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The Girl With The Silver Spoon
The tragic lives of the Queen’s uncle, George, Duke of Kent, and his society girl lover
The current Queen’s uncle, Prince George, the Duke of Kent, died young but lived hard. The notorious playboy was said to have a string of affairs, both before and during his marriage. Unique amongst his siblings, he married a fellow royal: the polished but impoverished, Marina of Greece. Despite having a glamorous young wife, he reportedly sought his kicks elsewhere.
One of his notorious alleged affairs was with Kiki Preston, born Alice Gwynne. Kiki was a wealthy socialite with a chic American lineage. Her great aunt was Alice Gwynne Vanderbilt, wife of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. This connection opened doors for her father and although they weren’t wealthy, the family was well off. However, due to her father’s poor financial acumen, this rich birthright was squandered and Kiki and her brothers lived off a trust that was miraculously saved from her father’s creditors.
Alice’s mother raised her and her brothers in Europe, where she attended good schools and was introduced to influential people. She showed signs of rebellion, working…
