More on the Royal Family: What’s Up With Princess Michael of Kent?
Gosh, here in America, we just cannot get enough of the Royal Family. We miss the days of King George, apparently. Maybe this whole “revolution” was a bad idea.
The Royals are subject to a mind-boggling system of silly rules (did you know that the head of the Royal Family must always be a direct descendant of King David?), and none more mind-boggling than the Rules on Royal Names.
For example:
The gentleman shown above, to the left, is Prince Michael of Kent, pictured here with his wife, Princess Michael of Kent. (And what a coincidence that must be!)
Prince Michael is The Queen’s first cousin. His father was a younger brother of the late King George VI, the father of The Queen. Prince Michael’s father was Prince George, Duke of Kent. The late king’s name was actually Prince Albert but he took the title of King George on his accession. Their father was King George V.
He is Commodore-in-Chief of the Maritime Reserves and Honorary Rear Admiral of the Royal Naval Reserves.
His wife is named Princess Michael of Kent, even though her “maiden name” was Marie Christine Anna Agnes Hedwig Ida von Reibnitz, which is almost our favorite name ever.
Why isn’t she called Princess Marie, or Princess Marie Christine, or something?
According to his official website:
Traditionally, all wives of male members of the British Royal Family, the aristocracy and members of the public take the style and title of their husbands.
Diana, Princess of Wales was not “Princess Diana” as the media called her, because she was not born a British princess. Her correct title was The Princess of Wales and when she divorced she became Diana, Princess of Wales.
When the present Duke of Gloucester was still Prince Richard prior to the death of his father, his wife was known as Princess Richard.
It just so happens that Prince Michael is the only grandson of a king titled HRH who is a second son and so there are no other princesses with the name of their husbands. The other princesses in the British royal family were all born into the royal house.”
And people think that the federal securities laws are complicated!
Just a little something for you to use at your next cocktail party, to impress fans of “The Crown.”
You’re welcome.
