Death of HRH Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester

1 November 2004

My wife and I, along with all Australians, were saddened to learn of the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester last Friday at her home at Kensington Palace, London. She was 102.

Princess Alice will be fondly remembered especially by older Australians in her role as the wife of Australia’s eleventh Governor-General, His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester serving immediately after the Second World War from 1945 – 1947.

Her Royal Highness had a long and active life giving sterling service to Australia. During her time in Australia, as well as supporting her husband as Governor-General, Princess Alice was Commandant-in-Chief of the Australian Women’s Land Army and of the three women’s services. Her Royal Highness held several honorary appointments including Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Corps of Transport and Honorary Colonel of the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps. She was also involved with the Australian Musical Society and was Vice Patron of the Britain-Australia Society.

I join all Australians in sending our sincere condolences to her son and daughter-in-law, Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the other members of the Royal Family.

November 1, 2004