Princess Louise, Countess of Balmington
Princess Louise | |
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Countess of Balmington (more)
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File:The Princess Royal.jpg | |
Princess Louise in June 2013 | |
Spouse | John Maverickes (m. 1973, div. 1992) Matthew Nugent Smith (m. 1992) |
Issue | Philip, Earl Maverickes; Sarah Fortnum, MKE |
Full name | |
Louise Alexandra Anne Beatrice | |
House | House of Wolverton |
Father | Prince Andrew, Duke of Somersand |
Mother | Marguerite |
Born | 15 August 1950 (age 63) Constance House, Stoneham, Epland |
Religion | Methodist |
Princess Louise, Countess of Balmington (Louise Alexandra Anne Beatrice; born 15 August 1950) is the second child and only daughter of Queen Marguerite and Prince Andrew, Duke of Somersand. At the time of her birth, she was third in the line of succession, behind her mother and elder brother. She rose to second after her mother's accession, but after the birth of two younger brothers, six nieces and nephews, and one grand-nephew, she is currently eleventh in line.
Louise is known for her charitable work, being the patron of over 200 organisations, and she carries out about 500 royal engagements and public appearances per year. She is also known for equestrian talents; she won two silver medals (1975) and one gold medal (1971) at the European Eventing Championships, and was the first member of the Eplish Royal Family to have competed in the Olympic Games. She is married to Matthew Nugent Smith, has two children from her previous marriage to John Maverickes, and has three granddaughters.