(L to R) Princess Alexandra in Ossett in 1977, Prince Michael, photographed by Allan Warren, The Duke of Kent by Allan Warren, 1989 portrait photo (Wikimedia Commons)
However, there is more to the Royal Family. It is not hidden that Royal Families are huge, and their relationships go beyond borders. So, today, let us have a look at the royal family members who have stayed out of the limelight. They are lesser known, but important members of the Royal Family.
Birgitte, The Duchess of Gloucester
She is the wife of Prince Richard, who is the Duke of Gloucester, the later Queen Elizabeth’s cousin. Although Birgitte and Prince Richard may not often be in the spotlight, they are active, full-time working members of the royal family.
Recently, Birgitte accompanied Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace for the presentation of the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education. The event honoured 22 institutions from across the UK for their outstanding achievements, innovation, and impact in a range of academic and professional fields.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester (Wikimedia Commons)
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
If we are talking about the Duchess, of course we will talk about the Duke. Prince Richard is 32nd in line to the throne. He is also the second son of late Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester and a grandchild of the late King George V. He is also the first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II. When he was born, he was 5th in the order of succession.
As a young man, Richard trained and worked as an architect. However, his career path changed abruptly in 1972 after the tragic death of his older brother, William, in a plane crash. With William gone, Richard became next in line to inherit his father’s title, prompting him to step away from architecture and take on royal responsibilities.
In 1974, following the death of his father, Prince Henry, Richard officially became the Duke of Gloucester.
Since then, he has remained a dedicated working royal, regularly representing the Crown at public events. Most recently, in November 2023, he marked the 75th anniversary of the Royal Berkshire Archives by attending a special celebration and unveiling a commemorative plaque.
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent
The Duke of Kent (Wikimedia Commons)
He is 42nd in line to the throne and is not the same person as Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburg. He is the first son of late Prince George, Duke of Kent and a grandson of late King George V, also a first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
He is now 89 and has carried out royal duties all his life. In June 2023, he attended a ceremony that honored his dedication to The Lorne Scots.
Princess Alexandra
(L to R) Princess Alexandra on her tour of Australia in 1959, Alexandra aged 11 by Hay Wrightson (Wikimedia Commons)
The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, Princess Alexandra is 58th in line to throne. While she is listed as a working member of the royal family, she has recently taken a step back from her duties.
Prince Michael of Kent
(L to R) Portrait of HRH Prince Michael of Kent, taken in Kensington Palace, London, Prince Michael, photographed by Allan Warren (Wikimedia Commons)Prince Michael of Kent is the younger brother of Prince Edward and Princess Alexandra, and the third child of the late Prince George, Duke of Kent. As a grandson of King George V, he is a first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II and both a second cousin and first cousin once removed to King Charles III.
Although Prince Michael was never expected to take on royal duties in an official capacity, he has occasionally represented the royal family at public events over the years.
He also served in the military and supported in multiple charities and organisations and retired from public life in 2022.
Lady Louise Mountbatten- Windsor
At the coronation of Charles III and Camilla in 2023 (Wikimedia Commons)
She is the eldest child of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburg. Currently 17th in line to the throne, she does not carry the ‘princess’ title or carries out any official royal duties.
She is the youngest granddaughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the youngest niece of King Charles III.
James Alexander Philip Theo Mountbatten-Windsor
Earl of Wessex (British Monarchy, Facebook)
He is the Earl of Wessex, the youngest child of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburg. He is also the youngest grandchild of late Queen Elizabeth II and youngest nephew of King Charles III. He is 15th in line to the throne and does not have ‘prince’ title to his name, since at the age of 17, he is not carrying any royal duties.
Peter Phillips
Peter Phillips (Wikimedia Commons)
Peter Phillips, Princess Anne’s only son, is the eldest grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II and a nephew of King Charles III.
Unlike his sister Zara Tindall—who remains in the public eye thanks to her Olympic equestrian career and marriage to former rugby star Mike Tindall—Peter has largely kept a low profile.