"A Royal Life" by HRH The Duke of Kent and Hugo Vickers (2022)

[yukari]

Synopsis:

HRH The Duke of Kent has been at the heart of the British Royal Family throughout his life. As a working member of the Royal Family, he has supported his cousin, The Queen, representing her at home and abroad. His royal duties began when, in 1952, at the age of sixteen, he walked in the procession behind King George VI’s coffin, later paying homage to The Queen at her Coronation in 1953. Since then he has witnessed and participated in key Royal occasions. He represented The Queen at independence ceremonies from the age of twenty-five, he was riding with her when blanks were fired at Trooping the Colour in 1981, he was the oldest soldier on parade at Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph in November 2020 and he was alongside The Queen at her official birthday celebrations in June 2021 as Colonel of the Scots Guards.

No member of the Royal Family has spoken extensively of the modern reign and their part in it before. A Royal Life is a unique account based on a series of conversations between the Duke and acclaimed Royal historian Hugo Vickers. It covers some of the most important moments and experiences of the Duke’s life, from his upbringing at his family home Coppins in Buckinghamshire, his twenty-one years of army life, his royal tours and events, through to his work for over 140 different organisations, including presenting the trophies at Wimbledon for more than 50 years. Here too are recollections of family members including his mother, Princess Marina, his grandmother, Queen Mary, his cousin, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and his uncle, King George VI.

The Duke is a keen photographer and the book contains never before seen photographs from his private collection.

Other members of the Royal Family contribute their memories, including his wife, the Duchess of Kent, the Duke’s siblings, Princess Alexandra and Prince Michael of Kent, his son, the Earl of St Andrews, his daughter, Lady Helen Taylor as well as his cousins, Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia, Archduchess Helen of Austria and her brother, Hans Veit Toerring.

A Royal Life is an unprecedented, insightful and remarkable slice of Royal history.

Extracts:
INSIDE the Duke of Kent’s private royal family photo album
Archive

The Duke of Kent: ‘My mother must have been terribly lost and lonely after my father died’
Archive


Book Review:
The Duke of Kent’s surprising memoir is an implicit reproach to Prince Harry
Archive

[Somebody]

Thanks for the links.

In 1944 Prince Edward, who had succeeded as 2nd Duke of Kent at the age of six, entered Ludgrove School. To be a royal duke at that age, not to mention fourth in line to the throne, was to place a heavy burden on his young shoulders. Ludgrove was and still is a preparatory school, near Wokingham, founded in 1892.

To make sure that others aren't confused. In 1944, the duke of Kent wasn't fourth in line to the throne but 5th and 6th.
1. The Princess Elizabeth
2. The Princess Margaret
3. The Duke of Gloucester (Henry)
4. Prince William of Gloucester
5. Prince Richard of Gloucester (from 16 Aug 1944)
6. The Duke of Kent (Edward)

His highest place in line to the throne 5th which he held after his uncle Albert became king and before his cousin prince William was born (5 years); and after the death of his father before his cousin prince Richard was born (2 years).

9 Oct 1935 - 20 Jan 1936:
1. The Prince of Wales (David; king Edward VIII/The Duke of Windsor)
2. Duke of York (Albert; king George VI)
3. Princess Elizabeth of York
4. Princess Margaret of York
5. The Duke of Gloucester (Henry)
6. The Duke of Kent (George)
7. Prince Edward of Kent

20 Jan 1936 - 11 Dec 1936:
1. Duke of York (Albert; king George VI)
2. Princess Elizabeth of York
3. Princess Margaret of York
4. The Duke of Gloucester (Henry)
5. The Duke of Kent (George)
6. Prince Edward of Kent

11 Dec 1936 - 18 Dec 1941:
1. The Princess Elizabeth
2. The Princess Margaret
3. The Duke of Gloucester (Henry)
4. The Duke of Kent (George)
5. Prince Edward of Kent

18 Dec 1941 - 25 Aug 1942:
1. The Princess Elizabeth
2. The Princess Margaret
3. The Duke of Gloucester (Henry)
4. Prince William of Gloucester
5. The Duke of Kent (George)
6. Prince Edward of Kent

25 Aug 1942 - 26 Aug 1944:
1. The Princess Elizabeth
2. The Princess Margaret
3. The Duke of Gloucester (Henry)
4. Prince William of Gloucester
5. The Duke of Kent (Edward)

26 Aug 1944 - 14 Nov 1948:
1. The Princess Elizabeth/The Duchess of Edinburgh
2. The Princess Margaret
3. The Duke of Gloucester (Henry)
4. Prince William of Gloucester
5. Prince Richard of Gloucester
6. The Duke of Kent (Edward)

From that moment onwards he went further down the list with first the births of Charles and Anne, and later of her younger children, Margaret's children and Richard's children. And from the late 70's the queen's grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as Margaret's grandchildren and the duke of Gloucester's grandchildren.