Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Princess Mary |
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| Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh | |
Portrait by Thomas Lawrence, 1824
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| Born | 25 April 1776 Buckingham House, London |
| Died | 30 April 1857 (aged 81) Gloucester House, Mayfair |
| Burial | 8 May 1857 St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle |
| Spouse | |
| House | Hanover |
| Father | George III, King of the United Kingdom |
| Mother | Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz |
Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh was a British princess, born on April 25, 1776. She was the eleventh child and fourth daughter of King George III and Queen Charlotte.
She married her first cousin, Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh, when they were both 40 years old. Princess Mary lived a long life, seeing four different monarchs rule Britain. These included her father, King George III, her brothers George IV and William IV, and her niece, Queen Victoria. Princess Mary passed away at 81, being the longest-living of all King George III's children.
Growing Up Royal
Princess Mary was born at Buckingham Palace in London on April 25, 1776. Her father was the King of Great Britain, George III. Her mother was Queen Charlotte.
Mary was baptised on May 19, 1776, at St James's Palace. Her godparents included important royal figures.
King George III was a very caring father. He often visited his children and played with them. Queen Charlotte was more formal, but she also cared deeply about her children's upbringing. She made sure her daughters, including Mary, received a good education and learned strong moral values. Lady Charlotte Finch helped the Queen manage the royal nursery.
Many people thought Princess Mary was the most beautiful of King George III's daughters. When she was 16, in June 1791, she danced in public for the first time at a royal ball. She officially joined the royal court in 1792.
Around 1796, Mary fell in love with Prince Frederick of Orange-Nassau. He was a Dutch prince living in London. However, her father, King George III, said that her older sisters had to marry first. Sadly, Prince Frederick died in 1799 while serving in the army. Princess Mary was allowed to officially mourn his death.
Mary was very close to her youngest sister, Princess Amelia of the United Kingdom. Amelia called Mary "Mama's tool" because Mary was very obedient. Amelia's death in 1810 deeply saddened Mary, who had cared for her during her illness.
Princess Mary was also close to her eldest brother. She shared his dislike for his wife, Caroline of Brunswick. When Caroline left for Italy, Princess Mary was happy, hoping she would not return.
Marriage and Later Life
Princess Mary grew up in a very protected environment. She spent most of her time with her parents and sisters. King George and Queen Charlotte wanted to keep their children safe, especially the girls.
However, Mary did marry on July 22, 1816. She married her first cousin, Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh. He was the son of her father's brother. On their wedding day, Mary's brother, The Prince Regent, gave William Frederick the title of Royal Highness. Mary already had this title because she was the King's daughter.
William Frederick had first wanted to marry Mary's niece, Princess Charlotte. But Charlotte's father was not pleased, and the courtship ended. Historians believe Mary married her cousin because she wanted to escape Queen Charlotte's strict household. Princess Charlotte noted that the Duke was "much in love." She also observed that Mary was delighted to be her "own mistress" and have her "own house."
The couple lived at Bagshot Park. They did not have any children together. After William's death, Mary moved to White Lodge, Richmond Park.
Death
Princess Mary died on April 30, 1857, at Gloucester House, Mayfair. She was 81 years old. She was the last surviving child of King George III and Queen Charlotte, and she lived the longest among them.
Royal Arms
As a daughter of the King, Princess Mary had her own special version of the royal coat of arms. It featured the kingdom's arms with a unique design to show she was a princess.
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See also
