The Royal Family
The Queen is supported in her official duties by other working members of the Royal Family who carry out a wide range of public engagements on Her Majesty’s behalf.
Prince Philip
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich, husband to Her Majesty The Queen, was born Prince of Greece and Denmark in Corfu on 10 June 1921. He was born the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece. His paternal family is of Danish descent - Prince Andrew was the grandson of King Christian IX of Denmark. His mother was Princess Alice of Battenberg, the eldest child of Prince Louis of Battenberg and sister of Earl Mountbatten of Burma. Prince Louis became a naturalised British subject in 1868, joined the Royal Navy and rose to become an Admiral of the Fleet and First Sea Lord in 1914. During the First World War Prince Louis changed the family name to Mountbatten and was created Marquess of Milford Haven. Prince Philip adopted the family name of Mountbatten when he became a naturalised British subject and renounced his Royal title in 1947. Prince Louis married one of Queen Victoria's granddaughters. Thus, The Queen and Prince Philip both have Queen Victoria as a great-great-grandmother. They are also related through his father's side. His paternal grandfather, King George I of Greece, was Queen Alexandra's brother.
Prince Charles
Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is Heir Apparent to the throne. The Prince was born at Buckingham Palace on 14 November 1948, and was christened Charles Philip Arthur George. When, on the accession of Queen Elizabeth in 1952, he became heir apparent, Prince Charles automatically became Duke of Cornwall under a charter of King Edward III dating back to 1337, which gave that title to the Sovereign's eldest son. He also became in the Scottish Peerage, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick and Baron Renfrew, Lord of the Isles, and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland. The Prince was created Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester on 26 July 1958, becoming the first Prince of Wales since 1936. Although investitures of Princes of Wales were traditionally held in front of Parliament, and not all Princes of Wales have been invested, the investiture of the present Prince of Wales (like that of his predecessor Prince Edward, later Edward VIII, in 1911) was a State occasion. It took place in a Welsh setting before the Welsh people, at Caernarfon Castle on 1 July 1969. The Welsh regalia (Crown Jewels associated with the Princes of Wales) used at the investitures in 1911 and 1969 are on loan to the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff.
On 29 July 1981, The Prince of Wales married Lady Diana Spencer in St Paul's Cathedral who became HRH The Princess of Wales. The Princess was born on 1 July 1961, at Park House on The Queen's estate at Sandringham, Norfolk. She lived there until the death in 1975 of her grandfather, the 7th Earl, when the family moved to the Spencer family seat at Althorp House in Northamptonshire. Lady Diana's father, then Viscount Althorp and later the eighth Earl Spencer, had been an equerry to both George VI and The Queen. Her maternal grandmother, Ruth, Lady Fermoy, was a close friend and lady in waiting to The Queen Mother. The Prince and Princess of Wales had two sons: Prince William, born on 21 June 1982; and Prince Harry, born on 15 September 1984. From the time of their marriage, The Prince and Princess of Wales went on overseas tours and carried out many engagements together in the UK. On 9 December 1992, the Prime Minister, John Major, announced to the House of Commons that The Prince and Princess of Wales had agreed to separate.
The marriage was dissolved on 28 August, 1996. The Princess was still regarded as a member of the Royal Family. She continued to live at Kensington Palace and to carry out her public work for a number of charities. When The Princess was killed in a car crash in Paris on 31 August 1997, The Prince of Wales flew to Paris with her two sisters to bring her body back to London. The Princess lay in the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace until the night before the funeral. On the day of the funeral, The Prince of Wales accompanied his two sons, aged 15 and 12 at the time, as they walked behind the coffin from The Mall to Westminster Abbey. With them were The Duke of Edinburgh and The Princess's brother, Earl Spencer. Click here to find out more about the life and work of Diana, Princess of Wales. The Prince of Wales asked the media to respect his sons' privacy, to allow them to lead a normal school life. In the following years, Princes William and Harry, who are second and third in line to the throne, accompanied their father on a limited number of official engagements in the UK and abroad.
The Prince of Wales married Mrs Camilla Parker Bowles on 9 April 2005 at a civil ceremony at the Guildhall in Windsor, followed by a service of prayer and dedication in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. After the wedding, Mrs Parker Bowles became known as HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. When The Prince of Wales accedes to the throne, she will be known as HRH The Princess Consort. The official website of The Prince of Wales -
www.princeofwales.gov.uk
On 29 July 1981, The Prince of Wales married Lady Diana Spencer in St Paul's Cathedral who became HRH The Princess of Wales. The Princess was born on 1 July 1961, at Park House on The Queen's estate at Sandringham, Norfolk. She lived there until the death in 1975 of her grandfather, the 7th Earl, when the family moved to the Spencer family seat at Althorp House in Northamptonshire. Lady Diana's father, then Viscount Althorp and later the eighth Earl Spencer, had been an equerry to both George VI and The Queen. Her maternal grandmother, Ruth, Lady Fermoy, was a close friend and lady in waiting to The Queen Mother. The Prince and Princess of Wales had two sons: Prince William, born on 21 June 1982; and Prince Harry, born on 15 September 1984. From the time of their marriage, The Prince and Princess of Wales went on overseas tours and carried out many engagements together in the UK. On 9 December 1992, the Prime Minister, John Major, announced to the House of Commons that The Prince and Princess of Wales had agreed to separate.
The marriage was dissolved on 28 August, 1996. The Princess was still regarded as a member of the Royal Family. She continued to live at Kensington Palace and to carry out her public work for a number of charities. When The Princess was killed in a car crash in Paris on 31 August 1997, The Prince of Wales flew to Paris with her two sisters to bring her body back to London. The Princess lay in the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace until the night before the funeral. On the day of the funeral, The Prince of Wales accompanied his two sons, aged 15 and 12 at the time, as they walked behind the coffin from The Mall to Westminster Abbey. With them were The Duke of Edinburgh and The Princess's brother, Earl Spencer. Click here to find out more about the life and work of Diana, Princess of Wales. The Prince of Wales asked the media to respect his sons' privacy, to allow them to lead a normal school life. In the following years, Princes William and Harry, who are second and third in line to the throne, accompanied their father on a limited number of official engagements in the UK and abroad.
The Prince of Wales married Mrs Camilla Parker Bowles on 9 April 2005 at a civil ceremony at the Guildhall in Windsor, followed by a service of prayer and dedication in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. After the wedding, Mrs Parker Bowles became known as HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. When The Prince of Wales accedes to the throne, she will be known as HRH The Princess Consort. The official website of The Prince of Wales -
www.princeofwales.gov.uk
Camilla Wales
Camilla Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall was born Camilla Rosemary Shand on 17 July 1947 at King's College Hospital, London. She is the eldest of three siblings: she has a sister, Annabel Elliot (nee Shand), and a brother, Mark Shand. As a member of the Royal Family, The Duchess of Cornwall supports her husband, The Prince of Wales, in carrying out his work and duties as Heir to The Throne. She also undertakes public engagements on behalf of her own charities. The Duchess is Patron or President of a number of charities and attends events to support them. She also supports the work of the British Armed Services both in the United Kingdom and abroad. Her Royal Highness has her own military appointments and accompanies The Prince on the majority of his visits to the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
The Duchess of Cornwall also visits other countries on overseas tours with The Prince of Wales as part of Their Royal Highnesses’s role in supporting Her Majesty The Queen and together, Their Royal Highnesses are among the United Kingdom's most important ambassadors. In 2007 - 2008, The Duchess of Cornwall undertook 50 overseas engagements during tours of Uganda, Turkey, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia, Montserrat and Jamaica. The overseas visits are undertaken at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to further British diplomatic interests, raise the UK’s profile in the country visited and highlight British excellence. http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/personalprofiles/theduchessofcornwall/index.html
The Duchess of Cornwall also visits other countries on overseas tours with The Prince of Wales as part of Their Royal Highnesses’s role in supporting Her Majesty The Queen and together, Their Royal Highnesses are among the United Kingdom's most important ambassadors. In 2007 - 2008, The Duchess of Cornwall undertook 50 overseas engagements during tours of Uganda, Turkey, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia, Montserrat and Jamaica. The overseas visits are undertaken at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to further British diplomatic interests, raise the UK’s profile in the country visited and highlight British excellence. http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/personalprofiles/theduchessofcornwall/index.html
Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge
Prince William is the elder son of The Prince of Wales and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. He was born at 9.03pm on 21 June 1982, at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London. A bulletin announced that the Royal baby weighed 7lb 1 1/2oz. On 4 August 1982, Prince William Arthur Philip Louis was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Robert Runcie, in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace. After attending Mrs. Mynors School, Prince William became a pupil at Wetherby School in London, from 15 January 1987 until 5 July 1990. From September 1990, The Prince attended Ludgrove School in Berkshire, for five years until 5 July 1995. He then attended Eton College from July 1995 and studied Geography, Biology and History of Art at A Level.
Prince William was 15-years-old when Diana, Princess of Wales was killed in a car crash in Paris on 31 August 1997. Prince William and Prince Harry walked behind their mother’s cortege at her funeral which was held at Westminster Abbey on 6 September 1997. After a gap year in which he visited Chile, Belize, worked on British dairy farms and visited countries in Africa, Prince William chose to study at St Andrews University in Fife, Scotland. He graduated with a 2:1 in Geography in 2005. After a period of work experience, Prince William joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as an Officer Cadet. He was commissioned as an army officer in front of Her Majesty, The Queen at Sandhurst in December 2006 and joined the Household Cavalry (Blues and Royals) as a Second Lieutenant. On St George's Day (23 April 2008) The Queen appointed Prince William to be a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. He was installed at The Annual Garter ceremony held at Windsor Castle. Although a Lieutenant in the Household Cavalry, Prince William is now training to be a search and rescue Pilot with the Royal Air Force. At the same time, Prince William is President or Patron to a number of charities and organisations whose work he wishes to support. www.princewilliamandprinceharry.org
Prince William was 15-years-old when Diana, Princess of Wales was killed in a car crash in Paris on 31 August 1997. Prince William and Prince Harry walked behind their mother’s cortege at her funeral which was held at Westminster Abbey on 6 September 1997. After a gap year in which he visited Chile, Belize, worked on British dairy farms and visited countries in Africa, Prince William chose to study at St Andrews University in Fife, Scotland. He graduated with a 2:1 in Geography in 2005. After a period of work experience, Prince William joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as an Officer Cadet. He was commissioned as an army officer in front of Her Majesty, The Queen at Sandhurst in December 2006 and joined the Household Cavalry (Blues and Royals) as a Second Lieutenant. On St George's Day (23 April 2008) The Queen appointed Prince William to be a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. He was installed at The Annual Garter ceremony held at Windsor Castle. Although a Lieutenant in the Household Cavalry, Prince William is now training to be a search and rescue Pilot with the Royal Air Force. At the same time, Prince William is President or Patron to a number of charities and organisations whose work he wishes to support. www.princewilliamandprinceharry.org
The Duchess of Cambridge
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton on 9 January 1982; popularly known as "Kate") is the wife of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. William is second in line to the thrones of the sixteen Commonwealth realms, and if he becomes king, she would become queen consort. Catherine grew up in Chapel Row at Bucklebury, a village near Newbury, Berkshire, England. She studied in Scotland at the University of St Andrews, where she met William in 2001. They started a romantic relationship that continued until a break-up lasting for several months in 2007. However, they continued to be friends and rekindled their relationship later that year. Prior to the wedding, Catherine attended many high-profile royal events. Once their relationship became public, Catherine received widespread media attention and there was much speculation that she and William would eventually marry. Their engagement was announced on 16 November 2010, and they married on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey.
Prince Harry
Prince Harry is the younger son of The Prince of Wales and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Prince Henry Charles Albert David (always known as Prince Harry) was born on 15 September 1984 at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington. He was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury in December 1984 in St George's Chapel, Windsor. Prince Harry attended the same schools as his brother, Prince William. He started at Mrs Jane Mynors' nursery school in London from September 1987, when he was three. In 1989 Prince Harry joined Prince William at Wetherby School, moving to Ludgrove School in Berkshire in September 1992.
Like Prince William, Prince Harry attended the VE and VJ commemorations in London in 1995. In November 1997 he accompanied The Prince of Wales to South Africa, where he was able to go on safari before joining his father at a concert featuring the Spice Girls and meeting President Nelson Mandela. Prince Harry walked behind the cortege of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, at her funeral in Westminster Abbey on 6 September 1997, accompanied by his brother, father, grandfather and uncle. In 1998 both young Princes were with The Prince of Wales in Canada, for brief public appearances and a skiing holiday in Whistler, British Columbia. Like his brother, Prince Harry is a keen skier. In September 1998 Prince Harry started at Eton College, Windsor. On 2 January 2000, Prince William and Prince Harry accompanied The Prince of Wales on a visit to Cardiff. They heard rap music and dance as well as hymns and readings in Welsh and English at the Tabernacl and joined 60,000 people for a special edition of the BBC's Songs of Praise at the Millennium Stadium.
Prince Harry celebrated his 18th birthday on 15 September 2002. To mark the occasion, Her Majesty the Queen gave the Prince his own unique Coat of Arms. In 2003 Prince Harry left school at Eton College with A Levels in Art and Geography. Prince Harry then left Britain to spend the first part of his gap year in Australia, followed by a stay in Africa, where he worked in an orphanage in Lesotho. Upon his return from Africa in July 2004, Prince Harry began preparing for the Regular Commissions Board (RCB) exams, which he passed in September 2004. On 6 July 2004 Prince Harry, Prince William and their father, The Prince of Wales, accompanied The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh to the opening of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park, London. In May 2005 Prince Harry entered Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to begin his training as an officer in the Army. On 12 April 2006 Prince Harry was commissioned as an army officer. His grandmother, The Queen, was the Reviewing Officer at the Passing Out Parade at Sandhurst. Prince Harry joined the Household Cavalry, and served in Afghanistan for more than two months from the end of 2007 to early 2008. He is now training to be a helicopter pilot with the Army Air Corps. Although he is focusing on his military career, Prince Harry is Patron to a number of charities whose work he wants to support and Joint Founder and Patron of Sentebale, which helps children orphaned by AIDS in the poverty-stricken Lesotho in Southern Africa. www.princewilliamandprinceharry.org
Like Prince William, Prince Harry attended the VE and VJ commemorations in London in 1995. In November 1997 he accompanied The Prince of Wales to South Africa, where he was able to go on safari before joining his father at a concert featuring the Spice Girls and meeting President Nelson Mandela. Prince Harry walked behind the cortege of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, at her funeral in Westminster Abbey on 6 September 1997, accompanied by his brother, father, grandfather and uncle. In 1998 both young Princes were with The Prince of Wales in Canada, for brief public appearances and a skiing holiday in Whistler, British Columbia. Like his brother, Prince Harry is a keen skier. In September 1998 Prince Harry started at Eton College, Windsor. On 2 January 2000, Prince William and Prince Harry accompanied The Prince of Wales on a visit to Cardiff. They heard rap music and dance as well as hymns and readings in Welsh and English at the Tabernacl and joined 60,000 people for a special edition of the BBC's Songs of Praise at the Millennium Stadium.
Prince Harry celebrated his 18th birthday on 15 September 2002. To mark the occasion, Her Majesty the Queen gave the Prince his own unique Coat of Arms. In 2003 Prince Harry left school at Eton College with A Levels in Art and Geography. Prince Harry then left Britain to spend the first part of his gap year in Australia, followed by a stay in Africa, where he worked in an orphanage in Lesotho. Upon his return from Africa in July 2004, Prince Harry began preparing for the Regular Commissions Board (RCB) exams, which he passed in September 2004. On 6 July 2004 Prince Harry, Prince William and their father, The Prince of Wales, accompanied The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh to the opening of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park, London. In May 2005 Prince Harry entered Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to begin his training as an officer in the Army. On 12 April 2006 Prince Harry was commissioned as an army officer. His grandmother, The Queen, was the Reviewing Officer at the Passing Out Parade at Sandhurst. Prince Harry joined the Household Cavalry, and served in Afghanistan for more than two months from the end of 2007 to early 2008. He is now training to be a helicopter pilot with the Army Air Corps. Although he is focusing on his military career, Prince Harry is Patron to a number of charities whose work he wants to support and Joint Founder and Patron of Sentebale, which helps children orphaned by AIDS in the poverty-stricken Lesotho in Southern Africa. www.princewilliamandprinceharry.org
The Duke of York
The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, was born on 19 February 1960 at Buckingham Palace, the second son and the third child of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. He was the first child to be born to a reigning monarch for 103 years. Named Andrew Albert Christian Edward, he was known as Prince Andrew until his marriage, when he was created The Duke of York, Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh. After serving for 22 years in the Royal Navy as a helicopter pilot, The Duke of York became the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. www.thedukeofyork.org
The Earl of Wessex
The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward born in 1964, was created The Earl of Wessex and Viscount Severn on his marriage in 1999. At the same time it was announced that His Royal Highness will be given the title Duke of Edinburgh in due course, when the present title now held by Prince Philip eventually reverts to the Crown. The Earl of Wessex has a busy programme. As well as duties in support of The Queen, the Earl plays an active role in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, the programme for young people set up by his father in the 1950s. He also works on behalf of a number of charities and organisations, particularly those connected with the arts, sport and young people.
The Countess of Wessex
The Countess of Wessex was born Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1965 in Oxford. After working in public relations for over a decade, in 1999 Miss Rhys-Jones married The Earl of Wessex in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. As The Countess of Wessex, she acts in support of her husband in his roles, and undertakes public duties for a large number of her own charities. She is particularly involved with charities relating to children, disabilities and communication problems.
The Princess Royal
The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, the second child and only daughter of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, was born at Clarence House, London, on 15 August 1950, when her mother was Princess Elizabeth, heir presumptive to the throne. She was baptised Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise at Buckingham Palace on 21 October 1950. She received the title Princess Royal from The Queen in June 1987; she was previously known as Princess Anne. Her Royal Highness is the seventh holder of the title.
The Princess Royal is President or Patron of some 320 organisations. She is also Commandant-in-Chief of the St John Ambulance (Youth), Colonel-in-Chief of The King's Royal Hussars, The Royal Corps of Signals, The Royal Logistic Corps and The Royal Army Veterinary Corps. She is also Colonel of The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons) and Royal Colonel, The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and Royal Colonel, 52nd Lowland, 6th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (TA), Chief Commandant for Women in the Royal Navy, Commandant-in-Chief of The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (The Princess Royal's Volunteers Corps), Honorary Air Commodore, Royal Air Force Lyneham and Colonel in Chief of a number of Canadian, Australian and New Zealand Regiments. She was elected as Chancellor of the University of London in 1981 in succession to her grandmother, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and is a past Master of a number of City Livery Companies.
The Princess has ridden all her life and she soon proved herself an expert horsewoman. In September 1971 she won the individual European Three-Day Event Championship at Burghley, and was nominated Sportswoman of the Year by the Sports Writers' Association. She was voted the BBC's Sports Personality of 1971. In 1973 The Princess was a member of the British team in the European Three-Day Event Championships at Kiev in the Soviet Union. Two years later, in the same contest in Germany, she won silver medals as an individual competitor and as a team member. The Princess also competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games as a member of the British Three-Day Event team. In 1986 The Princess Royal succeeded her father as President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), a post which she has since relinquished. After five years as President of the British Olympic Association she was elected to the International Olympic Committee in 1988. She has been President of the Riding for the Disabled Association since 1969 and the Royal Yachting Association since 1987.The engagement of The Princess Royal to Lieutenant (later Captain) Mark Phillips of The Queen's Dragoon Guards was announced on 29 May 1973, and they were married in Westminster Abbey on 14 November 1973. Four months after their marriage, an unsuccessful attempt was made to abduct The Princess, as she and Captain Phillips were being driven along the Mall on their way back to Buckingham Palace after a charity film show. The Princess was unhurt, but her personal protection officer was shot and wounded during the incident, for which he was subsequently awarded the George Cross for bravery.
The Princess has two children: Peter Phillips, who married Miss Autumn Kelly in 2008, and Miss Zara Phillips, MBE, who has followed her mother in a highly successful riding career. Zara was the Three Day Event European Champion in 2005 and won the World Championships in 2006. The marriage to Captain Mark Phillips was dissolved in April 1992 and on 12 December the same year The Princess Royal married Commander (now Vice Admiral) Timothy Laurence, Royal Navy, at a private ceremony at Crathie Church, near Balmoral Castle in Scotland. In 1974 The Princess Royal was appointed GCVO and in 1987 was made a Fellow of the Royal Society. In 1994 The Queen appointed The Princess a Knight of the Most Noble Order of The Garter and she was invested in the Order of the Thistle in June 2001 in recognition of her extensive charity work in Scotland. Her Royal Highness’s programme of engagements is essentially in support of her many charities, and she also travels abroad extensively undertaking Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Olympic and charitable engagements.
The Princess Royal is President or Patron of some 320 organisations. She is also Commandant-in-Chief of the St John Ambulance (Youth), Colonel-in-Chief of The King's Royal Hussars, The Royal Corps of Signals, The Royal Logistic Corps and The Royal Army Veterinary Corps. She is also Colonel of The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons) and Royal Colonel, The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and Royal Colonel, 52nd Lowland, 6th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (TA), Chief Commandant for Women in the Royal Navy, Commandant-in-Chief of The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (The Princess Royal's Volunteers Corps), Honorary Air Commodore, Royal Air Force Lyneham and Colonel in Chief of a number of Canadian, Australian and New Zealand Regiments. She was elected as Chancellor of the University of London in 1981 in succession to her grandmother, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and is a past Master of a number of City Livery Companies.
The Princess has ridden all her life and she soon proved herself an expert horsewoman. In September 1971 she won the individual European Three-Day Event Championship at Burghley, and was nominated Sportswoman of the Year by the Sports Writers' Association. She was voted the BBC's Sports Personality of 1971. In 1973 The Princess was a member of the British team in the European Three-Day Event Championships at Kiev in the Soviet Union. Two years later, in the same contest in Germany, she won silver medals as an individual competitor and as a team member. The Princess also competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games as a member of the British Three-Day Event team. In 1986 The Princess Royal succeeded her father as President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), a post which she has since relinquished. After five years as President of the British Olympic Association she was elected to the International Olympic Committee in 1988. She has been President of the Riding for the Disabled Association since 1969 and the Royal Yachting Association since 1987.The engagement of The Princess Royal to Lieutenant (later Captain) Mark Phillips of The Queen's Dragoon Guards was announced on 29 May 1973, and they were married in Westminster Abbey on 14 November 1973. Four months after their marriage, an unsuccessful attempt was made to abduct The Princess, as she and Captain Phillips were being driven along the Mall on their way back to Buckingham Palace after a charity film show. The Princess was unhurt, but her personal protection officer was shot and wounded during the incident, for which he was subsequently awarded the George Cross for bravery.
The Princess has two children: Peter Phillips, who married Miss Autumn Kelly in 2008, and Miss Zara Phillips, MBE, who has followed her mother in a highly successful riding career. Zara was the Three Day Event European Champion in 2005 and won the World Championships in 2006. The marriage to Captain Mark Phillips was dissolved in April 1992 and on 12 December the same year The Princess Royal married Commander (now Vice Admiral) Timothy Laurence, Royal Navy, at a private ceremony at Crathie Church, near Balmoral Castle in Scotland. In 1974 The Princess Royal was appointed GCVO and in 1987 was made a Fellow of the Royal Society. In 1994 The Queen appointed The Princess a Knight of the Most Noble Order of The Garter and she was invested in the Order of the Thistle in June 2001 in recognition of her extensive charity work in Scotland. Her Royal Highness’s programme of engagements is essentially in support of her many charities, and she also travels abroad extensively undertaking Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Olympic and charitable engagements.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, The Duke of Gloucester
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, The Duke of Gloucester is the second son of the late Duke of Gloucester and the late Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester (third daughter of the 7th Duke of Buccleuch). His Royal Highness is a grandson of George V and a first cousin to The Queen. He became heir to his father's titles following the death of his elder brother, Prince William of Gloucester, in a flying accident on 28 August 1972. He succeeded his father in June 1974. Born Prince Richard of Gloucester on 26 August 1944 at Northampton, he was christened Richard Alexander Walter George. When he was four months old he was taken by his parents to Australia, where for two years (1945-47) his father was Governor-General. The Duchess of Gloucester, formerly Birgitte Eva van Deurs Henriksen, was born on 20 June 1946 in Odense, Denmark. She married The Duke of Gloucester (then Prince Richard) in 1972. As a working Member of the Royal Family, Her Royal Highness carries out many public engagements on behalf of her patronages and organisations and in support of The Queen.
The Duke and Duchess of Kent
The Duke and Duchess of Kent, Born in 1935 The Duke of Kent is the son of the late Prince George, fourth son of King George V, and the late Princess Marina, daughter of Prince Nicholas of Greece. He is cousin to both The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. The present Duke of Kent inherited his title following the early death of his father in 1942. In 1961 The Duke of Kent became engaged to Miss Katharine Worsley and they married in York Minster. The couple have three children: George, Earl of St Andrews, born in June 1962; Lady Helen Taylor, born in April 1964 and Lord Nicholas Windsor, born on 25 July 1970. The Duke and The Duchess of Kent undertake a large number of official Royal engagements. Each has close associations with many charities, professional bodies and other organisations. Katharine, Duchess of Kent was born on 22 February 1933, the youngest child and only daughter of the late Sir William Worsley. Her father, the fourth Baronet, captained the Yorkshire Cricket Club Team, was President of the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) and was for 14 years Lord Lieutenant of the North Riding of Yorkshire. She grew up at the family home, Hovingham Hall near York, where the Worsleys have lived since the early eighteenth century. Her mother, Joyce Morgan Brunner, was the daughter of Sir John Brunner - the founder of Brunner Mond, which was to become ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries). Her uncle married the grand-daughter of the famous 18th century actor, Sir Henry Irving.
Princess Alexandra
Princess Alexandra was born on Christmas Day 1936 at 3, Belgrave Square, her family's London home. She is the second child and only daughter of the late Duke and Duchess of Kent (her brothers are the present Duke of Kent and Prince Michael of Kent). Much of Her Royal Highness's childhood was spent at the Duke and Duchess of Kent's country home, Coppins, in Buckinghamshire. Her father was killed in a wartime flying accident in 1942 when she was just five years old. The Princess was Chancellor of the University of Lancaster from 1964-2004. She has received honorary law doctorates from Queensland, Hong Kong, Mauritius and Liverpool Universities, as well as an honorary doctorate of music from the University of Lancaster.
She is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the Royal College of Physicians. She was created a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) in 1960, and made a Lady of the Order of the Garter (KG) in 2003. Princess Alexandra is a working member of the Royal Family. This means that she undertakes engagements both in her own right, as a member of the Royal Family and Patron of numerous charities and organisations, and in support of The Queen and Her Majesty's duties. The activities undertaken by the Princess therefore vary greatly, and range from visits to local hospitals and charities, to State occasions.
She is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the Royal College of Physicians. She was created a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) in 1960, and made a Lady of the Order of the Garter (KG) in 2003. Princess Alexandra is a working member of the Royal Family. This means that she undertakes engagements both in her own right, as a member of the Royal Family and Patron of numerous charities and organisations, and in support of The Queen and Her Majesty's duties. The activities undertaken by the Princess therefore vary greatly, and range from visits to local hospitals and charities, to State occasions.
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Prince Michael
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Prince Michael was born on 4 July 1942 at the family home in Iver, Buckinghamshire. He was christened Michael George Charles Franklin and one of his godfathers was President Roosevelt of the USA. Prince Michael's father, Prince George, was the fourth son of George V and his mother, Princess Marina, was the daughter of Prince Nicholas of Greece. He is a cousin to both The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, and his older brother and sister are The Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra. Prince Michael is not in the line of succession to the throne (see Marriage and family), and receives no public money. He therefore runs his own private consulting business, which helps Prince and Princess Michael to fund and carry out charitable and public duties. Princess Michael’s father lived in Mozambique, where he became a citrus farmer. The Princess lived on his farm for a while before she was married. Prince and Princess Michael married in Vienna on 30th July 1978. Since her marriage, Princess Michael has written three historical books: Crowned in a Far Country: Eight Royal Brides, Cupid and the King: Five Royal Paramours, and The Serpent and the Moon: Two Rivals for the Love of a Renaissance King. Although they are not categorised formally in the Court Circular, a recent survey showed that in the seven years from 1st September 2000 until the end of August 2007, Prince and Princess Michael carried out well over 200 public engagements on average per annum. The vast majority of these have been linked to the almost 140 various associations, societies, military and charitable organisations to which they both give their support, both nationally and internationally. www.princemichael.org.uk
The Royal Family In Support of The Queen
Members of the Royal Family support The Queen in her many State and national duties, as well as carrying out important work in the areas of public and charitable service, and helping to strengthen national unity and stability. Those who undertake official duties are members of The Queen's close family: her children and their spouses, and The Queen's cousins (the children of King George VI's brothers) and their spouses. Younger members of the Royal Family who are presently in education or military training - such as Prince William and Prince Harry - do not undertake official duties full-time, but often play a role in important national events and commemorations.
Every year the Royal Family as a whole carries out over 2,000 official engagements throughout the UK and worldwide. These engagements may include official State responsibilities. Members of the Royal Family often carry out official duties in the UK and abroad where The Queen cannot be present in person. The Prince of Wales and The Princess Royal, for example, may present members of the public with their honours at an Investiture. When official events such as receptions, State banquets and garden parties are held, the Royal Family supports The Queen in making her guests welcome. Members of the Royal Family also often represent The Queen and the nation in Commonwealth or other countries, at events such as State funerals or national festivities, or through longer visits to strengthen Britain's diplomatic and economic relations.
The Royal Family also plays an important role in supporting and encouraging the public and charity sectors. About 3,000 organisations list a member of the Royal Family as patron or president. The huge range of these organisations - covering every subject from education to the environment, hospitals to housing - allows members of the Royal Family to meet people from a wide spectrum of national and local life, and to understand their interests, problems and concerns. 2,000: the number of official engagements carried out by the Royal Family each year in the UK and overseas. 70,000: the number of people entertained each year to dinners, lunches, receptions and garden parties at the Royal residences. 100,000: the number of letters received and answered each year by the Royal Family. Some members of the Royal Family have also established their own charities - for example, The Prince's Trust, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, a charity which provides advice and support for people acting as carers.
The Royal Family also plays an important role in recognising and supporting the work of the Armed Services. Members of the Royal Family have official relationships with many units of the Forces, paying regular visits to soldiers, sailors and airmen serving at home and abroad. Finally, the Royal Family as a whole plays a role in strengthening national unity. Members of the Royal Family are able to recognise and participate in community and local events in every part of the UK, from the opening of new buildings to celebrations or acts of commemoration. The Queen working by herself would be unable to attend every engagement to which she is invited. Members of the Royal Family can undertake local or specialist engagements which would otherwise have to be declined.
Every year the Royal Family as a whole carries out over 2,000 official engagements throughout the UK and worldwide. These engagements may include official State responsibilities. Members of the Royal Family often carry out official duties in the UK and abroad where The Queen cannot be present in person. The Prince of Wales and The Princess Royal, for example, may present members of the public with their honours at an Investiture. When official events such as receptions, State banquets and garden parties are held, the Royal Family supports The Queen in making her guests welcome. Members of the Royal Family also often represent The Queen and the nation in Commonwealth or other countries, at events such as State funerals or national festivities, or through longer visits to strengthen Britain's diplomatic and economic relations.
The Royal Family also plays an important role in supporting and encouraging the public and charity sectors. About 3,000 organisations list a member of the Royal Family as patron or president. The huge range of these organisations - covering every subject from education to the environment, hospitals to housing - allows members of the Royal Family to meet people from a wide spectrum of national and local life, and to understand their interests, problems and concerns. 2,000: the number of official engagements carried out by the Royal Family each year in the UK and overseas. 70,000: the number of people entertained each year to dinners, lunches, receptions and garden parties at the Royal residences. 100,000: the number of letters received and answered each year by the Royal Family. Some members of the Royal Family have also established their own charities - for example, The Prince's Trust, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, a charity which provides advice and support for people acting as carers.
The Royal Family also plays an important role in recognising and supporting the work of the Armed Services. Members of the Royal Family have official relationships with many units of the Forces, paying regular visits to soldiers, sailors and airmen serving at home and abroad. Finally, the Royal Family as a whole plays a role in strengthening national unity. Members of the Royal Family are able to recognise and participate in community and local events in every part of the UK, from the opening of new buildings to celebrations or acts of commemoration. The Queen working by herself would be unable to attend every engagement to which she is invited. Members of the Royal Family can undertake local or specialist engagements which would otherwise have to be declined.