On 3rd January 1981, Princess Alice of Albany passed away in her sleep at Kensington Palace. Join me as we take a look some facts about her fascinating life!
Prince Alexander Cambridge, Earl of
Athlone, dated 1943
©️ National Portrait Gallery, London
NPG X74242
- When she was born, Queen Victoria described Alice a “fine & large, with a quantity of hair”.
- Alice was named after her paternal aunt, Princess Alice of Hesse and by Rhine, who had passed away in 1878.
- Alice’s father passed away a month after her first birthday.
- The Princess married Prince Alexander of Teck (brother of Queen Mary) on 10th February 1904 at St George’s chapel. She was walked down the aisle by her uncle, King Edward VII.
- In November 1917 Alexander was made Earl of Athlone and Viscount Trematon, making Alice Countess of Athlone.
- In winter 1938 Alice became the first British royal to visit Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
- While living in Canada the couple played an active role in the community and helped support soldiers in the Second World War. They even hosted Winston Churchill, Prime Minister Mackenzie and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who often held strategy meetings in their home.
- In 1966 Alice released her memoirs “For My Grandchildren”, which detailed her personal life, travels and official duties.
- Alice lived through six reigns (Queen Victoria, Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, George VI and Queen Elizabeth II) and attended four coronations (Edward VII, George V, George VI and Queen Elizabeth II).
- In her later years Alice was often consulted about Royal Protocol as she was the eldest surviving member of the royal family.
- While living at Kensington Palace, Alice could often be seen visiting local shops, the local church and travelling by bus!
- Alice was a much loved member of the royal family and regularly received visits from Elizabeth, the Queen mother; Queen Elizabeth II; Princess Margaret and many other members of the royal family.
- Passing away aged 97, Alice remains the longest-living Princess of Royal blood and is the fourth longest-living member of the British royal family.
- On 8th January 1981 Alice was buried beside her husband and son at the Royal Burial Ground, Frogmore.
©️Queen.Victoria.Roses 2025
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What an interesting life she must have had. I love reading about the lesser known Royals especially when you post about them to commemorate something that happened to them on today’s date. Here’s to another year of Victoria & Albert and their family.