Simon Abney-Hastings, 15th Earl of Loudoun facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Loudoun
|
|
|---|---|
The Earl of Loudoun in 2023
|
|
| Tenure | 2012–present |
| Predecessor | Michael Abney-Hastings, 14th Earl of Loudoun |
| Born | Simon Michael Rawdon Francis Abney-Hastings 29 October 1974 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Locality | Wangaratta, Victoria |
| Heir | The Hon. Marcus Abney-Hastings |
| Parents | Michael Abney-Hastings, 14th Earl of Loudoun |
Simon Michael Abney-Hastings, born on October 29, 1974, holds an old Scottish noble title. He is the 15th Earl of Loudoun. Before 2012, he was known as Lord Mauchline. He is a British aristocrat who lives in Australia.
Contents
About the Earl of Loudoun's Family and Role
Simon Abney-Hastings became the Earl of Loudoun in 2012. He inherited the title from his father, Michael Abney-Hastings, 14th Earl of Loudoun. The Earl lives in Wangaratta, a town in Victoria, Australia.
His brother, the Hon. Marcus William Abney-Hastings, born in 1981, is next in line for the title. This means Marcus is the heir presumptive.
The Earl's Role in the Coronation
In 2023, Simon Abney-Hastings had a special role in the coronation of King Charles III. He was chosen to carry one of the gold spurs. These spurs are symbols of knighthood and bravery. They were presented to King Charles III during the ceremony.
The Earl of Loudoun was the only Australian to have an official part in the coronation. This tradition of carrying the spurs dates back to the coronation of Richard I in 1189. Richard I is also known as Richard the Lionheart.
Patronage and Special Recognitions
The Earl of Loudoun supports many different groups and causes. When someone is a "patron," it means they offer support and encouragement.
Here are some of the groups he supports:
- Hereditary Governor and Patron of Repton School in Derbyshire, England.
- Patron of the Ashby de la Zouch Museum.
- Patron of the Friends of Loudoun Kirk.
- President of the Board of Governors for St Andrew's First Aid Australia.
- Patron of the Melbourne Highland Games in Australia.
- Patron of the Clan Campbell Society of Australia.
- Patron of the Barnet 1471 Battlefields Society.
- Patron of the Australia Day Council – Victoria, Australia.
- Protector of the Order of St Thomas of Acre.
He has also received special honors:
- He was named a Kentucky Colonel in 2022. This is a high honor from the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the USA.
- He is an esteemed friend of the Loudoun Museum in Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia USA.
- He was the Chieftain of the Day for the Brigadoon Highland Games in Bundanoon, NSW, in both 2022 and 2023.
- He was also the Chieftain of the Day for the Aberdeen Highland Games in 2023.
Family History and Royal Connections
Simon Abney-Hastings has a very interesting family history. He is a direct descendant of George Plantagenet, 1st Duke of Clarence. George was the brother of two English kings, Edward IV and Richard III.
The Claim to the Throne
Because of this family connection, some people have discussed an alternative idea about who should be the King or Queen of England. A documentary in 2004, called Britain's Real Monarch, explored this idea. It suggested that if Edward IV was not a legitimate king, then the descendants of George Plantagenet would have a stronger claim to the throne.
Following this idea, Simon Abney-Hastings' father, Michael, would have been the rightful King of England instead of Elizabeth II. After his father's passing, Simon would then be the current monarch instead of Charles III.
Simon Abney-Hastings knows about this historical claim. However, he has clearly stated that he is a loyal supporter of the late Queen Elizabeth II and her son, King Charles III. Even with these discussions, he was invited to King Charles III's coronation.
