Meet Birgitte: The Duchess of Gloucester at Wimbledon

Speculation has been rampant about whether Kate Middleton will be attending Wimbledon in 2024, as she has been a regular attendee in previous years. Currently undergoing treatment for cancer and limiting her public appearances, Princess Catherine’s absence at this prestigious event has led another royal to step in: Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester.

Duchess Birgitte, although a full-time working royal, tends to remain a lesser-known figure compared to more prominent members of the royal family. The spotlight is now on her, prompting interest in learning more about her and her family, including her relation to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The Duchess of Gloucester is married to Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester. Prince Richard is a cousin of the late Queen and the son of the late Prince Henry, Queen Elizabeth’s uncle. Their familial connection places them within the inner circle of the British royal family.

Birgitte, born Birgitte Eva van Deurs Henriksen in Odense, Denmark, met Prince Richard in the late 1960s while he was attending Cambridge University. Birgitte, attending an elite finishing school in the UK, and Prince Richard publicly announced their engagement in February 1972. They were married on July 8, 1972.

Tragically, Birgitte’s path to becoming a duchess involved a family loss. Just six weeks after their wedding, Prince Richard’s older brother, Prince William of Gloucester, died in a plane crash. Consequently, Prince Richard inherited the title of Duke of Gloucester, making Birgitte the Duchess of Gloucester.

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester reside in a residence within Kensington Palace, one of the many royal properties in London. This proximity allows them to participate actively in various royal duties and events.

Prince Richard’s relationship to King Charles also cements their status within the royal hierarchy. As Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin, Prince Richard is King Charles’ first cousin once removed, signifying a close familial bond within the royal lineage.

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester have three children: Alexander, Earl of Ulster (born Oct. 24, 1974); Lady Davina Elizabeth Alice Benedikte Windsor (born Nov. 19, 1977); and Lady Rose Gilman (born March 1, 1980). These children continue the family’s legacy, and their lives often attract public and media attention.

The couple’s family extends to their grandchildren as well: Xan Windsor, Lord Culloden, and Lady Cosima Windsor (children of Alexander and his wife Claire Booth); Senna Lewis and Tāne Lewis (via Lady Davina and her ex-husband Gary Lewis); and Lyla Gilman and Rufus Gilman (children of Lady Rose and her husband George Gilman).

The attendance of Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, at Wimbledon fills a void left by Princess Catherine’s current health-related absence. Her appearance underscores the breadth and depth of commitment held by various members of the Royal Family, even those less frequently in the public eye.

Whether or not Kate Middleton will return to Wimbledon remains uncertain, but Birgitte’s presence serves as a reminder of the many royals who continue to uphold the traditions and duties of the British monarchy.

Source: People