Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, whose full birth name is Alexandra Helen Elizabeth Olga Christabel, was born on a memorable Christmas Day, December 25, 1936. As a cherished member of the British royal family, she holds a unique position within the Windsor lineage, having been an active working royal for many decades.

Her lineage is deeply intertwined with European royalty. Princess Alexandra is the only daughter of Prince George, Duke of Kent, who was the fourth son of King George V and Queen Mary. Her mother was Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, a woman celebrated for her elegance and style, who was herself a daughter of Prince Nicholas of Greece and Denmark and Grand Duchess Elena Vladimirovna of Russia. This direct parentage connects Princess Alexandra intimately to both the British and wider European monarchies.

Through her parents, Princess Alexandra shares several significant familial ties within the British royal family. She is a first cousin to the late British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, a relationship that placed her close to the heart of royal life. Furthermore, her mother, Princess Marina, was also a first cousin to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen's beloved husband. This intricate family web meant that Princess Alexandra was also Prince Philip's first cousin once removed, adding another layer to her connections within the royal household.

In 1963, Princess Alexandra embarked on a new chapter, marrying the businessman Sir Angus Ogilvy. Their union was a significant event, bringing together royal lineage with a prominent Scottish aristocratic family, as Sir Angus was the second son of the 12th Earl of Airlie. Their marriage lasted for over four decades until Sir Angus's passing in 2004, and she is now his widow, retaining her title as The Honourable Lady Ogilvy through her marriage.

At the time of her birth in 1936, Princess Alexandra was sixth in the line of succession to the British throne. Her relatively high position reflected the smaller number of direct heirs at that point in history. However, as the royal family has grown significantly over the decades, with the births of Queen Elizabeth II's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as the expansion of other royal branches, her position has naturally shifted. As of January 2022, she stood as 57th in the line of succession, a testament to the thriving and expanding nature of the modern British royal family.

Frequently Asked Questions about Princess Alexandra

Who is Princess Alexandra?

Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, is a senior and respected member of the British royal family, the only daughter of Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark. She has served as a working royal for many years, undertaking numerous engagements on behalf of the Crown.

What is her full name and birth date?

Her full birth name is Alexandra Helen Elizabeth Olga Christabel. She was born on December 25, 1936.

How is she related to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip?

She is a first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II, as their fathers (Prince George, Duke of Kent, and King George VI, respectively) were brothers. She was also a first cousin once removed to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as her mother (Princess Marina) and Prince Philip were first cousins.

Why is she known as "The Honourable Lady Ogilvy"?

This title comes from her marriage to Sir Angus Ogilvy. As the wife of a knight bachelor (Sir Angus was knighted in 1988), a princess retains her royal style but also assumes her husband's courtesy title. "The Honourable" comes from the fact that Sir Angus was the son of an Earl.

What is her current position in the line of succession to the British throne?

While she was sixth in line at birth in 1936, her position has moved down significantly due to the births of many new direct heirs. As of January 2022, she was 57th in line to the British throne.

Is Princess Alexandra still a working royal?

Yes, Princess Alexandra has remained an active and dedicated working member of the royal family for decades, representing the monarch at various events, charities, and public engagements, though her schedule has naturally reduced in recent years.