At 5am on 23rd November 1886, Prince Alexander of Battenberg, eldest child of Princess Beatrice and Prince Henry of Battenberg, was born at Windsor Castle. In her journal Queen Victoria described how the "little bundle" had "screamed tremendously" before being placed in her arms and presented to Home Secretary, Lord Cross, in the Audience Room.
As his father was the product of a morganatic marriage, Alexander was born with the style 'Serene Highness'. Just three weeks later, in 13th December, Queen Victoria passed a Royal Warrant, which changed his style to 'His Highness'. At 1pm on 18th December, the baby was christened in the White Drawing Room at Windsor. The ceremony was led by the Dean of Windsor, who baptised him with the names Alexander Albert.
His godparents included: Queen Victoria; Prince Alexander of Hesse and by Rhine; Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII); Prince Alexander of Battenberg and Princess Irene of Hesse and by Rhine.
Known as 'Drino' amongst close family and friends, the Prince spent most of his time with his grandmother, Queen Victoria, who took a great interest in his wellbeing and development. As the first baby to live with the Queen in many years, Alexander Quickly became her favourite grandson and regularly received treats. It's no surprise that this dramatically boosted his ego!
When he was fourteen, the Prince moved to Stubbington House in Fareham - also known as the Navy' - before attending Wellington College in Berkshire. Throughout his time at both schools, A would regularly find himself isolated from the other boys, who believed him to arrogant and ego result, the young Prince longed to return to his beloved grandmother.
In March 1902, Alexander passed a qualification exam to join the Royal Navy as a service cadet al that same year, he became a midshipman cadet in board the training ship HMS Britannia. In 190! resigned from the in 1908 and by 1910 had become one of the earliest members of the 'Castaway: exclusive dining club for officers that resigned as juniors but wanted to keep in touch with their service.
Having left the Navy, Alexander joined the army on 4th April 1909 and was placed in a probationary position as Second Lieutenant in the Grenadier Guards. His position was confirmed two years later on 22nd November 1911. Based at St James's Palace, Alexander soon developed a close friendship with a young Captain of the 1st Life Guards, who was based at Knightsbridge Barracks. In letters, he regularly refers to the Captain as 'dear', however there is no proof that their relationship was more than platonic
On 15th August 1913, the Prince was promoted to Lieutenant and he went on to play an active role in the First World War as part of the 60th Rifles Regiment, along with his two brothers - Leopold and Maurice - and the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII). In 10th April 1915 he was seconded to the staff to act as aide-de-camp and was promoted to Captain the same year. Like many, Alexander was injured in battle on two separate occasions and received countless awards and decorations for his service. He resigned his commission on 19th June 1919, instead going on the reserve list as a Captain.
On 17th July 1917, King George V relinquished all German titles and, as a result, Alexander was forced to drop his princely titles and change his name to 'Alexander Mountbatten'. With many members of his family aware of his arrogance, they couldn't help but snigger at his demotion. Just two days later, on 19th July, Alexander married Lady Irene Denison - the only daughter of the second Earl of Londesborough and Lady Grace Adelaide Ferne - in the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace. While small, the ceremony was attended by most members of the royal family, including King George V, Queen Mary and the Dowager Queen, Alexandra.
Due to the ongoing war, the wedding was a simple affair. Along with no bridesmaids, there was no wedding cake and instead of carrying a bouquet up the isle, Irene walked up the aisle holding a silver-bound prayer book - a gift from her mother. After the ceremony, the small bridal party returned to Irene's parent's house in Mayfair, where the marriage registry was signed. Later that day the couple left to spend their honeymoon at Polesden Lacey in Surrey.
The following November, Alexander was given the new titles of Marques of Carisbrooke, Earl of Berkhamsted and Viscount Launceston. With just one daughter and no sons, all of Alexander's tiles would become extinct following his death.
with no state allowance after the war, Alexander found him no choice but to get a a job and began working for the banking house, Lazard Brothers, as an entry level clerk. He later went on to work with the Metropolitan Housing Corporation, overseeing housing estates for artisans and eventually took charge of social work on the estates. In 1921, he decided to permanently settle in the world of commerce.
Known for enforcing himself in gossip and being outwardly flamboyant, Alexander's sexuality had long been a cause for speculation. Photographer and designer, Cecil Beaton, once mentioned that Alexander had a long-term relationship with a socialite named Simon Fleet, however there is no find any evidence to back up his claims. However, we do know that Alexander shared a close friendship with the openly gay author, E.F. Benson, who dedicated two of his 'Mapp & Lucia' novels to him. On top of this, the "old Queen" as he was described by James Lees-Mills - showed little interest towards his wife or marriage and insisted put a lot of effort into talking to men about "venereal disease and in natural vice", causing many to feel uncomfortable in his presence.
When the Second World War broke out, Alexander
joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and, on 6th June 1941, was commissioned as an acting pilot officer and just two months later was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. Alexander later served as a Staff Officer to Air Chief Marshal, Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory. He once again relinquished his command in May 1945.
Following the war, Alexander and Irene moved into King's Cottage, a 'grace and favours' that overlooked Kew Gardens. They spent the next few years living a much more relaxed lifestyle of travelling and attending social events.
Unfortunately, their home was burgled in May 1953 while Alexander was in hospital after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain. Three years later, on 16th July 1956, Irene passed away following a long illness. Upon her death, Alexander took on many of his wife's charitable patronages and continued her life's work.
On 23rd February 1960, Alexander passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage at Kensington Palace. Aged 73, he was the last surviving grandson of Queen Victoria. His ashes were later interred at St Mildred's Church on the Isle of Wight alongside Irene's ashes and his parent's tomb.