William Douglas-Hamilton, 12th Duke of Hamilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Hamilton
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Portrait by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, 1863
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| Born | 12 March 1845 Paddington, London, England |
| Died | 16 May 1895 (aged 50) Algiers, Algeria |
| Tenure | 1863–1895 |
| Other titles | 9th Duke of Brandon 2nd Duke of Châtellerault 8th Earl of Selkirk |
| Spouse(s) | Lady Mary Montagu |
| Issue | Mary Louise Graham, Duchess of Montrose |
| Parents | William Hamilton, 11th Duke of Hamilton Princess Marie Amelie of Baden |
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William Alexander Louis Stephen Douglas-Hamilton (born March 12, 1845, in London – died May 16, 1895, in Algiers) was a Scottish nobleman. He held the important title of the 12th Duke of Hamilton. A "Duke" is a very high-ranking noble title, often passed down through families. He also held other titles, like the 9th Duke of Brandon.
Contents
Who Was William, 12th Duke of Hamilton?
His Early Life and Family
William Hamilton was born in London. His father was William Hamilton, 11th Duke of Hamilton. His mother was Princess Marie Amelie of Baden, who was the adopted granddaughter of the famous French leader Napoleon Bonaparte. This meant William was related to many royal families across Europe through his mother's side. For example, his cousins included kings and queens from countries like Romania, Portugal, and Saxony.
Education and Interests
William went to two well-known schools: Eton College and Christ Church, Oxford University. During his time at university, he enjoyed sports like boxing. Later in life, he also loved horse-racing and yachting. People described him as a strong person who spoke his mind directly.
Becoming a Duke and Facing Challenges
Taking on the Title
In July 1863, when William was just 18 years old, his father passed away. This meant William became the 12th Duke of Hamilton. He inherited his father's titles and responsibilities.
Financial Ups and Downs
His father, the 11th Duke, had spent a lot of money. He bought a large house in London for £60,000 and spent even more on it. He also made big changes to Brodick Castle in Scotland, making it much larger. When William's father died, he left an estate worth £140,000. William inherited a good part of this.
However, by 1867, William was almost out of money. Luckily, his racehorse named Cortolvin won the Grand National horse race! This win brought him a lot of prize money and about £16,000 from bets. This helped him get back on his feet financially. Even so, his mother had to sell the London house that same year.
Family and Legacy
His Sister's Royal Connection
In 1869, William's younger sister, Lady Mary Victoria Douglas-Hamilton, married Albert I, Prince of Monaco. Although her marriage didn't last, her son later became the ruler of Monaco. All future rulers of Monaco are related to William's sister, Mary.
His Own Marriage and Daughter
On December 10, 1873, William married Lady Mary Montagu at Kimbolton Castle. She was the daughter of the 7th Duke of Manchester. They had one daughter together:
- Lady Mary Louise Douglas-Hamilton (born November 1, 1884 – died February 21, 1957). She married James Graham, 6th Duke of Montrose in 1906 and they had four children.
The End of His Life
William, the 12th Duke of Hamilton, passed away in Algiers in 1895. He was 50 years old. After his death, the title of Duke of Hamilton went to his fourth cousin, who became the 13th Duke.
Images for kids
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Hamilton's daughter Mary, Duchess of Montrose. Portrait by Philip de László, 1912.
