The Duke of Roxburghe, one of Britain’s most eligible bachelors, has turned 40, marking a significant milestone in his life. 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. His family’s rich history and aristocratic lineage have made him a prominent figure in British society, with his marriage to the Honorable Charlotte Aitken in 2011 further solidifying his position.
As the heir to the Duke of Roxburghe title, Charles has been groomed for his future role, receiving an education at Eton College and the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. His long-term relationship with Charlotte, daughter of Lord Beaverbrook, has been a subject of interest in the media. The couple’s engagement was announced in January 2021, sparking speculation about their future plans. With his 40th birthday, Charles Innes-Ker, Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford, is now poised to take on a more prominent role in British aristocracy.
what are some of the most notable achievements of the Duke of Roxburghe
- Breeding the First Double Classic Winner: The Duke bred the filly Attraction, who won both the 1,000 Guineas and the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2004, becoming the first horse to achieve this feat.
- Racing Success: Attraction, trained by Mark Johnston, won four Group 1 races, including the Coronation and Sun Chariot Stakes, and was a popular figure in the racing world.
- Chairmanship of the National Stud: The Duke was a long-serving chairman of the National Stud, which is responsible for the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses.
- Director of Kelso Racecourse: He was also a director of Kelso racecourse, demonstrating his commitment to the sport and the local community.
- Modernization of Roxburghe Estates: The Duke successfully modernized and turned Roxburghe Estates into a thriving business, which included a hotel, championship golf course, and two grouse moors.
- Philanthropic Efforts: He was involved in various charitable initiatives, including a 190-mile walk that raised £1.3 million for cancer research after his cancer diagnosis in 2009.
- Family Legacy: The Duke was the 10th Duke of Roxburghe and succeeded his father to the title in 1974. He was part of a long line of Scottish nobility, with the title dating back to 1707.
These achievements reflect the Duke’s dedication to his family, his passion for horses, and his contributions to the local community and the racing world.
what were the Duke of Roxburghe’s contributions to horse racing
- Breeding the First Double Classic Winner: The Duke bred the filly Attraction, who won both the 1,000 Guineas and the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2004, becoming the first horse to achieve this feat.
- Racing Success: Attraction, trained by Mark Johnston, won four Group 1 races, including the Coronation and Sun Chariot Stakes, and was a popular figure in the racing world.
- Chairmanship of the National Stud: The Duke was a long-serving chairman of the National Stud, which is responsible for the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses.
- Director of Kelso Racecourse: He was also a director of Kelso racecourse, demonstrating his commitment to the sport and the local community.
- Breeding Other Successful Horses: The Duke bred several other successful horses, including Viva Pataca, Laughing, Rare Rhythm, Bonfire, and Shambolic, showcasing his expertise in breeding and his passion for the sport.
- Supporting the Racing Community: The Duke was a respected figure in the racing community, known for his Corinthian spirit and his contributions to the sport, including his chairmanship of the National Stud and his involvement with Kelso Racecourse.
These achievements reflect the Duke’s dedication to 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 current Duke of Roxburghe
- Breeding the First Double Classic Winner: The Duke bred the filly Attraction, who won both the 1,000 Guineas and the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2004, becoming the first horse to achieve this feat.
- Racing Success: Attraction, trained by Mark Johnston, won four Group 1 races, including the Coronation and Sun Chariot Stakes, and was a popular figure in the racing world.
- Chairmanship of the National Stud: The Duke was a long-serving chairman of the National Stud, which is responsible for the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses.
- Director of Kelso Racecourse: He was also a director of Kelso racecourse, demonstrating his commitment to the sport and the local community.
- Modernization of Roxburghe Estates: The Duke successfully modernized and turned Roxburghe Estates into a thriving business, which included a hotel, championship golf course, and two grouse moors.
- Philanthropic Efforts: He was involved in various charitable initiatives, including a 190-mile walk that raised £1.3 million for cancer research after his cancer diagnosis in 2009.
- Family Legacy: The Duke was the 10th Duke of Roxburghe and succeeded his father to the title in 1974. He was part of a long line of Scottish nobility, with the title dating back to 1707.
These achievements reflect the Duke’s dedication to his family, his passion for horses, and his contributions to the local community and the racing world.
As we conclude our exploration of the life and legacy of the Duke of Roxburghe, we are reminded of the significance of his contributions to British society and the world of horse racing. His dedication to his family, his passion for horses, and his commitment to philanthropic efforts have left a lasting impact on those around him. The Duke of Roxburghe has truly been one of Britain’s most eligible bachelors, and his story serves as a testament to the enduring power of nobility and tradition.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we are left with a sense of gratitude for the opportunities he has provided and the memories he has created. His life has been a shining example of the importance of family, community, and the pursuit of excellence. The Duke of Roxburghe has truly been a beacon of hope and inspiration, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. We hope that this article has provided a comprehensive and informative look at the life of the Duke of Roxburghe, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
what are some lesser-known facts about the Duke of Roxburghe’s family history
- Early History of the Title: The title of Duke of Roxburghe was originally created in 1616 as the Earl of Roxburghe, with the first holder being John Ker, 5th Earl of Roxburghe. The title was elevated to a dukedom in 1707, along with the titles Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford, Earl of Kelso, and Viscount Broxmouth.
- Line of Succession: The dukedom and its associated titles descend to heirs who shall inherit the earldom, which has a very specific line of descent. On the death of the 4th duke, the titles became dormant until 1812 when the House of Lords ruled in favour of Sir James Innes-Ker, 6th Baronet, of Innes, rejecting claims by the heir female of the second earl and heir male whatsoever of the first earl.
- 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.
- Clan Innes: The Duke of Roxburghe would be the Chief of Clan Innes, but cannot be so recognised as he retains the name Innes-Ker.
- American Heiress: The 8th Duke of Roxburghe married an American heiress, and his younger brother, Alastair, also married an American heiress. This trend of marrying American heiresses was a common practice among British aristocracy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Birth Celebrations: The birth of the 7th Duke of Roxburghe’s son, Henry, was celebrated with huge celebrations in the Borders, including big bonfires lit in Kelso town square. However, at the same time, people were swearing allegiance to the 6th Duke, indicating the complex web of relationships within the aristocracy.
- Family Size: The 8th Duke of Roxburghe had a large family with six siblings and five other siblings from his father’s side, making it a big family with many relatives across the country.
- Cousins and Relations: The 8th Duke of Roxburghe had hundreds of cousins and relations in various aristocratic families, making the web of relationships within the family complex.
These lesser-known facts provide insight into the history and relationships within the family of the Duke of Roxburghe, highlighting the complexities and traditions that come with being part of the British aristocracy.
