Princess Alexandra of Kent emerged from her largely private life yesterday for a meaningful event, watching her grandson’s commissioning ceremony at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The 88-year-old cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II attended the military occasion to watch Alexander Ogilvy’s graduation.
The 28 year old’s father is James Ogilvy, the son of Princess Alexandra and Sir Angus Ogilvy. Before attending the Royal Military Academy for a 44 week training programme, Alexander Ogilvy attended Brown University in the US where he double majored in Economics and Computer Science.
His parents, James and Julia, and his elder sister, Flora Vesterberg, were also enjoying the Sovereign’s Parade at Sandhurst, along with Princess Alexandra.
The prestigious ceremony happens three times a year and it celebrates the Officer Cadets finishing their training and being commissioned into the British Army.
Through this ceremony, the 28-year-old joins the ranks of commissioned officers, having completed the same rigorous training programme that both Prince William and Prince Harry underwent at the renowned military academy.
Alexander holds the position of 54th in the succession to the British throne through his grandmother’s royal lineage.
His sister Flora, who announced his Sandhurst entry through social media last year, expressed pride in her brother’s military ambitions with an Instagram post.
She wrote: “Very proud of my brother @acogilvy beginning at RMA Sandhurst this weekend. We’re full of admiration for you. Forever thoughtful and inspiring. Very good luck xx,”
The Princess wore a stunning paisley coat for the event, whilst her grandaughter, Flora, chose a floral blue outfit complete with matching shawl and pillbox hat.
The appearance marks a notable public engagement for Princess Alexandra, who has significantly reduced her royal duties but she was last seen in June alongside King Charles at the Queen’s Chapel at St James’s Palace. The late Queen’s cousin was sat next to the monarch at the service which marked the chapel’s 400th anniversary.
Alexandra was also photographed attending the Windsor thanksgiving service for the late King Constantine of Greece in February 2024, accompanied by her daughter.
