Born: 1848
Died: 1939
Biography:
Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll (Louisa Caroline Alberta; 18 March 1848 3 December 1939), was the sixth child and fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In her public life, she was a strong proponent of the arts and higher education and of the feminist cause.
Louise’s early life was spent moving among the various royal residences in the company of her family. She received a comprehensive education, which included lessons in foreign languages, literature, mathematics, and history. Her parents encouraged her artistic talents, and she showed a particular aptitude for sculpture and painting. As she grew older, Louise’s passion for the arts blossomed, and she became an accomplished sculptor, producing several notable pieces that are still admired today.
When Louise’s father, Prince Albert, passed away in December 1861, the court entered a long period of mourning. However, Louise eventually grew weary of the solemn atmosphere and sought to immerse herself in more fulfilling pursuits. She developed a keen interest in the feminist movement, corresponding with influential figures like Josephine Butler and visiting prominent suffragist Elizabeth Garrett. Louise firmly believed in gender equality and dedicated herself to advocating for women’s rights throughout her life.
From 1866 to 1871, Louise served as an unofficial secretary to her mother, Queen Victoria. She efficiently managed her mother’s correspondence and engagements, displaying her organizational and administrative skills. This experience exposed Louise to the complexities of governance and further motivated her to contribute to society.
The question of Louise’s marriage arose in the late 1860s. Various suitors from the royal houses of Prussia and Denmark were suggested, but Queen Victoria preferred a high-ranking member of the British aristocracy. Despite facing opposition from some members of the royal family, Louise fell in love with John Campbell, Marquess of Lorne, the heir of the Duke of Argyll.
Following extensive deliberations, Queen Victoria gave her consent to the marriage, which took place on 21 March 1871. Initially, Louise and Lorne enjoyed a happy union. However, their relationship began to deteriorate over time, possibly due to their inability to have children and the constraints imposed on them by Queen Victoria. Despite these challenges, Louise fulfilled her duties as a supportive wife and viceregal consort when Lorne was appointed Governor General of Canada in 1878. This marked the beginning of Louise’s enduring connection to Canada, which would leave a lasting impact on the nation.
Louise’s name became synonymous with various locations in Canada, including the iconic Lake Louise and the province of Alberta. Her appreciation for the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage influenced her artistic endeavors, inspiring some of her most notable works. She championed Canadian arts and culture, promoting local artists and encouraging artistic education.
After Queen Victoria’s passing in 1901, Louise immersed herself in the social circle established by her elder brother, King Edward VII. Although her marriage with Lorne had endured periods of separation and turbulence, they managed to reconcile in 1911. However, Louise was devastated by Lorne’s death in 1914, marking the end of a long and complex relationship.
In the aftermath of World War I, Louise gradually withdrew from public life. She dedicated her remaining years to more private pursuits, undertaking few public duties outside of her residence at Kensington Palace. On 3 December 1939, at the age of 91, Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, passed away, marking the end of a remarkable life devoted to art, feminism, and advocacy.