How Many Times Have Royal Spouses Entered the House of Windsor?

The rules and practices surrounding royal marriages are often a topic of interest, especially when it comes to the prominent House of Windsor in the British royal family. In this article, we will explore how many times royal spouses have entered the family through marriage and highlight notable cases that deviate from the norm.

Royal Marriages in the House of Windsor

When focusing specifically on the House of Windsor, two main line family members and two minor royals stand out for their complex marital histories before joining the royal ranks.

Main Line Royalties

The primary branch of the royal family includes well-known figures like the Duchess of Windsor and the Duchess of Sussex. Both of these women brought significant marital baggage to their new royal roles.

Duchess of Windsor

The Duchess of Windsor, born Wallis Simpson, entered the royal family in 1937 when she married Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor (who later became the Duke of Windsor). Before her marriage to the Duke of Windsor, Wallis Simpson had been twice divorced. Her Catholic faith further complicated matters, as she was not recognised in the British Church. This case is unique among royal marriages, as most royal spouses tend to marry for the first time or after a relatively short marriage.

Duchess of Sussex

On the other side of the British monarchy timeline, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, entered the family in 2018. Before her marriage, Meghan had been married to Trevor province, but her first marriage only lasted for a brief period. This entry into the royal family was also notable for its media attention and challenges that it presented to the British Royal Family.

Minor Royalties

For minor royals, Princess Michael of Kent and the Countess of St. Andrews stand out for their unique marital histories before joining the royal family.

Princess Michael of Kent

Princess Michael of Kent, born as Michael Friedmann-Wendt, married Prince Michael of Kent in 1979. However, Princess Michael was previously married to her first husband, Martin Fredriksson, a Swedish prince. This double divorce was an unusual situation in the royal family. Additionally, as a Lutheran converted to Anglicanism, her faith presented its own set of challenges. Despite these complications, her marriage to Prince Michael of Kent has remained stable and enduring.

Countess of St. Andrews

The Countess of St. Andrews, Elizabeth Ross, entered the royal family in 1966 when she married Frederick, Duke of Kent. Prior to her marriage, Elizabeth was twice divorced, which added an unusual twist to her entry into the royal family. Similarly to Princess Michael of Kent, her faith and cultural background presented additional layers of complexity, with her being from Australia and converting from Evangelical Christianity to Anglicanism.

Completion of Historical Analysis

Going further back in time, additional cases of royal spouses who entered the House of Windsor as remarried individuals are documented. However, these instances typically involved widows. This practice of taking a widowed spouse became more prevalent as the royal family adapted to changes in social norms and legislation.

Conclusion

The marriages of those who entered the House of Windsor add a rich layer to the history and dynamics of the British royal family. Their unique marital histories and personal backgrounds often include the challenges of both religious and cultural differences, which make them fascinating subjects for historical and social analysis. Whether it involves double divorces or remarriages, these cases highlight the royal family's ability to integrate diverse individuals while preserving their traditions and values.