Louise, Princess Royal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Louise |
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Louise in 1901
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| Born | Princess Louise of Wales 20 February 1867 Marlborough House, London |
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| Died | 4 January 1931 (aged 63) Portman Square, London |
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| Burial | 10 January 1931 Royal Vault, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle 21 May 1931 St Ninian's Chapel, Braemar |
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| House | Windsor (from 1917) Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (until 1917) |
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| Father | Edward VII | ||||
| Mother | Alexandra of Denmark | ||||
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Louise, Princess Royal and Duchess of Fife (born Louise Victoria Alexandra Dagmar; 20 February 1867 – 4 January 1931) was a member of the British royal family. She was the third child and oldest daughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. King Edward VII was the son of Queen Victoria. Louise was also the younger sister of King George V. In 1905, she was given the special title of Princess Royal. Louise was known for being a quiet and shy person. She lived a private life as a royal family member.
Contents
Early Life and Childhood
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Princess Louise was born on 20 February 1867. Her birthplace was Marlborough House in London. This was the home of her parents, the Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII) and the Princess of Wales (who later became Queen Alexandra).
Her father, Edward, was the oldest son of Queen Victoria. Her mother, Alexandra, was the oldest daughter of King Christian IX of Denmark. From the moment she was born, Louise was known as Her Royal Highness Princess Louise of Wales. This title showed she was a granddaughter of the British monarch.
Louise spent much of her childhood at Sandringham House in Norfolk. She was baptized on 10 May 1867. The ceremony took place at Marlborough House. Like her sisters, Princess Victoria and Princess Maud, Louise was taught by private teachers. She sometimes spent her summers in Denmark, which was her mother's home country. When she was young, Louise was described as a very quiet girl.
In 1885, Louise and her sisters, Victoria and Maud, were bridesmaids. They helped at the wedding of their aunt, Princess Beatrice.
Marriage and Family Life
On 27 July 1889, Princess Louise married Alexander Duff. He was the 6th Earl Fife and was eighteen years older than her. The wedding took place at Buckingham Palace. The Archbishop of Canterbury, a senior church leader, led the service. Louise's sisters and other princesses were her bridesmaids.
Two days after the wedding, Queen Victoria gave Alexander Duff a new title. He became the Duke of Fife and Marquess of Macduff. This meant he was a very important noble. At first, this title could only be passed down to male children. However, after their two daughters were born, Queen Victoria made a change in 1900. She said that if there were no sons, the title could pass to their daughters.
The Duke and Duchess of Fife had three children:
- Alastair Duff, Marquess of Macduff (born and died on 16 June 1890).
- Princess Alexandra, 2nd Duchess of Fife (born 17 May 1891 – died 26 February 1959). She married her cousin, Prince Arthur of Connaught. They had children.
- Princess Maud (born 3 April 1893 – died 14 December 1945). She married Charles Carnegie, 11th Earl of Southesk. They also had children.
The family lived at Mar Lodge. This was a large country house built for them.
Becoming Princess Royal
On 9 November 1905, King Edward VII gave Louise the title of Princess Royal. This is the highest honor a female member of the royal family can receive. At the same time, the King announced that Louise's two daughters would also be called princesses. They would have the special style of "Highness."
In December 1911, Princess Louise and her family were traveling to Egypt by ship. Their ship, the SS Delhi, was wrecked off the coast of Morocco. Everyone was safe, but the Duke of Fife became ill. He caught a lung infection, likely because of the shipwreck. He passed away in January 1912 in Egypt. After his death, Princess Alexandra, Louise's daughter, became the Duchess of Fife.
Later Life and Death
After her husband died, Louise lived a very private life. She sometimes went to public events with her mother and sister Victoria. In the years before she died, Louise had heart problems. In October 1929, she became very ill with stomach bleeding. She was brought back to London.
Princess Louise died in her sleep on 4 January 1931. She was almost 64 years old. She passed away at her home in London. Her two daughters, Alexandra and Maud, were with her. She was first buried at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Later, her body was moved to the Private Chapel at Mar Lodge in Scotland. Her belongings were valued at about £2.2 million in today's money.
Honours and Titles
Princess Louise received several special honours during her life:
- 1885: She received the Royal Order of Victoria and Albert.
- 1887: She received the Imperial Order of the Crown of India.
- 1929: She became a Dame Grand Cross of the Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem.
She also had honorary military roles:
- 1911: She was the Lady Sponsor for the warship HMS Princess Royal.
- 1914: She became Colonel-in-chief of the 7th Dragoon Guards.
- 1922: She became Colonel-in-chief of the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards.
Images for kids
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Princess Louise's coat of arms until 1917. A coat of arms is a special design used by families.
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The coat of arms of the Duke and Duchess of Fife on a hotel in Braemar.
