Dermot Morrah facts for kids
Dermot Michael Macgregor Morrah (born April 26, 1896 – died November 30, 1974) was a British journalist. He worked for The Times newspaper. He was also a well-known expert on the British royal family.
Early Life and Education
Dermot Morrah started studying mathematics at the University of Oxford. This was just before the First World War began. He then joined the British Army and fought in France.
During the war, he was wounded. After recovering, he returned to Oxford. He changed his studies to modern history and earned a top degree. He became a special academic called a Prize Fellow at All Souls College. He even shared rooms with the famous T. E. Lawrence. When he got married, he had to end his Prize Fellowship. This was because fellows were required to be single back then.
Career as a Journalist
Morrah first worked for the British government for six years. In 1928, he started working for the Daily Mail newspaper. A few years later, he joined The Times, where he stayed for 30 years.
At The Times, he wrote many books about Britain's monarchy. He also wrote about the country's rules for government. During the Second World War, he helped George VI write speeches. His books included The Royal Family and The Work of the Queen. He also wrote To Be a King, which was about the early life of Charles, Prince of Wales.
Dermot Morrah was an expert in heraldry and genealogy. Heraldry is the study of coats of arms and family symbols. Genealogy is the study of family histories and family trees. He was also a good historian of the royal court. In 1953, he was given an unpaid role as an Arundel Herald Extraordinary. He had a friendly relationship with Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
In 1947, when Elizabeth II was still a princess, Morrah wrote a famous speech for her. She gave this speech on her 21st birthday in southern Africa. Later, he helped out at the coronation of Elizabeth II. He was also a member of the College of Arms.
Death
Dermot Morrah passed away on November 30, 1974. He was 78 years old.
