Who is Princess Alexandra, the cousin who has always been at the side of Queen Elizabeth

Funeral of Prince Philip, the Royal Family dressed in mourning

These are sad days for the British Royal Family. On Saturday 18 April, the funeral of Prince Philip, attended by thirty intimate guests, wanted by the late Duke of Edinburgh himself. Among these, in the chapel of St George of Windsor, there was the Princess Alexandra, one of the least known royal members although, up to fifty years ago, he was among the most popular faces of the family.

In fact, he has always been an important figure for Queen Elizabeth II. Daughter of the Duke of Kent, younger brother of George VI, and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, Alexandra (also known as the Honorable Lady Ogilvy) she is a first cousin both His Majesty and Philip. Although he is currently 55th in the line of succession to the British throne, at the time of his birth he was sixth, a symbol of importance within the family.

The Honorable Lady Ogilvy boasts a record within the British royal system as, at the age of eleven, she became the first princess to attend school, the Heahtfield School. In 1947 it was chosen as bridesmaid for the wedding of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and in 1962 he held the same role during the marriage between Prince Juan Carlos of Spain and his cousin Sophia of Greece.

For his wedding, however, he will have to wait until April 24 of the following year, when will swear the fateful “yes” to businessman Angus Olgivy. The engagement ring given to her by her husband was made of cabochon sapphire set in gold and surrounded by diamonds on both sides. The ceremony, which saw the Princess wearing a Valenciennes lace wedding dress, complete with a matching veil and train, was watched on TV by around 200 million people. Among the bridesmaids was a very young Princess Anne, as well as Archduchess Elizabeth of Austria. Unfortunately Sir Olgivy passed away in 2004, due to an illness that had struck him for some time.

Princess Alexandra has always been one fundamental figure for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, not only for the various Royal Duties completed, but also for the support that has never failed them. Consider, for example, that it was rumored that it was now ready to leave the scene, leaving room for the new generation of royalty. Meghan and Harry’s farewell, however, caused Alexandra to change her mind, once again staying by Her Majesty’s side.

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