Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh (d. 1857)

Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh, born on 25 April 1776, was a distinguished member of the British Royal Family, living through a remarkable period of history until her passing on 30 April 1857. As the eleventh of fifteen children and the fourth daughter born to King George III of the United Kingdom and his esteemed consort, Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, her life offered a unique perspective on a transformative era.

Early Life and Royal Lineage

Born into one of the most prolific royal families in British history, Princess Mary’s childhood unfolded during her father King George III's long and eventful reign. Her parents, King George III and Queen Charlotte, were known for their strong family values and the sheer size of their progeny, a testament to the importance of dynastic continuity in the 18th century. Princess Mary was one of thirteen of their children who survived to adulthood, experiencing the grandeur and strictures of Georgian court life alongside her numerous siblings.

Marriage and Companionship

At the age of 40, a rather mature age for a royal bride in that period, Princess Mary entered into matrimony. On 22 July 1816, she married her first cousin, Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh, who was also 40 years old at the time. Their union, taking place after the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars, suggested a marriage perhaps more centered on companionship and shared royal duties than solely on producing heirs, which was often the primary objective of earlier royal unions. As Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh, she shared her husband's ducal titles, residing in homes such as Gloucester House. Following her husband's death in 1834, Princess Mary remained a widow for the remainder of her life, a period spanning over two decades.

A Witness to Four Reigns

One of the most compelling aspects of Princess Mary's life was her extraordinary longevity, which allowed her to witness the reigns of four different British monarchs. She spent the majority of her early life under the rule of her beloved father, King George III. Following his eventual passing in 1820, she lived through the relatively brief and distinct reigns of two of her brothers: King George IV, known for his flamboyant lifestyle and the Regency era, and King William IV, often called the "Sailor King." By the time of her final years, the throne was occupied by her much younger niece, Queen Victoria, who began her monumental reign in 1837. This transition from her father’s Hanoverian traditions to Victoria's burgeoning Victorian era provided Princess Mary with a unique historical vantage point, allowing her to observe profound societal and political changes.

Longevity and Legacy

Princess Mary's life concluded on 30 April 1857, just five days after her 81st birthday, at Gloucester House in Weymouth. Her passing marked a significant moment in royal history, as she was not only the longest-lived of King George III’s fifteen children but also the very last survivor among them. Her remarkable longevity made her a living link to the Georgian era, bridging the gap between two distinct periods of British monarchy and culture. Her life spanned a period of immense change, from the American Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars to the dawn of the Industrial Age and the beginning of the British Empire's peak under Queen Victoria.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh?

She was the eleventh child and fourth daughter of King George III of the United Kingdom and Queen Charlotte. She was also the wife of Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh.

When did Princess Mary live?

Princess Mary was born on 25 April 1776 and passed away on 30 April 1857.

Who were Princess Mary's parents?

Her parents were King George III and Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the reigning monarchs of the United Kingdom.

Whom did Princess Mary marry?

She married her first cousin, Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh, when both were 40 years old.

How many monarchs did Princess Mary live under?

Princess Mary lived under four monarchs during her lifetime: her father King George III, her brothers King George IV and King William IV, and finally her niece Queen Victoria.

What was particularly notable about Princess Mary's life among George III's children?

She was the longest-lived and the very last surviving of King George III's fifteen children, living to the remarkable age of 81.