Princess Antonia, Duchess of Wellington
Princess Antonia of Prussia, Duchess of Wellington | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 28, 1955 London, England |
| Occupation(s) | Noblewoman, charity advocate |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Known for | President of The Guinness Partnership; charitable work in affordable housing |
Princess Antonia of Prussia, Duchess of Wellington (Antonia Elizabeth Brigid Louise Mansfeld; born 28 April 1955) is a British noblewoman and advocate for charitable causes. She serves as President of The Guinness Partnership, a prominent UK organization focused on affordable housing and community welfare. A member of the House of Hohenzollern by birth, she is a great-grandchild of Wilhelm II, German Emperor and traces her lineage to Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. Through her marriage, she holds the noble titles Princess of Waterloo, Duchess of Victoria, and Duchess of Ciudad Rodrigo.
Early life and education
Princess Antonia was born in London on 28 April 1955 to Prince Frederick of Prussia and Lady Brigid Guinness. Her paternal ancestry includes German Emperor Wilhelm II, while maternally she descends from Rupert Guinness, 2nd Earl of Iveagh. She has a twin brother named Rupert.
Her education was completed at Cobham Hall School followed by King's College London, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in English.
Career
In 2007, she assumed the role of President at The Guinness Partnership, a charity dedicated to affordable housing in the UK. The following year, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire during the 2008 Birthday Honours in recognition of her contributions to social housing. Her involvement with the Partnership dates back to 1976 when she joined its Board of Trustees.
Antonia was made a fellow of Eton College in 2008 and became part of its governing council. She also holds a fellowship at King's College, London, where she inaugurated the cultural exhibition Maggi Hambling's War Requiem & Aftermath.
Between 2009 and December 2019, she chaired the Royal Ballet School, spearheading programs such as the Healthy Dancer Programme and supporting fundraising efforts for academic initiatives.
In 2023, she participated in the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla, during which her husband bore Queen Mary's Crown in the royal procession. Later that year, she accompanied King Charles III and Queen Camilla in the royal carriage at Royal Ascot.
Personal life
On 3 February 1977, Princess Antonia married Charles Wellesley, Marquess of Douro at St Paul's Church, Knightsbridge in London. The ceremony was attended by notable members of royalty including Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the then Prince of Wales, Princess Margaret, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Kent. She is godmother to Lady Gabriella Kingston, daughter of Prince Michael and Princess Michael. Following her husband's accession as the 9th Duke of Wellington, she gained several titles: Princess of Waterloo (Belgium and the Netherlands), Duchess of Victoria (Portugal), Duchess of Wellington (UK), and Duchess of Ciudad Rodrigo (Spain). The couple has five children, among them are Lady Mary Wellesley and Lady Charlotte Wellesley.