We take a closer look at the life and times of Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood, the only daughter of Queen Mary and King George V.
Here in the UK, it’s safe to say that the royal family has a very dedicated following from all across the globe, and their popularity knows no bounds.
Of course, you’ve heard about Queen Elizabeth II, her son Prince Charles, her husband Prince Phillip, and her two grandsons, Prince Harry and Prince William along with their families who gain much of the attention, but what about the lesser-known members from past and present?
Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood, for example, was a key member of the royal family and was actually featured in the 2019 movie adaption of Downton Abbey, but precisely what do we know about her?
Here is a detailed look at the life and times of Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood.
Early Life
Mary was born at York Cottage, within the Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, on the 25th of April, 1897. She was born Victoria Alexandra Alice Mary, during the reign of Queen Victoria, who was actually her very own great grandmother.
Her parents were, at the time, the Duke and the Duchess of York, who would go on to become Queen Mary and King George V.
She received a private education from governesses and would go on to be able to speak fluent German and French.
She was also a keen horse rider and developed a very strong interest in horses and riding.
In 1901, Victoria passed away and Mary’s grandfather ascended the throne as King Edward VII and her parents became the prince and princess of Wales. Despite this, not much about Mary’s life changed.
A New Life As A Royal
When Mary was 13, Edward VII died, and her father became the king.
Reluctantly, the family was forced to relocate to London, to Buckingham Palace and life suddenly changed dramatically.
She saw less of her parents because of their royal duties, and her brothers joined the military.
In 1914, the First World War began and Mary often accompanied her mother to hospitals for charity events and to visit wounded soldiers.
They even started the Princess Mary Christmas Gift Fund, where a staggering £100,000 worth of gifts were sent to all British soldiers during Christmas of that year.
Incidentally, in 2017, it was revealed that the value of that particular venture stood at £11 Million.
As she grew older, she undertook more public duties and partook in numerous charity events.
Marriage And Death
In 1922, on the 28th of Feb, Mary married Viscount Lascelles, who was the eldest son of the 5th Earl of Harewood.
They were wed at Westminster Abbey and the royal wedding was a huge attraction, grabbing attention from all over the globe.
The two had a long marriage together, complete with two sons until he passed away in 1947.
Sadly, whilst out walking with her son on the 28th of March, 1965, the princess suffered a fatal heart attack and passed away aged 67.