Duke of Kent, Prince Edward marks 88th birthday as Queen Elizabeth's oldest living relative

Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, celebrated his 88th birthday today, making him the oldest living blood relative of Queen Elizabeth II.

While Queen Elizabeth's reign was the longest in British history, the Duke of Kent's life has been marked by unwavering loyalty and a diverse range of interests.

Born in London's Belgravia in 1935, Prince Edward was named after his father's elder brother, Edward, who would later become King.

His familial connections to the British monarchy are extensive, with his father being the younger brother of King George and the former King Edward VIII.

His mother, Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, was the niece of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, the Duke of Edinburgh's father.

Throughout his life, the Duke of Kent has embodied a commitment to royal duties, with involvement in 140 different charities, organizations, and professional bodies.

As the president of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club from 1969, he presented trophies at Wimbledon to champions and runners-up for over five decades, retiring from this role only in 2021.

In addition to his duties, the Duke had a distinguished military career, serving in conflict zones including Northern Ireland and Cyprus during his 21-year service.

His love for driving and engines led to a series of daredevil incidents, including car crashes and accidents.

In recent years, his appearances alongside Queen Elizabeth, especially during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, have emphasized his close relationship with the monarch.