The Duke of Roxburghe, one of Britain’s most eligible bachelors, has turned 40. This milestone marks a significant chapter in the life of Charles Innes-Ker, the 11th Duke of Roxburghe, who has been making headlines with his high-profile marriage and family life. Born on February 18, 1981, Charles is the eldest son of the late 10th Duke of Roxburghe and Lady Jane Grosvenor, daughter of the Duke of Westminster.
Charles’ life has been marked by significant events, including his marriage to the Honorable Charlotte Aitken in 2011. The couple has been together for many years, and their union was celebrated in a grand ceremony at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory in London. The Duke’s family life has also been the subject of much attention, with his children, Lady Rosanagh and Lord Edward, often featured in the media. As he enters this new decade of life, the Duke of Roxburghe is sure to continue making waves in British society.
what are some of the most notable achievements of the Duke of Roxburghe
what were the Duke of Roxburghe’s contributions to horse racing
- Breeding Success: The Duke bred many successful horses, particularly the outstanding filly Attraction, who won four Group 1 races, including the 1,000 Guineas and Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2004. Attraction was the first racehorse to win both the English and Irish 1,000 Guineas.
- Chairmanship of the National Stud: The Duke was the chairman of the National Stud, which is responsible for the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses in the UK.
- Director of Kelso Racecourse: He was a director of Kelso racecourse, a significant role in the racing industry.
- Racing Success: The Duke owned several good horses, including Viva Pataca, a Hong Kong galloper, and Laughing, a Grade 1 winner. He also bred the Group 3-winning stayer Rare Rhythm and the Dante Stakes winner Bonfire.
- Support for the Racing Community: The Duke was known for his dedication to the racing community, particularly through his work at Floors Stud and his involvement with the National Stud and Kelso racecourse.
These contributions demonstrate the Duke of Roxburghe’s enduring impact on the world of horse racing, both as a breeder and a supporter of the sport.
what was the significance of Attraction’s wins in the 1,000 Guineas and Irish 1,000 Guineas
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| His Grace the 11th Duke of Roxburghe. |
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| Guy and Virginia, Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe, with their children. |
On 18 February 1981, Charles Robert George Innes-Kerr, Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford, was born at Edinburgh to Guy and Jane, the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe. Charles’ parents, Guy Innes-Ker, 10th Duke of Roxburghe (1954-2019) and Lady Jane Grosvenor (b.1953; daughter of the Duke of Westminster), had wed in 1977. Guy and Jane had three children: Lady Rosanagh (b.1979; married James Walter Grimston, Viscount Grimston), Charles (the heir), Lord Edward (b.1984; married Celia Brook). Guy Roxburghe and Jane Grosvenor divorced in 1990. In 1992, the 10th Duke of Roxburghe married Virginia Mary Williams-Wynn, with whom he had two further children: Lady Isabella (b.1994), and Lord George (b.1996).
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| Charles Innes-Ker, Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford, and the Hon. Charlotte Aitken. Photograph (c) Ikon Pictures/REX/Shutterstock. |
Charles Innes-Ker was educated at Eton College and the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, and dated Lord Beaverbrook’s daughter, the Hon. Charlotte Susanna Aitken (b.1982), for many years. On 22 July 2011, the couple were married at London. The wedding announcement placed in The Telegraph by the bride’s father read as follows:
The marriage took place on Friday, July 22, at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory, Warwick Street, London, between Charles, eldest son of the Duke of Roxburghe and Lady Jane Dawnay, and Charlotte, elder daughter of Lord and Lady Beaverbrook. Dom Edward Corbould officiated, assisted by the Rev Anthony Hogg.
The bride was attended by Isabel Sanderson, Iris Goldsmith, Emilia Methven, Frankie Goldsmith, Milo Methven and Ben Way. Mr Freddy Galliers-Pratt was best man.
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| Charles Innes-Ker and Morvarid Sahafi. Photograph (c) Dominic O’Neill. |
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| Father and son: Guy and Charles Innes-Ker. Photograph (c) Rex Features. |
In January 2021, the engagement was announced between the Duke of Roxburghe and Annabel Green.
what are the key achievements of the Duke of Roxburghe
As we conclude our exploration of the life and achievements of the Duke of Roxburghe, we are reminded of the significant impact he has had on British society. From his early years as a member of the aristocracy to his later years as a prominent figure in the world of horse racing, the Duke has consistently demonstrated his dedication to his family and his community. His marriage to the Honorable Charlotte Aitken and the birth of their children, Lady Rosanagh and Lord Edward, have brought joy and prosperity to his family. The Duke’s contributions to horse racing, particularly through his breeding and ownership of successful horses, have also left a lasting legacy in the sport.
As we reflect on the life of the Duke of Roxburghe, we are reminded of the importance of family and community. The Duke’s commitment to his family and his community has been a constant theme throughout his life, and his achievements in horse racing are a testament to his dedication and perseverance. The Duke of Roxburghe has truly left his mark on British society, and his legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations. We hope that this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the life and achievements of the Duke of Roxburghe, and we wish him continued success in all his endeavors. Thank you for joining us on this journey through the life of this remarkable individual.
what are some lesser-known facts about the Duke of Roxburghe’s family history
- Early Family Ties: The Duke of Roxburghe’s family has its roots in the Scottish Borders, particularly in the royal burgh of Roxburgh, which was captured and destroyed by the Scots in 1460.
- Peerage of Scotland: The title of Duke of Roxburghe was created in 1707, along with the titles Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford, Earl of Kelso, and Viscount Broxmouth. The dukedom is part of the peerage of Scotland, with the exception of the Earldom of Innes, which belongs to the peerage of the United Kingdom.
- Line of Descent: The dukedom and its associated titles descend to heirs who shall inherit the earldom, which has a specific line of descent. The titles became dormant after the death of the 4th duke, but were revived in 1812 when the House of Lords ruled in favor of Sir James Innes-Ker, 6th Baronet, of Innes.
- Family Seat: The family seat is Floors Castle near Kelso, Scotland, which contains the ruins of Roxburgh Castle on a promontory between the rivers Tweed and Teviot. The traditional burial place of the Dukes of Roxburghe is the Roxburghe Memorial Cloister, a 20th-century addition to the ruins of Kelso Abbey.
- American Heiress: The 8th Duke of Roxburghe married Mary Goelet, an American heiress, in 1895. This marriage was significant as it brought American wealth and influence into the family.
- Friendship with Sir Isaac Newton: The 1st Duke of Roxburghe was a friend of Sir Isaac Newton, acting as a pall-bearer at his funeral. He was also friends with novelist and dramatist Henry Fielding and Architect Royal Sir John Vanbrugh.
- Commissioned William Adam: The 1st Duke of Roxburghe commissioned William Adam to create the original building at Floors in 1721. This marked the beginning of the castle’s architectural development.
These lesser-known facts highlight the rich history and connections of the Duke of Roxburghe’s family, from their early ties to the Scottish Borders to their relationships with prominent figures in British society.
