James Ogilvy facts for kids

James Robert Bruce Ogilvy was born on 29 February 1964. He is a British landscape designer and the person who started and edits the magazine Luxury Briefing. James is part of the extended British royal family. His mother, Princess Alexandra of Kent, was a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. This means James is a second cousin to King Charles III. He is currently 58th in the line to the British throne.

Early Life and Royal Connections

James Ogilvy was born on 29 February 1964, at Thatched House Lodge in Richmond Park, Surrey. He was one of four royal children born within a few weeks in 1964. The others were Prince Edward, Lady Helen Taylor, and Lady Sarah Chatto.

James was baptised by Arthur Michael Ramsey, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury. Queen Elizabeth II was one of his seven godparents. When he was born, James was 13th in line to the British throne. As of September 2024, he is 58th in line.

Education and Career

James Ogilvy started his education at a "palace school" with his cousins, including Prince Edward. Later, he attended Gibbs pre-prep and Heatherdown Preparatory School with Prince Edward.

After that, James went to Eton College. He then studied at the University of St Andrews, where he earned a degree in History of art. He also completed an MBA (Master of Business Administration) at Cranfield University from 1990 to 1991.

James worked for a bank called Barclays de Zoete Wedd (BZW). He also worked for a company that handles shipping in Edinburgh.

In 1996, he started his own magazine called Luxury Briefing, which he still publishes and edits. He has also been a member of many company boards. Besides his work with the magazine, James is also a professional photographer and a landscape designer.

Personal Life

James Ogilvy married Julia Caroline Rawlinson on 30 July 1988. The wedding took place at St Mary's Church in Saffron Walden, Essex. Julia's father was a merchant banker.

James and Julia have two children:

• Flora Alexandra Vesterberg, born on 15 December 1994 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Flora studied History of Art and has a master's degree. She now runs a company that deals with modern art. She married Timothy Vesterberg in 2020.
• Alexander Charles Ogilvy, born on 12 November 1996 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Alexander attended Brown University in the United States.

James Ogilvy is also a godfather to Princess Eugenie. She is the younger daughter of his second cousin, Prince Andrew, Duke of York.

In 1997, while on holiday in Florida with his family, James was bitten by a shark when he swam in the ocean. He had several wounds on his leg and needed 30 stitches.

Honours and Medals

James Ogilvy has received several medals to mark important royal events:

• 6 February 1977: Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal
• 6 February 2002: Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
• 6 February 2012: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
• 6 February 2022: Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal
• 6 May 2023: King Charles III Coronation Medal