The Queen's aunt, Princess Alice, has raised the bar on royal longevity, becoming the oldest-ever member of the British monarchy.
On Wednesday, the royal centenarian broke the record set by the Queen Mother, who passed away in March of last year. Born Lady Alice Christabel Montagu Douglas Scott on Christmas Day 1901, Princess Alice has lived for 101 years, seven months and 26 days.
In her younger years, Princess Alice, who is the widow of the Queen's grandfather's third son, was well-known in royal circles for her adventurous and independent spirit. After meeting the man would become her future husband – Prince Henry, a family friend and the son of King George V and Queen Mary – the aristocrat put thoughts of marriage aside in order to travel.
Lady Alice lived in Kenya, spent time in India and famously made an illegal visit to Afghanistan, disguising herself in traditional garb.
News of her father's ill health brought her back to Britain in 1935, and the debutante married Prince Henry that same year, aged 34. She was to outlive both her elder son, Prince William, who died in a 1972 plane accident aged 30, and her husband, who passed away two years later.
Princess Alice spent much of her life at the 2,500-acre Barnwell Manor estate near Oundle, Northamptonshire, which she and Prince Henry bought in 1938. In 1995 the elderly widow moved into Kensington Palace to be with her younger son, the Duke of Gloucester.
Three years ago, the Duke announced his mother, described as "frail" but "in good spirits", would be withdrawing from public life. "She does, however, receive family and friends in the comfort of her home and, occasionally, representatives from her charitable organisations," he said.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
