Yearly Archives: 2014

Prince Maurice of Battenberg

by Susan Flantzer  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Prince Maurice of Battenberg; By Royal Photographers Bassano National Portrait Gallery, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74566003

Prince Maurice of Battenberg was born on October 3, 1891, at Balmoral Castle, his grandmother’s beloved home in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He was the third son and the youngest of the four children of Princess Beatrice of the United Kingdom, Queen Victoria’s youngest child, and Prince Henry of Battenberg. The birth of a prince in Scotland was cause for great celebration. A royal salute was fired, a bonfire was built, and the locals who lived and worked on the Balmoral estate drank whiskey to the newborn prince’s health, paraded, and danced.

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The Baptism of Prince Maurice of Battenberg by George Ogilvy Reid; Credit – The National Galleries of Scotland

The infant prince was christened on October 31, 1891, in the drawing-room of Balmoral Castle. It was the first christening of a prince in Scotland for 300 years. Queen Victoria, the proud grandmother, commissioned a painting to commemorate the christening (above).  She can be seen in the painting by the Scottish artist Sir George Reid holding her grandson, dressed in the same christening gown used by so many princes and princesses before him, with the baby’s father Prince Henry, wearing the Royal Stuart tartan, standing next to her. The new prince was given the names Maurice (his father’s middle name), Victor (after his grandmother Queen Victoria), and Donald (a compliment to Scotland).

His godparents were:

Prince Maurice had three older siblings, two brothers and a sister:

Princess Beatrice and her children; Photo Credit – Wikipedia

Prince Maurice’s mother was one of two daughters (Princess Alice was the other) of Queen Victoria who was a hemophilia carrier. His brother Leopold was a hemophiliac and died during a hip operation. His sister Victoria Eugénie, known as Ena, was a hemophilia carrier and had two hemophiliac sons. For more information on hemophilia in Queen Victoria’s family see Unofficial Royalty: Hemophilia in Queen Victoria’s Descendants.

Queen Victoria had allowed Maurice’s parents to marry under the condition that Beatrice and Henry live permanently in the United Kingdom with her. Henry was increasingly bored with court activity and longed to do something on his own. Ten years after his marriage, Henry pleaded with his mother-in-law to allow him to join the Ashanti expedition fighting in the Anglo-Ashanti Wars. Queen Victoria reluctantly agreed and Henry left for Africa on December 6, 1895. In Africa, Henry contracted malaria, was sent back home but died aboard the ship on January 20, 1896. Maurice was four years old, the same age his mother Beatrice was when her father Prince Albert died.

 

Maurice was the child that most resembled his father and he was his mother’s favorite. He attended Lockers Park School, a day and boarding preparatory school in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England, and then attended Wellington College in Crowthorne, Berkshire, England.

Prince Maurice; Photo Credit – Wikipedia

In 1900, Prince Maurice’s much older first cousin Prince Christian Victor of Schleswig-Holstein, son of Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Helena, was participating in the Boer War when he came down with malaria and then enteric fever and subsequently died. Maurice was upset with his cousin’s death especially since Christian Victor had served with his father in the Anglo-Ashanti Wars. Prince Christian Victor’s regiment was the 60th King’s Royal Rifles.  The news of Prince Christian Victor’s death arrived at Balmoral Castle where Maurice’s family and Christian Victor’s family were both staying. In his dressing gown, Maurice went to the room of Christian Victor’s sister Princess Helena Victoria (known as Thora), and said, “Cousin Thora, it may comfort you to know that I have decided to join the 60th when I am old enough.”

In 1910, Prince Maurice fulfilled this promise to his cousin Thora and joined the 60th King’s Royal Rifles. When World War I started, all three of Princess Beatrice’s sons were serving in the British Army and the princess received a letter asking her what effort she would play in the effort to win the war. Princess Beatrice replied that her husband had died on active duty and that all three of her sons had left for the front on August 12, 1914, just eight days after the United Kingdom had declared war.

On October 27, 1914, Prince Maurice was leading an attack on the German frontline at Zonnebeke near Ypres in the Belgian province of West Flanders when he was mortally wounded by shrapnel. The platoon sergeant tried to offer help to the wounded prince, but Maurice, aged 23, died before his men could bring him to a safer place. Upon hearing the news, King George V, Prince Maurice’s first cousin, and Queen Mary drove to Kensington Palace to console Princess Beatrice. Lord Kitchener, Secretary of State for War, offered to bring Prince Maurice’s body back to England, but Princess Beatrice replied, “No, let him lie with his comrades.” Prince Maurice was buried in the Ypres Town Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium.

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Prince Maurice’s grave in 1915; Photo Credit – http://media.iwm.org.uk

On November 5, 1914, a memorial service for Prince Maurice was held at the Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace in London. Those who attended included Princess Beatrice, King George V, Queen Mary, Queen Alexandra, Prime Minister Herbert Asquith, Field Marshal Kitchener, Field Marshal Grenfell, and the former Empress Eugénie of France whose only child was killed in 1879 while serving with the British in the Anglo-Zulu War.

Prince Maurice’s grave today; Photo Credit – Wikipedia

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Sources
Dennison, Matthew. The Last Princess. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2007. Print.
Duff, David. The Shy Princess. London: William Clowes and Sons, Limited, 1958. Print.
“Prince Maurice of Battenberg.” Wikipedia. Web. 13 Oct. 2014.

Princess Beatrice, Mrs. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi

by Susan Flantzer  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Princess Beatrice, Mrs. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi; Credit – Wikipedia

Princess Beatrice of York was born on August 8, 1988, at 8:18 pm at Portland Hospital in London, England. She is the elder of the two daughters of Prince Andrew, Duke of York and his former wife née Sarah Ferguson. Princess Beatrice has a younger sister, Princess Eugenie (born 1990). As male-line grandchildren of a British sovereign, Beatrice and Eugenie have the style Royal Highness and the title Princess and they used the name of the area over which her father holds his dukedom, York, in their title until their marriages.

Royalty - Duke and Duchess of York holding their daughter Princess Beatrice - Balmoral

The infant princess and her parents; Photo Credit – www.parentdish.co.uk

Princess Beatrice was christened on December 20, 1988, in the Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace in London, England by John Habgood, Archbishop of York. She was given the names Beatrice (after the youngest daughter of Queen Victoria), Elizabeth (after her paternal grandmother), and Mary (after Queen Mary, her great-great-great-grandmother). Her godparents were:

  • David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon (her father’s first cousin)
  • Peter Palumbo, Baron Palumbo (her maternal grandfather’s friend)
  • The Duchess of Roxburghe (the former Lady Jane Grosvenor, later Lady Jane Dawnay)
  • The Honourable Mrs. John Greenall (her mother’s friend, the former Gabrielle James)
  • Mrs. Henry Cotterell (her mother’s friend, the former Carolyn Beckwith-Smith)
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Princess Beatrice’s christening; Photo Credit – entertainment.xin.msn.com

Princess Beatrice has one sibling:

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Beatrice, on right, with her sister on Eugenie’s first day at Upton House School; Photo Credit – www.gettyimages.com

Princess Beatrice started her schooling in 1991 at Upton House School in Windsor, Berkshire, England. In 1995, Beatrice began attending Coworth Park School in Windlesham, Surrey, England which merged in 2004 with Flexlands School to become Coworth Flexlands School.  From 2000-2007, Beatrice attended St. George’s School in Ascot, Berkshire, England. She completed A-levels in Drama, History, and Film Studies, and in her final year, she was Head Girl.  In September 2008, Beatrice started a three-year course studying for a Bachelors degree in History and History of Ideas at Goldsmiths College, University of London, England graduating in 2011.

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Princess Beatrice with her parents at her graduation from Goldsmiths College; Photo Credit – www.dailymail.co.uk

On her 18th birthday, Beatrice said she wanted to use her position to assist others through charity work. In 2007, she became a global ambassador for Children in Crisis, a charity founded by her mother, Sarah, Duchess of York, whose goal is to help educate children and women in some of the poorest countries. In April 2010, Beatrice became the first member of the Royal Family to complete the London Marathon. She ran with friends as part of Team Caterpillar to raise money for several charities including Children in Crisis.

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Beatrice, third from the left, with Team Caterpillar at the 2010 London Marathon; Photo Credit – www.zimio.com

In 2010, Princess Beatrice and six friends founded The Big Change Charitable Trust which identifies and supports projects that improve the lives of young people. The Big Change works in partnership with charitable projects throughout the United Kingdom which inspire and encourage young people to be the very best that they can be. In September 2012, Beatrice and her fellow founders climbed Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps in The Big Change’s first fundraising project: The Big Climb.

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Beatrice climbing Mont Blanc; Photo Credit – http://thedukeofyork.org

Beatrice is involved with other organizations including:

In 2009, Princess Beatrice appeared as an extra, portraying a lady-in-waiting, in the film The Young Victoria which focused on the early reign of Queen Victoria, and her marriage to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are Beatrice’s great-great-great grandparents.

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Princess Beatrice, second from the right, in “The Young Victoria”; Photo Credit – www.thesun.co.uk

Princess Beatrice was in a long-term relationship with Dave Clark, a Virgin Galactic businessman,  from 2007 – 2016. The couple met at a birthday party for Sean Brosnan, the son of actor Pierce Brosnan.

 

Beatrice attended a fundraising event in March 2019 at the National Portrait Gallery in London, accompanied by Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, a multi-millionaire property tycoon and the son of Alessandro (Alex) Mapelli Mozzi, a former British Olympian in Alpine Skiing.  It is believed that the couple started dating in 2018.  In May 2019, Beatrice and Edoardo attended their first royal family event together, the wedding of Beatrice’s second cousin once removed, Lady Gabriella Windsor.

Engagement Photo of Princess Beatrice of York and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi; Photo Credit – https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily  © Princess Eugenie

On September 26, 2019, Buckingham Palace announced the engagement of  Princess Beatrice to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Beatrice and Edoardo’s wedding, scheduled for May 29, 2020, was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Photo Credit – https://www.instagram.com/p/CC05fTMH_HJ/ Photograph by Benjamin Wheeler

Beatrice and Edoardo were married in a private ceremony at the Royal Chapel of All Saints, on the grounds of Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, on July 17, 2020.

Beatrice and Edoardo have two daughters:

  • Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi (born 2021)
  • Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi (born 2025)

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

by Susan Flantzer  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex; Credit – Wikipedia

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex was born on September 15, 1984, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, England. He is the second of the two sons of King Charles III of the United Kingdom and his first wife Lady Diana Spencer. Although he is known as Prince Harry, his full name is Henry Charles Albert David.

Prince Harry has one older brother:

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Prince Harry and his family in 1987; Credit – www.dailymail.co.uk

Prince Harry was christened by Robert Runcie, Archbishop of Canterbury, on December 21, 1984, at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. His godparents were:

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Prince Harry’s Christening; Credit – www.abc.net.au

Like his brother, Prince Harry began his education at Mrs. Mynors’ Nursery School in the Notting Hill section of London. He then joined Prince William at Wetherby School also in the Notting Hill section of London.

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Prince Harry’s first day at Wetherby School with his brother and mother; Credit – http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Harry followed his brother to Ludgrove School in Wokingham, Berkshire, England, and then in 1998, he joined Prince William at Eton College in Windsor, Berkshire, England. William and Harry’s attending Eton went against what had become the Windsor tradition of attending Gordonstoun School.  Their Spencer grandfather, the 8th Earl Spencer, and uncle, the 9th Earl Spencer, both attended Eton College. While at Eton, Harry was a House Captain of Games and played rugby, cricket, and polo. Harry also received basic military training at Eton, led the Combined Cadet Force at their annual Tattoo, and received the highest rank of Cadet Officer.  Prince Harry passed two A-Level exams and was eligible for a commission in the British Army.

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Prince Harry at Eton College in 2003; Credit – www.vanityfair.com

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Prince Harry leading the Combined Cadet Force at Eton College in 2003: Credit – www.dw.de

After leaving Eton in 2003, Harry spent part of his gap year in Australia, on a cattle station and participating in the Young England vs Young Australia Polo Test Match. He then traveled to the African country of Lesotho to work at an AIDS orphanage.

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Prince Harry herding cattle in Australia; Credit – home.bt.com

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Prince Harry working at an AIDS orphanage in Lesotho; Credit – www.healthshares.org

In May of 2005, Harry entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst where he was known as Officer Cadet Wales. He completed his training in April 2006 and was commissioned as a Cornet (second lieutenant) in the Blues and Royals, a regiment of the Household Cavalry in the British Army.

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Queen Elizabeth II smiles at her grandson as she inspects the cadets at Harry’s graduation from Sandhurst; Credit – www.today.com

Harry’s highest rank in the army was Captain and like his brother William, he used Wales as his surname with his military rank. Harry trained to fly Apache helicopters and has served two tours of duty in Afghanistan. In 2014, Harry took up a Staff Officer role in HQ London District as SO3 (Defence Engagement). In this position, he helped to coordinate significant projects and commemorative events involving the British Army in London. Harry ended his career in the army on June 15, 2015.

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Captain Harry Wales prepares for a flight;  Credit – www.mirror.co.uk

Harry’s experience in Lesotho during his gap year caused him to form a charity, Sentebale, with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, the brother of King Letsie of Lesotho. The goal of Sentebale is “to help vulnerable children, the forgotten victims of poverty and Lesotho’s HIV/AIDS epidemic.”

Prince Seeiso & Prince Harry join some children in a kneeling dance in Lesotho; Credit – www.thetimes.co.uk

In 2014, Prince Harry launched the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style sporting event for injured servicemen and women. Invictus is Latin for “Unconquered, Undefeated.” The first Invictus Games were held on September 10-14, 2014 at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, England.

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Prince Harry speaking at the launch of the Invictus Games; Credit – http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk

On November 8, 2016, Kensington Palace confirmed that Prince Harry was in a relationship with American actress Meghan Markle and released a statement from the prince asking for the “abuse and harassment” of Markle and her family to end.

 

The engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was announced on November 27, 2017.  The couple was married on May 19, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle where many royal weddings have been held.  On the morning of the wedding, The Queen created Harry Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton, and Baron Kilkeel.


Lilibet being held by her mother with her father and brother Archie, from the 2021 Christmas card of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex; Credit – Alexi Lubomirski/The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Harry and Meghan have two children:

Their daughter is named after her paternal great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and her paternal grandmother Diana, Princess of Wales. “Lilibet” is Queen Elizabeth II’s family nickname, which originated from Elizabeth’s pronunciation of her name when she was young.  As the children of a duke, Archie and Lilibet were entitled to the courtesy titles Earl of Dumbarton and Lady Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor. However, their parents declined the use. With the accession of the children’s grandfather as King Charles III, Archie and Lilibet are male-line grandchildren of the monarch and are entitled to be styled His/Her Royal Highness Prince/Princess.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced on January 8, 2020, that they will step back as senior royals and divide time between the United Kingdom and North America. However, since that time the Duke and Duchess have made a home in California in the United States.

Below is their statement:

“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.”

It was announced on January 18, 2020, from Buckingham Palace that The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer use their HRH titles or receive any public funds for royal duties, as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family. The couple has also made known their intentions to repay the funds used from the Sovereign Grant for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, their home in Windsor Home Park. The statement also said that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would balance their time between the United Kingdom and North America and would continue to honor their duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and their patronages.

However, a statement was released on February 19, 2021, stating that as part of the review planned a year earlier when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex first stepped away from royal duties, it has been decided that they will no longer have any of their royal patronages or honorary military roles.

Buckingham Palace made the following statement:

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family.  Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service. The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family. While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.

In April 2024, Prince Harry formally confirmed he is now a resident of the United States. Paperwork was filed by Travalyst Ltd., a company at least 75% owned by Harry, filed paperwork informing British authorities that he has moved and is now “usually resident” in the United States.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Prince George of Wales

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2014

Prince George of Wales; By Simon Dawson  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=149642217rin

Prince George Alexander Louis of Wales is the eldest of the three children of Prince William, The Prince of Wales and the former Catherine Middleton. He was born at 4:24 pm on July 22, 2013, at the Lindo Wing, St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London. He is second in line to the British throne, behind his father, The Prince of Wales.

Prince George has two younger siblings:

His birth was announced at 8:29 pm via a press release from Clarence House. Following tradition, a formal written announcement was placed on an easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.

photo: ABC News

photo: ABC News

The following afternoon, the young Prince made his first public appearance. After visits from the grandparents, William and Catherine emerged from the doors of the Lindo Wing with their son, to introduce him to the crowds of media and admirers who were gathered. Soon after, they drove off to their home at Kensington Palace. On July 24th, the prince’s names were announced – George Alexander Louis.

photo: Telegraph/John Stillwell/PA

Prince George and his parents at his christening; photo: Telegraph/John Stillwell/PA

Prince George’s christening took place on October 23, 2013, in the Chapel Royal at St James’ Palace in London, England. Officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the christening was private, with just immediate family in attendance. His godparents were:

  • Oliver Baker (a schoolmate of his parents at The University of St Andrews)
  • Emilia d’Erlanger Jardine-Paterson (a schoolmate of his mother at Marlborough College)
  • Hugh Grosvenor, Earl Grosvenor (friend of his father)
  • Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton (private secretary to his parents)
  • Julia Samuel (a close friend of his late grandmother Diana, Princess of Wales)
  • William van Cutsem (a friend of his father)
  • Zara Phillips Tindall (paternal first cousin of his father)
photo: Jason Bell/Camera Press

photo: Jason Bell/Camera Press

Following the christening, a reception was held at Clarence House where formal photographs were taken. This would be the first time since 1894 that four direct generations of sovereigns were photographed together.

Prince George’s first big public appearance came when he joined his parents on a three-week trip to New Zealand and Australia in April 2014. At an event held at Government House, in Wellington New Zealand, the young prince and his parents enjoyed a play date with other children and their parents.

 

January 6, 2016 was Prince George’s first day of school. He attended the Westacre Montessori Nursery School in the village of East Walton in Norfolk near his home Amner Hall.  He was dropped off at school by his parents and spent a few hours there.  In September 2017, Prince George began attending Thomas’s Battersea School on Battersea High Street in London under the name George Cambridge.

Prince George meets President Obama; Credit – Wikipedia

On April 22, 2016, Prince George met Barack Obama, President of the United States at Kensington Palace. The encounter later prompted Obama to joke that “Prince George showed up to our meeting in his bathrobe… a clear breach of protocol.”

 

Prince George and Princess Charlotte accompanied their parents on a tour of Canada in September 2016.

On May 20, 2017, Prince George was a page at the wedding of his aunt Pippa Middleton and James Matthews.

 

In 2018, Prince George was a page boy in two royal weddings – the wedding of his uncle Prince Harry to Meghan Markle and the wedding of his first cousin once removed Princess Eugenie of York to Jack Brooksbank.

George and his siblings ride in the Trooping the Colour carriage procession for the first time in 2022; Credit – By John Pannell from Watford, UK – Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022-0695, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=118639761

George occasionally accompanies his parents on royal tours and engagements. On June 2, 2022, during his great-grandmother’s Platinum Jubilee celebration weekend, George and his siblings made their debut in the Trooping the Colour carriage procession. All three children then joined their parents, Queen Elizabeth II, and other working royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

William and Catherine with their children on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022

In the summer of 2022, George and his family moved to Adelaide Cottage, a four-bedroom house on the grounds of Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England. The move was made to give George and his siblings a more normal family life. In the fall of 2022, George and his siblings began attending Lambrook School, a prestigious fee-paying school in Winkfield, near Windsor. The school is described on its website as a “leading coeducational Prep School for 615 boys and girls aged 3 and 13, set in 52 acres of beautiful Berkshire countryside.” Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are not the first royals to attend Lambrook School. Prince Christian Victor of Schleswig-Holstein and his brother Prince Albert of Schleswig-Holstein, grandsons of Queen Victoria and sons of Princess Helena and Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, also attended Lambrook School.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Updated 7/21/2024

Catherine, The Princess of Wales

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2014

Catherine, The Princess of Wales; Credit – Wikipedia 

Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales is the wife of Prince William, The Prince of Wales, the elder of the two children of King Charles III of the United Kingdom and Lady Diana Spencer, and the heir apparent to the British throne. She was born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton on January 9, 1982, at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, England. She is the eldest of three children of Michael Middleton and Carole Goldsmith.

Catherine has two younger siblings:

photo: The Middleton Family

Catherine with her father and sister in Jordan – photo: The Middleton Family

The Middleton family moved to Jordan from 1984 -1986, where her father worked for British Airways. While living in Amman, Catherine attended an English nursery school. In 1986, the family returned to Berkshire and she was enrolled at St Andrew’s School in Pangbourne. In 1995, she entered Marlborough College, in Wiltshire, graduating in 2000.

Following a gap year during which she studied at the British Institute in Florence, volunteered in Chile with Raleigh International, and crewed on Round the World Challenge boats in the Solent, in 2001 Catherine enrolled at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. It was here that she met Prince William. First as friends, and later flat-mates, it would be a couple of years later that their relationship would become romantic.

After graduating in 2005, Catherine worked for her family’s business Party Pieces, and launched her own brand within the company in 2008, called First Birthdays. In addition, she worked as a part-time buyer for Jigsaw Junior, a London-based clothing company.

Following intense media scrutiny and speculation, and a brief and very public breakup, Catherine and William became engaged while on holiday in Kenya in October 2010. The engagement was formally announced on November 16, 2010, and the couple greeted the press and photographers at St James’ Palace.

On April 29, 2011, the couple married at Westminster Abbey. Her new husband having been granted peerage titles that morning by Queen Elizabeth II, Catherine left the Abbey as Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn and Lady Carrickfergus.

On December 3, 2012, it was announced that Catherine was expecting the couple’s first child. While it was not intended to be made public for several more weeks, it became necessary when Catherine was taken ill with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe type of morning sickness, and was admitted to hospital. After three days she was released and continued to recover at home, and soon began making public appearances again, supporting her charities and patronages. During all three of her pregnancies, Catherine suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, a pregnancy complication that is characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and possibly dehydration.

On July 22, 2013, Catherine was admitted to St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London, in the early stages of labor. Later that afternoon, at 4:24 pm, she gave birth to a son George Alexander Louis. The following day, William and Catherine, along with their new son, greeted the crowds of admirers and media camped outside the hospital, before returning to their home at Kensington Palace.

photo: The Telegraph

photo: The Telegraph

William and Catherine have three children:

William and Catherine with their children on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022

Following their wedding, their primary residence was a small cottage in Anglesey, Wales, near RAF Valley where William was stationed with the RAF Search and Rescue Force. In London, they took up residence at Nottingham Cottage, a small residence on the grounds of Kensington Palace. It was later announced that they would move to Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace, the former home of The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. After extensive renovations, the couple moved to Apartment 1A in 2014. They were also given the use of Anmer Hall on The Queen’s Sandringham Estate, as their country home. In 2017, Catherine and her family moved back to Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace on a permanent basis. In the summer of 2022, William, Catherine, and their children moved to Adelaide Cottage, a four-bedroom house on the grounds of Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England. The move was made to give Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis a more normal family life. The family retained Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace.

In January 2024, Catherine was admitted to The London Clinic to have abdominal surgery for an undisclosed medical condition. Due to her convalescence, she postponed all her public engagements and duties until after Easter 2024. Speculation about her condition prompted conspiracy theories and much commentary in the press. On March 22, 2024, Catherine announced that she is in the early stages of chemotherapy after cancer was found in tests. The type of cancer was not disclosed. She explained that when she had abdominal surgery in January, it was not known that there was any cancer. Catherine stated, “However tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.” In October 2024, Catherine made her first official public engagement since the completion of her chemotherapy treatment.

Catherine presenting the winner’s trophy to  Novak Djokovic at the Men’s Singles Finals of 2022 Wimbledon Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

From the time of their engagement, Catherine has been involved with numerous charities and organizations. In lieu of wedding gifts, William and Catherine established a Charitable Gift Fund, Royal Foundation, allowing people to donate to 26 different charities. Through the Royal Foundation, Catherine supports charities and organizations of specific interest to her and also serves as a patron for several others. Catherine is the Patron of many charities and organizations, including the ones listed below.

House of Windsor Resources at Unofficial Royalty

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Prince William, The Prince of Wales

by Scott Mehl    © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Prince William, The Prince of Wales; Credit – Wikipedia

Prince William, The Prince of Wales, is the elder son of King Charles III of the United Kingdom and Lady Diana Spencer, and the heir apparent to the British throne. He was born Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales, at 9:03 pm on June 21, 1982, in the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London. Prince William was the first future British king to be born in a hospital.

He was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace on August 4, 1982. His godparents were:

William has one brother:

Unlike previous generations of British royals, William began his public life at a very young age. He accompanied his parents on a tour of Australia and New Zealand at just nine months old. He began his schooling at Jane Mynors’ nursery school, followed by pre-preparatory schooling at Wetherby School, both in London. From 1990-1995, he attended Ludgrove School in Wokingham and then studied Geography, Biology, and History of Art at Eton College.

Following a gap year during which he visited Belize and Chile, worked on dairy farms in England, and visited Africa, William enrolled at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Initially studying Art History, he changed his course to Geography and graduated in 2005 with honours. Following an internship at HSBC, he entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst at the beginning of 2006. He graduated in December of the same year and joined the Household Cavalry (Blues and Royals) as a Second Lieutenant (promoted to Lieutenant a year later). He also trained with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and took an attachment to the Royal Air Force in 2008. Following a two-month attachment to the Royal Navy, he formally transferred his commission to the RAF, with the rank of Flight Lieutenant, and trained as a helicopter pilot with the RAF’s Search and Rescue Force.

photo: The Telegraph/MOD/PA

photo: The Telegraph/MOD/PA

Following his training, William transferred to the Search and Rescue Training Unit at RAF Valley, in Anglesey, Wales. There he trained on the Sea King helicopter, graduating in September 2010. He remained at RAF Valley, assigned to C Flight No. 22 Squadron, until stepping down from active service in September 2013.

At that time, it was announced that William would be undertaking more official duties, while still evaluating his role and future plans. In January 2014, he enrolled in a 10-week course in Agricultural Management at the University of Cambridge. As he will one day take over control of the Duchy of Cornwall, this was intended to help prepare him for that role. Later in 2014, it was announced that he would be taking a full-time position with the East Anglian Air Ambulance service.

From an early age, William was exposed to the struggles and challenges faced by many people. To this day, he continues to support many of the charities and causes once very dear to his mother, and has developed a strong interest in conservation and protection of our natural resources. This is just a small list of organizations with which he is involved:

  • Patron, Centrepoint
  • Patron, The Royal Marsden Hospital
  • Patron, Mountain Rescue England & Wales
  • Patron, The Tusk Trust
  • President, England Football Association
  • Vice Royal Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union
  • Patron, English Schools Swimming Association
  • President, British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)

In addition to his many organizations, William is an avid polo player, and along with his brother, often takes part in charity polo matches.

Prince William and Catherine Middleton, 2003. photo: ABCNews

William and Catherine Middleton, 2003. photo: ABCNews

While a student at the University of St Andrews, William met his future wife, Catherine Middleton. First as friends, and then as flat-mates along with some other friends, the relationship soon turned romantic. After years of speculation, and intense media scrutiny, the couple became engaged while on a vacation in Kenya. William gave her his mother’s famous engagement ring – a large sapphire surrounded by diamonds.

photo: Daily Mail/Getty Images

photo: Daily Mail/Getty Images

The engagement was formally announced by Clarence House on November 16, 2010. Following the announcement, the couple met the press and photographers at St. James’ Palace, followed by a television interview.

On April 29, 2011, Prince William and Catherine Middleton married at Westminster Abbey. Earlier that morning, The Queen had created him Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn, and Baron Carrickfergus.

On December 3, 2012, it was announced that William and Catherine were expecting their first child. During all three of her pregnancies, Catherine suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, a pregnancy complication that is characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and possibly dehydration. The Queen issued Letters Patent in December 2013, declaring that all children born to William and Catherine would be Prince and Princess, with the style of Royal Highness. On July 22, 2013, Catherine gave birth to a son George Alexander Louis, at 4:24 pm.

photo: Zimbio

photo: Zimbio

The following day, the proud parents emerged from the doors of the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital the following day and presented their son to the crowds and media waiting outside. For many, it brought back memories of a similar scene, thirty-one years earlier, when William’s parents first emerged from the hospital with the newborn Prince William.

William and Catherine have three children:

William and Catherine with their children on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022

William was made a Knight of the Order of the Garter on April 23, 2008 – as the 1,000th member of the Order. This was the first time a grandchild of the sovereign had been appointed to the order since 1894. He was later, in May 2012, made a Knight of the Order of the Thistle. He was also made Personal Aide-de-Camp To Her Majesty The Queen in March 2013.

photo: Daily Mail/National News and Pictures

photo: Daily Mail/National News and Pictures

Following their marriage, William and Catherine resided in Anglesey, Wales, where Prince William was stationed at RAF Valley. In London, they moved to Nottingham Cottage – a small residence on the grounds of Kensington Palace. It was later announced that they would move to Apartment 1A within Kensington Palace, the former home of Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. After extensive renovations, they took up residence in 2014. In addition, the Queen has given them the use of Anmer Hall on the Sandringham Estate as their country home. It was at Anmer Hall where they were based primarily until 2017, as it was closer to Prince William’s work at the East Anglian Air Ambulance.  In 2017, William and his family moved back to Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace on a permanent basis.

In the summer of 2022, William and his family moved to Adelaide Cottage, a four-bedroom house on the grounds of Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England. The move was made to give Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis a more normal family life. The family will retain Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace.

William automatically became Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay when his father succeeded to the throne as King Charles III on September 8, 2022. The following day, King Charles III created his elder son and heir apparent The Prince of Wales. As The Prince of Wales and The Duke of Cornwall, William’s primary source of income comes from the Duchy of Cornwall,  a private estate established in 1337 that funds the public, charitable, and private activities of the Prince of Wales and his family. The Duchy of Cornwall owns 133,658 acres of land, including farming, residential, and commercial properties, as well as an investment portfolio.

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Iñaki Urdangarín y Liebaert

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Embed from Getty Images 

Iñaki Urdangarín y Liebaert

Iñaki Urdangarín y Liebaert is the former husband of Infanta Cristina of Spain. He was born on January 15, 1968, in Zumarraga, Spain, one of seven children of Juan Urdangarín Berriochoa and Claire Liebaert Courtain.

photo: Hello

photo: Hello

In 1986, at the age of 18, he became a professional handball player with FC Barcelona, where he remained until his retirement in 2000. During his career, he was a member of the Spanish Olympic Handball Team in the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympics, winning bronze in 1996 and 2000, and serving as team captain in 2000. After his retirement, he served on the Spanish Olympic Committee from 2001-2005.

While participating in the 1996 Olympics, he met Infanta Cristina of Spain. The couple was married on October 4, 1997, at St. Eulalia Cathedral in Barcelona, Spain. By courtesy, he took on the male form of his wife’s title and became Duke of Palma de Mallorca. However, In June 2015, King Felipe VI of Spain formally stripped his sister Infanta Cristina of her title of Duchess of Palma de Mallorca. Neither the Infanta nor Urdangarín is permitted to use the title any further because of their legal issues. (See below.)

On January 24, 2022, it was announced that Infanta Cristina and Urdangarín were separating. The announcement came days after a link between Urdangarín and another woman became known.  The couple’s divorce was finalized in early 2024.

The couple had four children:

  • Juan Urdangarín y de Borbón (1999)
  • Pablo Urdangarín y de Borbón (2000)
  • Miguel Urdangarín y de Borbón (2002)
  • Irene Urdangarín y de Borbón (2005)

Iñaki and Christina with their children, June 2014. photo: ABC.es

Having earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Barcelona, and a Masters in Business Administration from ESADE (also in Barcelona), Iñaki worked for several years as Director of Planning and Development at Motorpress Ibérica. In 2003, he was a founding partner of the Nóos Institute and served as President until 2006. At that time, he became a director at Telefónica International in Barcelona. Along with his family, he moved to Washington DC in 2009 where he was appointed director and president of the Public Affairs Committee for Telefónica Latin America and the United States.

In early 2011, allegations were made against him regarding the misappropriation of public funds through his Nóos Institute. He took a leave of absence from his position with Telefónica in Washington, DC, and the family returned to Spain in 2012. After it was discovered that large sums of money were transferred to several foreign accounts, it was announced that he would no longer take part in any official functions of the Spanish royal family. In early 2012, he began testifying before the courts in response to the allegations. He, along with several others, were investigated and were charged with embezzlement, fraud, breach of trust, forgery, and money laundering. His wife Infanta Cristina was also charged with tax fraud and money laundering in mid-2014.

Embed from Getty Images
Infanta Cristian and Iñaki Urdangarín during their trial, 2016

The trial began in January 2016 and on February 17, 2017, Infanta Cristina was acquitted of tax fraud and money laundering, and her husband Iñaki Urdangarín was found guilty of embezzling about 6 million euros in public funds for sporting events through his nonprofit foundation and of political corruption by using his former title of Duke of Palma de Mallorca as the husband of the Infanta Cristina. Urdangarín was sentenced to six years and three months in prison. In 2018, the Supreme Court in appeal reduced Urdangarín’s sentence to a term of five years and ten months.

Urdangarín entered the Brieva Penitentiary in Álava province in Spain on June 18, 2018, to serve his prison sentence.  In September 2019, Urdangarin was granted permission to work as a volunteer by the Castile and León Prison Supervision Court. The decision was made against the advice of prison authorities and the public prosecutor, who consider him to be at “medium-high” risk of re-offending.  On September 19, 2019, Urdangarín began working two days a week helping intellectually disabled adults at the Hogar Don Orione Center in the Madrid municipality of Pozuelo de Alarcón. After spending a period of time in prison, Urdangarín was upgraded to the Grade 3 regime, meaning he regained his freedom of movement and only has to report in once a week.

Embed from Getty Images

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Infanta Cristina of Spain

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

 

Infanta Cristina of Spain (Cristina Federica Victoria Antonia de la Santísima Trinidad de Borbón y Grecia) was born on June 13, 1965, at the Our Lady of Loreto Clinic in Madrid, Spain. She is the second of the three children of King Juan Carlos of Spain and Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark.

Embed from Getty Images 

Cristina was christened on June 20, 1965, at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, Spain. Her godparents were:

Cristina had two siblings:

After completing her secondary education at the Santa María del Camino School, she studied political science at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, graduating in 1989. She was the first woman in the Spanish royal family to receive a university degree. The following year, she earned a Masters degree in International Relations from New York University.

Following an internship with UNESCO in Paris, France, she moved to Barcelona, Spain and began working for La Caixa Foundation in 1993, coordinating exhibitions. In 1997, she was appointed the coordinator of the Program for International Cooperations, and in 2005, became the Director of the Social Area of the foundation. In 2009, when she and her family moved to Washington DC, she was made Director of the International Department, fostering collaborations with various international organizations. The family returned to Spain in 2012, and in mid-2013, she and her children moved to Geneva, where she coordinates programs with agencies of the United Nations.

Cristina_olympics

Like her father and brother, Infanta Cristina is an avid sailor. She was a member of the Spanish Sailing Team at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where she was also the Spanish flag-bearer in the opening ceremonies, a role her younger brother would take four years later in Barcelona. She has served as President of the International Foundation for Disabled Sailing.

Cristina married Iñaki Urdangarín Liebaert, a former professional and Olympic handball player, on October 4, 1997, at St. Eulalia Cathedral in Barcelona, Spain. At the time, her father gave her the personal title Duchess of Palma de Mallorca. However, in June 2015, King Felipe VI of Spain formally stripped his sister Infanta Cristina of her title of Duchess of Palma de Mallorca. Neither the Infanta nor Urdangarín is permitted to use the title any further because of their legal issues. (See below.)

On January 24, 2022, it was announced that Infanta Cristina and Urdangarín were separating. The announcement came days after a link between Urdangarín and another woman became known.  They couple’s divorce was finalized in early 2024.

Cristina and Urdangarín had four children:

  • Juan Urdangarín y de Borbón (born 1999)
  • Pablo Urdangarín y de Borbón (born 2000)
  • Miguel Urdangarín y de Borbón (born 2002)
  • Irene Urdangarín y de Borbón (born 2005)
Christina with her husband and children, June 2014. photo: ABC.es

Christina with her husband and children, June 2014. photo: ABC.es

In late 2011, Urdangarín was accused of diverting public funds for his own benefit, through a non-profit organization. After it was discovered that large sums of money were being sent to several foreign accounts, it was announced that Iñaki would no longer be participating in any functions of the Royal Family. Iñaki was charged with embezzlement, fraud, breach of trust, forgery, and money laundering. While Cristina moved to Geneva in mid-2013 with her children, her husband remained in Barcelona to address the charges against him. In January 2014, initial charges were placed against Infanta Cristina, accusing her of money laundering and tax fraud. She was called to testify in February 2014, and in June 2014, formal charges were filed.

The trial began in January 2016 and on February 17, 2017, Infanta Cristina was acquitted of tax fraud and money laundering. Her husband Iñaki Urdangarín was found guilty of embezzling about 6 million euros in public funds for sporting events through his nonprofit foundation and of political corruption by using his former title of Duke of Palma de Mallorca as the husband of the Infanta Cristina. Urdangarín was sentenced to six years and three months in prison.  In 2018, the Supreme Court in appeal reduced Urdangarín’s sentence to a term of five years and ten months. After spending a period of time in prison, Urdangarín was upgraded to the Grade 3 regime, meaning he regained his freedom of movement and only has to report in once a week.

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Princess Stephanie of Monaco

by Susan Flantzer  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

 

Princess Stephanie of Monaco (Stephanie Marie Elisabeth) was born on February 1, 1965, at the Prince’s Palace in Monte Carlo. Monaco. She is the youngest child of Rainier III, Prince of Monaco and Academy Award-winning American actress Grace Kelly.

Stephanie was christened on March 13, 1965, at Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco. Her godparents were:

Princess Stephanie has two older siblings:

Princess Stephanie on her mother’s lap with her family; Photo source: Daily Mail

Princess Stephanie began her education at Dames de Saint-Maur, a private Catholic school in Monaco. She continued her education at Collège Dupanloup in Paris, France and received her French Baccalaureate in 1982. Princess Stephanie is fluent in French, Monegasque, English, and Italian.

During her school years, Princess Stephanie studied classical dance and piano. While at school in Paris, she developed an interest in gymnastics and participated in the sport from 1974 to 1979. Princess Stephanie also enjoys swimming, water skiing, and downhill skiing.

On September 13, 1982, while returning home from their home in Rocagel, France, Stephanie and her mother had a car accident. Princess Grace died the next day and Stephanie was hospitalized with a hairline fracture of a neck vertebra. The official version was that Princess Grace suffered a stroke while driving, however, there were rumors that Stephanie had been the one driving. Stephanie was unable to attend her mother’s funeral because of her injury and for years refused to speak about the accident. In 1989, she gave an interview in which she denied that she had been driving the car.

Princess Stephanie and Prince Albert Grieving

Princess Stephanie of Monaco, wearing a neck-brace, leaves St. Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco with her brother Prince Albert, after attending a memorial mass for their mother on October 14, 1982.  photo: Corbis

After she had recovered from her injuries, Princess Stephanie interned at the fashion house of Christian Dior with designer Marc Bohan from 1983 – 1984.  In 1985 – 1987 Stephanie designed a collection of swimsuits and swimwear under the name ‘Pool Position”.

Princess Stephanie also had a singing career. In 1986, she released a single “Ouragan”  in French and in English under the title “Irresistible.” The record sold more than 2 million copies and “Ouragan” is one of the best-selling singles in France of all time.

Stephanie_wedding 1

Princess Stephanie and Daniel Ducruet; Photo source: Hello

In 1992, Stephanie began a relationship with her bodyguard Daniel Ducruet.

The couple had two children:

Both children were included in the line of succession to the throne of Monaco after their parents married on July 1, 1995. The couple subsequently divorced on October 4, 1996.

On July 15, 1998, Princess Stephanie gave birth to her third child:

Stephanie did not identify Camille’s father on the birth certificate but it is assumed that Jean Raymond Gottlieb, her former head of security, is the father. Camille is not in the line of succession because her parents never married.

Stephanie_children

Princess Stephanie with her three children at the wedding of her brother Prince Albert in 2011; Photo: Zimbio

In 2001, Stephanie began a relationship with Franco Knie, (link in German) a married elephant trainer. Stephanie and her three children moved into Knie’s circus caravan and traveled with the Circus Knie.  The relationship lasted only until 2002. On September 10, 2003, Stephanie married acrobat Adans Lopez Peres, a member of the Circus Knie but the marriage ended in divorce in November 2004.

stephanie-adans

Princess Stephanie and her second husband, Adans Lopez Peres; Photo source: usa.publiboda.com

Princess Stephanie is active in several organizations including:

Stephanie_siblings

Princess Stephanie (in the middle) with her sister and brother; Photo source: svenskdam.se

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Infanta Elena of Spain, Duchess of Lugo

by Scott Mehl © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Embed from Getty Images 

Infanta Elena María Isabel Dominica de Silos of Spain, Duchess of Lugo, is the eldest child of King Juan Carlos of Spain and Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark, She was born on December 20, 1963, at Our Lady of Loreto Clinic in Madrid, Spain.

Embed from Getty Images
Elena with her parents at her christening

Elena was christened on December 27, 1963, at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, Spain. Her godparents were:

Elena has two younger siblings:

Elena completed her basic education at the College of Santa Maria del Camino. She then studied teaching at ESCUNI University School in Madrid, graduating in 1986 as a teacher of general basic education, specializing in English literature. After working for a few years as an English teacher at the College of Santa Maria del Camino, she studied sociology and education at the University of Exeter.  She then enrolled at the Comillas Pontifical University, in Madrid, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Education in 1993.

photo: Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor

Elena and Jaime de Marichalar y Sáenz de Tejada on their wedding day; photo: Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor

On March 18, 1995, Infanta Elena married Jaime de Marichalar y Sáenz de Tejada, at the Cathedral of Seville. At the time of her marriage, she was given the personal title Duchess of Lugo. The couple had two children:

Elena and her husband separated in 2007 and were formally divorced in January 2010.

During her father’s reign, Infanta Elena often represented the monarchy at functions within Spain and abroad. However, since the abdication of her father and the accession of her brother King Felipe VI, she and her sister no longer take on any official duties. She serves as Director of Social and Cultural Projects for the MAPFRE Foundation, based in Madrid.

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