The story of the Queen’s forgotten uncle, Prince George is so far-fetched, movie producers wouldn’t touch the script with a barge-pole. Story plots of Netflix blockbuster Bridgerton seem tame in comparison to the real-life exploits of Prince George.
Numerous affairs with both women and men, fathering illegitimate children, cocaine addiction and frequenting drug-fuelled parties were reportedly all in a day’s work for the party prince.
Who was Prince George and how was he related to the Queen?
Prince George Edward Alexander Edmund of Wales was born on December 20, 1902 to the future King George V and Queen Mary (then the Prince and Princess of Wales). He was a grandson of King Edward VII, great-grandson of Queen Victoria and uncle to the Queen, who is set to celebrate 70 years' reign this Jubilee weekend.
Read more: Where are the Platinum Jubilee beacons and when will they be lit?
Prince George was the good looking younger brother of Kings Edward VII and George VI. Think of him as the Paul Rudd of the 20th century, (Paul Rudd was voted sexiest man alive in People’s most recent poll for those who didn't know).
Prince George was given the title Duke of Kent before his marriage to second cousin Princess Marina of Greece on October, 12, 1934. The couple had three children; Edward, Alexandra and Michael.
What was Prince George like?
If a young Prince George was alive today, he would be frequently splashed across front covers of magazines covering celebrity profiles. He led the life of a playboy.
He was an accomplished piano player, spoke fluent French and Italian, loved driving fast cars and enjoyed skiing and shooting.
Scandals to make a rake in Bridgerton blush: royal affairs, sex, drugs, rock and roll
Rumours abound of Prince George’s infidelities and numerous affairs. He is said to have a long list of romantic liaisons.
It is alleged Prince George had affairs with English musical star Jessie Matthews, American cabaret star Florence Mills, banking heiress Poppy Baring, socialite Ethel Margaret Whigham, romantic novelist Barbara Cartland, British playwright Noël Coward, novelist Cecil Roberts, the son of the Argentine ambassador, Jorge Ferrara and American socialite Kiki Preston. Bringing together the worlds of royalty and politics in one steamy encounter, one of Prince George’s alleged romantic liaisons was a threesome with Ferrera and Preston.
Rich, famous and a mover and shaker in high society, it was Preston’s apparent penchant for drugs that earned her the nickname ‘The girl with the silver syringe’. It is also believed Preston got Prince George addicted to cocaine and morphine.
Prince George's illegitimate children
Prince George’s brother, Edward VIII is said to have believed Prince George and Preston had an illegitimate child. This was said to be Michael Temple Canfield, who worked as an American diplomatic aide during the Eisenhower administration.
Cartland also alleged that Prince George was the father of her daughter Raine McCorquodale, who then went on to become Princess Diana’s stepmother.
Secret papers hidden at Windsor Castle
There is reportedly a paper copy detailing the prince’s private life which is kept hidden in a secret place at Windsor Castle. This document is said to include information about Prince George’s arrest for an alleged homosexual act.
It is thought that the prince was released shortly after arrest when his royal identity was revealed.
RAF Career
It wasn't all party, party, party for the Royal and Prince George was passionate about aviation, believing it was the future. He held various roles in the RAF including air vice-marshal, general officer and air commodore, where he went on official visits to RAF bases to help boost wartime morale.
His death in RAF service marked the first time in more than 450 years that a royal family member died in active service.
Caithness crash kills Prince George
Prince George didn’t celebrate his 40th birthday. The royal died in a plane crash on August 25, 1942.
He was just 39 years old. The aircraft came down over Caithness, killing 13 of the 14 people on board.
He was survived by his wife and three children, the youngest who was just one month old. Prince George is buried at the Royal Burial Ground in Frogmore, Windsor.
