Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark was a remarkable woman who led a life of both royalty and service. Born on December 13, 1906, in Athens, Greece, Marina was the daughter of Prince Nicholas of Greece and Denmark and Grand Duchess Elena Vladimirovna of Russia.
Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark went on to marry Prince George, Duke of Kent, in 1934, and together they had three children. However, her life was not without its share of tragedy, as she was widowed in 1942 when her husband was killed in a plane crash while on active service. In her later years, Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark became a beloved member of the British royal family and carried out numerous engagements in support of various causes.
Early Life of Princess Marina
Marina spent her formative years in Greece, where she was raised to be devout and religious, thanks in part to the encouragement of her grandmother, Queen Olga of Greece.
Her family often travelled outside of Greece, and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark made her first visit to Britain in 1910, where she met her future mother-in-law, Queen Mary. Marina’s family was forced into exile when she was just 11 years old, following the overthrow of the Greek monarchy. They later moved to Paris, while the Princess stayed with her extended family throughout Europe.
Marriage and Family Life
Princess Marina and Prince George, a second cousin through Christian IX of Denmark, met in London in 1932. Their betrothal was announced in August 1934, and the couple was married in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey on November 29, 1934.
The wedding was followed by a Greek ceremony in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace. The couple had three children: Prince Edward, Princess Alexandra, and Prince Michael. Tragically, Prince George was killed in a plane crash while on active service with the Royal Air Force in 1942, leaving Princess Marina widowed at the age of 35.
Later Years and Legacy
Despite her loss, Princess Marina remained active in the British royal family, carrying out numerous engagements in support of various causes. She was the president of the Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club for 26 years and was also the president of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
One of her first cousins was Prince Philip, who later married her niece, the future Queen Elizabeth II. Marina’s legacy also includes the Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone, Botswana, which was named in her honour. She died of a brain tumour on August 27, 1968, at the age of 61.
In conclusion, Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark lived a life of both privilege and service, leaving behind a legacy that is still remembered today. Her devotion to the British royal family and her tireless work on behalf of various causes makes her an inspiration to many.
Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark may be gone, but her memory lives on as a testament to the power of both duty and love.
*Feature Image: Philip de László, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons