Alice Frederica Keppel, also known as the long-time mistress of King Edward VII, was a prominent figure in Edwardian high society, admired for her beauty, charm, and wit. This blog post will delve into the intriguing life of Alice Keppel and her impact on history and culture.
Born on April 29, 1868, Alice spent her childhood at Duntreath Castle, the ancestral home of the Edmonstone baronets in Scotland. She was the youngest child of Sir William Edmonstone, 4th Baronet, and Mary Elizabeth, née Parsons. In 1891, she married George Keppel, an army officer, and together they had two daughters.
Alice quickly became one of the most sought-after society hostesses of the Edwardian era, impressing London society with her grace, charm, and discretion. Her reputation caught the attention of the future King Edward VII in 1898,
then Prince of Wales, and she soon became his mistress, a relationship that lasted until his death. Alice held considerable influence over the King’s personal and political decisions and was said to have played a key role in his support for women’s suffrage.
This blog post will examine the scandal surrounding their relationship, Alice’s role in history and culture, and her lasting impact on modern society. Notably, through her great-granddaughter, Queen Camilla, Alice’s legacy has become intertwined with that of the British royal family. Join us as we uncover the captivating story of Alice Keppel and her place in British history.
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Alice Keppel: The Early Life and Family Background
Alice Frederica Edmonstone, nicknamed Freddie, was born on April 29, 1868, in Woolwich Dockyard, Kent. She was the daughter of Mary Elizabeth, née Parsons, and Sir William Edmonstone, 4th Baronet. At the time, her father was serving as the Superintendent at the Dockyard.
Sir William Edmonstone was a retired admiral in the Royal Navy, and Mary Elizabeth’s father, Lieut.-Col. John Whitehill Parsons had served as a governor of the Ionian Islands. Sir William Edmonstone was also a direct descendant of the Royal House of Stuart.
Alice was the youngest of her siblings and had one brother and seven sisters. While growing up, she was closer to her brother, Sir Archibald Edmonstone, 5th Baronet of Duntreath. Alice spent her childhood at Duntreath Castle, the ancestral home of the Edmonstone family located in Scotland.
The castle had been the family home since the 14th century, and the Edmonstones were proud of their heritage as direct descendants of the Royal House of Stuart.
Alice was known for her wit, charm, and beauty as a young woman. She married army officer George Keppel in 1891, and the couple had two daughters. Despite her role as a wife and mother, Alice became one of the most prominent society hostesses of the Edwardian era, known for her exceptional grace and discretion.
Her beauty and charm caught the attention of the future King Edward VII in 1898 when he was still the Prince of Wales, and Alice became his mistress until his death. She held considerable influence over his personal and political decisions throughout their relationship.
Despite her scandalous relationship with the King, Alice Keppel remained an influential figure in British high society throughout her life. Her legacy continues to inspire people today.
Quick Info About Alice Keppel
| Name | Alice Keppel |
| Full Name | Alice Frederica Keppel |
| Parents | William Edmonstone, Mary Edmonstone |
| Born | 29 April 1868, Strathblane, United Kingdom |
| Spouse | George Keppel (m. 1891–1947) |
| Children | Sonia Keppel, Violet Trefusis |
| Siblings | Mary Clementina Edmondstone |
| Nephews | Jamie McGrigor, Edward Edmonstone |
| Died | 11 September 1947, Bellosguardo, Italy |
| Great grandchildren | Queen Camilla, Mark Shand, Annabel Elliot |
Alice Keppel: Marriage and Family Life
Alice Keppel’s life revolved around her marriage to George Keppel, her family, and her social connections. She married George when she was 23 years old, and they had two daughters. Although their marriage was unconventional due to Alice’s affairs with richer men, Alice and George’s relationship was based on love and companionship.
Alice grew up in Scotland with her parents and seven siblings. She was particularly close to her brother, Sir Archibald Edmonstone. Later, Alice centered her life around her two daughters and was a devoted mother despite her affairs.
Alice’s beauty and charm gave her access to influential and wealthy people, and she became the mistress of the future King Edward VII in 1898. She held considerable influence over his personal and political decisions throughout their relationship.
Despite the scandalous nature of her relationship with the King, Alice remained an influential figure in British high society throughout her life. Her marriage to George, her devotion to her daughters, and her connections in high society contributed to her lasting legacy as a remarkable woman of her time.
Alice Keppel’s life demonstrates the complexities of marriage and family, and the enduring power of love, companionship, and loyalty.
Alice Keppel’s Relationship with King Edward VII
Alice Keppel was a popular figure in British high society during the Edwardian era. She is famous for being in a relationship with King Edward VII for over 10 years. Even though there was a huge age difference of 27 years, Keppel and Edward were romantically involved.
Keppel lived in Portman Square, where Edward often visited her. Her husband, George Keppel, would leave the house during these visits.
Their relationship continued when Edward became King Edward VII in 1901 and lasted until his death in 1910. Keppel was one of the few people who could calm Edward’s mood swings and became an important confidante and advisor to him.
Edward’s wife, Alexandra of Denmark, was fond of Keppel and tolerant of their relationship. She preferred Keppel to Edward’s previous mistress, Daisy Greville, Countess of Warwick, who was indiscreet. Keppel became more financially secure through her relationship with Edward.
The king permitted friends such as Sir Ernest Cassel to create endowments that kept her financially secure. He also gave her shares in a rubber company that later gained her £50,000, which is equivalent to around £7.5 million today.
Keppel’s influence extended to her family as well. She secured a place for her brother, Sir Archibald Edmonstone, in the royal household. He became Groom in Waiting for the final three years of King Edward VII’s reign. Keppel took care of him and his family later.
Despite the scandal surrounding their relationship, Keppel remained a respected figure in British high society throughout her life. Her marriage to George, her dedication to her daughters, and her connections in high society contributed to her lasting legacy as a remarkable woman of her time.
Alice Keppel’s life is a testament to the complexities of love, companionship, and loyalty, and the enduring power of family.
Alice Keppel: Society Life and Scandal
Alice Keppel was a woman of many talents and a prominent figure in British high society during the Edwardian era. She was known for her beauty, charm, and wit, and became one of the best-known society
hostesses of her time. Although her scandalous relationship with King Edward VII marked her life with ups and downs, her enduring loyalty to her family also made her life remarkable.
Keppel’s rise to prominence began in 1898 when she met Edward, Prince of Wales, who was then 56 years old and heir apparent to the British throne. Despite the 27-year age difference, the two soon became
romantically involved, and Keppel lived at 30 Portman Square, where Edward would regularly visit her. Her husband, George Keppel, conveniently left the house during these visits.
Their relationship continued through Edward’s ascension to the throne as King Edward VII in 1901 and until his death in 1910. Keppel was one of the few people in Edward’s circle who could calm his mood
swings, and she became an important confidante and advisor to him. Despite the scandal surrounding their relationship, Edward’s wife, Alexandra of Denmark, was fond of Keppel and tolerant of the liaison.
Keppel’s association with the royal family enhanced her social status, and she became a society hostess renowned for her charm and beauty. Her home became a gathering place for the upper crust of British society, and her parties were legendary. She was described as having alabaster skin, large blue eyes, a small waist, chestnut hair, and a large bust.
The British writer Sir Harold Acton described her as having unmatched glamour, saying, “None could compete with her glamour as a hostess. She could have impersonated Britannia in a tableau vivant and done that lady credit.”
Keppel was also known for her generosity and her ability to make others happy. Her eldest daughter, Violet, described her as a “Christmas tree laden with presents for everyone.” Keppel’s influence with Edward extended to her family as well. She secured a place in the royal household for her brother, Sir Archibald Edmonstone, who became Groom in Waiting for the final three years of King Edward VII’s reign.
Despite the scandal surrounding her relationship with Edward, Keppel remained an influential figure in British high society throughout her life. Her marriage to George, her devotion to her daughters, and her connections in high society contributed to her lasting legacy as a remarkable woman of her time.
Alice Keppel’s life is a testament to the complexities of love, companionship, and loyalty, and the enduring power of family.
Alice Keppel Later Life and Legacy
Alice Keppel was a prominent figure in early 20th-century British high society, with a life that was marked by her travels and connections to the elite. After the death of King Edward VII, Keppel, and her family embarked on a two-year journey through the Far East and Ceylon. During World War I, she helped her friend Lady Sarah Wilson run a hospital for wounded soldiers in Boulogne.
In 1925, Keppel and her husband moved to Italy, where they acquired the palazzo of Villa dell’Ombrellino in Bellosguardo, Florence. They hosted social gatherings that attracted distinguished individuals from society, including exiled royalty and the British Prime minister, Sir Winston Churchill.
Keppel had architect Cecil Pinsent design the villa terrace with bisecting paths, which she named the ‘Union Jack garden.’ After Keppel’s death, her daughter Violet maintained the villa and its garden.
Keppel’s legacy as a society hostess and influential figure in British high society persisted long after her death. Her association with King Edward VII and her ability to make others happy were still remembered years later. Violet later remembered her mother’s generosity and ability to bring joy to those around her, likening her to a “Christmas tree laden with presents for everyone.”
Keppel’s statement, “Things were done much better in my day,” in response to Edward VIII’s abdication of the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, is often cited as an example of her wit and charm. Her unwavering loyalty to her family and her connections in high society contributed to her lasting legacy as an extraordinary woman of her time.
In summary, Alice Keppel’s later life was characterized by her travels, her continued connections to high society, and her remarkable legacy. Despite the ups and downs of her relationship with King Edward VII, her devotion to her family and her ability to bring joy to those around her are still remembered to this day.
Conclusion
Alice Keppel was a famous person in British high society in the early 1900s because of her travels and connections with wealthy people. Although she was known for her relationship with King Edward VII, she was also admired for her ability to make others happy.
After King Edward VII died, Keppel and her family traveled for two years in the Far East and Ceylon. During World War I, she helped her friend Lady Sarah Wilson run a hospital for injured soldiers in Boulogne.
In 1925, Keppel and her husband bought the Villa dell’Ombrellino in Florence and hosted events attended by important people in society, like exiled royals and Winston Churchill. Keppel even designed a garden with intersecting paths named the ‘Union Jack garden.’
Even after her death, Keppel’s reputation as a socialite and influencer in British high society remained strong. Her daughter Violet remembered her generosity and how she made others happy. Keppel’s witty remark, “Things were done much better in my day,” when Edward VIII gave up the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, is often quoted.
Keppel’s loyalty to her family and connections in high society made her an unforgettable woman of her time. Despite her relationship with King Edward VII, she is still celebrated for her ability to spread joy to those around her. Today, she is remembered as a significant figure in British history and a symbol of the social customs of her era.
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Some Frequently Asked Questions About Alice Keppel
Q 1. Was Sonia Keppel the daughter of Edward VII?
Ans– No, Sonia Keppel was not the daughter of King Edward VII. She was the daughter of George Keppel, who was one of King Edward VII’s mistresses and had a long-standing affair with him. King Edward VII had several mistresses during his life, but he only had six children with his wife, Queen Alexandra.
Q 2. King Edward VII and Alice Keppel?
Ans– King Edward VII had a long-lasting affair with Alice Keppel, which began in the late 1890s and continued until his death in 1910. Keppel was a prominent figure in British high society and known for her travels and connections to the elite. Despite their relationship being a topic of public interest and scandal, Keppel remained loyal to the king, and their affair was conducted discreetly.
Q 3. Alice Keppel Siblings?
Ans- Alice Keppel had two sisters named Adeline and Ettie, and a brother named Johnny.
Ans– Yes, Alice Keppel is related to Camilla Parker Bowles through her granddaughter Sonia Keppel. Sonia Keppel was married to Roland Cubitt, who was the grandfather of Camilla Parker Bowles. Therefore, Alice Keppel was Camilla Parker Bowles’ great-grandmother-in-law.
Q 5. Did Alice Keppel have a child with King?
Ans- Yes, Alice Keppel had a child named Violet Trefusis with her husband George Keppel. The child was not fathered by King Edward VII, with whom Alice had a long-lasting affair.