Princess Alexandra (born 1936) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Princess Alexandra |
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| The Hon. Lady Ogilvy (more) | |||||
Alexandra in 2010
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| Born | Princess Alexandra of Kent 25 December 1936 Belgravia, London, England |
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| Spouse |
Sir Angus Ogilvy
(m. 1963; died 2004) |
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| House | Windsor | ||||
| Father | Prince George, Duke of Kent | ||||
| Mother | Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark | ||||
| Signature |  |
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| Education | Heathfield School, Ascot | ||||
Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy (born Alexandra Helen Elizabeth Olga Christabel on 25 December 1936) is a member of the British royal family. She is a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II and a granddaughter of King George V.
For many years, Princess Alexandra has been a "working royal." This means she has represented the Queen, and now King Charles III, at events in the United Kingdom and around the world. She is known for her work with many charities.
When she was born, she was sixth in the line of succession to the British throne. Today, she is 58th in line.
Contents
Early Life
Princess Alexandra was born on Christmas Day in 1936, in London. Her parents were Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark. Her father was the son of King George V, and her mother was a princess from Greece. Because she was born on Christmas, one of her names is Christabel.
As a granddaughter of a king, she was given the title Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra of Kent. At her birth, she was sixth in line to the throne. This was just after her cousins, the future Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret.
Alexandra was baptised in the chapel at Buckingham Palace. Her godparents included her uncle and aunt, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
She spent most of her childhood at her family's country home, Coppins. During World War II, her father, who served in the Royal Air Force, died in a plane crash in 1942.
Princess Alexandra was the first British princess to attend a boarding school. She went to Heathfield School in Ascot. She later studied in Paris and trained at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Marriage and Family
On 24 April 1963, Princess Alexandra married The Honourable Angus Ogilvy at Westminster Abbey. The wedding was a huge event, watched by about 200 million people on television worldwide. Her bridesmaids included Princess Anne.
Angus Ogilvy was offered the title of earl by the Queen when he married, but he politely declined. This means their children do not have royal titles. He was later given the title "Sir," and Alexandra became known as The Honourable Lady Ogilvy.
The couple had two children, James and Marina, and four grandchildren.
- James Ogilvy (born 1964). He and his wife Julia have two children:
- Flora Alexandra Vesterberg (born 1994)
- Alexander Charles Ogilvy (born 1996)
- Marina Ogilvy (born 1966). She has two children from her marriage to Paul Mowatt:
- Zenouska May Mowatt (born 1990)
- Christian Alexander Mowatt (born 1993)
In 1989, there was a public disagreement between Marina and her parents because she was going to have a baby before she was married. Her parents were concerned, but they later said they loved her and would always support her.
Princess Alexandra and her family have lived at Thatched House Lodge in Richmond, London, since their wedding. Her husband, Sir Angus Ogilvy, died in 2004.
Royal Duties
Starting in the late 1950s, Princess Alexandra became a very active member of the royal family. She carried out many official duties, called engagements, to support her cousin, Queen Elizabeth II. For many years, she attended over 100 events each year.
Travels Abroad
Princess Alexandra has traveled all over the world.
- In 1959, she toured Australia. The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane is named after her.
- In 1960, she represented the Queen when Nigeria became an independent country.
- She has also visited Canada, Italy, Japan, Thailand, and many other nations on official tours.
Work in the UK
In the UK, the Princess has opened hospitals, visited schools, and supported the military. In 1971, she opened a new section of the London Underground's Victoria line.
She was the Chancellor of Lancaster University for 40 years, from 1964 to 2004. A chancellor is the head of a university.
Even in her 80s, Princess Alexandra continues to be a working royal. She attended the coronation of King Charles III in 2023. In 2024, she was seen using a wheelchair at a family church service, showing she remains dedicated to her duties.
Charity Work
The Princess is a patron for more than 100 different organizations and charities. A patron is a well-known person who supports a group to help it get more attention.
Some of the charities she supports include:
- Sightsavers, which helps prevent blindness.
- Alzheimer's Society, which helps people with dementia.
- WWF-UK, a nature conservation group (she was president until 2011).
- The English National Opera and the London Philharmonic Choir.
- The Florence Nightingale Foundation, which supports nurses and midwives.
Titles and Honours
- 25 December 1936 – 24 April 1963: Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra of Kent
- 24 April 1963 – 31 December 1988: Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Mrs Angus Ogilvy
- 31 December 1988 – present: Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy
Over her life, Princess Alexandra has received many honours. In 2003, Queen Elizabeth II made her a Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. This is the highest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom.
Images for kids
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Princess Alexandra of Kent on a visit to the Netherlands in June 1961.
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See also
In Spanish: Alejandra de Kent para niños
