Prince Richard, Duke Of Gloucester

Richard Alexander Walter George, born on 26 August 1944, is a member of the British royal family. He holds the title of Duke of Gloucester and is the second son of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. He is a grandson of King George V, one of nine grandchildren of the monarch, and is related to several prominent members of the royal family, including being a nephew of Kings Edward VIII and George VI, and a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. As of the current line of succession, he is 32nd, and notably, the highest-ranking individual on the list who is not a descendant of King George VI. When he was born, he was fifth in line to the throne.

Born at St Matthew's Nursing Home in Northampton, Richard was baptized at the Royal Chapel of All Saints in Windsor Great Park on 20 October 1944. His godparents included members of the royal family and other distinguished individuals. During his infancy, he accompanied his parents to Australia, where his father served as governor-general from 1945 to 1947. The family later resided at Barnwell Manor, where Richard spent most of his childhood.

His early education was conducted privately at home under Rosalind Ramirez, a tutor who also trained King Faisal II of Iraq. Subsequently, he attended Wellesley House School in Broadstairs and Eton College. In 1963, he enrolled at Magdalene College, Cambridge, studying architecture and graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in June 1966. He officially received the Master of Arts (MA Cantab) degree in 1971, following Cambridge's customary postgraduate progression.

Professionally, Richard worked for a year in 1966 with the Offices Development Group at the Ministry of Public Building and Works. He returned to Cambridge in 1967, completing his Diploma in Architecture in June 1969. After qualifying, he became a practicing partner with Hunt Thompson Associates, Architects, in London.

On 8 July 1972, he married Birgitte van Deurs Henriksen, a Danish-born woman. The couple has three children: Alexander Patrick Gregers Richard Windsor, Earl of Ulster, born on 24 October 1974; Lady Davina Elizabeth Alice Benedikte Windsor, born on 19 November 1977; and Lady Rose Victoria Birgitte Louise Gilman, born on 1 March 1980. The family’s official residence is at Kensington Palace, with Barnwell Manor serving as their private home since 1994—a property they listed for sale in September 2022.

Following the death of his elder brother Prince William in an aircraft accident in 1972, Richard ceased practicing architecture and became heir apparent to his father’s dukedom, which he inherited in 1974 upon his father’s death. As the Duke of Gloucester, he assumed numerous royal and charitable duties. He has been a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects since 1972, serving as a corporate member, and has held various honorary and patronage roles with multiple organizations related to architecture, heritage, health, and charity. He has participated in state occasions, such as representing the royal family at independence celebrations, and has served as Chancellor of the University of Worcester since his installation in 2008.

His various honors include appointments as Colonel-in-Chief of several military units in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, and a range of honorary titles from livery companies and civic institutions. He also holds the style "His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester" since 1974. In 2008, he became the inaugural Chancellor of the University of Worcester. Throughout his career, he has been involved in numerous charitable and cultural activities, including patronages related to architecture, heritage, healthcare, and historical societies.

In the 21st century, he represented the royal family at significant events such as the reburial of King Richard III, Commonwealth Day celebrations in Malawi, and the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. In 2023, he attended the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, participating in the subsequent procession.