Charles St Clair, 17th Lord Sinclair facts for kids
Charles Murray Kennedy St Clair (born June 21, 1914 – died April 1, 2004) was a Scottish nobleman, known as the 17th Lord Sinclair. He dedicated his life to serving the British Crown in many important roles. He was a soldier, a special helper for royal ceremonies, a close assistant to the Queen Mother, and a representative in the House of Lords.
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Early Life and Family
Charles St Clair was born in 1914. His father was Archibald St Clair, who later became the 16th Lord Sinclair. His mother was Violet Kennedy. Charles went to two famous schools: Eton and Magdalene College, Cambridge.
When his father became Lord Sinclair in 1922, Charles received a special title. He became known as The Master of Sinclair. This is a common tradition for children of Scottish noble families.
In 1968, Charles married Anne Cotterell. They had two daughters and a son named Matthew Murray Kennedy St Clair, 18th Lord Sinclair. His son later became the 18th Lord Sinclair after Charles passed away.
Military Career
Charles St Clair began his military career in 1936. He joined the Territorial Army as a Second Lieutenant. In 1937, he moved to the Coldstream Guards, a famous part of the British Army. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1938.
He served in Palestine until 1939. During this time, he was injured and was recognized for his bravery. This recognition is called being "mentioned in despatches". During World War II, he served with the Guards Armoured Division. Because of his injuries, Charles left the army in 1947. He was a Captain at the time, but was given the honorary rank of Major.
Charles St Clair was also a member of the Royal Company of Archers. This group is the Queen's Bodyguard for Scotland. Being a part of this group involved only special ceremonial duties.
Serving the Royal Family
In 1949, Charles St Clair was appointed as a Portcullis Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary. This made him a member of the Royal Household, which helps the Royal Family. As an officer of arms, he took part in important state ceremonies. One of these was the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
In 1952, Charles St Clair had a special role. As Portcullis Pursuivant, he officially asked for entry into the City of London. This was for the third traditional reading of the accession proclamation. In 1957, he was promoted to York Herald of Arms in Ordinary. He held this position until 1968.
He received an honor called the Royal Victorian Order during the Coronation. Later, in 1990, he was promoted within this order. He also worked as an Honorary Genealogist for the Order from 1960 to 1968. In 1968, he received a medal for 20 years of service to the British Royal Family. This was the Queen Elizabeth II Version of the Royal Household Long and Faithful Service Medal.
In 1953, Charles St Clair became an Extra Equerry to the Queen Mother. An equerry is a special assistant to a member of the Royal Family. He was already a personal friend of hers. He held this role until her death. He often attended public events with the Queen Mother. He also stayed at Balmoral Castle in Scotland and went fishing with her, as they both loved to fish.
Public Service and Parliament
In November 1957, Charles St Clair became the Lord Sinclair after his father passed away. In 1959, he was chosen as one of the representative peers for Scotland. This meant he could sit in the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament. His family had held this position for many generations.
This role changed in 1963 when the Peerage Act was passed. This new law meant that all Scottish noblemen could sit in the House of Lords. They no longer needed to be elected as representative peers. Before he left his role as York Herald, Lord Sinclair had a unique situation. He could take part in the State Opening of Parliament in two ways. He could be there as a member of the House of Lords or as a herald. Heralds are often seen at the State Opening.
In 1969, Lord Sinclair was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright. This is a local official role. Later, in 1977, he became Vice-Lord-Lieutenant for the same area. In 1982, he became the Lord Lieutenant for the district, a position he held until 1989.
Lord Sinclair passed away on April 1, 2004.
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