Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Prince Richard Alexander Walter George of the United Kingdom, 2nd Duke of Gloucester (born August 26, 1944), of the House of Windsor, is a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and member of the British Royal Family. Originally HRH Prince Richard of Gloucester, his style changed to HRH The Duke of Gloucester upon succeeding his father to the title.He was born at Barnwell Manor in Northamptonshire, the second son of Prince Henry, 1st Duke of Gloucester (the third son of King George V) and Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. His elder brother, Prince William of Gloucester, was heir to their father's title.
In 1972, Richard, who had kept a low profile, married Birgitte van Deurs, a Danish citizen. The event received minor press coverage, the main point of interest being that Richard had to ask the Queen's permission to marry. Less than two months after the wedding, everything changed when Prince William was killed in an air crash. On June 10, 1974, the Duke of Gloucester died and Prince Richard succeeded to the title.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester make many public appearances and are popular members of the royal family. Their Royal Highnesses have three children:
- Alexander Windsor, Earl of Ulster
- Lady Davina Windsor
- Lady Rose Windsor
