The sometimes-controversial Princess Michael of Kent turns 81 today. Born in 1945 to her mother, Marianne, and her father, Baron Gunther von Reibnitz, the Princess was born in the Czech Republic.
Princess Michael of Kent’s Father Was a Member of the Nazi Party
Her family traces its lineage back to 1288, and they are ancestors of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Princess Michael of Kent’s father was a member of the Nazi Party, hence her controversial family history.
In 1985, it was revealed that Princess Michael of Kent’s father had been a member of the SS, and the Princess was shocked as she had no idea.
The SS is a core Nazi organization, dedicated to implementing Adolf Hitler’s racial ideology. It basically means being a participant in some of history’s most egregious atrocities.
Princess Michael of Kent spent her childhood in Australia, where her mother ran a beauty salon. The Princess lived there with her mother and brother after her parents divorced.
She later moved to London to study the History of Fine and Decorative Art at the Victoria and Albert Museum. After she graduated, Princess Michael of Kent used her talent to become an interior designer.
The royal even opened her own firm, Szapar Designs. Her first marriage was to Old Etonian banker Thomas Troubridge in 1971. Sadly, the couple divorced six years later.
She later married Prince Michael of Kent, the son of Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina, and the Queen’s first cousin. However, the Church of England prohibits marrying those who have been divorced.
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent Worked for the Royal Family Despite Not Getting Paid
While Prince and Princess Michael of Kent’s journey toward public acceptance wasn’t easy, the couple later received a blessing for their marriage at a Roman Catholic church ceremony.
Their marriage upset several members of the royal family, especially Princess Margaret, who had been prevented from marrying Peter Townsend, a divorced man.
Princess Margaret was said to be “furious” that they had been allowed to marry with Margaret’s sister, The Queen’s blessing. Prince and Princess Michael of Kent share two children.
Their daughter is Lady Gabriella Kingston, and their son is Lord Frederick Windsor. The couple weren’t high in the line of succession and weren’t expected to participate in royal appearances.
However, they chose, on their own, to take part in royal engagements and events and help charities at their own expense. They weren’t paid for their work.
That said, according to the Daily Mail,
“The Queen agreed to meet the balance of the full rent, out of her private funds in recognition of the work the couple undertook. Though from 2010, they have reportedly paid the full market value rent.”
The Princess Michael of Kent’s father, being a member of the Nazi party, wasn’t the only scandal she was involved in over the years.
Princess Michael of Kent Had an Unfortunate Incident In Which She Wore a Blackamoor Brooch
In 2017, she was publicly criticized for wearing a “blackamoor brooch” at the Queen’s Christmas lunch, where Prince Harry had brought his new fiancée, Meghan Markle.
Blackamoors are small sculptures or jewelry depicting enslaved African Americans with black skin wearing turbans.
The Princess later apologized for wearing the brooch. On a positive note, Princess Michael of Kent has long had an affection for Cheetahs.
She is a royal patron of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. The Princess’s passion is the conservation of Cheetahs.
She loves cats, which is interesting considering most of the royal family are dog people. Throughout her life, Princess Michael of Kent has been the proud pet parent to several Burmese and Siamese cats.
For her 70th birthday, she dressed one of her cats in a pearl-and-diamond tiara. Princess Michael of Kent may be one of the more controversial royals, but she was well-respected by the Queen.
We wish Princess Michael of Kent a very happy 81st birthday!
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