| Prince Edward | |||||
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| Duke of Kent (more) | |||||
.jpg) Edward in 2014 | |||||
| Born | Prince Edward of Kent (1935-10-09)9 October 1935 (age 90) Belgravia, London, England | ||||
| Spouse | |||||
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| House | Windsor | ||||
| Father | Prince George, Duke of Kent | ||||
| Mother | Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark | ||||
| Signature |  | ||||
| Education | |||||
| Military career | |||||
| Branch | British Army | ||||
| Years of active service | 1955–1976 | ||||
| Rank | Field Marshal | ||||
| Service number | 443787 | ||||
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| Royal family of the United Kingdom and the otherCommonwealth realms |
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Prince Edward, Duke of Kent (Edward George Nicholas Paul Patrick; born 9 October 1935), is a member of theBritish royal family. The elder son ofPrince George, Duke of Kent, andPrincess Marina of Greece and Denmark, he is a grandson ofGeorge V, nephew ofEdward VIII andGeorge VI, and first cousin ofElizabeth II. Edward's mother was also a first cousin ofPrince Philip, Elizabeth's husband, making him both a second cousin and first cousin once removed toCharles III. He is 42nd in the line ofsuccession to the British throne. Following the death of his wife,Katharine, Duchess of Kent on 4 September 2025, Edward became theoldest living member of the British royal family.
Edward has held the title ofDuke of Kent for over83 years. He inherited the title at the age of six in 1942, following hisfather's death in a plane crash. Edward carried out engagements on behalf of Elizabeth II and is involved with over 140 charitable organisations. He was president of theAll England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, presenting the trophies to the Wimbledon champion and runner-up, and served as the United Kingdom'sSpecial Representative for International Trade and Investment, retiring in 2001. He is joint president ofThe Scout Association, and president of theRoyal United Services Institute and theRoyal Institution of Great Britain, and since 1967Grand Master of theUnited Grand Lodge of England. Edward has been Chancellor of theUniversity of Surrey since June 1976. Much of his charity work revolves around war remembrance, technology, and the growth of British industry.
Edward was born on 9 October 1935, at No. 3Belgrave Square, London, toPrince George, Duke of Kent, andPrincess Marina, Duchess of Kent.[1]Home SecretarySir John Simon was present to verify the birth.[2] His father was the fourth son ofKing George V andQueen Mary. His mother was the daughter ofPrince Nicholas of Greece and Denmark andGrand Duchess Elena Vladimirovna of Russia. He was baptised in the Private Chapel ofBuckingham Palace on 20 November 1935 byArchbishop of CanterburyCosmo Lang. His godparents were his grandparents, King George V, Queen Mary and Prince Nicholas of Greece and Denmark; as well as thePrince of Wales; thePrincess Royal, theDuke of Connaught and Strathearn (whose son,Prince Arthur of Connaught, stood proxy); and theDuchess of Argyll.[3]
Edward began his education atLudgrove, apreparatory school in Berkshire, before going on toEton College[4] and thenLe Rosey in Switzerland.[5] After school he entered theRoyal Military Academy Sandhurst,[6] where he won theSir James Moncrieff Grierson prize for foreign languages. Edward speaks fluent French, having been raised in a house where, according to the words of his younger brother,Prince Michael of Kent, his mother and aunts spoke French as a matter of preference.[7]
On 25 August 1942, Edward's father, the Duke of Kent, waskilled when his plane crashed in bad weather inCaithness. Edward, at six years old, succeeded his father asDuke of Kent,[8]Earl of St Andrews andBaron Downpatrick. As a member of the royal family, Edward began performing engagements at an early age. In 1952, at the age of 16, he walked behind the coffin of his uncle,George VI, at hisstate funeral.[9] In 1953, he attended thecoronation of his cousin,Elizabeth II, and was the third to payhomage at her throne, following the dukes ofEdinburgh andGloucester.[10]
On 29 July 1955, Edward graduated from theRoyal Military Academy Sandhurst as asecond lieutenant in theRoyal Scots Greys,[11] the beginning of a military career which lasted over 20 years. He was promoted tocaptain on 29 July 1961.[12]
From 1962 to 1963, Edward served in Hong Kong, later serving on the staff inEastern Command. He was promoted to major on 31 December 1967.[13] In 1970, he commanded a squadron of his regiment in Cyprus as part of theUnited Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.[14] During the early 1970s, Edward also served briefly inNorthern Ireland with his regiment. It was revealed in a 2022 book, that the Queen intervened in 1971 to prevent him getting kidnapped by theIRA. The then 35-year-old Edward, an Army officer with the Royal Scots Greys, was sent to Northern Ireland with his unit but the Queen alertedEdward Heath, the prime minister, during her private audience, and he relayed a warning to his ministers. Commanding officers were told that he was not to be sent to Belfast without special orders. A few weeks later, he was posted back to Britain.[15] He was promoted tolieutenant-colonel on 30 June 1973.[16]
Edward retired from the army on 15 April 1976.[17] He was subsequently accorded the honorary rank ofmajor-general on 11 June 1983,[18] and offield marshal on 11 June 1993.[19]
Edward metKatharine Worsley while he was based atCatterick Garrison.[20] She was the only daughter ofSir William Worsley, 4th Baronet, and his wife Joyce MorganBrunner. Princess Marina reportedly disapproved of her son's choice for a bride and twice forbade the match before agreeing to the marriage in 1961.[21] On 8 June 1961, the couple married atYork Minster. She converted toCatholicism in 1994,[22] but because the conversion occurred during and not before their marriage, it did not cause him to lose his place in theline of succession, as theAct of Settlement 1701 only applied where the spouse was a Catholic at the time of marriage. The disqualification by marrying a Catholic was removed by theSuccession to the Crown Act 2013.
The couple have three living children:
Katharine had amiscarriage in 1975[24] owing torubella and gave birth to a stillborn son, Patrick, in 1977.[24][25]
Edward resides atWren House,Kensington Palace, in London.[26] From 1972 to 1990, he and his wife leasedAnmer Hall inNorfolk, part of theSandringham Estate.[27]
In 2011, close associates ofJonathan Rees, a private investigator connected to theNews International phone hacking scandal, alleged that he had accessed the bank accounts of Edward and his wife.[28]
Edward had a mild stroke on the morning of 18 March 2013.[22] In April 2015, he suffered from a hip injury and was hospitalised atAberdeen Royal Infirmary for further treatments.[29]
His wife, Katharine, died on 4 September 2025, at the age of 92.[30] Following her death, Edward became the oldest living member of the British royal family.[31]
Edward performed engagements on behalf of his cousin,Queen Elizabeth II, for over 50 years. He represented the Queen during independence celebrations in theCommonwealth countries of Sierra Leone,[32] Uganda,[33] Guyana,[34] Gambia,[35] and Barbados,[36] and the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the independence of Ghana.[37] He also acted asCounsellor of State during periods of the Queen's absence abroad.[14]
One of Edward's major public roles for many years was vice-chairman of British Trade International, formerly known as the British Overseas Trade Board, and later as the United Kingdom'sSpecial Representative for International Trade and Investment. This position saw him travel abroad to represent the British government in fostering trade relations with foreign countries and organisations.Prince Andrew, Duke of York succeeded him in this position, which is today known asUK Trade & Investment (or UKTI), although Prince Andrew resigned from the post in 2011.[38] He was also the vice-chairman of theBritish Overseas Trade Board.[39] In that capacity, he became the first member of the royal family to visit China in 1979 with his focus being on the British Energy Exhibition in Beijing.[40]
From 1971 to 2000, Edward was president of English football's governing body,The Football Association. He has served as the president ofThe Scout Association since 1975.[41] Along withPrince William of Wales, Edward visited theCentenary World Scout Jamboree atHylands Park, Chelmsford in July 2007.[42] He also served as the president of theAll England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club between 1969 and 2021,[43][44] a position in which he succeeded his late mother, Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent.[45] He was also president of theCommonwealth War Graves Commission from 1970 until 2023.[46][47] His other roles include president of theRAF Benevolent Fund,[48][49] theRoyal National Lifeboat Institution,[50] theStroke Association,[43][51] theRoyal United Services Institute,[52] theRoyal Institution,[53] theBritish Racing Drivers' Club,[54] and patron of theAmerican Air Museum in Britain,[55]Royal West Norfolk Golf Club,[56]Kent County Cricket Club,[57]Opera North,[58] andTrinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.[59] He is also on the advisory panel for theMountbatten Medal and presents the medal once the decision has been made. Edward is one of the Royal Fellows of theRoyal Academy of Engineering.[60]
For almost 29 years, Edward has been the patron of Endeavour, a national youth organisation.[61] He has also served as Royal Patron of The Honourable Society ofLincoln's Inn since 2001, a position previously occupied by his father.[62] In 2015, Edward received the Dresden Peace Prize for "his contribution to British-German reconciliation."[63]
On 2 June 2022, Edward appeared alongside the Queen on the balcony ofBuckingham Palace during the2022 Trooping the Colour as part of thePlatinum Jubilee celebrations.[64]
Edward was colonel of theScots Guards for fifty years from 9 September 1974 to 14 April 2024, being succeeded by theDuke of Edinburgh.[65] At the time of his retirement, he was the regiment's longest serving colonel.[66]
Edward was initiated into Royal Alpha Lodge No. 16 on 16 December 1963, and was elected its Worshipful Master for 1965 and 1966.[67]
Having been appointed Senior Grand Warden in 1966, he was elected asGrand Master the following year, and was installed on 14 June 1967 duringUnited Grand Lodge of England's 250th anniversary celebrations at theRoyal Albert Hall.[68] He is the 10th, and longest-serving Grand Master of UGLE, the governing body ofFreemasonry in England and Wales.
In December 2013, Edward celebrated 50 years as a freemason.[67] In October 2017 he presided over the tercentenary celebrations of UGLE, marking the 300th anniversary of the founding of the original Grand Lodge, one of two which merged to form UGLE in 1813.[69] The main ceremony was held in the Royal Albert Hall, in the year which also marked the Edward's 50th anniversary of installation as Grand Master.
12 May 1937: Recipient of theKing George VI Coronation Medal
2 June 1953: Recipient of theQueen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal
1960:Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO)
1961: Recipient of theSierra Leone Independence Medal
1966: Recipient of theGuyana Independence Medal
Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG)
6 February 1977: Recipient of theQueen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal[71]
1985:Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (KG)
6 February 2002: Recipient of theQueen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal[71]
6 February 2012: Recipient of theQueen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal[71].png)
Recipient of theArmy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal with 3Bars
Recipient of theCanadian Forces' Decoration with 3 Clasps (CD)
6 February 2022: Recipient of theQueen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal[72]
6 May 2023: Recipient of theKing Charles III Coronation Medal
1970: Recipient of theUnited Nations Medal for theUNFICYP mission
1992: Recipient of theGolden Pheasant Award of theScout Association of Japan[73]
6 November 2000:Knight of the Royal Order of Charles XIII[74]
:Royal Family Order of Saints George and Constantine First class (civil division)
:Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Renaissance (special class)
:Grand Cordon of the Order of the Star of Jordan
_-_ribbon_bar.png)
:Knight Grand Band of the Order of the Star of Africa
:Order of the Three Divine Powers First Class (Jyotirmaya-Subikhyat-Tri-Shakti-Patta)
1988:Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Saint Olav
:Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
Saxony
21 May 2015:Order of Merit of the Free State of Saxony[75]
1 August 1966:Personal Aide-de-Camp to the Sovereign (ADC)[76]
June 1976: Chancellor of theUniversity of Surrey[77]The ribbons worn regularly by Edward in undress uniform are as follows:
| | ||
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 | | | |
| Grand Master and First and Principal Knight Grand Cross of theOrder of St Michael and St George | Knight Grand Cross of theRoyal Victorian Order | ||
| United Nations Medal for theUNFICYP mission | King George VI Coronation Medal | Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal | Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal |
| Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal | Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal | Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal | King Charles III Coronation Medal |
| Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal with three bars | Canadian Forces' Decoration with three clasps | Sierra Leone Independence Medal | Guyana Independence Medal |
With medals, Edward normally wears the breast stars of the Garter, St Michael and St George, and Royal Victorian Order. When only one should be worn, he wears the Order of the Garter star. Foreign honours are worn in accordance with British customs and traditions when applicable.
Canada
11 June 1977: Colonel-in-Chief, ofThe Lorne Scots (Peel, Dufferin and Halton Regiment)[81]
United Kingdom
22 October 1974 – 14 April 2024:Colonel, of theScots Guards[82][83]Colonel-in-Chief, of theRoyal Regiment of FusiliersRoyal Colonel, 1st Battalion, ofThe Rifles 25 January 1994: Deputy Colonel-in-Chief, of theRoyal Scots Dragoon Guards[84]
1993 – 31 March 2015: HonoraryAir Commodore, ofRAF Leuchars[85] 15 June 1985 – 30 June 1996:Honorary Air Vice Marshal RAF[86] 1 July 1996:Honorary Air Chief Marshal RAF[87] |
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| Name | Birth | Death | Marriage | Children | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews | 26 June 1962 | 9 January 1988 | Sylvana Tomaselli | Edward Windsor, Lord Downpatrick Lady Marina Windsor Lady Amelia Windsor | |
| Lady Helen Taylor | 28 April 1964 | 18 July 1992 | Timothy Taylor | Columbus Taylor Cassius Taylor Eloise Taylor Estella Taylor | |
| Lord Nicholas Windsor | 25 July 1970 | 4 November 2006 | Paola Doimi de Lupis de Frankopan | Albert Windsor Leopold Windsor Louis Windsor | |
| Lord Patrick Windsor (stillborn) | 5 October 1977 | ||||
President David Granger showing Prince Henry of Wales an image of his cousin Prince Edward, Duke of Kent who presented the instrument of Guyana's Independence to former Head of State, President Forbes Burnham.
The Duke is perhaps best known for his role as president of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, presenting trophies to the winners at Wimbledon.
The Duke of Kent, Patron, Endeavour Training, this morning received Mr. Steven Turner upon assuming his appointment as Chief Executive Officer.
Media related toPrince Edward, Duke of Kent at Wikimedia Commons
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent Born: 9 October 1935 | ||
| Lines of succession | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Rufus Gilman | Succession to the British throne son ofPrince George, Duke of Kent grandson ofGeorge V | Followed by |
| Peerage of the United Kingdom | ||
| Preceded by | Duke of Kent 2nd creation 1942–present | Incumbent Heir-apparent: George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews |
| Academic offices | ||
| Preceded by | Chancellor of the University of Surrey 1976–present | Incumbent |
| Orders of precedence in the United Kingdom | ||
| Preceded by | Gentlemen HRH The Duke of Kent | Succeeded by |
| Cultural offices | ||
| Preceded by | President of theRoyal Television Society 1977–1979 | Succeeded by |
| Masonic offices | ||
| Preceded by | Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England 1967–present | Incumbent |
| Honorary titles | ||
| Preceded by | Grand Master of the Order of St Michael and St George 1967–present | Incumbent |
| Sporting positions | ||
| Preceded by | President of theAll England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club 1969–2021 | Vacant |
| Preceded by | President ofThe Football Association 1971–2000 | Succeeded by |
Generations are numbered by their descent fromGeorge V andMary of Teck | ||
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| 5th generation | ||
*Descendant ofElizabeth II and therefore use the surnameMountbatten-Windsor, but officially considered members of the House of Windsor | ||
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Italics indicate the duke also holds a previously listed dukedom of greater precedence *ceased to use his title on 17 October 2025 | ||
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