Alexander Ramsay of Mar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Ramsay of Mar
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Capt. Alexander Ramsay of Mar, 1944
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Alexander Arthur Alfonso David Maule Ramsay
21 December 1919 Clarence House, London, England |
| Died | 20 December 2000 (aged 80) Mar Lodge Estate, Inverey, Aberdeenshire |
| Spouse | |
| Children | Katharine Fraser, Mistress of Saltoun The Hon. Alice Ramsay of Mar The Hon. Elizabeth Ramsay of Mar |
| Parents | The Hon. Sir Alexander Ramsay Princess Patricia of Connaught |
| Alma mater | Eton College Trinity College, Oxford |
Alexander Arthur Alfonso David Maule Ramsay of Mar (born December 21, 1919 – died December 20, 2000) was a British man with interesting royal connections. He was the only child of Princess Patricia of Connaught. His mother was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria. She chose to give up her royal title when she married Captain Alexander Ramsay in 1919.
Alexander's father was the son of the 13th Earl of Dalhousie. His family also had links to the royal families of Sweden and Denmark. For example, his first cousins included the future King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and the future Queen Ingrid of Sweden of Denmark.
Contents
Alexander Ramsay's Life Story
Alexander Arthur Alfonso David Maule Ramsay was born on December 21, 1919. He was born at Clarence House in London. This was his grandfather's home at the time. His grandfather was the Duke of Connaught.
His Baptism and Royal Guests
His baptism happened on February 23, 1920. It took place at the Chapel Royal in St James's Palace. Many important royal family members attended. These included King George V, Queen Mary, and Queen Alexandra. Other guests were Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll and Princess Victoria. His godparents included the future King Edward VIII and King Alfonso XIII of Spain.
Education and Military Service
When he was young, Alexander served as a page of honour. This was during the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. After finishing school at Eton College, he joined the Grenadier Guards. This was a famous part of the British Army.
He fought in World War II in North Africa. In 1943, he was in a tank battle in Tunisia. Sadly, he lost his right leg during this battle. In 1944, he worked for his second cousin, the Duke of Gloucester. The Duke was then the Governor-General of Australia.
Inheriting Mar Lodge Estate
Alexander returned to Britain in 1947. He learned he would inherit Mar Lodge and its lands. This was from his aunt, Princess Alexandra, 2nd Duchess of Fife. To prepare for this big role, he studied agriculture. He went to Trinity College, Oxford.
After graduating in 1952, he worked for three years. He was an assistant factor (a land manager) on the Linlithgow estates. In 1959, he inherited the Mar estate. He became the new Laird of Mar. At this point, he was allowed to add "of Mar" to his name. Some of the estate had to be sold. This was to pay a tax called inheritance tax. The remaining part became Mar Lodge Estate.
Marriage and Later Life
In 1956, Alexander married Flora Fraser. She was born on October 18, 1930. Flora was the only daughter of Alexander Fraser, 20th Lord Saltoun. She was also the chief of the Name of Fraser.
In 1979, his wife became the 21st Lady Saltoun. She also became the chief of the Name of Fraser. After this, they lived at her family home. This was Cairnbulg Castle in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire. In 1971, he became a deputy lord lieutenant for Aberdeenshire. This is a local official role.
The Ramsays of Mar did not have royal titles. They also did not do official public duties. However, they attended most major royal events. Alexander Ramsay of Mar passed away at his estate. This was on December 20, 2000, just before his 81st birthday.
His Family
Alexander Ramsay of Mar and Lady Saltoun had three daughters:
- Hon. Katharine Fraser, Mistress of Saltoun (born October 11, 1957)
- Hon. Alice Elizabeth Margaret Ramsay of Mar (born July 8, 1961, Edinburgh). She married David Ramsey on July 28, 1990. They have four children:
- Alexander Ramsey (born 1991)
- Victoria Ramsey (born 1994)
- George Ramsey (born September 28, 1995)
- Oliver Ramsey (born September 28, 1995)
- Hon. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Ramsay of Mar (born April 15, 1963, Inverness)
