Many of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s grandchildren married into various royal families across Europe. Not all did, though. Princess Patricia of Connaught was the daughter of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn and Princess Margaret Louise of Prussia, and despite relinquishing her title, she left a powerful legacy- particularly in Canada.
Princess Patricia was born 17 March 1886 at Buckingham Palace, the daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s third son. She was close with her family members and was even a bridesmaid at the Duke of York’s 1893 wedding to Princess May of Teck.
The Princess’s father travelled extensively with the army and brought his family with him. Patricia spent two years living in New Delhi as a child. She also moved with her parents when the Duke was named the Governor General of Canada in 1911.
Princess Patricia was incredibly popular in Canada. In 1914, Princess Patricia’s Light Canadian Infantry regiment was created to help in the Great War. And in 1918, she was named the Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment, a role she held until her death in 1974.
Patricia married Sir Alexander Ramsay, a younger son of the 13th Earl of Dalhousie. They had spent time together in Canada, and he proposed in Nova Scotia. Upon her marriage on 27 February 1919, she renounced her style and title. King George V issued a Royal Warrant allowing her to go by Lady Victoria Patricia Helena Elizabeth Ramsay.
