Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (d. 1974)

Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, born Henry William Frederick Albert on March 31, 1900, was a distinguished member of the British royal family, the third son and fourth child of King George V and Queen Mary. His life spanned a significant portion of the 20th century, marked by royal duties, military service, and a notable tenure as Governor-General of Australia. Uniquely, he holds the distinction of being the only member of the British royal family to have served in that particular vice-regal role for Australia, from 1945 to 1947.

Early Life and Education: A Royal First

Breaking from royal tradition, Prince Henry was the first son of a reigning British monarch to be educated at a school outside the palace walls. This progressive approach saw him develop a keen interest and talent for sports, excelling in various athletic pursuits. Following his foundational schooling, he advanced to the prestigious Eton College, a venerable institution that has educated many generations of Britain's elite. After Eton, Henry embarked on a military career, being commissioned into the 10th Royal Hussars. He harbored a strong desire to command this cavalry regiment, envisioning a full and dedicated life in the armed forces. However, destiny, in the form of ceaseless royal obligations, frequently pulled him away from his military aspirations, earning him the poignant nickname "the unknown soldier" due to his intermittent presence and the public's limited familiarity with his specific service.

Personal Life and Royal Pressures

Prince Henry's personal life, like that of many royals, was often subject to intense scrutiny and societal pressures. During a big-game shooting expedition in Kenya, he encountered the adventurous and spirited Beryl Markham, who would later become a celebrated pilot. A romantic involvement blossomed between them, a relationship that soon caught the disapproving eye of the Royal Court. Under immense pressure, Henry was forced to end the affair, but not without a significant cost; he reportedly paid regular hush-money to prevent a public scandal that could have tarnished the monarchy's image. In 1935, succumbing to further parental insistence from King George V and Queen Mary, he married Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott. Their union brought two sons into the world, Princes William and Richard, securing the line of succession for the Dukedom of Gloucester.

Wartime Service and Australian Appointment

As the shadows of World War II lengthened across Europe, Prince Henry once again answered the call of duty. From 1939 to 1940, he served in France as a liaison officer to Field Marshal Lord Gort, performing vital communication and coordination roles during a tumultuous period. Throughout the remainder of the war, he continued to undertake a variety of military and diplomatic responsibilities, contributing to the Allied effort on multiple fronts. In 1945, a new and significant chapter began for Prince Henry. At the direct request of Australia's Prime Minister John Curtin, he was appointed as the Governor-General of Australia. This crucial post had initially been offered to his younger brother, the Duke of Kent, whose tragic death in an air crash paved the way for Henry's unexpected but pivotal appointment. His time in Australia, though relatively brief, cemented his unique place in the history of the British royal family and the Commonwealth.

Later Years and Enduring Legacy

Following his return from Australia, Prince Henry continued his royal duties, including attending the coronation of his niece, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953. He frequently embarked on overseas tours, often accompanied by his devoted wife, Lady Alice, representing the Crown on a global stage. However, from 1965 onwards, his health began to decline significantly, as he became incapacitated by a series of strokes. Prince Henry passed away on June 10, 1974. Upon his death, his only living son, Richard, succeeded him as the Duke of Gloucester. Prince Henry held the distinction of being the last surviving child of King George V and Queen Mary, marking the end of an era. His widow, Lady Alice, lived to the remarkable age of 102, becoming the longest-lived member ever of the British royal family, a testament to her longevity and an enduring link to a bygone age of royalty.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester

Who was Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester?

Prince Henry was the third son and fourth child of King George V and Queen Mary. He was a prominent member of the British royal family, known for his military career and his unique service as Governor-General of Australia.

When was Prince Henry born and when did he pass away?

He was born on March 31, 1900, and died on June 10, 1974.

What was his most significant public role?

Prince Henry served as the Governor-General of Australia from 1945 to 1947, making him the only member of the British royal family to ever hold that specific vice-regal position.

What was unique about his education?

He was the first son of a British monarch to be educated at a school outside the palace, attending Eton College after his early schooling.

Was Prince Henry involved in any scandals?

Yes, he had a romantic involvement with Beryl Markham, which the Royal Court pressured him to end. He reportedly paid hush-money to avert a public scandal.

Did he have children?

Yes, he had two sons with his wife, Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott: Prince William of Gloucester and Prince Richard, who succeeded him as Duke of Gloucester.

What was his military involvement?

Prince Henry was commissioned into the 10th Royal Hussars and served as a liaison officer during World War II, performing various military and diplomatic duties for the Crown.