Princess Alexandra and Angus Ogilvyâs only son, James Ogilvy, celebrates his 56thâor depending on how you countâ14th birthday today.
He was born 29 February 1964 on leap year day at the family home, Thatched House Lodge, in Richmond Park, Surrey. It is believed that Princess Alexandra was anywhere from a few days to two weeks overdue at the time of the birth. The excitement of the family for the new arrival was obvious throughout the pregnancy. The couple had hoped for a boy which only enhanced the joy when the announcement came that a 9lb 6oz baby boy had been born at 12:15 after a long morning of labour. His father told friends, âWe have had our wish.â At the time of his birth, Princess Marina, his maternal grandmother, told staff and friends that he âlooked just like his father.â
His birth marked several royal landmarks. His father, Angus Ogilvy, is thought to be the first modern royal husband and father to be present for labor and delivery. The Princess and her husband had planned throughout the pregnancy for him to be present at the delivery. He was not without fear and reportedly told friends, âI hope I donât faint.â His unique first is often forgotten about and mislabeled as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Mr Ogilvy is the only known member of the royal family to be born on leap year day. His mother, Princess Alexandra, who was famously born on Christmas Day commented on the special date,
âItâs bad enough me having my birthday on Christmas. I didnât want my poor child only to have birthdays every four years!â
He was also the first baby of the 1964 royal baby boom to be born. His cousins, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Lady Helen Taylor (née Windsor), and Lady Sarah Chatto (née Armstrong-Jones) quickly followed. Unlike his cousins, Mr Ogilvy was unique in that he carried no title since his father turned down an earldom at the time of his marriage.
He was christened James Robert Bruce Ogilvy on 11 May 1964, by Arthur Ramsey, Archbishop of Canterbury, at the Buckingham Palace chapel. Queen Elizabeth II and Sir Robert Menzies, the Australian Prime Minister at the time, were among his seven godparents.
In 1966, he was joined by his sister, Marina Ogilvy. The two Ogilvy children grew up in Richmond Park and were often seen playing in the park with their parents. The family was close-knit and gained the envy of the Prince of Wales, who frequently commented on the familyâs domestic joy.
Mr Ogilvy attended âpalace schoolâ with his cousins, Prince Edward and Lady Sarah Chatto, until he began at Gibbs pre-preparatory alongside Prince Edward in 1971. Following in the footsteps of his father, he attended Heatherdown Preparatory School and then Eton College. He then attended the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where he obtained a degree in History of Art. Later in 1990, he attended Cranfield University for a Master of Business Administration. Mr Ogilvy has worked at banks, shipping agencies, and was the founder of a magazine, Luxury Briefing. He currently works as a landscaper and landscape photographer.
Shortly after starting at the University of St. Andrews, he met his future wife Julia Rawlinson. They were married on 30 July 1988, at St. Maryâs Church in Essex, England. They have daughter, Flora Ogilvy (15 December 1994), and a son, Alexander Ogilvy (12 November 1996). They lived in Edinburgh, Scotland up until a few years ago when they moved to New England for his wife to attend Harvard University. They have since moved back to the United Kingdom and live northwest of London.
At the time of his birth he 13th in line to the throne. As of today, he is 54th line. Mr Ogilvy is one of Princess Eugenieâs godfathers and has maintained a warm relationship with her over the years. He and his wife were said to have opened their home to Prince William while he attended the University of St. Andrews. He and his family are often seen at royal events such as the Trooping of the Colour, Order of the Garter Ceremony, the family Christmas Lunch at Buckingham Palace, Ascot races, and at the recent family weddings.
Happiest of birthdays to James Ogilvy!
