George Keppel (British Army officer, born 1865)

Currently, George Keppel (British Army officer, born 1865) has become a topic of great relevance and interest for a wide spectrum of society. People increasingly seek to understand and explore the different facets and applications of George Keppel (British Army officer, born 1865), whether in the professional, academic or personal sphere. This topic has been positioned as a central point of discussion and debate in various areas, generating deep reflections and analyzes on its impact and relevance in modern life. George Keppel (British Army officer, born 1865) has sparked a large number of research, projects and cultural productions that seek to understand and apply its concepts in an innovative and creative way. In this article, we will explore the multiple dimensions and perspectives that George Keppel (British Army officer, born 1865) offers, as well as its importance in the current context.

Cimitero degli Allori, The Hon. George Keppel and Alice Keppel

The Honourable George Keppel MVO (14 October 1865 – 22 November 1947) was a British army officer and the husband of Alice Keppel, the mistress of King Edward VII. Keppel was a descendant of King Charles II,[citation needed] and was also the great-grandfather of Queen Camilla.

Biography

Keppel was the third son of William Keppel, 7th Earl of Albemarle, treasurer of Queen Victoria's household, and his wife, Sophia Mary, Countess of Albemarle (d. 5 April 1917), daughter of Sir Allan Napier MacNab, speaker of the Canadian Parliament. He graduated from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in 1885. Soon after, he joined the Gordon Highlanders. He resigned his commission in 1892, but joined the Norfolk Artillery Militia in 1894. Keppel was promoted to captain in 1908 and was appointed MVO a year later after being attached to the king during the latter's visit to the city of Norwich that year.

On 1 June 1891, Keppel married Alice Frederica Edmonstone, the youngest daughter of Mary Elizabeth, née Parsons (1823–1902), and Admiral Sir William Edmonstone, 4th Baronet (1810–1888). Together they had two daughters, Violet (1894–1972) and Sonia (1900–1986). In 1898, Keppel's wife became a mistress and confidante to Edward, Prince of Wales. Her relationship with Edward lasted through his ascension to the throne as King Edward VII in 1901, and until his death in May 1910. Keppel knew of the affair and would leave their house on Portman Square when King Edward VII visited his wife.

Through his daughter Sonia, Keppel is the great-grandfather of Queen Camilla, who was four months old when Keppel died on 22 November 1947, in his suite at the Ritz Hotel, in London.

References

  1. ^ Pollard, A. F. (23 September 2004). "Keppel, William Coutts, seventh earl of Albemarle and Viscount Bury (1832–1894), politician". In Matthew, H. C. G. (ed.). Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 1 (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/15444. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
*