Charles Grey

Charles Grey was born on 15 March 1804 in Northumberland, England. He was the second son of Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, and his wife, the Hon. Mary Ponsonby, daughter of William Ponsonby, 1st Baron Ponsonby. His elder brother was Henry Grey, who became the 3rd Earl Grey. Grey received private education during his youth.

He commenced a military career in 1820 when he joined the British Army as a sub-lieutenant. Between 1833 and 1842, he commanded the 73rd Regiment of Foot.

In politics, Grey represented Wycombe in the British House of Commons from 1832 to 1837. He won this seat by defeating Benjamin Disraeli and held it until 1837.

In 1838, Grey traveled to Canada with his brother-in-law, John Lambton, 1st Earl of Durham. During this time, he was appointed to the Executive Council and the Special Council of Lower Canada in June 1838. He served on these councils until 2 November of the same year, after which he returned to England with Lambton.

Grey later held prominent positions as a royal secretary. From 1849 to 1861, he served as the secretary to Prince Albert, and from 1861 until his death in 1870, he was the secretary to Queen Victoria. In 1860, he was appointed colonel of the 3rd (East Kent) Regiment of Foot. In 1863, he was transferred to the 71st (Highland) Regiment of Foot, a position he maintained until his death. Grey achieved the rank of full general in 1865.

Regarding his personal life, Grey married Caroline Eliza Farquhar in 1836. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Harvie Farquhar, 2nd Baronet. Together, they had several children:

- Sybil Mary Grey (born 1848), who married William Beauclerk, 10th Duke of St Albans.

- Charles Grey (died young in 1855).

- Albert Henry George Grey, 4th Earl Grey, who became Governor-General of Canada.

- Victoria Alexandrina Elizabeth Grey (1853–1922), married Lewis Payn Dawnay.

- Louisa Jane Grey (1855–1949), married William McDonnell, 6th Earl of Antrim, and served as pro tempore Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria.

- Mary Caroline Grey (1858–1940), married Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 4th Earl of Minto.

In 1860, Grey was appointed to the colonelcy of the 3rd (East Kent) Regiment of Foot, and in 1863, he transferred to the 71st (Highland) Regiment of Foot, a position he held until his death. He continued his military career and was promoted to full general in 1865.

Charles Grey passed away on 31 March 1870. During his later years, he served as private secretary to Prince Albert and subsequently to Queen Victoria.

In popular culture, a character named Earl Grey appears in the manga and anime series "Black Butler." This character, possibly a fictional descendant of Charles Grey, is notable in the franchise, especially in "Black Butler: Book of Murder."