Helena, Dowager Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg
| HRH The Dowager Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Titles | Dowager Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg
Princess of the United Kingdom |
| Reign | 26 January 1996 - 31 July 2001
as Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz 31 July 2001 - 18 July 2024 as Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg |
| Coronation | 7 July 1996 |
| Predecessor | Archduchess Ilona of Austria |
| Successor | Marie Mathilde von Lerchenfeld |
| Biographical Information | |
| Born | 30 July 1959 (age 66)
Balmoral, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Spouse | Grand Duke Borwin of Mecklenburg
(m. 1986; w. 2024) |
| Issue | Queen Olga of the Netherlands |
| Name | Helena Maud Victoria Alexandra |
| House | Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (by birth)
Mecklenburg (by marriage) |
| Father | King James III of the United Kingdom |
| Mother | Princess Judith of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha |
| Religion | Anglican |
Helena, Dowager Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg (born Princess Helena of Wales on 30 July 1959) is a member of the Mecklenburg Grand Ducal Family as the mother of James, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg. She is also a member of the British Royal Family as the sister of James IV, King of the United Kingdom.
Life[edit | edit source]
Helena was born the third child and younger daughter of King James III of the United Kingdom and Princess Judith of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Helena became Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz upon her husband's ascension in 1996. In 2001, he also became Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and the two duchies were merged together to form the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg.
Marriage and Issue[edit | edit source]
On 19 July 1986, Helena married Borwin, Hereditary Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in Neustrelitz. Borwin and Helena had four children, Olga, James, Alexander, and Michael.
Helena was widowed in 2024.
| Photo | Name | Birth | Death | Marriage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Queen Olga of the Netherlands | 13 October 1988 | Casimir, King of the Netherlands (m. 2011); has issue | |
|
James | 1 July 1990 | Marie Mathilde von Lerchenfeld (m. 2014); has issue | |
|
Prince Alexander | July 1991 | Princess Antonia of Saxe-Gessaphe (m. 2019) | |
|
Prince Michael | 30 January 1994 | Unmarried and without issue |
Residences[edit | edit source]
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Ludwigslust; Main Residence (September-May) -
Schwerin Castle; Summer Residence (June-August) -
Balmoral Castle; Summer Residence (June-August)
Sartorial Information[edit | edit source]
Tiara Collection[edit | edit source]
-
(1975) Diamond Scroll Tiara; 16th birthday gift from her parents -
(1986) Spinel Tiara; Wedding gift from her in-laws -
(1986) Cartier Indian Tiara; Wedding gift from her parents
Clothing Collection[edit | edit source]
Clothing Collection
Titles and Honours[edit | edit source]
- 1959-1972 Princess Helena of Wales
- 1972-1986 Princess Helena of the United Kingdom
- 1986-1996 Helena, Hereditary Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
- 1996-2001 Helena, Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
- 2001-2024 Helena, Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg
- 2024-present Helena, Dowager Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg
National Honours[edit | edit source]
Order of the Wendish Crown (1986)
Order of the Griffon (1996)
Foreign Honours[edit | edit source]
Order of the Black Eagle (2001) (Germany)
Order of Louise (1996) (Germany)
Order of the Garter (1986) (United Kingdom)
Royal Victorian Order (1977) (United Kingdom)