Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge (1833–1897) was a trailblazing member of the British royal family who earned the affection of the public and paved the way for modern royal traditions. She is Queen Mary’s grandmother and a key figure in the lineage of the modern British monarchy. Known for her charm, philanthropy, and vivacious personality, Mary Adelaide lived a life marked by service, family devotion, and interconnectedness with people from all walks of life.
Early Life and Heritage
Princess Mary Adelaide was born on November 27, 1833, at Hanover’s Hanoverian Palace, to Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, and Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel. Her father was King George III’s seventh son – putting her within Britain’s royal family but not directly on the throne.
Mary Adelaide grew up during a time of great political and social transition. She inherited her father’s Hanoverian ties and witnessed Britain’s industrial and imperial expansions, experiences which formed her understanding of the obligations that royal privilege entails.
A Generous and Outgoing Personality
Mary Adelaide had an extroverted person. She was affectionately called Fat Mary, which reflected her physical appearance as well as the affection people felt for her. In contrast to some of the time’s royals who shied away from their subjects, Mary Adelaide engaged the public.
Her charm and good humor made her a beloved figure in Victorian Britain, and she frequently used her platform to advocate for charitable causes. A true empath, she gave a lot of her time to helping underprivileged people.
Marriage and Family
Mary Adelaide married Francis, Duke of Teck, a German nobleman of lower rank than her own, in 1866 at the age of 33. The union was a morganatic marriage between partners of unequal social rank. The couple struggled financially because Francis was not a very wealthy man, and Mary Adelaide had a modest allowance compared to other royals.
Despite financial difficulties, Mary Adelaide and Francis shared a very close bond. They had four children together: Mary, Adolphus, Francis, and Alexander. Their eldest daughter, Mary, would later marry King George V and become Queen Mary, following her mother’s legacy in the British royal family.
Philanthropy and Public Service
Mary Adelaide was very generous and supported various causes. She became a patron of numerous charitable organizations, including hospitals, orphanages, and societies aimed at helping women and children. Her work helped in popularizing public charity events and fundraising galas, which brought the needed resources and attention to these causes.
Her concern for social welfare and her readiness to engage in public life were ahead of her time and set the precedent for the present royals’ active charity work.
Later Years and Legacy
In her later years, financial challenges continued to plague the family, and they often required the generosity of relatives, including Queen Victoria. Despite all this, Mary Adelaide was devoted to her family and public service.
She passed away on October 27, 1897, at White Lodge in Richmond Park. Her death marked the end of an era, but her legacy lived on through her daughter Queen Mary and future generations of the British royal family.
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