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If the late Queen Elizabeth seemed outwardly unmoved by the turmoil of Megxit and her grandson’s criticisms of the Royal Family, perhaps that should have been no surprise.
The Queen had seen it all before – as Ingrid Seward explains in her new biography of Elizabeth and King Charles III. And one episode from 30 years ago stands out in particular.
Marina Ogilvy, who rebelled against her privileged upbringing, won ‘Rear of the Year’ in 1991
Marina Ogilvy and her boyfriend – later husband – freelance photographer Paul Mowatt. She was persuaded to agree to a church wedding to spare the feelings of the Royal Family
Marina’s story was played out in the national media, to the distress of her family
Marina’s ordeal became a national sensation. She broke down in tears as she was interviewed on television
Just married, Marina Mowatt, daughter of Princess Alexandra and Sir Angus Ogilvy and husband Paul in 1990
That was when Marina Ogilvy, a great granddaughter of George V and a niece of the Duke of Kent, decided to strike out in colourful style.
As the daughter of the late Sir Angus and Alexandra Ogilvy, Marina is extremely well-connected.
Alexandra’s brothers are Princes Edward and Michael of Kent; the three siblings were first cousins of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Marina is also a Goddaughter of King Charles III.
By 1989, however, Marina had embarked on a relationship with Paul Mowatt a photographer of whom, unfortunately, her parents did not approve.
She fell pregnant – and abandoned a place to study at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music to move in with her lover.
‘Marina’s parents were furious when confronted with the news,’ writes Seward in My Mother and I – the inside story of the King and our late Queen.
‘Their disappointment in their talented daughter was heightened by the worry of what effect Marina’s behaviour would have on the Royal Family.
‘According to Marina, her mother told her to have an abortion or get married.’
Instead, says Seward, Marina sold her story and made a number of ‘hysterical’ accusations, including that she had been cut off by her parents and thrown out of her home.
She appeared on television begging her parents to get in touch with her.
And in 1990, she posed for a magazine wearing a rubber jump suit and a crown, surrounded by corgis.
‘This,’ she claimed at one point, ‘is the dark side of the royal family we are experiencing now.
‘The other side of the postcard is just for tourists.’
Marina and Paul Mowatt divorced in 1997 after seven years of marriage and two children, Zenouska and Christian.
Life became hard for Marina – by royal standards, at least.
At one point it was revealed she was relying on state benefits, including help with the rent for her grace-and-favour cottage in Windsor Great Park, prompting expressions of concern from Prince Charles.
Over the years, however, Marina has repaired her relationships and reverted to her maiden name and today, at 57, is a teacher and musician.
She was present with the other royals, seated on the front row alongside her mother, at the recent memorial service for the late King Constantine of Greece.
A family tree showing the descendants of George, Duke of Kent, including Marina Ogilvy
Today, Marina leads a very different life. She is pictured, second from left, on the front row at St George’s Chapel alongside her mother, Alexandra Ogilvy and surrounded by other members of the Royal Family
Princess Alexandra follows the coffin of her husband Sir Angus Ogilvy with their daughter Marina, third from the left at the back, son James and granddaughter Zenouska Mowatt
Princess Alexandra and her daughter Marina arrive at St George’s Chapel Windsor Castle for Thanksgiving Service for the Queen’s 80th Birthday
Zenouska Mowatt, the daughter of Marina and granddaughter of Princess Alexandra
Princess Alexandra, and Zenouska Mowatt, Marina’s daughter, depart Westminster Abbey following the service of celebration for The Lady Elizabeth Shakerley in 2022
If she appears to have little interest in publicity, who could blame her?
As Seward puts it, Marina’s youthful defiance had ‘echoes of the Duke and duchess of Sussex some 30 years later.
‘The Queen made no secret of her displeasure.
‘Several years later, Lady Elizabeth Anson was going through the Queen’s Christmas card list with her when they came to Marina’s name.
‘I think not,’ the Queen said, and put a line through it.
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