Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester the Royal Alexandra and Albert School; the Children's Society; Parkinson's UK; Hope for Youth Northern Ireland; Scottish Opera; and Lawn Tennis Association. After the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, Birgitte became President of the Royal Academy of Music. She is also the patron of Prostate Cancer UK, and in March 2006, she opened the Prostate Centre. The Duke and Duchess live in London at Kensington Palace, their official royal residence. Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, (born Birgitte Eva Henriksen, later van Deurs; 20 June 1946), is the wife of Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, a first
Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester estimated to be over one million people lined the streets from the Palace to the railway station to see the couple off on their honeymoon. She was often referred to as the "Winter Princess" from then on. Initially the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester lived at the Royal Pavilion in Aldershot, where the Duke was taking the Army staff course. The Duke of Gloucester left the army to take on more public duties following the abdication of Edward VIII in December 1936. The couple received a grace and favour residence at York House, St James's Palace, London and, in 1938,