Charles Lennox, 1st Duke of Richmond

Charles Lennox, 1st Duke of Richmond and 1st Duke of Lennox KG (* July 29, 1672 in London, † May 27 1723 in Goodwood ) was an out of wedlock born son of King Charles II of England.

Life

Charles was the son of the English King Charles II and his mistress Louise de Kérouaille, Duchess of Portsmouth. At the age of three he was appointed in 1675 to the Duke of Richmond. In addition, his father guaranteed him £ 2,000 per year, as well as income from the coal mining in Newcastle. He was described as a very handsome boy and was a favorite of his father.

After Charles II died, he went with his mother to France. Louis XIV allowed him to use the title of his mother and appointed him to the French duc d' Aubigny. He converted here in 1685 to the Roman Catholic faith. Dissatisfied with his position at the French court, but seven years later he returned to England and also in the Church of England.

Initially, the Jacobite partisans, he suggested later on the side of King William III. As Master of a Lodge in Chichester, he is one of the few high nobles, known as a Freemason in the 17th century. He held, among other things, the office of Lord High Admiral of Scotland, and the Lord of the Bedchamber of King George I.

Progeny

Despite rejection of the royal couple, the Duke married in 1693 Anne (ca. 1662-1722 ), daughter of Francis Brudenell, Lord Brudenell, and widow of Sir Henry Belasyse. With her he had three children:

• Louisa (1694-1716), ∞ 1711 James Berkeley, 3rd Earl of Berkeley
• Charles (1701-1750), 2nd Duke of Richmond
• Anne (1703-1789), William Anne van Keppel ∞ 1722, 2nd Earl of Albemarle

He also had a daughter with his mistress Jacqueline de Mézières:

• Renée Lennox (1709-1774)