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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James Hamilton, 5th Duke of Abercorn, born on 4 July 1934, is a British nobleman and politician. He has held important roles in the government and royal household.
He became the 5th Duke of Abercorn in 1979 after his father passed away. Before that, he was known by other special titles like Viscount Strabane and Marquess of Hamilton. He was also a Member of Parliament (MP) for Fermanagh and South Tyrone. He later served Elizabeth II as the Lord Steward of the Household. From 2012 until 2024, he was the Chancellor of the Order of the Garter, a very old and important group.
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.
From the day he was born, he had the special title Viscount Strabane. This changed in 1953 when his grandfather, the 3rd Duke of Abercorn, died. Then, James became known as Marquess of Hamilton. He kept this title until his father passed away in 1979, and he became the Duke.
His Marriage and Children
On 20 October 1966, James Hamilton married Alexandra Phillips. Her father was Lieutenant Colonel Harold Phillips. Her mother, Georgina Wernher, was the daughter of Sir Harold Wernher.
Their wedding took place at Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London. Members of the royal family, including Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother, attended the wedding. Even Prince Andrew was a pageboy!
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. He married Tanya Marie Nation in 2004 and they have two sons:
- James Alfred Nicholas Hamilton, Viscount Strabane (born 30 October 2005)
- Lord Claud Douglas Harold Hamilton (born 12 December 2007)
- Lady Sophia Alexandra Hamilton (born 8 June 1973). She married Anthony Loyd in 2002 but they later divorced.
- Lord Nicholas Edward Hamilton (born 5 July 1979). He married Tatiana Kronberg in 2009.
The Duke is also a first cousin to the 8th Earl Spencer. This means he is a cousin of Diana, Princess of Wales's father. He attended Diana's wedding to Prince Charles in 1981.
Career and Public Service
James Hamilton went to 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.
Serving as a Member of Parliament
In 1964, he became a MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone. He was part of the Ulster Unionist Party. He won his seat again in the 1966 election. However, he lost it in 1970 to Frank McManus. In 1970, he also served as the High Sheriff of Tyrone.
Other Important Roles
From 1986 to 2009, he was the Lord Lieutenant of County Tyrone. This is a personal representative of the monarch in a county. In 1999, he was made a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. This is a very special honor given by the monarch.
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 officer in the royal household, serving until 2009.
He owns a large amount of land, more than 15,000 acres. His family home is Baronscourt, located near Newtownstewart in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
He was appointed Chancellor of the Order of the Garter on 17 October 2012. He retired from this important role on 18 June 2024.
In 1987, he was a judge in Prince Edward's charity television show called The Grand Knockout Tournament.
Images for kids
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The coat of arms for James Hamilton, 5th Duke of Abercorn.
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The banner of the Duke of Abercorn's arms, used as a Knight Companion of the Garter.
