The Royal Heritage: Queen Alexandra and Queen Elizabeth II

The relationships within the British Royal Family are a complex web of monarchs and heirs. One such fascinating connection is that of Queen Alexandra and Queen Elizabeth II. This article delves into the dynastic connections between the two, from the 19th century to the 20th century.

Queen Alexandra and the Early 20th Century

Queen Alexandra (1844–1925) was the wife of King Edward VII, the King of the United Kingdom from 1901 until his death in 1910. As the consort to King Edward VII, her role was significant in the early years of the 20th century. She was born as Princess Alexandra of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg on July 15, 1844, and was the eldest daughter of Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg and Princess Louise of Hesse-Kassel.

Her marriage to Edward VII in 1863 saw her rise to the status of Queen Alexandra. Her family background added a fascinating international dimension to the British Crown, given that her father later became King Christian IX of Denmark.

King George V and Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II, the current or late monarch, is the great-granddaughter of Queen Alexandra. This connection is traced through a detailed lineage:

Queen Alexandra was the mother of King George V, who ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Edward VII. King George V and Queen Mary had six children, one of whom, Edward, abdicated to become King Edward VIII, and another, Albert, ascended as King George VI. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) were the parents of Queen Elizabeth II.

The direct line from Alexandra to Elizabeth II is as follows: Alexandra rarr; Edward VII rarr; George V rarr; George VI rarr; Elizabeth II. Thus, Queen Alexandra is Queen Elizabeth II’s great-great-grandmother.

Other Connections within the Royal Family

While Queen Alexandra’s lineage has a direct link to Queen Elizabeth II, her influence extended beyond just the English royal family. She is also the great-grandmother of King Harald V of Norway, who ascended to the Norwegian throne in 1957 after the death of his father, King Haakon VII.

Alexandra’s Role as Consort

As Queen Consort, Alexandra was a significant figure in the British royal court. Her marriage to Edward VII in 1863 marked the start of a royal journey that would span generations. She holds a place in history not just as a royal consort but as a symbol of the early 20th-century British monarchy.

Her contributions extended beyond just her position as consort. Alexandra was known for her philanthropic work and support of various charitable causes, including the establishment of the Alexandra Hospital in Weymouth, named after her.

Today, as we explore the intricate ties within the Royal Family, the relationships between Queen Alexandra and Queen Elizabeth II stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of the British monarchy.