From Accidents to Admiration: The Dramatic Life of the Duke of Kent
The Duke of Kent's 90th Birthday: A Life Marked by Love, Laughter, and a Few Near-Misses
As the world celebrates the 90th birthday of Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, the royal family is still reeling from the loss of his beloved wife, Katharine. For 64 years, the couple was inseparable, but before they tied the knot, Prince Edward had a reputation for being a bit of a wild child.
According to royal author Mary Riddell's biography on Katharine's life, the Duke's early years were marked by "erratic behavior" and a penchant for getting into trouble. During a tour of South East Asia, Prince Edward, then 17, was responsible for slicing his mother's face with a ceremonial dagger while trying to cut the birthday cake.
The incident, which Riddell describes as an "accurate omen" of the Duke's future exploits, was just one of many mishaps that plagued his youth. As it turned out, Prince Edward had a bit of a need for speed and was often involved in minor car crashes. In fact, one such incident made headlines in the News Chronicle on June 21, 1954, with the paper reporting that Princess Marina was by her son's bedside as leading surgeons assessed him for possible brain damage.
But despite his misadventures, Prince Edward's parents ensured he received a top-notch education in royal protocol and duty. His mother, Princess Marina, was determined to raise her sons to be proper gentlemen, and it seems she succeeded - at least, most of the time.
As Riddell notes, Prince Edward's father, Prince George, was known for his charm and flaws, which his son seemed to have inherited in equal measure. The Duke's sense of public duty was clearly instilled in him from a young age, as he went on to serve as vice-chairman of British Trade International, president of the Football Association for over 30 years, and colonel of the Scots Guards for an impressive 50 years.
But it wasn't all serious business and royal duties. Prince Edward also had a bit of a wild streak, which is said to have been encouraged by his father's chauffeur, Field, as well as his old tutor, Giles St Aubyn, and Eton friend Nicky Gordon-Lennox. Together, they fueled the Duke's passion for cars, which sometimes got him into sticky situations.
Despite his roguish reputation, Prince Edward's love life was anything but complicated. He met his wife, Katharine, while serving in the army, and the two were married at York Minster on a grey and damp Thursday in Yorkshire. The wedding, which was one of the most famous royal occasions of the 20th century, was attended by the cream of British society and marked a new chapter in the lives of the young couple.
As Riddell notes, Katharine's father, Sir William, was a bit skeptical of his daughter's royal connections, but he couldn't help but be charmed by her determination and stubbornness. The Duchess's own fears about scrutiny and judgment were assuaged on that day, as she walked down the aisle to marry the man who would become one of the longest-serving members of the Royal Family.
Throughout their marriage, Prince Edward and Katharine had three children: George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews; Lord Nicholas Windsor; and Lady Helen Taylor. Despite their busy schedules, the couple was known for their strong family bonds, and their love for each other endured until the end.
As we celebrate the Duke's 90th birthday, it's hard not to think about the life he's lived - full of laughter, adventure, and a few near-misses along the way. We can only imagine what the future holds for this remarkable royal, but one thing is certain: Prince Edward has left an indelible mark on British history.
Sources:
- Mary Riddell's biography on Katharine's life (published by The Scholarly Note)
- News Chronicle archives (available online at The Scholarly Note)
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