Princess Alexandra

It was the Duchess of Kent who suffered from Depression and retired from royal life and taught music for a while

Princess Alexandra is definitely still active in charity work, she’s patron of Guide Dogs for the Blind, and I think other charities supporting sight loss too.

Yes sorry you are right Aveline it was the Duchess of Kent

I've just read that Princess Alexandra has given up her patronage of Guide Dogs for the Blind. Sophie Wessex has taken over, a good choice I think.

I remember meeting Princess Alexandra in Singapore in 1969. She was representing the Queen at the Commonwealth Conference, and the British High Commission held a reception for her, and DH (who worked at the High Commission and was then my fiance) and I got invitations. She was delightful and wanted to hear all about our recent engagement.

The Duchess of kent taught singing in some downtown areas of Hull and the children did not know who she was. Got that on good authority from a teacher friend.

Yes Princess Alexandra is 84. Always elegant!

I met her about 40 years ago when I had organised the opening ceremony for a bus/rail interchange. She walked straight up to me and said "You must be Mrs Ward. Thank you so much for organising this.". I was really chuffed with the fact she had taken the trouble to know who I was. She then threw my schedule into complete disarray by stopping to talk to too many people, lifting the lids of the big saucepans in the canteen to see what was cooking, and generally being interested in everybody and everything. We all loved her.

Anniebach

She had 36 years experience in PR ? she is 56 now !

Think you need to read it again!

SewnSew

I met her about 40 years ago when I had organised the opening ceremony for a bus/rail interchange. She walked straight up to me and said "You must be Mrs Ward. Thank you so much for organising this.". I was really chuffed with the fact she had taken the trouble to know who I was. She then threw my schedule into complete disarray by stopping to talk to too many people, lifting the lids of the big saucepans in the canteen to see what was cooking, and generally being interested in everybody and everything. We all loved her.

Sorry this is completely off topic but its such a nice story I wanted to share it.

On Last Leg last night, one of the presenters said that they had recently met Gareth Southgate, and Southgate said to him, "We've met before" The presenter didn't remember but after some prompting recalled that they had chatted for a few minutes while he was on work experience 10 years ago!

Some people are just nice, I guess

Nobility is not noble...Shatter the romance that keeps a nation numb and spellbound whilst privilege picks its pocket"

Princess Marina was popular in her day, so much so that she was often referred to as simply "Marina" ; like people refer to Princess Diana as simply "Diana".

Such a pleasant thread but there is always one grumpy person! Be kind it doesn’t hurt!

I recall Princess Alexandra coming to open our new school approximately 50 years ago.
It was the biggest disappointment for me when she arrived…..no diamonds and tiara, no coaches….just another human being……..

Princess Marina was very beautiful and chic. But I don’t know if the Duke of Kent exactly had good genes to pass on to his children though he was intelligent and handsome, it is generally accepted that he was addicted to heroin and cocaine, was bisexual, had numerous affairs with both men and women after his marriage, including probably Noel Coward and Barbara Cartland and was a supporter of Hitler and the Nazi party. His death when his plane crashed in Caithness in mysterious circumstances is sometimes attributed to MI6.

I must say the Queen was looking wonderful and very cheerful when she was in Scotland for Holyrood week and in Manchester. She really is a marvel for her age. Maybe Prince Phillip’s death has been a release for her.

Chaitriona

I must say the Queen was looking wonderful and very cheerful when she was in Scotland for Holyrood week and in Manchester. She really is a marvel for her age. Maybe Prince Phillip’s death has been a release for her.

I’ve been thinking the same thing but didn’t dare say it.
The Queen often used to look very severe and grumpy but nowadays she’s positively radiant.
I know she and the duke were devoted to each other but I always felt he could be a difficult chap and of course his ill health towards the end would have been a huge worry for the Queen.
Whatever the reason, I’m glad the Queen looks so happy.

I'm another who remembers Princess Alexandra and Angus Ogilvy's wedding, at Westminster Abbey, very clearly - she certainly looked beautiful in an elegant wedding gown. Princess Anne looking quite grown-up on that day. 4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ04E6HezLg/TbhSSBadGAI/AAAAAAAACLQ/C8PVIXt23tk/s1600/GroupPhoto.jpg

Perhaps she's just happy to be out of lockdown and getting out and about again? She'd certainly been looking great. Lovely outfits in great colours that suit her (for once!)

Cambia

Such a pleasant thread but there is always one grumpy person! Be kind it doesn’t hurt!

Well said, Cambia !

I love them both. I remember when Sophie had an ectopic pregnancy I so felt for her as I had been through it. I have great respect for them.

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They both give great support to the Queen - no moaning or throwing tantrums when they’re not the in the limelight.

Roni I would have thought that Sophie is as unlike Prince Andrew as it is possible to be.

Roni The Countess of Wessex made a bad mistake several decades ago and that has already been referred to on this thread.

To compare that with the long term louche lifestyle of Prince Andrew, of dodgy friends and dodgy deals is ridiculous.