Maria, Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh
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| Maria Walpole | ||
|---|---|---|
| Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh | ||
| Titles | HRH The Dowager Duchess of Gloucester HRH The Duchess of Gloucester The Rt Hon. The Dowager Countess Waldegrave The Rt Hon. The Countess Waldegrave Maria Walpole | |
| Born | 1736 | |
| Died | 22 August 1807 | |
| Consort to | Prince William Henry, Duke of Gloucester | |
| Issue | Princess Sophia of Gloucester Princess Caroline of Gloucester Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester | |
| Royal House | House of Hanover | |
| Father | Edward Walpole | |
| Mother | Dorothy Clements | |
Maria Walpole (1736–22 August, 1807), the Countess Waldegrave and Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh, was a member of the British Royal Family, the wife of Prince William Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh. Her marriage to the Duke without the knowledge of King George III led to the passing of the Royal Marriages Act 1772.
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[edit] Early life
Maria Walpole was the daughter of Edward Walpole and Dorothy Clements. Her grandfather was Robert Walpole, considered to be the first Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1721-41). Her parents were not married, and her illegitimate status hindered her social standing despite her family connections.
[edit] Countess Waldegrave
On 15 May 1759, she married James Waldegrave, 2nd Earl Waldegrave, the son of James Waldegrave, 1st Earl Waldegrave and Mary Webbe. After her marriage Maria was styled Countess Waldegrave. The Earl Waldegrave died on 28 April 1763, leaving Maria a widow. They had three children.
- The Lady Elizabeth Laura Waldegrave (1760–1816) who married her cousin, the 4th Earl Waldegrave
- The Lady Charlotte Maria Waldegrave (1761–1808) who married the 4th Duke of Grafton
- The Lady Anna Horatia Waldegrave (1762–1801) who married Admiral Lord Hugh Seymour
[edit] Duchess of Gloucester
On 6 September 1766 she married Prince William Henry, Duke of Gloucester (14 November 1743 - 25 August 1805) at her home in Pall Mall, London. The Duke was the third son of Frederick, Prince of Wales, and a brother of George III. The marriage was conducted in secret as the British Royal Family would not have approved of a marriage between a Royal Prince and a widow of non-royal rank and illegitimate birth. They had three children.
- Princess Sophia of Gloucester (1773–1844)
- Princess Caroline of Gloucester (1774–1775)
- Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh (1776–1834)
Their marriage, and that of the Duke's other brother, the Duke of Cumberland, led to the passing of the Royal Marriages Act 1772, which would require all the descendants of George II to seek the Sovereign's approval before marriage. However, the provisions could not be applied retrospectively, thus Maria and the Duke's wedding was considered legal by Parliament. As such, Maria became styled Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh. Due to the anger of George III at the marriage, the Duchess of Gloucester was never received at court.
[edit] Titles, Styles, Arms & Honours
[edit] Titles
- 1736-1759: Maria Walpole
- 1759-1763: The Countess Waldegrave
- 1763-1766: The Dowager Countess Waldegrave
- 1766-1805: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh
- 1805-1807: Her Royal Highness The Dowager Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh
