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Henry Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe facts for kids

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The Duke of Roxburghe
Duke Roxburghe LCCN2014693714.jpg
Chancellor of the Order of the Thistle
In office
1926-1932
Preceded by The Duke of Montrose
Succeeded by The Earl of Mar
Personal details
Born
Henry John Innes-Ker

24 July 1876 (1876-07-24)
Died 29 September 1932 (1932-09-30) (aged 56)
Spouse
Mary Goelet
(m. 1903)
Children George Innes-Ker, 9th Duke of Roxburghe
Parents James Innes-Ker, 7th Duke of Roxburghe
Anne Emily Spencer-Churchill
Relatives Winston Churchill (first cousin)
Residence Floors Castle
Education Royal Military College, Sandhurst
Alma mater Eton College
Military service
Allegiance  United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Branch/service 4th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Rank 2nd Lieutenant
Battles/wars Second Boer War
World War I

Henry John Innes-Ker (born July 24, 1876 – died September 29, 1932) was a Scottish nobleman. He held the title of the 8th Duke of Roxburghe. He was also an important person in the royal court.

Early Life and Family

Henry John Innes-Ker was born on July 24, 1876. His father was James Henry Robert Innes-Ker, 7th Duke of Roxburghe. His mother was Lady Anne Emily Spencer-Churchill.

His mother was the daughter of the 7th Duke of Marlborough. This made Henry John Innes-Ker a first cousin to Winston Churchill. Churchill later became a famous Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Henry's younger brother, Lord Robert Edward Innes-Ker, married an actress named Jose Collins.

Henry went to two well-known schools. He studied at Eton College and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

Becoming a Duke

When his father passed away on October 23, 1892, Henry inherited many titles. He became the 8th Duke of Roxburghe. He also gained other titles like Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford. These titles are part of the British system of nobility called the Peerage.

Military Service and Royal Duties

Henry John Innes-Ker had an active military career. He started as a lieutenant in the Royal Horse Guards. In 1895, he became a 2nd lieutenant in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

Serving in Wars

In 1900, he fought in the Second Boer War in South Africa. He was part of the Household Cavalry. Later, he also served in World War I. During this war, he was seriously injured.

Royal Appointments

Henry was recognized for his service. In 1901, he became a Member of the Royal Victorian Order. This is an award given by the British monarch.

In 1902, King Edward VII made him a Knight of the Order of the Thistle. This is a very old and important Scottish award. From 1926 until his death, he was the Chancellor of the Order of the Thistle. This meant he was in charge of the Order.

He also served as the Lord Lieutenant of Roxburghshire from 1918 until his death. This role meant he was the King's representative in that area. In 1930, he was made a lieutenant of the Royal Company of Archers. This is the King's bodyguard in Scotland.

Personal Life and Family

On November 10, 1903, Henry married Mary Goelet. She was the daughter of a very rich real-estate owner from New York. Mary was one of the wealthiest American heiresses of her time.

They lived at Floors Castle, a large estate. Mary decorated the castle with her own art collection. This included beautiful 17th-century tapestries.

Henry and Mary had one child:

  • George Victor Robert John Innes-Ker, 9th Duke of Roxburghe (1913–1974). King George V was one of his sponsors. Queen Alexandra was also one of his godparents.

The Duke of Roxburghe passed away on September 29, 1932. His only son, George, then became the 9th Duke of Roxburghe.

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