Posted on 10/30/2004 4:12:41 AM PDT by tjwmason
Princess Alice, the Duchess of Gloucester, has died in her sleep at the age of 102.
The Duchess, who is the Queen's aunt, was the oldest British royal in history.
The Queen is said to be greatly saddened by the death of a relation who "served the monarchy and country".
A statement from Buckingham Palace said: "After the Princess's marriage to Henry, Duke of Gloucester, in 1935, Princess Alice supported the work of King George VI and then The Queen over many years through war and peace and despite the tragedy of the early death of her eldest son Prince William.
"The Queen remembers with gratitude Princess Alice's service to the monarchy and to the country."
The Duchess, who was frail and forgetful in later life, has rarely been seen in public during the past few years.
A spokesman for Kensington Palace said: "Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, regret to announce the death, late on Friday night, of Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, aged 102,"
"Princess Alice died peacefully in her sleep at Kensington Palace in the presence of her immediate family."
Requiescat in Pace.
In memory of her death, while playing golf today, I promise that every short putt, I will not say out loud to myself, "Hit the ball, Alice!"
Lovely picture. My aunt died recently and the family used her Bridal picture (also very lovely, a beautiful picture of a beautiful woman) at the Funeral.
Princess Alice, Rest in Peace.
What a fantastic photo.
****
She had a clever little darling motto:
"I have a simple philosophy.
Fill what's empty.
Empty what's full.
And scratch where it itches."
******
Bless her.
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