Miss Catherine Middleton of Bucklebury, Berkshire went into Westminster Abbey at 11am this morning and came out an hour and a quarter later, holding the hand of the second in line to the throne, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. Prince William is the elder son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and the Late Diana, Princess of Wales, and third eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
His father Prince Charles is a direct descendant of Viscount Elizabeth Poyntz (Lady Thurles) through their eldest son, the Duke of Ormond. Lady Elizabeth married Thomas Butler and both owned the town of Thurles, here in Co. Tipperary, prior to her death in 1673. Their son James Butler (1610-1688) is a direct line to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge who was married today.
From Lady Thurles and six generations later, in direct line to the English throne was the 14th Earl Strathmore whose daughter, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon married the future King George VI.
Their daughter Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Mary II, born 21 April 1926, met her future husband, Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, in 1934, and they married on 20th November 1947 at Westminster Abbey.
Heir apparent and eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles, Prince of Wales, was born on 14th November 1948.
Lady Elizabeth of Thurles’s eldest daughter and brother of the afore mentioned James Butler, Mary Butler (Died in 1675) is a direct line to late Lady Diana Spencer through the Hamilton and Spencer families. When Diana married Charles in 1981 their eldest son Prince William Arthur Philip Louis was born on the 21st June 1982 thus completing the circle which began in the 16th century, here in Thurles Co.Tipperary.
Prince William’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth II is due to visit Co. Tipperary at the end of May. What a pity that an invitation was not sent in time by our local Councillors, thus ensuring that Thurles could have been included in her up and coming May itinerary. This really demonstrates the imperceptiveness of our Town Council, when we learn that the Rock of Cashel, some 15 odd miles down the road and which has little comparative historical associations, is now assured of inclusion in her visit.
No matter, there are Local Elections due in the not to distant future, and as Granny used to say, “Forgive and forget, but keep a list of names just in case.”
To the Royal pair, William and Catherine, go our good wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous life together.
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