Robin Douglas-Home

Cecil Robin Douglas-Home was born on 8 May 1932 and died on 15 October 1968. He was a British aristocrat, jazz pianist, and author. He was the eldest son of the Honourable Henry Douglas-Home and Lady Margaret Spencer. His family included notable relatives such as his uncle, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and his younger brother, Charles Douglas-Home, who was the editor of The Times. He was also a first cousin of John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer, father of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Robin Douglas-Home's early education took place at Ludgrove School, where he was recognized for his artistic abilities. He was active during the 1950s and 1960s as a jazz pianist and was considered a prominent society figure during this period.

In the 1950s, Douglas-Home was involved in a relationship with Princess Margaretha of Sweden. Reports from the press indicated that their marriage was allegedly forbidden by her mother, Princess Sibylla. However, a statement from King Gustaf VI Adolf denied that any ban was imposed on the marriage. Ingrid Björnberg, Princess Margaretha's nanny and confidante, later wrote in her memoirs that the breakup was due to Princess Margaretha's own decision not to marry Robin Douglas-Home, rather than restrictions from her family.

In 1959, Douglas-Home married Sandra Paul, a fashion model. They had a son named Sholto in 1962. The marriage ended in divorce in 1965, a period during which Douglas-Home was involved with Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. His divorce was documented in a BBC television program hosted by Alan Whicker.

Lady Cosima Vane-Tempest-Stewart, born in 1961 as the second daughter of the 9th Marquess of Londonderry, claimed to be the biological daughter of Douglas-Home. She alleged that her biological father was Robin Douglas-Home, suggesting he had a liaison with her mother, the Marchioness of Londonderry, who later married the singer Georgie Fame.

As an author, Douglas-Home published an authorized biography of Frank Sinatra in 1962. He also authored four novels, including "Hot for Certainties" (1964), which received the Authors' Club Best First Novel Award, as well as "When the Sweet Talking's Done" (1968) and "The Faint Aroma of Performing Seals" (1969). Additionally, he contributed articles to magazines such as Queen and Woman's Own.

Cecil Robin Douglas-Home died by suicide in 1968 at his country home in West Chiltington, West Sussex, at the age of 36. His death followed several years of suffering from clinical depression.