Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh
The Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh (25 April 1776–30 April 1857) was a member of the British Royal Family, the 11th child and 4th daughter of King George III.
Early life
Princess Mary was born on 25 April 1776 at St. James's Palace, London. Her father was the reigning British monarch, King George III, the eldest son of Frederick, Prince of Wales and Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. Her mother was Queen Charlotte (née Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz), the daughter of Charles, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz).
Marriage
Mary's upbringing was very sheltered and she spent most of her time with her parents and sisters. King George and Queen Charlotte were keen to shelter their children, particularly the girls, with the result that few of them married. Mary was different and on 22 July 1816 she married her first cousin, Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh, the son of George III's brother, Prince William Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh, at the Chapel Royal in St James's Palace. On their wedding day, Mary's brother, The Prince Regent, granted William the style of His Royal Highness to give him an equal rank to Mary.
The couple lived together at White Lodge in Windsor. They had no children together. Princess Mary was said to be the favourite aunt of her niece, Queen Victoria.
Titles, Styles, Honours & Arms
Titles
- 1776-1816: Her Royal Highness The Princess Mary
- 1816-1857: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh
