HRH The Duchess of Gloucester Her Royal Highness Princess Richard, Duchess of Gloucester (Birgitte Eva Windsor, née van Deurs), styled HRH The Duchess of Gloucester (born June 20, 1947), is a member of the British Royal Family, the wife of HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, a grandchild of King George V.
The Duchess of Gloucester, with her husband, undertakes royal duties on behalf of the Duke's cousin, Queen Elizabeth II.
Early Life
Birgitte was born in Odense, Denmark. She is the younger daughter of the late Asger Preben Wissing Henriksen, a lawyer, and his former wife the late Mrs Vivian van Deurs.
Birgitte moved to Cambridge, England and also worked at the Danish Embassy in London.
Marriage In February 1972, Birigtte became engaged to HRH Prince Richard of Gloucester, the second eldest son of HRH Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester and HRH The Duchess of Gloucester. The marriage took place on July 8, 1972 at St Andrew's Church, Barnwell in Northamptonshire. At that date she was styled Her Royal Highness Princess Richard of Gloucester.
Together the couple have three children:
None of the children carry out any Royal Duties.
Official rôle The Duchess of Gloucester is Patron of a large number of organisations, many of which have medical, educational or welfare connections. She has also accompanied the Duke of Gloucester on his official visits overseas: her first such visit was in 1973, when The Duke and Duchess represented The Queen at the 70th birthday celebrations of King Olav of Norway.
The Duchess is also sponsor of two Royal Navy Ships: HMS Gloucester and HMS Sandown.
Titles and Honours
Titles - Ms Birgitte Van-Deurs (1947-1972)
- Her Royal Highness Princess Richard of Gloucester (1972-1974)
- Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester (1974- )
Honours
Honorary Military Appointments - Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Army Dental Corps,
- Deputy Colonel-in-Chief of the Adjutant General's Corps
- Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Army Educational Corps
- Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal New Zealand Army Educational Corps
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