Charles Stewart, 3rd Duke of Richmond facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Grace The Duke of Richmond KG
A portrait by Sir Peter Lely
Lord Lieutenant of Kent
In office 1668–1672
Preceded by	The Earl of Winchilsea The Earl of Southampton
Succeeded by	The Earl of Winchilsea
Personal details
Born	(1639-03-07)7 March 1639 England
Died	December 1672(1672-12-00) (aged 33) Helsingør, Denmark-Norway
Spouses	Elizabeth Rogers ​ ​ (m. 1659, died)​ Margaret Banaster Lewis ​ ​ (m. 1662; died 1666)​ Frances Teresa Stewart ​ (m. 1667)​
Parents	George Stewart, 9th Seigneur d'Aubigny Lady Katherine Howard
Relatives	Theophilus Howard, 2nd Earl of Suffolk (grandfather) Esmé Stewart, 3rd Duke of Lennox (grandfather)
Residence	Richmond House

Charles Stewart, 3rd Duke of Richmond (born March 7, 1639 – died December 1672) was an important English noble. He was a distant cousin of Charles II of England, who was King at the time.

Growing Up

Charles Stewart was the only son of George Stewart, 9th Seigneur d'Aubigny. His mother was Lady Katherine Howard. His grandfather was Esmé Stewart, 3rd Duke of Lennox.

In 1645, when Charles was young, he received the titles Baron Stuart of Newbury and Earl of Lichfield. These titles were given to him to honor his uncle, Lord Bernard Stewart. His uncle had died in a battle during the English Civil War that same year.

His Important Roles

In 1658, Charles Stewart went to live in France for a while. This was during a time when England was not ruled by a king. The government at the time, called the Protectorate, was not happy with him.

He returned to England in 1660 when King Charles II became king again. This event is known as the Restoration of the Monarchy. Charles Stewart became a member of the Parliament. He strongly opposed those who had supported the previous government.

Later in 1660, his young cousin Esmé Stewart passed away. Charles then became the 3rd Duke of Richmond and 6th Duke of Lennox. In the same year, he gained several important roles in Scotland. These included Hereditary Great Chamberlain of Scotland and Hereditary Great Admiral of Scotland. He also became Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset in England. In 1661, he was honored with the Order of the Garter.

Around 1660, he built Richmond House in London. He also owned and expanded Cobham Hall in Kent.

In 1670, he also inherited the title of 12th Seigneur D'Aubigny in France. In 1668, he became the Lord Lieutenant and Vice Admiral of Kent. He shared this role with the Earl of Winchilsea. He also led one of the regiments of the Kent Militia.

In 1671, he was sent to Denmark as an ambassador. His mission was to convince Denmark to join England and France in a planned attack on the Dutch. While he was in Elsinore, Denmark, he sadly died by drowning in 1672. He was 33 years old.

Family Life

Charles Stewart married three times, but he did not have any children.

His first marriage was to Elizabeth Rogers after June 1659. She later passed away.

His second marriage was to Margaret Banaster in March 1662. She was a widow and died in 1666.

His third marriage was in March 1667 to Frances Teresa Stewart. She was known at court as "La Belle Stuart" (The Beautiful Stuart).

Charles Stewart was buried in Westminster Abbey in September 1673. Since he had no children, most of his titles ended. However, the title of Baron Clifton went to his sister, Katherine. His wife was allowed to keep the Lennox estates for her lifetime.

In 1675, new Dukes of Richmond and Lennox were created. These titles were given to Charles Lennox, 1st Duke of Richmond and Lennox. He was the son of King Charles II and his mistress, Louise de Kérouaille.

See also

• Earl of Lichfield
• Baron Clifton