Kathleen Cavendish, Marchioness of Hartington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marchioness of Hartington
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Kennedy in 1944, when she was a member of the American Red Cross stationed in England
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Kathleen Agnes Kennedy
February 20, 1920 Brookline, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | May 13, 1948 (aged 28) Saint-Bauzile, Ardèche, France |
| Cause of death | Airplane crash |
| Resting place | St Peter's Church, Edensor, Derbyshire, England |
| Spouse |
William Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington
(m. 1944; died 1944) |
| Parents | Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. Rose Fitzgerald |
| Relatives | Kennedy family (by birth) Cavendish family (by marriage) |
| Education | Riverdale Country School Noroton Convent of the Sacred Heart Holy Child Convent |
| Alma mater | Queen's College, London Finch School Florida Commercial College |
Kathleen Agnes Cavendish, Marchioness of Hartington (née Kennedy; February 20, 1920 – May 13, 1948), often called "Kick" Kennedy, was an American socialite. She was the second daughter of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald. Kathleen was also the sister of U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Ted Kennedy. She married the Marquess of Hartington, who was set to become the 10th Duke of Devonshire.
When her father was the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom, Kathleen became very popular in London. She was even called the "debutante of 1938." While working with the American Red Cross, she fell in love with Lord Hartington. They married in May 1944. Sadly, he was killed in battle only four months later. Kathleen died in a plane crash in 1948 while on vacation in France.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Kathleen Kennedy was born on February 20, 1920, in Brookline, Massachusetts. She was the fourth child and second daughter of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald. Her family nicknamed her "Kick" because she was always full of energy. Kathleen was especially close to her older brother, John F. Kennedy, known as "Jack." Her other siblings included Joseph Jr., Rosemary, Eunice, Patricia, Robert, Jean and Ted.
Kathleen attended several schools, including Riverdale Country School in New York City. She also went to Noroton Convent of the Sacred Heart in Connecticut and Holy Child Convent in France. Even though the Kennedy daughters were not expected to go into politics like their brothers, they had many chances for good education and social experiences. This was thanks to their father's important connections. Their father, Joseph, became the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom in 1938.
As a child, Kathleen loved sports and played football with her brothers. Her father encouraged them to be competitive. They would often split into teams and play sports at the family home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. Kathleen's cheerful and optimistic personality attracted many friends. When she was at Riverdale Country School, her mother sent her to an all-girls school because she was getting too much attention from boys. Later, Kathleen had her first serious relationship with J. Peter Grace, whose family owned a large company.
Life in Britain
Kathleen's time in Britain greatly changed her life. She lived there when her father was the U.S. Ambassador. She studied at Queen's College, London and quickly made many friends in British high society. She even dated David Rockefeller. The English newspapers called her the "debutante of 1938" when she made her formal social debut at the Queen Charlotte's Ball.
When World War II started in September 1939, Kathleen was in France. She had to quickly return to England. The Kennedy family, including her sister Rosemary, went back to the United States for safety. Kathleen loved England and her friends there. She wanted to stay in London despite the danger. However, her father insisted she return home, and she sailed back to the U.S. in the fall of 1939.
After returning home, Kathleen attended the Finch School and then Florida Commercial College. She also started volunteering for the American Red Cross. In 1941, she left school to work as a research assistant for a newspaper editor. She later wrote her own column, reviewing films and plays.
Marriage and Loss
In 1943, Kathleen wanted to return to England. She joined the Red Cross to work in a center for servicemen. During her time in England, she became more independent from her family and their Catholic Church beliefs. She began a close friendship with William Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington, known as Billy. He was the oldest son of the 10th Duke of Devonshire.
Kathleen and Billy had met and become friends when she first moved to England. Despite her mother's objections, Kathleen and Lord Hartington reunited when she returned to England. Her mother, Rose, worried that their marriage would go against Catholic Church rules. This was because Kathleen's children would be raised in the Church of England instead of the Catholic Church. Rose even tried to keep them apart.
However, Kathleen married Billy Hartington on May 6, 1944, in a civil ceremony. Her oldest brother, Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., was the only family member who could attend. He was serving in Britain with the United States Navy. Her brother John was in the hospital, and Robert was in naval training. Sadly, on August 12, 1944, Joe Jr. was killed when his plane exploded during a secret bombing mission.
Widowhood and Final Years
Kathleen, now the Marchioness of Hartington, spent less than five weeks with her husband before he went to fight in France. Four months after their wedding, and less than a month after her brother Joe Jr. died, Billy Hartington was killed by a sniper in Belgium. His family buried him near where he fell. Since Billy had no children, his younger brother, Lord Andrew Cavendish, became the next in line to be Duke.
Lady Hartington was very popular in London. She was known for her cheerful spirit and quick wit. She later became close with the 8th Earl Fitzwilliam. Again, her mother, Rose Kennedy, did not approve. Rose warned Kathleen that she would lose financial support if she married Lord Fitzwilliam. In May 1948, Kathleen learned her father was traveling to Paris. She decided to fly there to meet him and ask for his approval for her plans to marry Fitzwilliam.
Death
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On May 13, 1948, Lady Hartington and Lord Fitzwilliam were flying from Paris to the French Riviera for a vacation. Their plane took off at 3:30 in the afternoon. About an hour into the flight, they lost radio contact as the plane entered a storm near Vienne, France. The plane experienced severe turbulence for twenty minutes.
When they finally came out of the clouds, they realized the plane was diving. They tried to pull up, but the stress from the turbulence caused one of the wings to break off. Then both engines and the tail broke away. The main part of the plane crashed into a ravine near Saint-Bauzile, Ardèche, France. Lady Hartington, Lord Fitzwilliam, the pilot, and the navigator were all killed instantly.
Kathleen was buried in the Cavendish family burial grounds at St Peter's Churchyard, Edensor in England. Her father was the only family member who attended the funeral. Rose Kennedy did not attend, as she was in the hospital.
Legacy
- The gymnasium at Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York is named in Kathleen Kennedy's honor.
- Robert F. Kennedy named his eldest daughter in honor of his sister.
See also
- Chatsworth House
- Duke of Devonshire
- Kennedy curse
