James Hamilton, 5th Duke of Abercorn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Abercorn
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Portrait by Allan Warren, 1990
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| Chancellor of the Order of the Garter | |
| In office 17 October 2012 – 18 June 2024 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II Charles III |
| Preceded by | The Lord Carrington |
| Succeeded by | The Baroness Manningham-Buller |
| Lord Steward | |
| In office 2001–2009 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | The Viscount Ridley |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Dalhousie |
| Lord Lieutenant of Tyrone | |
| In office 20 March 1987 – 4 July 2009 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | John Hamilton-Stubber |
| Succeeded by | Robert Lowry Scott |
| Member of the House of Lords | |
| In office 4 June 1979 – 11 November 1999 |
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| Preceded by | James Hamilton, 4th Duke of Abercorn |
| Succeeded by | Seat Abolished |
| Member of Parliament for Fermanagh and South Tyrone |
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| In office 15 October 1964 – 29 May 1970 |
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| Preceded by | Lord Robert Grosvenor |
| Succeeded by | Frank McManus |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 July 1934 |
| Political party | Ulster Unionist |
| Spouse |
Alexandra Philips
(m. 1966; died 2018) |
| Children |
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| Parents |
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| Alma mater | Royal Agricultural University |
James Hamilton, 5th Duke of Abercorn (born 4 July 1934) is a British nobleman, a royal official, and a politician. He is known as the Duke of Abercorn.
He became the 5th Duke of Abercorn in 1979 after his father passed away. He was a politician for the Ulster Unionist Party. He served as a Member of Parliament for Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Later, he was a senior official in the royal household, called the Lord Steward of the Household, for Elizabeth II. He also held the important role of Chancellor of the Order of the Garter from 2012 until he retired in 2024.
Contents
Early Life and Family History
James Hamilton was born on 4 July 1934. His parents were James Hamilton, Marquess of Hamilton, and The Hon. Kathleen Crichton. When he was born, he had the special title Viscount Strabane.
In 1953, his grandfather, the 3rd Duke of Abercorn, passed away. James then received the title Marquess of Hamilton. He kept this title until his father's death in 1979, when he became the Duke of Abercorn.
His Marriage and Children
On 20 October 1966, James Hamilton married Alexandra Phillips. Her father was Lieutenant Colonel Harold Phillips. Her mother was Georgina Wernher.
Their wedding took place at Westminster Abbey. Many members of the royal family attended, including Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother. Prince Andrew was a pageboy at the wedding.
The Duke and Duchess of Abercorn have three children:
- James Harold Charles Hamilton, Marquess of Hamilton (born 19 August 1969). He is a godson of King Charles III.
- Lady Sophia Alexandra Hamilton (born 8 June 1973).
- Lord Nicholas Edward Hamilton (born 5 July 1979).
The Duke is a first cousin to the 8th Earl Spencer. The 8th Earl Spencer was the father of Diana, Princess of Wales. The Duke attended Diana's wedding to Prince Charles in 1981.
His Career and Public Service
James Hamilton studied at Eton College and the Royal Agricultural College. In 1953, he joined the Grenadier Guards as a Second Lieutenant. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1955. He later left active service but remained in the army reserves.
Political and Military Roles
In 1964, he became a Member of Parliament for Fermanagh and South Tyrone. He was part of the Ulster Unionist Party. He won the election again in 1966 but lost his seat in 1970.
In 1970, he served as the High Sheriff of Tyrone. He also joined the Ulster Defence Regiment in 1974. From 1986 to 2009, he was the Lord Lieutenant of County Tyrone. This is a personal representative of the monarch in a county.
Royal Appointments and Honors
In 1999, he was made a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. This is a very high honor in the United Kingdom. He was also the Colonel of the Irish Guards from 2000 to 2008.
In 2001, he was appointed Lord Steward of the Household. This is a senior role in the royal household, and he served in this position until 2009. He was appointed Chancellor of the Order of the Garter on 17 October 2012. He retired from this role on 18 June 2024.
The Duke owns a large estate called Baronscourt. It is located near Newtownstewart, in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
Images for kids
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The Coat of Arms of James Hamilton, 5th Duke of Abercorn.
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The Garter Banner of the 5th Duke of Abercorn.
