Louis Greig facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Sir Louis Leisler Greig
KBE CVO

Greig and King George VI
Birth name	Louis Leisler Greig
Date of birth	17 November 1880
Place of birth	Glasgow, Scotland
Date of death	1 March 1953(1953-03-01) (aged 72)
Place of death	Ham, Surrey, England
School	Glasgow Academy & Merchiston Castle School
University	University of Glasgow
Occupation(s)	Stockbroker, surgeon, royal equerry
Rugby union career
Position(s) Forward Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) National team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1905–1908 1903 Scotland British and Irish Lions 5 3 0 0

Group Captain Sir Louis Leisler Greig, KBE CVO (born November 17, 1880 – died March 1, 1953) was a Scottish naval surgeon. He was also a talented rugby player and a close friend of King George VI.

A Rugby Star

Louis Greig was a very good rugby player. He played for the national team of Scotland. He also played for the British Lions. This was during their tour to South Africa in 1903. He played in all three main matches against South Africa. He also played in some local games.

Early Life and Education

Louis Greig was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on November 17, 1880. He was one of eleven children. His father was a successful merchant. Louis went to Glasgow Academy and Merchiston Castle School. After that, he studied medicine at the University of Glasgow. He was smart and good at sports. He played both rugby and tennis very well.

After working as a junior doctor for a few years, he joined the navy in 1906. He won a gold medal during his training.

Friendship with Prince Albert

In 1909, Greig began officer training at the Royal Naval College, Osborne. There, he met Prince Albert. This prince later became George VI, the King. Greig became a mentor to the young prince. He helped the prince feel more confident.

They served together on a ship called HMS Cumberland. Greig was the ship's surgeon. In 1914, he joined the Royal Marines. He was captured during a battle in Antwerp. He spent eight months as a prisoner of war.

Family and Royal Service

After being released, Greig married Phyllis Scrimgeour in 1916. They had three children:

• Bridget Greig (born 1917)
• Jean Greig (1920–1973)
• Captain Sir (Henry Louis) Carron Greig (1925–2012)

In 1917, Greig joined another ship, HMS Malaya. He was with Prince Albert again. Greig helped the Prince with his stomach problems. For the next seven years, Greig was often with the Prince. He became an equerry to the Prince in 1918. An equerry is an officer who attends to a member of the royal family.

In 1919, both Prince Albert and Greig joined the Royal Air Force. Greig became a Wing Commander. They even played tennis together at Wimbledon. This showed how close they were.

Greig continued to guide the Prince, who became the Duke of York in 1920. He encouraged the Duke to marry Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. This marriage was very important for the royal family.

As the Duchess of York, Elizabeth became closer to the Duke. Greig's role changed. He was given an honor, the CVO, in 1923. But he was not included in a royal trip. So, he resigned as equerry. He then became a Gentleman Usher in 1924. This is another role serving the royal family.

Later Life and Public Service

Greig later became a stockbroker. This is someone who buys and sells stocks for others. He had a brief difficult time when King Edward VIII was on the throne. King Edward did not like him. Greig resigned his ushership in 1936.

However, when his friend King George VI became king, Greig was given his royal role back. He was also chosen to be the chairman of Wimbledon. In 1939, he rejoined the RAF. He worked as a link between the King and the Air Ministry. He reached the rank of group captain.

Greig had surgery for cancer in 1952. He passed away in early 1953 and was buried in Ham, Surrey.

Political Views

Even though he was a stockbroker, Greig became friends with Ramsay MacDonald. MacDonald was the leader of the Labour Party. Greig played a small part in forming the National Government in 1931. He was honored with the KBE in 1932. He also became Deputy Ranger of Richmond Park.

Greig was against "appeasement." This was a policy of giving in to aggressive countries to avoid war. He believed in being strong. He helped several Jewish families find safety in Britain. This was very important during a difficult time in Europe.