grandchildren of King George V and Queen Mary. He is 31st in the line of succession to the British throne, and the highest person on the list who is not a descendant of George VI
, who was his uncle. At the time of his birth, he was 5th in line to the throne.
Richard practised as an architect until the death of his elder brother,
in 1947, where Richard spent most of his childhood.
Education and career
Prince Richard's early education took place at home, under the instruction of Rosalind Ramirez, who had also tutored young King
MA (Cantab)
in 1971.
In 1966, Richard joined the Offices Development Group in the Ministry of Public Building and Works for a year of practical work. He returned to Cambridge in 1967, completing both parts of the Diploma in Architecture degree in June 1969. Upon passing his exams, he became a practising partner with Hunt Thompson Associates, Architects, in London.[8]
Senna Kowhai Lewis (born 22 June 2010) who is attending
Millfield School
Tane Mahuta Lewis (born 25 May 2012)
Lady Rose Victoria Birgitte Louise Gilman (born 1 March 1980 at St Mary's Hospital, London); she married George Gilman in 2008. The couple have two children:
Lyla Beatrix Christabel Gilman (born 2010)
Rufus Frederick Montagu Gilman (born 2012)
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester's official residence is at Kensington Palace in London.[13] They have leased their private home, Barnwell Manor, since 1994. In September 2022, the Duke put the manor up for sale for £4.75 million.[14]
Activities
Prince Richard ended his architectural career in 1972, after the death of his elder brother Prince William, who crashed his plane in a flying competition. Richard became heir apparent to his father's dukedom and had to take on additional family obligations and royal duties on behalf of the Queen. He became Duke of Gloucester on his father's death on 10 June 1974.
Prince Richard was elected as a corporate member of the
Institute of Advanced Motorists, of which he was president for more than 32 years. On his appointment in 1971,[20] it was recorded that the new president was "currently [driving] an Austin 1300", reflecting the modest image with which he has always been identified. He stood down as president in January 2005.[21]
reburial and commemorations of King Richard III in Leicester Cathedral. Richard III had held the title Duke of Gloucester before his ascension to the English throne.[41] In March 2018, the Duke travelled to Malawi to attend the Commonwealth Day celebrations, and visited projects related to health services, wildlife, and climate change.[42][43] He missed the celebrations in March 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19.[44]
On 14 September 2022, after the
cortege from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, for her lying in state.[45]
In 2023 the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester attended the
coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Westminster Abbey, and (in common with other working members of the Royal Family) took part in the Coronation Procession following the service.[46]
Titles, styles, honours and arms
Titles and styles
26 August 1944 – 10 June 1974: His Royal Highness Prince Richard of Gloucester[47]
10 June 1974 – present: His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester
are differenced from those of the Sovereign and other members of the Royal Family.
Adopted
1962
Coronet
Coronet of a male-line grandchild of the Sovereign.
Crest
On a Coronet of children of other sons of the Sovereign, composed of four Crosses pattées alternated with four Strawberry Leaves, a Lion statant guardant Or, crowned with the like Coronet, and differenced with a Label as in the Arms.
Supporters
The Royal Supporters, differenced with a Coronet as in the Crest and Label as in the Arms.[54]
Orders
The Shield is surrounded by the Garter circlet, inscribed with its Motto: HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE (Shame be to him who thinks evil of it)
1 Not a British prince by birth, but created Prince Consort. 2 Not a British prince by birth, but created a Prince of the United Kingdom. Princes whose titles were removed and eligible people who do not use the title are shown in italics.