Princess Alexandra, The Honorable Lady Ogilvy

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Princess Alexandra, The Hon. Lady Ogilvy

Princess Alexandra Helen Elizabeth Olga Christabel of Kent was born on December 25, 1936, at No. 3 Belgrave Square, her parent’s London home. She is the daughter of Prince George, Duke of Kent (son of King George V) and Princess Marina of Greece. At the time of her birth, she was sixth in the line of succession for the British throne. Through her father, Alexandra is a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, and through her mother, she is a first cousin once removed of The Duke of Edinburgh.

Princess Alexandra was christened in the Private Chapel at Buckingham Palace on February 9, 1937. Her godparents were:

Alexandra has an elder brother and a younger brother:

  • Marina, Duchess of Kent with her three children, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, Princess Alexandra and Prince Michael on his first birthday in 1943

    Along with her siblings, Alexandra grew up at Coppins, the family’s country home in Iver in Buckinghamshire, England. In 1942, her father was killed in a plane crash, just weeks after the birth of her younger brother. Alexandra attended Heathfield School, near Ascot, England. She was the first British princess to attend an ordinary school, instead of being taught privately at home. She later studied French and music at a finishing school in Paris and took a nursing course at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, England.

     

    In the late 1950s, Princess Alexandra began to take on royal duties, supporting her cousin, Queen Elizabeth II. She often represented The Queen on trips overseas, including the 1960 independence ceremonies in Nigeria. Alexandra was one of the most active members of the royal family, undertaking well over 120 engagements each year. From 1964 until 2004, she served as Chancellor of Lancaster University.

     

    In November 1962, it was announced that Princess Alexandra had become engaged to The Honorable Angus Ogilvy, second son of David Ogilvy, 12th Earl of Airlie and Lady Alexandra Coke, daughter of Thomas Coke, 3rd Earl of Leicester. At the time of the marriage, the 12th Earl of Airlie served as Lord Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The couple married on April 24, 1963, at Westminster Abbey, and their wedding was televised around the world. Sir Angus died in December 2004.

    They had two children:

    • James Robert Bruce Ogilvy (1964), married Julia Rawlinson, had two children
      • Flora Alexandra Ogilvy (born 1994)
      • Alexander Charles Ogilvy (born 1996)
    • Marina Victoria Alexandra Ogilvy (1966), married and divorced Paul Mowatt, had two children
      • Zenouska May Mowatt (born 1990)
      • Christian Alexander Mowatt (born 1993)

    The family took up residence at Thatched House Lodge in Richmond Park in London, England. Despite being offered a grace-and-favor residence by Queen Elizabeth II, the couple instead chose to lease Thatched House Lodge from the Crown. Princess Alexandra continues to live at Thatched House and maintains an apartment at St James’ Palace in London, England

    In April 2013, Buckingham Palace announced that Princess Alexandra was suffering from polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), and had canceled future public appointments indefinitely. She was not seen for much of the year but fortunately was able to return to royal duties later in the year. She still does engagements, primarily focused on her patronages and public events within the United Kingdom.

    The Princess holds several royal appointments:

        • Patron, Alzheimer’s Society
        • Patron, St Christopher’s Hospice
        • Patron, CancerBACUP
        • Patron, MIND
        • Patron, Mental Health Foundation
        • Patron, Cystic Fibrosis Trust
        • Deputy President, British Red Cross Society
        • Patron, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
        • Patron, Action for Blind People
        • President, Sight Savers International
        • President, Alexandra’s Rose Day
        • Patron, English National Opera
        • Patron, Blackie Foundation Trust
        • Patron, London Philharmonic Choir
        • Patron, Nature in Art Trust
        • Patron, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
        • Patron, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children
        • Patron, Children and Families Across Borders
        • Patron, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

       

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