Alexander Douglas-Hamilton, 16th Duke of Hamilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Hamilton
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Hamilton in 2012
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| Duke of Hamilton | |
| Tenure | 5 June 2010–present |
| Predecessor | Angus Douglas-Hamilton |
| Born | Alexander Douglas Douglas-Hamilton 31 March 1978 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Noble family | Douglas-Hamilton |
| Spouse(s) |
Sophie Rutherford
(m. 2011) |
| Issue | 3 |
| Father | Angus Douglas-Hamilton, 15th Duke of Hamilton |
| Mother | Sarah Jane Scott |
Alexander Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, who is the 16th Duke of Hamilton and 13th Duke of Brandon, was born on March 31, 1978. Before 2010, he was known as the Marquess of Douglas and Clydesdale. He is a Scottish nobleman, which means he holds a very old and important title in Scotland. He is considered the most important peer (a person with a high noble rank) in Scotland.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Alexander Douglas-Hamilton was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father was Angus Douglas-Hamilton, 15th Duke of Hamilton. His mother was Sarah Scott. He went to school at Keil School in Dumbarton and Gordonstoun in Scotland.
Becoming a Duke
When his father passed away on June 5, 2010, Alexander became the 16th Duke of Hamilton. This is a title in the Peerage of Scotland, which is a list of noble titles in Scotland. He also became the 13th Duke of Brandon, a title in the Peerage of Great Britain.
Other Titles Inherited
Along with these main titles, he also inherited several other Scottish noble titles. These include:
- Marquess of Douglas
- Marquess of Clydesdale
- Earl of Angus
- Earl of Lanark
- Earl of Arran and Cambridge
- Lord Abernethy and Jedburgh Forest
- Lord Machanshyre and Polmont
- Lord Aven and Innerdale
He also inherited the Barony of Dutton in the Peerage of Great Britain.
Special Royal Roles
The Duke of Hamilton has two very special jobs that have been passed down in his family for many years.
Hereditary Keeper of Holyroodhouse
He is the Hereditary Keeper of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. His family has been responsible for this palace for a long time.
Hereditary Bearer of the Crown of Scotland
He is also the Hereditary Bearer of the Crown of Scotland. This means he has the important job of carrying the Crown of Scotland during special ceremonies. For example, he walks right in front of the monarch during a very old parade called the Riding of Parliament. He also placed the Crown of Scotland on the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II during a special service in St Giles' Cathedral on September 12, 2022.
Family Home
The main home for the Dukes of Hamilton is Lennoxlove House. It is located to the east of Edinburgh. Their previous home, Hamilton Palace, was to the south of Glasgow, but it was taken down.
Military Appointment
The Duke holds an important role in the military. He was appointed as an Honorary Air Commodore in No. 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force. This appointment began on April 4, 2025, and will last for three years, until April 4, 2028.
Marriage and Children
On May 7, 2011, Alexander Douglas-Hamilton married Sophie Ann Rutherford in Edinburgh. Sophie was born on December 8, 1976. The Duke and Duchess of Hamilton have three sons together.
