Royal fans have noticed uncanny similarities between Prince Harry and his maternal great-great-grandmother, Queen Mary of Teck.
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Queen Mary of Teck
Victoria Mary Augusta Louise Olga Pauline Claudine Agnes was born at Kensington Palace on 26th May 1867. According to Britannica, she was the only daughter of Prince Francis von Teck of the Württemberg.
In 1891, Queen Victoria deemed Princess May, as she was affectionately known, a suitable bride for her wayward grandson and second in line to the throne, Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence. However, the Duke tragically died shortly before the wedding.
In 1893, after a respectable mourning period, Princess Mary married Prince Albert Victor's younger brother, Prince George, Duke of York.
As stated on Royal.uk, Princess Mary and Prince George had six children throughout their long marriage – Prince Edward, Prince Albert, Princess Mary, Prince Henry, Prince George, and Prince John. Two of whom became Kings.
In 1910, Princess Mary became Mary, Queen Consort, when her beloved husband Prince George became King George V.
In 1936, Queen Mary became Queen Mother to King Edward VIII. Per Britroyals, Queen Mary strongly disapproved of her son's affection for Wallis Simpson and his subsequent abdication. However, she was very supportive of King George VI.
Queen Mary died on 24th March 1953, aged 85, only ten weeks before Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.
An uncanny resemblance
MyLondon notes that Prince Harry bears a striking resemblance to his great-great-grandmother Mary of Teck. The publication highlights that both royal family members have red hair and the same eye colour.
Royal fans have also taken to social media to comment on the likeness. One commenter wrote:
Queen Mary looked EXACTLY like Prince Harry, down to the nose, teeth, set of eyes, and bone structure. And of course, the BEAUTIFUL red hair.
However, their similarities aren't purely physical. According to Britannica, Queen Mary was popular with the British people because she concerned herself with the welfare of war veterans after World Wars One and Two.
War veterans' welfare is also a cause close to Prince Harry's heart. According to the website, the Invictus Games were designed to 'inspire recovery, support, rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women' through sport.
Sources used:
- MyLondon: 'Royal Family: Prince Harry looks ridiculously similar to female relative from 100 years ago'
- Britannica: 'Mary of Teck'
- Royal.uk: 'George V (r. 1910-1936)'
- Britroyals.com: 'House of Windsor - Victoria Mary of Teck'
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