| Maria Walpole |
Article Index for Maria |
Website Links For Maria |
Information About ™Maria Walpole |
|
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. COUNTESS WALDEGRAVE On May 15 , 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''. Together the Earl and Countess Waldegrave had three children:
The Earl Waldegrave died on April 28 , 1763 , leaving Maria a widow. DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER On September 6 , 1766 she married Prince William Henry, Duke Of Gloucester And Edinburgh ( November 14 , 1743 - August 25 , 1805 ) at her home in Pall Mall , London . The Duke was the third son of The Prince Frederick, Prince Of Wales and a brother of King 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 an widow of non-royal rank and illegitimate birth. Their marriage, and that of the Duke's other brother, Prince Henry Frederick, Duke Of Cumberland And Strathearn , led to the passing of the Royal Marriages Act 1772, which would require all the descendants of King 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''. Together the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester had three children:
Due to the anger of King George III at the marriage, the Duchess of Gloucester was never received at court. TITLES
|