Angus Ogilvy

Sir Angus James Bruce Ogilvy (14 September 1928 – 26 December 2004) was a British businessman, courtier, and philanthropist. He was known for his marriage to Princess Alexandra of Kent, a granddaughter of King George V, and a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.

**Early Life and Family**

Angus James Bruce Ogilvy was born in London. He was the second son of the 12th Earl of Airlie and Lady Alexandra Coke, daughter of the 3rd Earl of Leicester. His familial connections included close links to the British royal family. His grandmother, Mabell Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie, was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Mary. His father served as a lord-in-waiting to King George V and as Lord Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother).

**Education and Career**

Ogilvy attended Heatherdown School near Ascot and subsequently Eton College in Berkshire. From 1946 to 1948, he served as an officer in the Scots Guards during his National Service. In 1947, he enrolled at Trinity College, Oxford, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics in 1950.

Post-university, Ogilvy worked at the Drayton company and later with Tiny Rowland at London and Rhodesia Mining and Land Company (Lonrho), where Rowland was a notable figure. In 1973, Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath publicly criticized Lonrho’s management in the House of Commons, describing the company as "an unpleasant and unacceptable face of capitalism." During the 1970s, Ogilvy was a director of The Rank Organisation. His business career concluded in 1976 following scrutiny in a Department of Trade report concerning the company’s activities.

**Marriage and Family**

Ogilvy married Princess Alexandra of Kent on 24 April 1963 at Westminster Abbey in London. The ceremony was attended by the royal family and was broadcast globally, attracting an estimated audience of 200 million viewers. Upon marriage, Elizabeth II offered Ogilvy an earldom, which he declined, as did his wife. The couple chose to lease Thatched House Lodge in Richmond from the Crown Estate, where they resided. Princess Alexandra maintained a grace-and-favour apartment at St James's Palace.

They had two children: James, born in 1964, and Marina, born in 1966. Marina's first pregnancy in 1989 drew public attention due to the couple’s unmarried status at the time, leading to a familial dispute. Marina claimed her parents had cut off her trust fund and allowances, seeking her to marry her partner or have an abortion. Her parents denied these allegations, asserting their support and openness.

**Later Years and Death**

Following his business career, Ogilvy dedicated himself to charitable activities. He served as president of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, chairman of Youth Clubs UK, patron of Arthritis Care, vice-patron of the National Children's Homes, and chairman of The Prince's Trust advisory council. He was also a trustee of the Leeds Castle Foundation and involved with Business in the Community and the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. Ogilvy was a member of the Royal Company of Archers, the Queen’s Bodyguard in Scotland.

In later life, he was diagnosed with throat cancer. His final public appearance was in Thailand, accompanying Princess Alexandra during an official visit. Ogilvy died on 26 December 2004 in Kingston upon Thames, London, after suffering from cancer-related illnesses, including acute pneumonia. His funeral was held at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on 5 January 2005, and he was buried in the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore.

**Honours**

He was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in 1988 and was sworn into the Privy Council in 1996.