Princess Alexandra of Kent Celebrates Eightieth Birthday

The ever-elegant Princess Alexandra of Kent today celebrates her eightieth birthday.

She was born on Christmas Day 1936 as the second child and only daughter of Prince George, Duke of Kent and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark. She and her two brothers, Prince Edward and Prince Michael, lived in the family’s country home Coppins for most of their childhood – their father was killed in action in August 1942 whilst serving in the Royal Air Force.

Princess Alexandra attended Heathfield School, a boarding school in Ascot, before attending finishing school in Paris and then training as a nurse at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in Bloomsbury.

In April 1963, at Westminster Abbey, the Princess married Angus Ogilvy (1928-2004), the second son of the 12th Earl of Airlie. An estimated 200 million people watched the wedding as it was broadcast worldwide. Alexandra and Angus had two children: James and Marina.

The Princess has been a working member of the Royal Family since she came of age, undertaking numerous engagements and overseas tours on behalf of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth II. In recognition of her work for crown and country, the Queen made Princess Alexandra a Knight of the Order of the Garter in 2003.

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Tagged Birthday, Princess Alexandra Lady Ogilvy.

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