As the esteemed aristocrat, His Grace the 11th Duke of Roxburghe, turns 40, the spotlight falls on his remarkable journey. Born Charles Robert George Innes-Kerr, Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford, he is the eldest son of the late 10th Duke of Roxburghe and Lady Jane Grosvenor, daughter of the Duke of Westminster. This illustrious lineage has shaped his life, and his marriage to the Honorable Charlotte Aitken, daughter of Lord Beaverbrook, has been a significant milestone in his life.
The Duke’s life has been marked by significant events, including his parents’ divorce in 1990 and his father’s remarriage to Virginia Mary Williams-Wynn in 1992. He was educated at Eton College and the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, and his long-term relationship with the Honorable Charlotte Susanna Aitken culminated in their marriage in 2011. The couple’s engagement was announced in January 2021, sparking excitement among royal watchers and fans of British aristocracy. As the Duke of Roxburghe, he continues to carry on the family’s legacy with dignity and poise.
what are some of the most notable achievements of the Duke of Roxburghe
- Breeding the First Double Classic Winner: The Duke bred Attraction, a remarkable filly that won both the Newmarket 1,000 Guineas and the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2004. This achievement showcased his dedication to thoroughbred breeding and his ability to produce exceptional racehorses.
- Wind Farm Development: The Duke was a strong advocate for renewable energy and developed a substantial wind farm around the Lammermuir Hills in 2012. This project demonstrated his commitment to sustainable energy and his role as a responsible landowner.
- Enhancing Floors Castle and the Community: The Duke significantly improved the accessibility and refurbishment of Floors Castle, making it a popular tourist attraction. He also contributed to the local community through various initiatives, such as a 190-mile walk that raised £1.3 million for cancer research.
- Racing and Thoroughbred Stud: The Duke was a passionate horse breeder and owner, with notable successes including the breeding of Attraction and her son Elarqam. He was also a long-serving member of the Jockey Club and a director of Kelso racecourse, showcasing his dedication to the sport.
- Landowner and Conservationist: As the owner of the Roxburghe estate, the Duke was a hands-on administrator who managed the estate’s 60,000 acres. He was also a strong advocate for conservation and the preservation of the natural environment.
These achievements highlight the Duke of Roxburghe’s multifaceted contributions to various fields, from racing and breeding to land management and conservation.
what were the Duke of Roxburghe’s contributions to horse racing
- Breeding the First Double Classic Winner: The Duke bred Attraction, a filly that won both the Newmarket 1,000 Guineas and the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2004, becoming the first horse to achieve this feat.
- Breeding High-Class Horses: His stud produced other notable horses such as Elarqam, a winner of the York Stakes, and Fountain Of Youth, a Group 3-winning sprinter.
- Long-Serving Member of the Jockey Club: The Duke was a long-serving member of the Jockey Club, demonstrating his commitment to the sport and its governance.
- Director of Kelso Racecourse: He served as a director of Kelso racecourse, further emphasizing his involvement in the racing industry.
- Chairman of the National Stud: The Duke also held the position of Chairman of the National Stud, highlighting his dedication to the breeding and development of thoroughbred horses.
These contributions showcase the Duke’s passion for horse racing and his significant impact on the sport.
what was the significance of Attraction’s wins in the 1,000 Guineas and Irish 1,000 Guineas
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| His Grace the 11th Duke of Roxburghe. |
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| Guy and Virginia, Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe, with their children. |
On 18 February 1981, Charles Robert George Innes-Kerr, Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford, was born at Edinburgh to Guy and Jane, the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe. Charles’ parents, Guy Innes-Ker, 10th Duke of Roxburghe (1954-2019) and Lady Jane Grosvenor (b.1953; daughter of the Duke of Westminster), had wed in 1977. Guy and Jane had three children: Lady Rosanagh (b.1979; married James Walter Grimston, Viscount Grimston), Charles (the heir), Lord Edward (b.1984; married Celia Brook). Guy Roxburghe and Jane Grosvenor divorced in 1990. In 1992, the 10th Duke of Roxburghe married Virginia Mary Williams-Wynn, with whom he had two further children: Lady Isabella (b.1994), and Lord George (b.1996).
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| Charles Innes-Ker, Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford, and the Hon. Charlotte Aitken. Photograph (c) Ikon Pictures/REX/Shutterstock. |
Charles Innes-Ker was educated at Eton College and the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, and dated Lord Beaverbrook’s daughter, the Hon. Charlotte Susanna Aitken (b.1982), for many years. On 22 July 2011, the couple were married at London. The wedding announcement placed in The Telegraph by the bride’s father read as follows:
The marriage took place on Friday, July 22, at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory, Warwick Street, London, between Charles, eldest son of the Duke of Roxburghe and Lady Jane Dawnay, and Charlotte, elder daughter of Lord and Lady Beaverbrook. Dom Edward Corbould officiated, assisted by the Rev Anthony Hogg.
The bride was attended by Isabel Sanderson, Iris Goldsmith, Emilia Methven, Frankie Goldsmith, Milo Methven and Ben Way. Mr Freddy Galliers-Pratt was best man.
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| Charles Innes-Ker and Morvarid Sahafi. Photograph (c) Dominic O’Neill. |
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| Father and son: Guy and Charles Innes-Ker. Photograph (c) Rex Features. |
In January 2021, the engagement was announced between the Duke of Roxburghe and Annabel Green.
what are the key achievements of the Duke of Roxburghe
- Breeding the First Double Classic Winner: The Duke bred Attraction, a remarkable filly that won both the Newmarket 1,000 Guineas and the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2004. This achievement showcased his dedication to thoroughbred breeding and his ability to produce exceptional racehorses.
- Wind Farm Development: The Duke was a strong advocate for renewable energy and developed a substantial wind farm around the Lammermuir Hills in 2012. This project demonstrated his commitment to sustainable energy and his role as a responsible landowner.
- Enhancing Floors Castle and the Community: The Duke significantly improved the accessibility and refurbishment of Floors Castle, making it a popular tourist attraction. He also contributed to the local community through various initiatives, such as a 190-mile walk that raised £1.3 million for cancer research.
- Racing and Thoroughbred Stud: The Duke was a passionate horse breeder and owner, with notable successes including the breeding of Attraction and her son Elarqam. He was also a long-serving member of the Jockey Club and a director of Kelso racecourse, showcasing his dedication to the sport.
- Landowner and Conservationist: As the owner of the Roxburghe estate, the Duke was a hands-on administrator who managed the estate’s 60,000 acres. He was also a strong advocate for conservation and the preservation of the natural environment.
These achievements highlight the Duke of Roxburghe’s multifaceted contributions to various fields, from racing and breeding to land management and conservation.
As we conclude our exploration of the life and legacy of the Duke of Roxburghe, we are reminded of the significant impact he has had on British society and the world of horse racing. From his early years as a member of the aristocracy to his later years as a respected breeder and owner of thoroughbreds, the Duke has consistently demonstrated his dedication to his family and his passions. His marriage to the Honorable Charlotte Aitken, daughter of Lord Beaverbrook, has been a significant milestone in his life, and their engagement announcement in January 2021 marked a new chapter in their relationship.
Throughout his life, the Duke has been known for his exceptional breeding skills, producing notable horses such as Attraction, the first double classic winner. His contributions to the world of horse racing have been immense, and his dedication to the sport has earned him a reputation as one of Britain’s most eligible bachelors. As we reflect on the Duke’s life, we are reminded of the importance of family, tradition, and the pursuit of excellence. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of horse breeders and enthusiasts, and his name will remain synonymous with excellence in the world of thoroughbred racing.
what are some lesser-known facts about the Duke of Roxburghe’s family history
- Early History: The title of Duke of Roxburghe was created in 1707, along with the titles Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford, Earl of Kelso, and Viscount Broxmouth. The first holder of these titles was John Ker, 5th Earl of Roxburghe.
- Line of Succession: The dukedom and its associated titles descend to heirs who shall inherit the earldom, which has a specific line of descent. The titles became dormant after the death of the 4th Duke, but were later reinstated in 1812 in favor of Sir James Innes-Ker, 6th Baronet.
- Family Seat: The family has its seat at Floors Castle near Kelso, Scotland, which contains the ruins of Roxburgh Castle on a promontory between the rivers Tweed and Teviot. The traditional burial place of the Dukes of Roxburghe is the Roxburghe Memorial Cloister, a 20th-century addition to the ruins of Kelso Abbey.
- Marriages and Children: The 10th Duke of Roxburghe married Lady Jane Grosvenor, daughter of the Duke of Westminster, and had three children. He later married Virginia Mary Williams-Wynn, with whom he had two further children.
- Education and Career: The 7th Duke of Roxburghe was educated at Eton College and Christ Church College, Oxford, and served as a Liberal Member of Parliament for Roxburghshire from 1870 to 1874 and as Lord Lieutenant of Roxburghshire from 1884 to his death in 1892.
- Friendships and Interests: The 1st Duke of Roxburghe was a friend of Sir Isaac Newton and acted as a pall-bearer at his funeral. He was also friends with novelist and dramatist Henry Fielding and Architect Royal Sir John Vanbrugh.
- Family Tree: The family tree of the Dukes of Roxburghe includes notable figures such as the 6th Duke, who was a friend of Queen Victoria and served as Lord Lieutenant of Roxburghshire.
These lesser-known facts provide a deeper understanding of the Duke of Roxburghe’s family history and the significant events and figures that have shaped his lineage.
