The unknown royals in Coronation photo from 'invisible' husband to oldest duke

It's been one year since King Charles' official Coronation took place and in the official photos marking the historic moment, King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by various members of the Royal Family.

Among those familiar faces flanking the King and Queen were Prince William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Anne.

However, some less recognisable figures also featured in the group photo, many of whom have dedicated decades of service to the monarchy. Let's delve into the identities of these lesser-known royals present in the official Coronation picture and their roles in supporting the King....

The Duke of Kent

At 87-years-old, the Duke of Kent is the oldest member of the Royal Family. He is a cousin of the late Queen and continues to fulfil duties on behalf of the monarch.

His father tragically died in an RAF plane crash in Caithness, Scotland, during World War Two on August 25, 1942.

Following his father's death, he inherited the titles of Duke of Kent, Earl of St Andrews and Baron Downpatrick. After finishing school, he had a distinguished military career.

In 1961, the Duke married Katharine Worsley, now known as the Duchess of Kent, and they have three children and ten grandchildren, including Lady Amelia Windsor.

The Duke has devoted his life to royal duties, beginning his official engagements at the tender age of 16. His most notable affiliation is with the Freemasons, a secretive organisation he joined in 1963 and has been climbing its ranks ever since.

In 1967, he was appointed Grand Master and celebrated his golden jubilee as a Freemason in 2013.

Duke of Gloucester

Another cousin of the late Queen, the Duke of Gloucester, is one of the lesser-known full-time working royals. The 78 year old, known as Richard, didn't initially plan on taking up royal duties.

He studied at Cambridge before launching a successful career as an architect.

Richard had an older brother, Prince William, who was destined to inherit the Duke of Gloucester title. However, tragedy struck when William died in a flying accident in 1972.

Two years later, Richard assumed the title of Duke of Gloucester, abandoning his architectural career to dedicate himself to royal duties. In 2022, he even outperformed the Princess of Wales by conducting a total of 100 engagements.

Duchess of Gloucester

Birgitte, the wife of the Duke of Gloucester, acquired her title upon their marriage in 1972. Originally from Denmark, the 76 year old met her husband while studying.

They have three children together: a son named Alexander and two daughters, Davina and Rose.

Princess Anne's companion in many royal events, she also undertakes several of her own official duties. Last year alone, she took part in 94 engagements.

She's associated with upwards of 60 organisations including the Children's Society, Parkinson's UK, the Lawn Tennis Association, and the Royal Academy of Music.

Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence

Married to Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence is unique as the only non-working royal captured in the Coronation portrait. Although his role doesn't involve fulfilling any duties on behalf of the monarchy, he often provides "invisible" support for his busy wife.

Having been wedded to Anne for more than three decades, he frequently accompanies her at royal events, offering support discreetly. Regardless of his low-profile approach, it appears that Sir Tim holds a cherished position within the Royal Family, with indications that the late Queen was particularly fond of him.

While initially not granted a royal title upon marriage, he has since been bestowed with the honour of being a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order and formerly served as a personal aide-de-camp to Elizabeth II.

Princess Alexandra

Also present in the Coronation portrait is the late Queen's cousin, Princess Alexandra. Sister to the Duke of Kent, she made history as the first British princess to be educated at a boarding school, later studying in Paris before embarking on nursing training at London's renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Princess Alexandra, a close confidante and friend of the late Queen, had the honour of being a bridesmaid at her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947. She tied the knot with British businessman Angus Ogilvy in 1963 in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey that was broadcast globally and watched by an estimated 200 million people.

Amongst Alexandra's bridesmaids was Princess Anne, the Queen's only daughter.

The couple were blessed with two children, James, born in 1964, and Marina, born in 1966, neither of whom hold royal titles. In 2004, Alexandra's husband passed away following a battle with throat cancer.

The Royal Family's official website still recognises Alexandra as an active member of the Royal Family.

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