Photo of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her daughter, Anne, Princess Royal. 2016.
Updated: March 22, 2021.
This active article will be re-written and updated as information changes.
It Is Destiny For Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
If King Edward VIII had not abdicated his position in 1936, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second would still have been the Queen today.
First, let us examine how Her Majesty came to be in the House of Windsor.
Let's start with Her Majesty Queen Victoria (born May 24, 1819) who became the queen at the age of 18 after the death of her uncle, King William IV (William Henry), on June 20, 1837 at the age of 71.
William IV was the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and King of Hanover. He reigned from 1830-1837.
Victoria's parents were Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn (1769-1820) and Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Sealfeld (1786-1861).
Upon the death of King William IV, his brother, Ernest Augustus I, become the King of Hanover. King William IV had no surviving legitimate children, but had 10 illegitimate children with actress, Dorothea Jordan. His eldest illegitimate son, George, was given the created title of Earl of Munster. They became estranged.
His niece, Princess Alexandrina Victoria of Kent, was declared the successor. Her height was the shortest of any queen, only 5 foot and shorter before her death.
Her father's eldest brothers, George IV (1762-1830) and Prince Fredrick, Duke of York (1763-1827) also had no legitimate children. Her father's first younger sister, Charlotte, Princess Royal, Queen of Wurttemberg (b. 1766) died in 1828.
George III (father of George IV, Fredrick, William IV, Charlotte; 15 children in all) had acquired the large townhouse, Buckingham House (built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1705) as a private residence for Queen Charlotte (1744-1818). It became known as "The Queen's House".
The St. James Palace at Pall Mall remained the official and ceremonial royal residence.
Over the years, Buckingham House went through construction of the external facade and renovations, enlarged with three wings and a courtyard. Queen Victoria moved into the "Buckingham Palace" on her accession in 1837. The Palace then became the official royal palace of the British monarch.
Queen Victoria had the title of Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Empress of India of the British Raj.
She proposed to her first cousin, Prince Albert (Francis Albert Augustus Charles Emmanuel), October 20, 1839 and they married February 10, 1840. Albert was known as the Prince Consort, They had nine children: Victoria, Edward, Alice, Alfred, Helena, Louise, Arthur, Leopold and Beatrice.
Their first son, Edward VII (Albert Edward) was born November 9, 1841.
Prince Albert and their son, Edward VII, belonged to the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Due to the primitive sanitary conditions in their royal residence, the Windsor Castle, Prince Albert passed away in the Blue Room from typhoid fever on December 14, 1861 at the age of 42.
Deeply in mourning, Queen Victoria wore black for the rest of her life and stayed in isolation.
It would be nearly 5 years in 1866, that she would attend the State Opening of Parliament for the first time since her husband's death.
She reigned for 63 years and 216 days having passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage on January 22, 1901 at the age of 81. She was the last of the House of Hanover.
She outlived 3 of her children and 11 of her 42 grandchildren.
The eldest daughter, Victoria ("Vicki") was the widow of Emperor Fredrick III. She had inoperable breast cancer in 1899. The cancer spread to her spine and she died August 5, 1901.
The duties went to the first-born son, Edward VII. His Coronation was August 9, 1902. He was 60. He was a heavy smoker. He had suffered severe bronchitis and on his last day of life, May 6, 1910, and he had several heart attacks. He refused to be put in bed even in illness and feeling faint. He said, "No. I shall not give in; I shall go on; I shall work to the end". When his second son, George V, told him of his horse winning at Kempton Park, his last words were, "Yes I have heard of it, I am very glad". He went into unconsciousness and was put to bed where he died 15 minutes later. He was 68.
His first-born son, Prince Albert Victor, the Duke of Clarence and Avondale, had died previously from pneumonia on January 14, 1892. Therefore, George (George Frederick Ernest Albert) became the King on May 6, 1910.
The Coronation of George V was on June 22, 1911. He was 46. The wife of King-Emperor George V was Mary of Teck. She became Queen Mary on this day.
During the First World War, on October 28, 1915, King George V was thrown by his horse at a troop review in France. He was seriously injured. He was a heavy smoker, as well, and suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pleurisy.
On July 17, 1917, By Royal Proclamation, King George V founded The House of Windsor. The house name of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha changed to Windsor, from Windsor Castle, one of the royal family properties. This became the royal family's surname too.
In November 1928, King George V became ill with sepsis. His son, Edward, took over his duties in the next two years.
On January 15, 1936, His Majesty King George V complained of a cold and went into his bedroom. He never left that room again. He was the age of 70. Getting weaker and going in and out of consciousness, by January 20, he was close to death. On Monday night, January 20, Lord Dawson of Penn was the physician. It was said the nurse had given him a "sedative", however, the nurse had refused to administer a lethal dose to the King. So, Lord Dawson did it himself. In his diary, Lord Dawson wrote, he hastened the King's death by giving him two consecutive lethal injections of cocaine and morphine. The last words of King George V was "God damn you!".
According to Lord Dawson, It was to hasten the King's end to prevent further strain on the family. His wife, Mary, did not want the king's suffering "needlessly prolonged". It was so the King's death at 11:55pm could be announced in the morning edition of The Times newspaper instead of the "less appropriate... evening journals".
His eldest son, Edward VIII (Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David), reigned for only 326 days from January 20 to December 11, 1936. He wanted to marry an American woman, Wallis Simpson, a divorced socialite. She had filed for divorce from her second husband, Ernest Simpson. The Church of England opposed to Edward VIII marrying her. People would never accept her as a queen. He could have married her and still continued serving as king, however he chose to abdicate. Mrs. Simpson pretty much had control over him.
On December 11, 1936, he made an announcement from Windsor Castle on a BBC Radio broadcast and said, "I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as king as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love". King Edward VIII shocked the world. He gave up the throne. He was never crowned. He was 42.
They were married in France on June 3, 1937. They became the Duke and Duchess of Windsor living in exile. They mostly lived in France and the United States.
Edward VIII passed away from throat cancer on May 28, 1972 at the age of 77. She died on April 24, 1986 at the age of 89. They are both buried together on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
We will come back to Edward VIII later.
Edward's younger brother, Albert, known as "Bertie", in 1916, at a tea party, met Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon). Her mother was Cecilia Cavendish-Bentinck (1862-1938), a descendant of the Marquess Wellesley (brother of the Duke of Wellington) and Kings of Ireland. Her father was Claude Bowes-Lyon, 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne (1855-1944).
However, he significantly met Elizabeth on July 8, 1920 at the Royal Air Force Ball at the Ritz in London. He fell in love with her that night and began courting her.
He proposed to her in 1921. She refused.
He proposed to her again in March 1922. She refused again. Lady Elizabeth said, "You spoil me. You must know I like proposals. But I'm afraid not, Bertie. It just wouldn't do".
He was deeply in love with her. He had a stammer when he spoke.
On January 2, 1923, now 27, Albert took Elizabeth to dinner at Claridge's and the theater. He tried to propose to her again. She laughed and said, "If you're going to keep this up forever, I might as well say 'yes' now. And so I do.". She accepted on January 14, 1923.
They married on April 26, 1923 in Westminster Abbey. She was now known as "Elizabeth, Duchess of York" at the age of 22.
They had two issues:
Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born April 21, 1926.
Princess Margaret Rose was born August 21, 1930. She passed away from a third stroke on February 9, 2002 at the age of 71 during the week of her sister's Golden Jubilee Celebration.
The funeral was held at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, February 15, 2002, 50 years to the day since the funeral of her father, King George VI.
Upon the voluntary renouncement by his brother, Edward VIII...the second issue, Albert, Duke of York (Albert Frederick Arthur George), was restyled as "George VI", who became King on December 11, 1936.
The Coronation was May 12, 1937. He was 41.
He was the last Emperor of India and the first Head of the Commonwealth.
Lady Elizabeth became the Queen consort of Ireland and Empress consort of India.
Her mother, the countess, Cecilia, had a heart attack in April 1938 during the wedding of her granddaughter, Anne Bowes-Lyon, to Thomas, Viscount Anson. She passed away on June 23, 1938 at the age of 75 in London.
Her father, the earl, Claude, became extremely deaf later in life. He died from bronchitis November 7, 1944 at the age of 89 at Glamis Castle in Scotland.
Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh were married, November 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey. He was 26. She was 21.
They are celebrating their 73rd Royal Wedding Anniversary. It is the longest marriage of British sovereign.
Prince Philip is not known as the prince consort. He is "Prince of the United Kingdom".
Prince Philip is the longest-serving royal consort in British history and the oldest spouse of a reigning British monarch. He is the oldest male royal in British history.
It was announced by Buckingham Palace, May 4, 2017, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has retired from his royal duties beginning in August 2017. He is now the age of 99.
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is the oldest living great-great-great grandson of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is his third cousin through Queen Victoria of Great Britain and second cousin once removed through King Christian IX of Denmark.
On December 15, 2016, His Royal Highness, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is the oldest living male descendant ever of Queen Victoria having broke the record set by the death of Count Carl Johan Bernadotte of Wisburg at 95 years, 6 months, 5 days (May 5, 2012).
On February 4, 2023, Prince Philip would surpass Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, The Queen Mother as longest-lived overall consort.
On February 6, 1952 at the Sandringham House in Norfolk, King George VI died unexpectedly in his sleep (coronary thrombosis) at the age of 56. King George VI had no male siblings, so their first-born daughter, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, (Her Royal Highness the Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh) immediately became "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II" at the age of 26 + 291 days. Elizabeth was away from her father at the time having spent the night at Treetops Hotel and then returning to their Kenyan residence, Sagana Lodge.
The widow, Elizabeth, Duchess of York, was now officially known as "Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother".
The coronation for Princess Elizabeth did not take place for nearly one year and four months because it was considered inappropriate to have the ceremony during the time of mourning. Elizabeth's grandmother, Queen Mary of Teck died March 24, 1953 and stated in her Will that her death should not affect the planning of the coronation.
The Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was on Tuesday, June 2, 1953 in Westminster Abbey and for the first time was televised by the BBC Television Service.
June 2, 2018 marked the 65th Anniversary of the Coronation.
Her Majesty is Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and the Head of the Commonwealth to Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II is a
constitutional monarch, the longest-living and longest-reigning British Monarch. She surpassed King George III (1738-1820) and Queen Victoria (1819-1901) at 81 years of age.
On September 9, 2015, Her Majesty The Queen became the longest-reigning monarch in British and Commonwealth history surpassing her great-great-grandmother, Her Majesty Queen Victoria, who served 63 years + 216 days. She is also the longest-reigning female monarch in world history. Also the world's longest-reigning queen regnant and female head of state.
On October 13, 2016, she became the longest-reigning current monarch living and the longest current head of state.
On November 21, 2017, she became the oldest current head of state.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II is currently the age of 93.
Every year, The Queen's Christmas Message is broadcast on radio and television on December 25 at 2:59pm London Time / 9:59am Eastern Time / 6:59am Pacific Time.
In the USA, The first C-SPAN channel also broadcasts it.
The pre-recorded Royal Christmas Message is also on the British monarch's YouTube Channel on the Internet.
On February 6, 2021, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II reached the 69th Anniversary of the day she was proclaimed the Queen and her accession to the British throne.
Sadly, this day also marks 69 years since the passing of her father, HRH King George VI.
The Longest-Lived State Leader Ever in the World: Chau Sen Cocsal Chhum (1905-2009), Former Prime Minister of Cambodia in 1962. 103 years + 143 days.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Longest Reigning Female Monarch EVER.
On February 6, 2022, Her Majesty could reach the 70th Anniversary of her being proclaimed "Her Majesty The Queen" and accession to the British thrones. She will be 95 years of age by this time.
This will mark the first time ever in British royal history a "Platinum Jubilee" could be held if they decide to do so, in her Majesty's honor.
On June 11, 2022, Her Majesty could become the world's longest-serving head of state ever, as well as, the longest-reigning Monarch having reigned
only as an adult, surpassing Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Rama IX of Thailand (of Chakri dynasty), 70 years + 126 days. Age 18-88.
On May 27, 2024, Her Majesty could surpass Louis XIV, King of France and Navarre as the longest-reigning monarch of a major country in European history, 72 years + 110 days (26,407 days). He reigned from age 5 to 76, May 14, 1643-September 1, 1715.
On December 15, 2027, Her Majesty would surpass the age of her mother Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, The Queen Mother when she passed March 30, 2002 at the age of 101 years + 238 days.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be the last female monarch of the British throne to reign in our lifetime.
"God Save The Queen"
The longest lived British King is George III, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, later King of Hanover from 1760-1820. He died at 81 years + 239 days (January 29, 1820).
When His Royal Highness Prince Charles becomes King, he could break this record on July 10, 2030.
The longest-lived male British ruler was Richard Cromwell as "Lord Protector (1658-1659) whom lived 85 years + 282 days.
The longest-serving male monarch ever (verified) is King Sohuza of Swaziland, Sobhuza II (1899-1982). His reign began at 4 months old. His grandmother, Labotsibeni Mdluli, acted as regent until December 22, 1921. He served 82 years + 254 days. He died at the age of 83.
The longest current-reigning "constitutional" male monarch is King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. Reign: September 15, 1973 to present. 47 years. He is 74. He is the longest reigning monarch in Swedish history.
Her Majesty The Queen's eldest son, HRH Charles, Prince of Wales, is next in line to succeed to the British throne. He is the oldest and longest-serving heir apparent and will be the oldest King to do so.
On September 9, 2017, he broke the record of his great-great-grandfather, Edward VII, as the longest serving heir apparent to the British throne: 59 years. 2 months, 13 days.
Previously, William IV became the oldest King at the age of 64 years + 309 days on June 26, 1830.
If his mother has the same longevity as his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, then Prince Charles will have a much shorter reign as King, perhaps 15 years or less.
The entire British Royal Family all seem to be very healthy, don't you agree?
As of February 6, 2021, His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Wales has been in royal succession to the throne for 68 years. He is the age of 72.
The longest-lived British King was George III at the age of 81 years + 239 days on January 29, 1820.
Did you know Prince Charles is known as "The Duke of Rothesay" in Scotland?
His first-born son, His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales (William Arthur Philip Louis), will also become the King someday as he is second in line of succession to the thrones. In Scotland, he is His Royal Highness The Earl of Strathearn. He is currently the age of 38.
Prince William married Kate Middleton in a Royal Wedding in Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. It was broadcast on radio, television and the Internet worldwide.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has given Prince William a gift of 3 titles on this day: Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus.
Princess Catherine is known as Her Royal Highness The Countess of Strathearn.
When William, Duke of Cambridge is King, upon accession, he may be titled "King William V". His wife. Kate. will become the queen consort, known as "Queen Catherine". She is the age of 39.
They have three issues:
Prince George of Cambridge, (George Alexander Louis), born July 22, 2013. He is third in line to the Thrones. Upon accession, he may be titled "King George VII". He is the age of 7.
Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, (Charlotte Elizabeth Diana), born May 2, 2015. She is the age of 5.
Prince Louis of Cambridge, (Louis Arthur Charles), born April 23, 2018. He is the age of 2.
Prince Henry of Wales and Ms. Meghan Markle had their Royal Wedding on Saturday, May 19, 2018 in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. He was 33. She was 36. On this day, the Queen has given Prince Henry a gift of 3 titles: Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel.
Meghan Markle was an American actress. She met HRH Prince Henry of Wales in June 2016. She is african-american and caucasian.
They have one issue:
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, born May 6, 2019. He is the age of 1.
They are expecting a baby girl this summer.
As of January 2020, the couple wanted to remove themselves from royal duty and live a more financially independent life. They moved away from the United Kingdom and now have home in Montecito, near Santa Barbara, California in the United States. It was decided they can no longer use their royal titles. They still make public appearances for charities.
Prince Henry's uncle, The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie Rhys-Jones were married in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on June 19, 1999.
This will also be the burial place of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to be at rest with her family.
Now let's go back to Edward VIII. Let us imagine that he did not give up his duties as the King and continued until his death on May 28, 1972. He had no children to pass the throne and scepter to.
His brother, George VI, had passed away February 6, 1952. So then the heir would be the first-born and eldest daughter of Lady Elizabeth and George VI, Princess Elizabeth in 1972.
So as you see, Her Majesty would have become Queen Elizabeth II anyway. It was meant to be. It was her destiny.
Her issues with His Royal Highness Duke of Edinburgh (Philip Mountbatten) are:
Charles, Prince of Wales (Charles Philip Arthur George), born November 14, 1948. He is 72.
Anne, Princess Royal (Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise), born August 15, 1950. She is 70.
Andrew, Duke of York (Andrew Albert Christian Edward), born February 19, 1960. He is 61.
Edward, Earl of Wessex (Edward Anthony Richard Louis), born March 10, 1964. He is 57.
In 1960, Philip and Elizabeth decreed their descendants would carry the last name Mountbatten-Windsor and may use it if needed too.
Prince Charles married Lady Diana Francis Spencer on July 29, 1981. He was 32 years of age. She was 19. It was a Royal Wedding in St. Paul's Cathedral broadcast LIVE on television all over the world. It was estimated 750 million people watched on television.
They have two issues:
Prince William of Wales (William Arthur Philip Louis), born June 21, 1982. He is 38.
Prince Henry of Wales (Henry Charles Albert David), born September 15, 1984. He is 36.
The public just adored Diana, Princess of Wales and she received the people with great class and dignity.
The marriage became troubled in 1993. In December 1995, The Queen recommended Prince Charles of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales should make "an early divorce". The divorce was finalized August 28, 1996.
One year later, on August 31, 1997 at 12:25am, Diana was in a horrible car accident in the Pont de l'Alma underpass tunnel in Paris, France. She was pronounced dead at 4:00am in the Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital. She was the age of 36.
Diana was vacationing with her new romantic companion, Egyptian producer, Dodi Fayed (the son of Egyptian businessman and billionaire, Mohamed Al-Fayed). She was set to go back to London to be with her children, but Dodi insisted on going to Paris in his plane. Having no other way to get back to London but on his plane, she had to delay getting back to London one more day.
On the night of August 30, Dodi Fayed and Diana went to have dinner in the Imperial Suite of the Hotel Ritz Paris. Dodi's father, Mohamed Al-Fayed, had owned the restaurant since 1979. They cancelled dinner and Dodi decided they should go back to the hotel. Dodi and his father created a plan to escape from the photographers. They went out the back way of The Ritz to meet the limo.
The driver, Henri Paul, an off-duty acting security manager of the Hotel Ritz Paris, was driving fast and made a sudden left turn into the Pont de l'Alma tunnel. At high speed, the Mercedes car crashed into the 13th pillar and then the wall.
The accident was blamed on the intoxicated chauffeur, Henri Paul, driving at 180 kilometres. It was also blamed on the photojournalists (paparazzi) chasing after the car just for a picture of Diana.
The final report said they were "unlawfully killed partly due to the gross negligence of the driver, Henri Paul, and the paparazzi. It was an accident". Mr. Paul was drunk-driving and lack of seat belts contributed to the death. No one was wearing a seat belt.
Dodi Fayed was dead at the accident along with Henri Paul. British bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones was the only survivor. His face was flattened with numerous broken or crushed bones. His face was reconstructed with 150 pieces of titanium to hold the bones together.
Diana had a two-year relationship with Dr. Hasnat Khan. He had met with Diana in a park and they had an argument. He ended the relationship before she went back to Dodi Fayed for vacation. One day, Diana apparently tried to contact Hasnet's uncle to find out how he was. That final night on August 30, Dr. Hasnet Khan tried to phone Diana several times on her mobile phone. She did not or was unable to return the calls.
Diana's death was kept a secret for 2 hours until they could notify Prince Charles of Wales.
Interesting note:
After the death of Wallis Simpson in 1986, Mohamed Al-Fayed took over the lease, signing a 50-year lease, of Villa Windsor in Paris, the former home of Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor and Duchess of Windsor whom both died in the house.
Dodi Fayed and Diana, Princess of Wales visited the villa for half an hour on the day of their deaths in 1997.
The Procession and Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales took place on September 6, 1997. Prince William, 15, and Prince Henry, almost 13, walked behind the funeral cortege. It was broadcast globally from the BBC. They believe 32.10 million people watched the funeral on television.
HRH William, The Duke of Cambridge and his brother Henry, Duke of Sussex, are living longer than their mother did.
On March 20, 2002, Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, The Queen Mother passed away at the age of 101 years + 238 days. Just six weeks earlier, she had appeared at the funeral of her second daughter, Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowden.
Prince Charles married Camilla Rosemary Shand on April 5, 2005. He was 56. She was 57.
They met in 1971 and ended their relationship in 1973. They rekindled their relationship in 1986. Charles and Camille had an affair in 1991. Camilla divorced Andrew Parker Bowles in 1995.
This is a second marriage for Charles and Camilla. She prefers to be known as Duchess of Cornwall. She is also known as Duchess of Rothesay, Countess of Chester. She is currently the age of 73. Their official residence is Clarence House.
When Charles, Prince of Wales becomes King, Camilla will be the oldest "Princess Consort" (or queen consort, if she accepts that title). She has two grown children and grandchildren from her past marriage in 1973-95.
The oldest queen consort was Alexandra of Denmark, wife of Edward VII at 56 years + 52 days in 1901.
Buckingham House was a townhouse built for John Sheffield, Duke of Buckingham (1648-1721) in 1703. It was acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte (1744-1818) and became known as "The Queen House". It was enlarged and 3 wings were constructed around a central courtyard. It became the official residence of Britain's monarchs when Queen Victoria moved in upon accession to the throne in 1837. In 1847, the current face of the Palace with the balcony that faces the Mall, was built to the plans of Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert.
Buckingham Palace, located in the City of Westminster, central London, has 775 rooms including 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms and 78 bathrooms. It is part of a $500m future plan for it to go through 10 years of maintenance and renovations.
It has been said HRH Prince Charles of Wales has no desire to move into Buckingham Palace when he becomes King. He may move the Royal Family out of the Palace and into smaller quarters, possibly across the park into St. James. Buckingham Palace would still be used for official business and could be open for visitors and tourists.
It is currently the weekday home of Her Majesty The Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, and the London residence of Prince Andrew. Duke of York and Prince Edward, Duke of Wessex and his wife, Sophia, Countess of Wessex. Prince Henry, Duke of Sussex and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex have an office there.
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, was born October 7, 1935. He is currently the age of 85. His parents were Prince George, Duke of Kent (1902-42) and Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent (1906-68). He is the grandson of King George V (1865-1936) and Queen Mary (1867-1953). He has reigned since August 25, 1942. He is the first cousin to HM Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He is the second cousin to Prince Charles of Wales and his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. He is 36th in line of succession to the British throne.
The Duke and Duchess of Kent live at Wren House, Kensington Palace, London.
He married Katharine, Duchess of Kent on June 8, 1961.
They have 3 issues:
George Windsor Earl of St. Andrews, born June 26, 1962.
Lady Helen Taylor, born April 28, 1964.
Lord Nicholas Windsor, born July 25, 1970.
His Royal Highness Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, Earl of Ulster and Baron Culloden was born August 26, 1944. He is the age of 76.
His parents were Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (1900-1974) and Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester (1901-2004). The youngest grandchild of George V and Queen Mary (of Tech).
He is the senior male line descendant of Queen Victoria (1819-1901).
His full title: His Royal Highness Prince Richard Alexander Walter George, Duke of Gloucester, Earl of Ulster and Baron Culloden, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, Grand Prior of the Order of St. John, Service Medal of the Order of St. John.
His Royal Highness is 27th in line of succession to the British throne. He carries out official duties on behalf of his cousin, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, including the inauguration of His Holiness Pope Francis on March 19, 2013 and the reburial of King Richard III (1452-1485) in March 2015.
He married Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester on July 8, 1972:
They have 3 issues:
Alexander Windsor, Earl of Ulster, born October 24, 1974.
Lady Davina, born November 19, 1977.
Lady Rose, born March 1, 1980.
Prince Richard's mother, Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, died October 29, 2004 at the age of 102 + 319 days, the longest-lived member of the British royal family in history.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh would surpass her on April 24, 2024.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II would surpass her on March 7, 2029.
Kensington Palace in London is the official residence of The Duke & Duchess of Kent and Prince & Princess Michael of Kent, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, as well as, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their son George, daughter Charlotte and son Louis, in the renovated Apartment 1A (former residence of Princess Margaret). The Princess Eugenie of York and her husband Jack Brooksbank live in Ivy Cottage.
Kensington Palace has been the official residence of the British Royal Family since 1689.
Footnotes:
The British Royal Family began with King James IV whom reigned 1488 to his death in 1513 in the Battle of Flodden. His marriage to Margaret Tudor (of England) in 1503 linked the royal houses of Scotland and England.
His parents were James III, King of Scots (1451/52-1488) whom also died in war in Battle of Sauchieburn, and Margaret of Denmark (1456-1486).
The British Royal Family can be traced back to 519 AD to Cerdic, the first King of Wessex. Other sources claim to trace the genealogy to biblical characters King Zedekiah to Queen Tea Tephi and then as far back as Adam & Eve (4000 - 3070 B.C.)
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, currently the age of 85, is the grandson of King George V (1865-1936) and Queen Mary (1867-1953). HM Queen Elizabeth II is his first cousin. He is 37th in line of succession to the British throne. He is married to Katharine Worsley (Duchess of Kent). She is 88.
Their elder son, George Windsor, Earl of St. Andrews is 37th in line of succession.
HM King Harald V of Norway, born February 21, 1937. Currently the age of 84. He is 80th in line of succession to the British throne. His first cousin once removed was George VI, the King of the United Kingdom (1895-1952). His paternal grandaunt was Queen Mary of the United Kingdom (Mary of Teck 1867-1853).
HRH Frederick The Crown Prince of Denmark, Count of Monpezat, born May 26, 1968 in Copenhagen, Denmark. He is the age of 52. He is a descendant of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom (1819-1901) through her granddaughter, Princess Margaret of Connaught (1882-1920), daughter of her third son, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn (1850-1942).
He is approximately 231 in line to the British throne.
His mother is Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark (born April 16, 1940), currently the age of 80. She also reigns Greenland and Faroe Islands. His father was Henrik, Prince Consort of Denmark (1934-2018).
HRH Ernst August V, Prince of Hanover, Duke of Brunswick and Luneberg, born February 26, 1954 in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany. He is currently the age of 67. He is a direct senior male-line descendant of King George III (1738-1820). He was also the nephew of Prince George William of Hanover (1915-2006, aged 90) whose wife was Princess Sophie of Greece and Denmark (1914-2001), an elder sister of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the husband to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
His line of succession to the British throne is approximately 544.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in White Drawing Room in Windsor Castle, November 2017. Photo by Matt Holyoak/Camerapress. In honor of their 70 years of marriage.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her eldest grandson, His Royal Highness Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, 2016. The future King.
Official Royal Wedding photo of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, May 19, 2018. Photo by Alexi Lubomirski.
Photo of dining room titled British Royal Christmas 2014.
Imperial State Crown, made in 1937.
Back of Imperial State Crown displayed.
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