Lord Adolphus FitzClarence

Adolphus FitzClarence was born on 18 February 1802 at Bushy Park, Middlesex (now Greater London). He was an illegitimate son of Prince William, Duke of Clarence, who later became King William IV, and his mistress Dorothea Jordan, an actress. FitzClarence was the seventh illegitimate child of the couple. His name was derived from Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, one of Clarence's siblings. He had a close relationship with his mother and inherited a love of theatre from her.

Clarence ceased his relationship with Dorothea Jordan in 1811 due to political pressures to marry a legitimate royal partner. FitzClarence attended boarding schools in Sunbury-on-Thames. He joined the Royal Navy in 1813 during the ongoing Napoleonic Wars, beginning his naval career as a first-class volunteer aboard the 98-gun ship HMS Impregnable in 1814. During this period, he was present during the peace celebrations following the end of the War of 1812, which included escort duties involving the Russian and Prussian monarchs.

In June 1814, FitzClarence transferred to HMS Newcastle, a 50-gun fourth-rate ship, participating in the blockade of USS Constitution during the War of 1812. He was promoted to midshipman in October 1814. Newcastle's activities included escorting convoys to Halifax and participating in attempts to contain the American frigate USS Constitution, which ultimately eluded British forces. After the war concluded in 1815, he served briefly in the Mediterranean aboard HMS Tagus, a frigate involved in diplomatic missions, including efforts to suppress Barbary piracy and attend to the Greek War of Independence.

In November 1816, FitzClarence joined HMS Albion as part of the Mediterranean Fleet, later transferring to HMS Rochfort, a 74-gun ship of the line, under Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Fremantle. After Fremantle’s death in Naples in 1820, FitzClarence remained in the Mediterranean, transferring to HMS Glasgow and later to HMS Aid, mainly engaged in surveying duties and ensuring regional neutrality during the Greek conflict.

He was promoted to lieutenant on 23 April 1822, serving next on the frigate HMS Euryalus, which operated in the Ionian Islands, ensuring neutrality during the Greek War of Independence and participating in diplomatic missions against piracy. He was promoted to commander in May 1823 and shortly thereafter to post-captain, with his promotion influenced by his father's standing.

FitzClarence’s early commands included brig-sloops HMS Brisk and HMS Redwing in the North Sea. In December 1825, at age twenty-four, he was promoted to captain and commanded the post-ship HMS Ariadne in the Mediterranean, where he carried out duties related to the Greek War of Independence and diplomatic missions, including transporting officials and managing regional neutrality.

In 1828, he commanded the frigate HMS Challenger and later the frigate HMS Pallas. His service included blockading the Azores to protect the Liberal cause during the Portuguese Liberal Wars and escorting diplomatic missions to Canada and India, such as carrying Sir James Kempt and Lord Dalhousie. He was involved in naval operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Indian Ocean during this period.

Following the accession of William IV in 1830, FitzClarence received favorable appointments related to the Royal Navy and royal household. He was appointed to command the royal yacht HMY Royal George and became Groom of the Robes. He was granted the courtesy title Lord Adolphus FitzClarence in 1831 by royal warrant, as well as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Guelphic Order. He served as a Lord of the Bedchamber, a role he held until 1837. During this time, he also undertook various ceremonial duties, including escorting royal family members and representing royal interests abroad.

Upon Queen Victoria’s accession in 1837, FitzClarence’s courtly roles were reduced, but Victoria continued to employ him in commanding the royal yacht, HMY Victoria and Albert, and later for cruises around Europe and Ireland. He was appointed a naval aide-de-camp to Victoria in 1848 and promoted to commodore in October 1852.

In September 1853, FitzClarence was promoted to rear-admiral and retired from active service. He continued to serve as an aide-de-camp to Victoria until his death. He died unmarried at Newburgh Priory on 17 May 1856 at age 54, after a long illness. His financial circumstances were modest at the time of his death, and he was interred in the chancel of St. Michael's Church, Coxwold.