Prince Edward Augustus, Duke of Kent and Strathearn facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Prince Edward
Duke of Kent and Strathearn
Born	(1767-11-02)2 November 1767 Buckingham Palace, London
Died	23 January 1820(1820-01-23) (aged 52) Woodbrook Cottage, Sidmouth, Devon
Burial	St. George's Chapel, Windsor
Spouse	Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld
Issue	Victoria of the United Kingdom
Full name Edward Augustus
House	House of Hanover
Father	George III of the United Kingdom
Mother	Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz

Prince Edward Augustus, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, was an important member of the British Royal Family. He was the fourth son of King George III and Queen Charlotte. He is most famous for being the father of Queen Victoria, one of Britain's longest-reigning monarchs.

Edward was born in 1767 at Buckingham Palace in London. He was given the title Duke of Kent and Strathearn in 1799. He also became the Earl of Dublin.

Early Life and Education

Prince Edward grew up as part of a large royal family. His father, King George III, ruled Great Britain during a time of big changes. Edward was educated by tutors at home. Like many royal princes, he was prepared for a life of public service.

When he was 18, Edward went to Germany for more education. He studied in Lüneburg and Hanover. He also began his military training there.

Military Career and Public Service

Edward joined the British Army at a young age. He became an officer and served in different parts of the world. He was known for being very strict. He served in Gibraltar and later in British North America, which included parts of Canada.

In Canada, he was the Commander-in-Chief of the British forces. He helped strengthen the military defenses there. He also played a role in the building of Citadel Hill (Fort George) in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This fort was important for protecting the city.

Edward was also involved in many charities and public groups. He was a Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, a large Masonic organization. He cared about helping others and supported many good causes.

Marriage and Family

For many years, Prince Edward did not marry. However, in 1817, his niece, Princess Charlotte, died. She was the only child of the Prince Regent (who later became King George IV). Her death meant there was no clear heir to the throne. This made it important for the younger sons of King George III to marry and have children.

In 1818, Prince Edward married Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. She was a German princess and a widow with two children. Their marriage was important for the future of the British monarchy.

Their only child, Princess Alexandrina Victoria, was born on May 24, 1819. She would later become Queen Victoria.

Later Life and Death

Prince Edward lived only a short time after his daughter was born. He died on January 23, 1820, in Sidmouth, Devon. He was 52 years old. His daughter, Victoria, was only eight months old when he passed away.

His death was a sad event for the Royal Family. Just six days later, his father, King George III, also died. Because of these events, Edward's daughter Victoria eventually became queen in 1837. She ruled for over 63 years, a period known as the Victorian Era.

Prince Edward is buried at St. George's Chapel in Windsor.

Images for kids

• 

  Edward aged eleven (right) and his older brother William, portrait by Benjamin West, 1778

• 

  Prince Edward in 1782, portrait by Thomas Gainsborough

• 

  The Duke of Kent and Strathearn by George Dawe

• 

  Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, Commander-in-Chief, North America, 1791–1802

• 
• 

  Castle Hill Lodge 1814

• 

  Edward Scriven engraving of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathern (1834) after W. Beechey's portrait

See also

In Spanish: Eduardo de Kent (1767-1820) para niños