BIOGRAPHY
Prince Michael of Kent, born Michael George Charles Franklin on 4 July 1942, is a first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II and first cousin once removed to King Charles III. He currently stands around 53rd in line to the throne.
Educated at Sunningdale and Eton, he later trained at Mons Officer Cadet School before embarking on a distinguished military career. Serving from 1961 to 1981, he rose to the rank of Major in the British Army with postings in Germany, Hong Kong and as part of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus.
Following his military service, Prince Michael developed a successful private consultancy business and has appeared in a number of television documentaries exploring European royal history. He has also represented the United Kingdom on various official occasions, including Commonwealth visits on behalf of the late Queen.
His dedication to public service is matched by his extensive charitable work. He holds patronage or leadership roles in many organisations, including the Children’s Burns Trust, Brooklands Museum and the Royal Automobile Club. His support spans a wide range of causes, from heritage and education to the armed forces and road safety.
In 1978, he married Baroness Marie-Christine von Reibnitz. The couple reside at Kensington Palace and have two children, Lord Frederick Windsor and Lady Gabriella Windsor.
Prince Michael has also been recognised as a Companion Rat of the Grand Order of Water Rats, a role that reflects his continued support for the entertainment industry and the charitable mission at the heart of the Order.
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