in that year as Special Representative of the Queen at the funeral of the Prime Minister, the late Norman Kirk.
His visit of 1981 was made just prior to his marriage, and in 1983 he was accompanied by the Princess of Wales and Prince William of Wales. The visit of 1994 specifically marked the presence in Auckland of the Whitbread Round the World yachts.
HRH Prince William of Wales
HRH Prince William Arthur Philip Louis was born in London, on the 21st June 1982, the elder son of HRH The Prince Charles Prince of Wales and HRH The Princess of Wales.
He was christened in the Music Room, Buckingham Palace, on the 4th August 1982. The sponsors were His Majesty King Constantine of Greece, Sir Laurens van der Post, Lord Romsey, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, the Duchess of Westminster, and Baroness Hussey of North Bradley.
His Royal Highness was confirmed in the Church of England on Sunday 9th March 1997 in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, by the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Richard Chartres, Bishop of London and Dean of Her Majesty's Chapels Royal.
His Royal Highness was educated first at Mrs Mynors' Nursery School, Chepstow Villas, Notting Hill, 1985-86, a few days a week. He then attended full-time at the Wetherby Pre-preparatory School, Holland Park, Notting Hill, London, 1987-90.
From 1990-95 Prince William was a pupil of Ludgrove School, Berkshire, as a weekly boarder. Other royal pupils at the school, which was founded 1892, have included the Duke of Kent. Prince William received the Junior Essay Prize in 1992.
From 1995 he has attended Eton College, Windsor, whose Head Master is John Lewis, formerly Head Master of Geelong Church of England Grammar School (which the Prince of Wales attended), and a New Zealander. New boys joining with Prince William included Prince Narajan of Nepal.
Other past royal pupils have included His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, His Royal Highness the late Duke of Gloucester, His Royal Highness the late Prince William of Gloucester, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, His Royal Highness the late Prince Arthur of Connaught, the Earl of St Andrews, the Earl of Ulster, Lord Frederick Windsor, James Ogilvy, the Earl of Harewood, the Honourable Gerald Lascelles, Henry Lascelles, the Earl of Macduff, as well as the Honourable Sir Angus Ogilvy, the Earl of Snowdon, and the Earl of Southesk.
Prince William completed last of 12 GCSE exams (roughly equivalent to, though more in-depth than New Zealand School Certificate) June 1998, and commenced study for A level exams (similar to bursary) in geography, biology, and history of art. He was elected to Pop, the self-selecting elite of Eton pupils.
His Royal Highness was a page to His Royal Highness The Duke of York and Miss Sarah Ferguson Westminster Abbey 23rd July 1986. He was later a page to Miss Camilla Dunne and the Honourable Rupert Soames 8th October 1988, and to Edward Barry and Miss Joanna Leschallas in 1989.
He is a godfather to the grandson of King Constantine II of the Hellenes, Royal Highness Prince Constantine Alexis, christened at the Eastern Orthodox Church Cathedral of St Sophia, London, 15th April 1999.
The prince was a member of the Army Cadet Corps, Eton College.
Prince William undertake his fisrt royal engagements on a visit to New Zealand in 2005.
HRH Anne Princess Royal
HRH The Princess Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise was born at Clarence House, London, on the 15th August 1950, the only daughter of HRH The Princess Elizabeth (now HM Queen Elizabeth II) and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
Like her brothers, Princess Anne's education began with a governess, Miss Catherine Peebles. She later boarded at Beneden School, Kent, completing her education with several months spent at the Berlitz School of Language, Oxford Street, London.
Although the Princess Royal is Rear Admiral, and Chief Commandant for Women in Royal Navy (formerly Chief Commandant of the Women's Royal Naval Service), she has not, unlike her parents and siblings, ever served in the Armed Forces of the Crown, even for a brief period. Instead, she began to undertake full-time royal duties from the age of 18 years.
Princess Anne was married 14th November 1973 in Westminster Abbey to Captain Mark Anthony Peter Phillips, son of Major Peter William Garside Phillips and of Anne Patricia Phillips, née Tiarks. Princess Anne's children are Peter Mark Andrew Phillips, born 15th November 1977, and Zara Anne Elizabeth Phillips, born 15th May 1981.
The marriage of Princess Anne and Captain Phillips was dissolved 23rd April 1992. She married, on 12th December 1992 at Crathie Church, on the Queen's Balmoral estate, Commander Timothy James Hamilton Laurence, Royal Navy, younger son of Commander Guy Stewart Laurence and Barbara Alison Laurence née Symons. Tim Laurence is now a Commodore, and Assistant Commandant (Naval) of the Joint Service Command and Staff College, Bracknell.
Princess Anne was declared Princess Royal on 13th June 1987. She was made a Lady of the Order of the Garter in 1994. In August 1974 she was made a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, to mark her personal bravery when confronted by an armed kidnapper. She is a Dame of Justice of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, and is a Companion of the Queen's Service Order.
She received the Queen Elizabeth II Royal Family Order 23rd April 1969. The Princess Royal has received the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1953, the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal 1977, the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal, and the Canadian Forces Decoration.
Princess Anne was nominated BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1971, Sports Writers' Association Sportswoman of the Year 1971, received the Variety Clubs' International Humanitarian Award 1987, and the Raleigh Trophy in 1971.
As a horsewoman she won silver medals as an individual and as member of the British team at the European Three-Day Championships in 1975. She also took part in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, and has competed in horse-racing events, both on the flat and over jumps. The princess is a Royal Fellow of the Royal Society.
The Standard of HRH The Princess Royal
Princess Anne undertakes some 500 engagements a year, and has visited over seventy countries. Much of her travel has been undertaken as President of The Save the Children Fund, an office she has held since 1970. She is involved with the Riding for the Disabled Association, and is patron or president of nearly 100 other organisations. She has become increasingly concerned with the effects of crime, and is also involved with a number of medical specialities.
The Princess Royal is Patron of the UK-NZ 1990 Committee, and the Waitangi Foundation. She is President of the Federation Equestre Internationale, and of the International League for the Protection of Horses.
Princess Anne is Colonel of The Blues and Royal (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons), the junior of the two regiments of Household Cavalry. She also holds the appointments of Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals, and of the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps.
The Princess Royal visited New Zealand in 1970 and in 1974, when she accompanied the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales. The latter visit was to attend the Christchurch Commonwealth Games. She has also visited in 1989 and 1990, and again in 1995, when she relinquished her position of President of the Chartered Institute of Transport. She visited New Zealand in 1999.
HRH Andrew Duke of York
HRH The Prince Andrew Albert Christian Edward was born at Buckingham Palace, London, on the 19th February 1960, the second son of HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
Prince Andrew received his first lessons from the royal Governess, Miss Catherine Peebles. Later, he boarded at Heatherdown Preparatory School, Ascot, and Gordonstoun School, Morayshire. Following the example of Prince Charles, who spent a term at an Australian school, he spent six months at Lakefield College, Ontario, Canada.
Prince Andrew was married on 23rd July 1986 at Westminster Abbey, London, to Miss Sarah Margaret Ferguson, now Sarah Duchess of York, younger daughter of Major Ronald Ferguson and of Mrs Hector Barrantes.
Prince Andrew's children are HRH Princess Beatrice Elizabeth Mary (Princess Beatrice of York), born 8th August 1988, and HRH Princess Eugenie Victoria Helena (Princess Eugenie of York), born 23rd March 1990. The marriage of the Duke and Duchess of York was dissolved 30th May 1996.
Prince Andrew followed the family tradition and joined the Senior Service in 1979. After training at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth, and with the Fleet Air Arm, he joined the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible on 27th October 1981 as second pilot of a Sea King anti-submarine helicopter.
From 2nd April to 17th September 1982 he took part in Operation Corporate, the recovery of the Falkland Islands from Argentina. In 1988 he embarked on a world-wide deployment as the assistant navigating officer and officer of the watch of the destroyer HMS Edinburgh. The tour included a visit to Australia, where he took the salute at the Bicentennial Fleet Review on behalf of the Queen.
From September 1989 to July 1991 the Duke of York served on the frigate HMS Campbeltown as Flight commander and pilot of the Lynx helicopter.
From October 1990 to April 1991 the ship served as the flagship of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Standing Naval Force Atlantic. The Duke of York acted as the Force Aviation Officer during this time. In early 1991 the ships of the force were kept in the approaches to the Mediterranean, as a reserve in case more vessels were needed to support the operations against Iraq during the Gulf War.
After completing the lieutenant's staff course at the Royal Naval College Greenwich, and service both afloat and ashore with the Fleet Air Arm, in 1992 the Duke of York attended the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham and the Staff College, Camberley, to complete the Army Staff Course.
His Royal Highness was promoted Lieutenant-Commander on 1st February 1992. He passed the ship command examination 12th March 1992 and was qualified to assume command of a major warship.
On 27th April 1993 the Duke of York was appointed to command the mine countermeasures vessel HMS Cottesmore. On 14th February 1995 he was appointed the Senior Pilot of 815 Naval Air Squadron, Portland, Dorset. He had qualified for command of a naval air squadron by passing the squadron command examination 16th July 1991.
The squadron provided all operational Lynx helicopter flights carried aboard frigates and destroyers, and was responsible for forming, training and providing administrative backup support for the flights; dealing with engineering support and training; tactical doctrine; flying checks; as well as maintaining four Lynx for pilots' continuation training.
As Senior Pilot, the Duke of York's main role was to supervise flying standards to guarantee an effective operational capability. With more than 80 aircrew, 420 ground staff and 41 helicopters it was the largest helicopter squadron in Europe.
From January 1997 he was in the Directorate of Naval Operations in the Ministry of Defence, London. In April 1999, after promotion to the rank of commander, His Royal Highness served in the Naval Staff Directorate.
Like the Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew is a personal Aide de Camp to the Queen. On 9th December 1996 he became Colonel-in-Chief of the newly created Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment.
Prince Andrew was created Duke of York, Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh on 23rd July 1986. He was appointed a Companion of the Royal Victorian Order in 1979. For service in Operation Corporate, he received the South Atlantic Medal, with the rosette denoting service in the South Atlantic south of 35° South. He also received the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal 1977, the Canadian Forces Decoration, and the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal.
Although a full-time naval officer, the Duke of York has continued to take his part of the public duties of a member of the Royal Family. He has undertaken a number of overseas trips. He is president or patron of a number of organisations, particularly concerned with maritime or aviation matters.
He is an Elder Brother of Trinity House (the general lighthouse and ocean pilotage authority), and has succeeded the Duke of Edinburgh as Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps. He is a trustee of the National Maritime Museum. He is involved with young people's organisations.
Prince Andrew is a keen photographer, and has produced a book of photographs, and illustrated a calendar. He has also produced a series of photographic studies for stamps.
The Duke was in New Zealand from 13th to 18th November 1998. It was his first visit to this country, and came a few months before he was due to retire from the Royal Navy, in which he had served with distinction for twenty years.
His Royal Highness The Duke of York presented a Regimental Banner, called The Prince Andrew Banner, to the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR), of which he is the first Colonel-in-Chief.
The Duke of York had not visited New Zealand before 1998, largely because his overseas trips are limited to those which can be accommodated around his commitment as a serving naval officer.
Had political circumstances been different he would almost certainly have visited in 1988 on HMS Edinburgh, as his ship visited Australia on the world-wide group deployment Exercise Outback 88. A visit to New Zealand was ruled out because of the ban on visits by warships which might be carrying nuclear weapons.
HRH Edward Earl of Wessex
HRH The Prince Edward Antony Richard Louis was born at Buckingham Palace, London, on the 10th March 1964, the fourth and youngest child of HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
After receiving the traditional education from Miss Lavinia Keppel, a royal Governess, Prince Edward attended Gibbs School, Kensington. He then became a boarder at Heatherdown School, Ascot, before attending Gordonstoun School, Morayshire.
Following the example of his elder brothers, he attended Wanganui Collegiate School, Wanganui, New Zealand for two terms as resident house tutor and junior master. He completed his education at Jesus College, University of Cambridge, where he obtained a degree in anthropology, archaeology and history.
On 19th June 1999 Prince Edward married Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones, now Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex, in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Prince Edward embarked upon a career in the Royal Marines in 1983. However, he resigned his commission before completing his training.
Since that time he has worked as a producer, both of stage works, and for television. Beginning on 15th February 1988, as a production assistant with the Theatre Division, Really Useful Theatre Company, the firm of Sir Andrew, now Lord Lloyd Webber, he worked on such musicals as Cats, Starlight Express, Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love, in London and New York.
Leaving the Really Useful Theatre Company in 1990, Prince Edward became production assistant and technical administrator for the Theatre Division Group. Unfortunately, this company proved unsuccessful, closing in 1991.
In 1993 he became Joint Managing Director and Television Producer of a new company, Ardent Productions. This has since produced a documentary for the Australian Broadcasting Company on the Commonwealth, and a documentary on Real Tennis. Annie's Bar, a ten-part political comedy-drama was shown in the United Kingdom in 1996, as was Edward on Edward, a documentary on the Duke of Windsor.
On 19th June 1999, His Royal Highness was created Earl of Wessex and Viscount Severn. He would be created Duke of Edinburgh on the death of his father, in reflection of his involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Schemes. At the same time it was announced that any children the couple might have would not be accorded the traditional royal style of prince or princess and Royal Highness.
Prince Edward was made a Companion of the Royal Victorian Order in 1989. He has received the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal 1977, and the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal.
Prince Edward was made an honorary member of the Ngati-apa, and of the Ngati-tupoho in 1983. He received the Wanganui Collegiate School Honour Tie in 1986.
As well as his professional involvement with the theatre, the Earl of Wessex has become associated with the promotion of youth in the performing arts, especially music and theatre. He is also heavily involved with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, in which he is Chairman of the Special Projects Group, and Chairman of the International Council of the International Association. He is also involved with the Outward Bound movement.
Prince Edward holds the position of Visitor of Queen Victoria School, Auckland. He is President of the Commonwealth Games Federation. He is Patron of the Friends of Wanganui Opera House, and the Performing Arts School, Ponsonby. He is an honorary member of Wanganui Collegiate School Old Boys Association (UK Branch).
The Earl of Wessex has visited New Zealand on a number of occasions, including eight months spent at Wanganui Collegiate School in 1982-83.
In late 1983 he again visited New Zealand was the Special Representative of the Queen at the funeral of the former Governor-General and Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Sir Keith Holyoake, KG GCMG CH. He has also visited in 1986, and in 1990, when he opened the Commonwealth Games in Auckland.
In 1992, Prince Edward visited New Zealand for the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards Scheme. In 1997 he again visited New Zealand for the Award Scheme's triennial forum, which was held in Wellington that year.
HRH Richard Duke of Gloucester
HRH Prince Richard Alexander Walter George was born at Northampton on the 26th August 1944, the second son of HRH The Prince Henry Duke of Gloucester, and Alice, Duchess of Gloucester (now HRH Princess Alice Duchess of Gloucester).
He succeeded to the titles born by his father on the death of HRH Prince Henry Duke of Gloucester on 10th June 1974. These titles are Duke of Gloucester, Earl of Ulster, and Baron Culloden, all created 31st March 1928.
Prince Richard was educated by the royal governess, Miss Catherine Peebles. He later attended Wellesley House, Broadstairs, Kent, and Eton College. He later studied at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966, and a Diploma of Architecture in June 1969.
Trained as an architect, HRH was elected a corporate member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 1972. He worked as an architect in the Offices Development Group, Ministry of Public Buildings and Works 1966-67, and for Hunt Thompson Associates, Camden 1969-74. Since then he has combined his interest in architecture with his royal duties.
HRH Alice Duchess of Gloucester
The Duke of Gloucester was married 8th July 1972 at St Andrew's Church, Barnwell, Northamptonshire, to Birgitte Eva van Deurs, daughter of Asger Preben Wissing Henriksen and Vivian van Deurs. Born Odense, Denmark, 20th June 1946, HRH The Duchess of Gloucester was made a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) 1989. She is also a Dame of Justice of St John of Jerusalem (DStJ).
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester have three children, Lord Alexander Patrick Gregers Richard Windsor, known as the Earl of Ulster, born 24th October 1974; Lady Davina Elizabeth Alice Benedikte Windsor, born 19th November 1977; and Lady Rose Victoria Birgitte Louise Windsor, born 1st March 1980.
The Duke of Gloucester was made a Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (KG) on 23rd April 1997, and installed June 1997. He is a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO), and Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order of St John of Jerusalem (GCStJ). Since 1975 he has been Grand Prior of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, and is also President of the Alliance Orders of St John, which groups the legitimate branches of the ancient charitable organisation.
The Duke of Gloucester carries out a substantial number of public duties but he is still deeply interested in architecture and conservation. The Duke is also President of several amenity and architectural preservation societies. He has also produced three books of photographs.
The Duke of Gloucester has been a member of the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England (English Heritage) since 1988. He is also Chairman of the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee, English Heritage, and was Deputy Chairman of English Heritage 1984-88. He is also Royal Trustee of the British Museum.
Since 1st September 1996 he has been an Honorary Air Marshal of the Royal Air Force. He holds no military appointment in New Zealand, but the Duchess of Gloucester has been Colonel Commandant of the Royal New Zealand Army Education Corps since 1985.
As Special Representative of HM The Queen, the Duke of Gloucester has attended the Independence Celebrations of the Seychelles 1976, the Solomon Islands 1978, St Vincent 1979, and Vanuatu 1980.
In his capacity of Grand Prior of the Order of St John, the Duke, accompanied by the Duchess of Gloucester, visited New Zealand in 1985.
HRH Edward Duke of Kent
HRH Prince Edward George Nicholas Paul Patrick was born on the 9th October 1935, the eldest child of HRH The Prince George Duke of Kent and HRH Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent.
He succeeded to his father's titles as Duke of Kent, Earl of St Andrews, and Baron Downpatrick, on the death of the former on active service, 25th August 1942.
The Duke of Kent attended private classes with Princess Alexandra, near Coppins, the family home. He later attended Ludgrove School, and Eton College, and briefly Le Rosey, Switzerland.
His Royal Highness had a long and distinguished career in the British Army, serving in the Royal Scots Greys (which later became the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards). Promoted Lieutenant-Colonel in 1973, he retired from active service in 1976. He was promoted Field Marshal in 1993.
He also holds the appointments of Colonel of the Scots Guards, and since 1st July 1996 has been an Honorary Air Chief Marshal of the Royal Air Force. The Duke of Kent has been a Personal Aide de Camp to The Queen for over thirty years.
Since retiring from the army, the Duke of Kent has combined royal duties with a business career.
The Duke of Kent was married 8th June 1961 in York Minster to Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley, daughter of Sir William Worsley, Bt. Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent, GCVO, is an Honorary Major-General, and was Controller Commandant Women's Royal Army Corps 1967-92.
The royal couple's children are Lord George Philip Nicholas Windsor, known as the Earl of St Andrews, born 26th June 1962; Lady Helen Marina Lucy Taylor (nee Windsor) born 28th April 1964; Lord Nicholas Charles Edward Jonathan Windsor, born 25th July 1970.
The Earl of St Andrews was educated at Eton College, and Downing and Newnham Colleges, University of Cambridge. After a period spent attached to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office he became a rare books consultant, and is now a specialist in Christie's Books Department. He married 9th January 1988 Sylvana Palma Tomaselli, daughter of Maximilian Tomaselli, and of Madame Josiane V Deniers Prescnez.
The Countess of St Andrews is a tutor in history and politics at Cambridge, and is a writer on an intellectual historian working principally on the Enlightenment. Their children are the Honourable Edward Edmund Maximilian George Windsor called Lord Downpatrick, born 2nd December 1988; Lady Marina-Charlotte Katherine Helen Windsor, born 30th September 1992; and Lady Amelia Sophia Theodora Mary Margaret Windsor, born 24th August 1995.
Lady Helen Windsor is a director of the Karsten Schubert fine art dealer, West End. She married 18th July 1992 at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Timothy Verner Taylor, eldest son of Commander Michael Taylor, Royal Navy, and of Mrs Colin Walkinshaw. He is an art dealer, with Leslie Waddington Gallery, Mayfair. Their children are Columbus George Donald Taylor, born 6th August 1994; and Cassius Edward Taylor, born 26th December 1996.
The Duke of Kent is Grand Master and Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG). He was made a Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (KG) on 6th November 1985, and installed 15th June 1986. Since 27th December 1960 he has been a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO).
The Duke of Kent is a Royal Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), and of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FEng). He is an active freemason, holding the position of First Grand Principal Grand Master of the Supreme Grand Chapter of England of the United Grand Lodge of England. He has been particularly active in opening up freemasonry to the wider public.
The Duke is President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and of the Scout Association. He is a keen photographer and is interested in new technology. As a serving soldier he competed successfully in the British Army of the Rhine Ski Championships.
As Special Representative of HM The Queen, the Duke of Kent was present at the Independence Celebrations of Sierra Leone 1961, Uganda 1962, the Gambia 1965, Guyana 1966, and Barbados 1966.
His Royal Highness visited New Zealand in 1980, and on a number of other occasions on business trips. In 1994 the Duchess of Kent visited New Zealand with the Bach Choir, of which she is a member.
HRH Princess Alexandra Lady Ogilvy
HRH Princess Alexandra Helen Elizabeth Olga Christobel was born at 3 Belgrave Square, London, on the 25th December 1936, the only daughter of HRH The Prince George Duke of Kent and HRH The Princess Marina Duchess of Kent.
Along with her elder brother, Prince Edward Duke of Kent, the Princess was taught in private classes near Coppins, the family home in Buckinghamshire. In 1947 she became a pupil at Heathfield School, near Ascot, the first princess to attend an ordinary school.
Princess Alexandra trained as a student nurse at the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormonde Street, London.
She married 24th April 1963 the Honourable Angus Ogilvy (now the Right Honourable Sir Angus Ogilvy, KCVO ), second son of David Ogilvy Earl of Airlie, KT GCVO MC. Sir Angus is a company director, and also a member of the Advisory Council, The Prince's Trusts, the Council of Business in the Community, and a trustee, The Prince's Trust.
The couple's children are James Robert Bruce Ogilvy, born 29th February 1964, and Marina Victoria Alexandra Ogilvy, born 31st July 1966.
James Ogilvy, who worked in an investment bank in the City of London and is now a publisher, married 30th July 1988 at St Mary the Virgin, Saffron Walden, Julia Rawlinson, daughter of Charles Frederick Melville Rawlinson, and of Jill Rosalind Wesley (daughter of John Wesley). She worked in the Public relations department of Garrards, the Crown Jewellers. They have one child, Flora Alexandra Ogilvy, born 15th December 1994.
Marina Ogilvy married 2nd February 1990 at St Andrew's, Ham, London, Paul Mowatt, a photographer, the son of David and Cathy Mowatt. The couple have two children, Christian Alexander Mowatt, born 4th June 1993, and Zenouska Mowatt, born 26th May 1990.
Princess Alexandra was made a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) on 27th December 1960.
She is President of the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind (Sight Savers), and the Royal Humane Society, as well as Vice-Patron of the Royal Overseas League.
Princess Alexandra's interests include music, reading, tapestry, outdoor recreation including swimming, ski-ing, and riding.
She was Colonel-in-Chief of the Wellington and West Coast and Taranaki Regiment until the re-organisation of the infantry arm of the New Zealand army in 1964.
As Special Representative of HM The Queen, Princess Alexandra attended the Independence Celebrations of Nigeria in 1960 and St Lucia in 1979.
Princess Alexandra visited New Zealand in 1971.
HRH Prince Michael of Kent
HRH Prince Michael George Charles Franklin was born at Coppins, Buckinghamshire, on the 4th July 1942, the younger son of HRH The Prince George Duke of Kent and HRH The Princess Marina Duchess of Kent.
Prince Michael of Kent received his early education from his governess, Miss Catherine Peebles, and later at Sunningdale School and Eton College.
From 1961-81 he served in the 11th Hussars (Prince Albert's Own), later The Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales's). He learnt Russian and qualified as an interpreter in that langauge. The later part of his army career was spent as a major in the Defence Intelligence Service of the Ministry of Defence, London.
He holds the appointment of Honorary Commodore, Royal Naval Reserve. Since leaving the army he has worked full-time in the City of London, where he is on the boards of a number of companies, particularly in the technology field.
Prince Michael married 30th June 1978 in the Rathaus (Town Hall) at Vienna Baroness Marie-Christine Anne Agnes Hedwig Ida von Reibnitz (now HRH Princess Michael of Kent), only daughter of Baron Günther Hubertus von Reibnitz, a Silesian-born German noblemen descended from Konrad von Reibnitz (who lived around 1307-37), whose family were made freiherrs (barons) in 1724 by Emperor Karl VI.
Princess Michael's mother was Countess Marianne Szapary von Szapar, whose Hungarian family were made Barons in 1690, and Grafs (Counts) in 1722.
Princess Michael lived at Kitzbuhel, Austria and Vienna 1945-51, and accompanied her mother to Australia in 1951. In 1965 she went to the United Kingdom, following two years spent in Africa with her father. She later established her own business as an interior designer.
The children of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent are Lord Frederick Michael George David Louis Windsor, born 6th April 1979, and Lady Gabriella Marina Alexandra Ophelia Windsor, born 23rd April 1981.
Prince Michael of Kent was made a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in 1992.
Prince Michael is, like his brother the Duke of Kent, an active freemason, and is Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, and Provisional Grand Master of the Province of Middlesex. He is President of the British Bobsleigh Association, the Society of Genealogists, and the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain. He is also Commonwealth President of the Royal Life-Saving Society.
As Special Representative of HM The Queen, Prince Michael of Kent was present at the Independence Celebrations of Belize in 1981. He has represented Her Majesty on a number of other occasions, particularly in Africa. In 1997 he was in New Zealand for the Wellington to Sydney leg of BT Global Challenge yacht race. He again visited in 1999, in connection with his masonic activities, and in 2000 as Commonwealth President of the Royal Life-Saving Society.
© 2004 The Monarchist League of New Zealand, Inc.