James Graham, 8th Duke of Montrose facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Montrose
OStJ
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Official portrait, 2018
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| Member of the House of Lords | |
| as a hereditary peer 26 May 1995 – 11 November 1999 |
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| Preceded by | The 7th Duke of Montrose |
| Succeeded by | Seat abolished |
| as an elected hereditary peer 11 November 1999 |
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| Election | 1999 |
| Preceded by | Seat established |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Graham
6 April 1935 Southern Rhodesia |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse | |
| Children | Lady Hermione Thornhill James, Marquess of Graham Lord Ronald Graham |
| Parents | Angus Graham, 7th Duke of Montrose Isabel Veronia Sellar |
James Graham, 8th Duke of Montrose, born on April 6, 1935, is a Scottish nobleman and a politician. He is a member of the Conservative Party and serves in the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament. Before becoming the Duke of Montrose, he was known by other titles, such as the Earl of Kincardine and the Marquess of Graham.
About James Graham
Early Life and Education
James Graham was born on April 6, 1935, in a country called Southern Rhodesia. This place is now known as Zimbabwe. At the time, his father was starting a farm there.
When he was older, James went to boarding school in Scotland. He first studied in Aberdeenshire and then at the Loretto School, which is close to Edinburgh.
In 1978, he was honored as an Officer of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (OStJ). Later, in 1986, he became a Brigadier in the Royal Company of Archers.
Family Life
On January 31, 1970, James Graham married Catherine Elizabeth MacDonell Young. Catherine passed away on October 29, 2014. She was the daughter of Captain Norman Andrew Thompson Young, who was an officer in the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders from Ottawa, Canada.
James and Catherine had three children:
- Lady Hermione Elizabeth Graham, born on July 20, 1971. She is married to Christopher John Thornhill and they have children.
- James Alexander Norman Graham, born on August 16, 1973. He is known as the Marquess of Graham. He is married to Cecilia Manfredi.
- Lord Ronald John Christopher Graham, born on October 13, 1975. He is married to Florence Mary Arbuthnott and they have two sons.
His Role in Politics
The Duke of Montrose is a member of the Conservative Party. He became a member of the House of Lords in 1992 after his father passed away. The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament, where members discuss and make laws.
After the House of Lords Act 1999 was passed, most hereditary peers (people who inherit their titles and seats in the House of Lords) lost their automatic right to be there. However, 90 of them were chosen or elected by the other peers to keep their seats. The Duke of Montrose was one of these elected members.
Before the 2010 general election, the Duke of Montrose served as a "shadow minister" for the Scotland Office. A shadow minister is a member of the opposition party who watches over a specific government department. They suggest different ideas and policies.
The Duke has also spent time in China. There, he worked to promote renewable energy and ideas to protect the environment. He is also able to speak Mandarin fluently.
