Royal Biographies: Duke and Duchess of Gloucester

Updated August 5, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

Duke and Duchess of Gloucester

A Grandson of King George V, and first cousin to Queen Elizabeth, Prince Richard Alexander Walter George had planned on a career in architecture until his older brother, Prince Frederick, died in 1972. Richard changed career paths and prepared to succeed his father as Duke of Gloucester, which he did in 1974.

The Duke, who was born on August 26, 1944, is an active patron of a number of architectural organizations and has produced four books on photography. In 1972 he married Brigitte Eva van Deurs, daughter of a Danish lawyer. The Duchess of Gloucester is an active patron, especially of medical organizations. They had three children, Alexander, Earl of Ulster, born in 1974; Lady Davina Windsor, born in 1977; and Lady Rose Windsor, born in 1980. None of the children undertake official duties.