- The Relationship Between Freemasonry and the British Monarchy
- Freemason Royals
- Prince Edward, Duke of Kent: Grand Master of United Grand Lodge of England
- Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex: Provincial Grand Master for Berkshire
- The Honourable Lady Ogilvy: Past Grand Master in Mark Benevolent Fund
- In Reflection On Freemasons In The Royal Family
Freemasonry has long been associated with royalty, with some members of the British Royal Family having been Freemasons throughout the centuries. From George I to Edward VII and beyond, many monarchs have had a connection to the mysterious society. This article will explore the history and significance of Freemasonry in the Royal Family. It will look at how Freemasonry has impacted on the monarchy, and also how being a Freemason has affected the individual members of the Royal Family. Therefore, it will outline some of the controversies that have arisen from these connections over time.
The history of Freemasonry in the Royal Family dates back to the early 18th century. King George II was initiated into Freemasonry in 1737, and from then onwards numerous other members of the Royal Family have joined the fraternity. Since then, there have been many high-ranking members of the Royal Family who have been active Freemasons, including several monarchs, princes, and dukes.
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that emphasizes moral and spiritual values, and was originally developed from a combination of stonemason guilds and other associations. It is one of the largest fraternal organizations in the world, with millions of members worldwide. Many members of the Royal Family who are Freemasons are involved in charitable activities and philanthropy as part of their commitment to the principles of Freemasonry.
Freemasonry has had a long association with many aspects of British culture and society, especially within elite circles. Its influence on British life has been considerable; its rituals were adopted by universities like Oxford and Cambridge; its literature was used to form part of the curriculum for schoolchildren; its lodges were instrumental in providing much-needed social networks for those living in remote regions; its charitable works have been extensive; and it played an important role in developing British industry through investments made by leading members.
The Royal Family’s involvement with Freemasonry has been highly influential throughout Britain’s history, both symbolically and practically. It has provided an opportunity for members of the Royal Family to come together with others from different backgrounds to share ideas, develop friendships, and support one another’s causes. By joining this special fraternity, they have helped shape Britain’s cultural landscape over many centuries.
The Relationship Between Freemasonry and the British Monarchy
Freemasonry and the British Monarchy have a long and complicated history. From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been intertwined with the monarchy, with many of its members being prominent figures in the royal court. This relationship has had its ups and downs, but it remains an integral part of the fabric of British society today. Here are some of the key points in this fascinating relationship:
• Freemasonry was first introduced to Britain by King Charles II in 1660. He saw it as a way to promote loyalty and unity among his courtiers, and it quickly gained popularity among English nobility.
• The Grand Lodge of England, which is the governing body for Freemasonry in Britain, was established in 1717. This was a major milestone for Freemasonry in Britain as it allowed members to organize and meet on a regular basis.
• During the 18th century, more monarchs began to take an interest in Freemasonry. George III was particularly supportive of the organization, granting several royal warrants which gave it legitimacy as an institution.
• In the 19th century, Queen Victoria took a strong stance against Freemasonry, viewing it as a threat to her power and authority. She banned all Masonic activity from her court and sought to suppress any public displays or meetings related to it.
• In spite of this ban, there remained strong links between Freemasonry and the monarchy throughout the 19th century. Several prominent members of royalty were known to be regular attendees at Masonic meetings or events, including Prince Albert and later King Edward VII.
• Today, while there is still some tension between traditionalists who view Freemasonry as being incompatible with royal authority, there is also much greater acceptance of it within British society overall. The current reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II has made no secret of her support for Freemasonry in Britain, even attending some Masonic ceremonies herself on occasion.
Overall, while there have been periods of tension over the centuries between Freemasonry and monarchies throughout Europe, many British royals have looked favourably upon this mysterious organization over time – making for an interesting story that continues today!
Freemason Royals
The Freemasons are a centuries-old fraternal organization comprised of millions of members around the world. Freemasonry has been linked to many of the world’s most influential royals, including King George VI, Edward VII, and Queen Elizabeth II. While these monarchs have been part of the organization for centuries, there are other current Freemason royals who make up an important part of the Freemasonry community.
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, is one of the most prominent current Freemason royals. He is a Grand Master Mason in England and was initiated into the order in 1967. The Duke is actively involved in Masonic events and often speaks at meetings and conferences around the world.
Prince Michael of Kent is another Freemason royal who has made a name for himself within the organization. He was initiated into the order in 1978 and has served as Grand Master Mason since then. Prince Michael is known for his charitable work within the organization and often supports charities associated with Freemasonry.
King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands is also an important member of the Masonic community. He was initiated into the order in 1975 and is currently a member of multiple lodges across Europe. King Willem-Alexander often speaks about his involvement with Freemasonry, citing its importance to him personally as well as its positive influence on society as a whole.
These are just some of the current Freemason royals who are actively involved with their respective lodges. Their contributions to Masonic causes throughout their lifetimes demonstrate their commitment to upholding its values and traditions worldwide. By taking part in events and activities that promote understanding among members, they help ensure that Freemasonry will continue to be an important part of society for many years to come.
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent: Grand Master of United Grand Lodge of England
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent (1767-1820) was the fourth son and fifth child of King George III and Queen Charlotte. He was the first member of the British Royal family to hold the title of Grand Master of United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE).
Edward was initiated into Freemasonry in 1790, and appointed Provincial Grand Master for Middlesex in 1792. In 1813, he was appointed the Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason of England, a post he held until his death in 1820. During his tenure as Grand Master, he instituted two major changes to UGLE – the introduction of Masonic charities and the creation of a new Constitution.
During his tenure as Grand Master, Edward championed charitable causes within Freemasonry. He established a fund to provide relief for widows and orphans, as well as those disabled or otherwise in need due to their service in the military. He also helped create a network of hospitals for sick and injured Masons across England.
In terms of governance, Edward introduced a new Constitution that gave more power to Provincial Grand Masters over their lodges. This new Constitution also changed how UGLE was structured – it now had a central governing body called The Board Of General Purposes (BGP). This BGP had authority over all provincial grand lodges and could make decisions on behalf of the entire organisation.
Edward’s legacy can still be seen today – UGLE continues to be governed by The Board Of General Purposes, which is still responsible for making decisions on behalf of all provincial grand lodges. Additionally, many UGLE lodges have adopted Prince Edward’s charitable initiatives, providing assistance to those who are disadvantaged or otherwise in need due to their service in the military.
Prince Michael of Kent: Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons
Prince Michael of Kent is a well-known figure in the world of Freemasonry. He is the current Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, and has been since 1967. As such, he is also the head of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious Masonic orders in England.
The Prince has been an active member in Freemasonry since he was initiated into the Craft in 1967. He has served as Senior Grand Warden, Deputy Grand Master and Pro Grand Master at various times during his tenure as Grand Master. His charity work for Masonic causes is well-known and highly respected among his peers.
The Prince has been an avid supporter and promoter of Freemasonry throughout his career. He often speaks at events hosted by Masonic lodges, and frequently attends meetings to offer advice or guidance on matters relating to Freemasonry. He also participates in charitable activities sponsored by Masonic lodges around the country.
In addition to being a vocal supporter and promoter of Freemasonry, Prince Michael also takes part in many other activities related to Masonry. He regularly attends meetings with other Masonic leaders from around the world, and often visits lodges overseas to give talks or participate in events. In recent years, he has even taken part in historic re-enactments related to Masonry that have taken place all across Europe.
His commitment to promoting Masonry both domestically and abroad has been instrumental in helping spread awareness about this ancient craft throughout society today. Through his leadership, Prince Michael continues to be a major source of inspiration for those who are interested in learning more about this fascinating tradition.
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex: Provincial Grand Master for Berkshire
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, is a highly respected figure in the Freemasonry community. As the Provincial Grand Master for Berkshire, he is responsible for overseeing all masonic activities in the county. He is also responsible for ensuring that Freemasonry is practiced in a way that is consistent with its core values. Prince Edward has held this role since 2017 and his work has been widely praised by members of the fraternity.
Prince Edward’s involvement in Freemasonry dates back to his early adulthood. He was initiated into a Lodge in London at the age of twenty-five and subsequently rose through the ranks to become an active member of several lodges across England. His dedication to Freemasonry has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, as well as many awards and recognitions from both within and outside of the fraternity.
The Earl’s commitment to Freemasonry can be seen through his various charitable endeavors over the years. He has been involved with various charities such as The Prince’s Trust, which aims to help young people realize their potential, as well as The Royal British Legion which provides assistance to veterans and their families. Prince Edward has also made a significant contribution to Masonic charities such as The Masonic Charitable Foundation which helps those in need within the Masonic community.
Prince Edward’s role as Provincial Grand Master for Berkshire demonstrates his passion for upholding the values of Freemasonry and supporting its members throughout England. He continues to demonstrate his commitment to this role by engaging with local lodges and attending events held by them. His presence at these events serves as a reminder of just how important it is to maintain strong relationships between brothers in order to ensure that Freemasonry remains strong in Berkshire and beyond.
In addition, he uses his position as Provincial Grand Master to advocate for social responsibility within Lodges across England, encouraging members to use their influence positively within their communities. Through his efforts, he hopes that more people will come together under the banner of Freemasonry and create a brighter future for everyone involved.
Overall, Prince Edward’s involvement with Freemasonry has been invaluable not only locally but also on a national level. His dedication to promoting its values across England makes him an integral part of both Freemasonry and English society today.
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester: Provincial Grand Master for Northamptonshire
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester is the Provincial Grand Master for Northamptonshire, a role he has held since 2007. He has been an active member of the Province’s Masonic community since becoming a Freemason in 1976. As the Grand Master, he has taken a leading role in promoting the teachings and principles of Freemasonry in Northamptonshire and beyond.
The Duke’s commitment to Freemasonry is evidenced by his attendance at both public and private events, including regular meetings of Lodges throughout the Province. He is also a keen supporter of charities that are associated with Freemasonry and has made numerous donations over the years to support their causes.
In addition to his duties as Provincial Grand Master, the Duke is also Patron of several Masonic Lodges in Northamptonshire. He regularly attends Lodge meetings and other events throughout the Province, lending his support to members and providing valuable insight into how Lodges can continue to improve and grow.
The Duke’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by other Freemasons around the world, who have praised him for his dedication to Freemasonry and its principles. His commitment to promoting these values within Northamptonshire has seen an increase in membership across all Lodges in recent years, with many more people gaining access to this ancient institution’s teachings.
The Duke’s presence as Provincial Grand Master has been invaluable for lodges in Northamptonshire – both those established many years ago as well as those more recently founded – providing guidance on matters such as building new Temples or advancing ritual work. He also plays an important role in bringing together Masons from different backgrounds so they can share ideas and gain from each other’s experiences within Masonry.
The Duke’s influence on the Masonry community in Northamptonshire cannot be overstated; his dedication over many years has ensured that this ancient tradition continues to thrive in today’s world. His tireless efforts have enabled Masonry to remain an important part of life for many people throughout the Province – providing education, fellowship and support for all who wish to take part.
The Honourable Lady Ogilvy: Past Grand Master in Mark Benevolent Fund
The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, born as Princess Alexandra, is an impressive figure that has served as the Past Grand Master in the Mark Benevolent Fund. She has done her part to ensure that this fund continues to provide assistance and support for those who are in need.
Her Majesty’s interest in the Mark Benevolent Fund can be traced back to her early life when she was appointed as a Youth Officer at the Boys’ Brigade. She was also actively involved with the Mark Masons, which serves to promote fellowship and charitable works. It was then that Princess Alexandra saw first-hand how much of an impact these organizations had on people’s lives and she decided to dedicate her life to helping others through her involvement with the Mark Benevolent Fund.
She has inspired many people with her leadership and dedication to the cause, and this has seen a steady increase in donations as well as volunteers getting involved with its work. Her efforts have enabled the fund to help countless individuals from all walks of life, from those affected by natural disasters and poverty, to those suffering from mental health issues or disabilities.
With Princess Alexandra’s continued involvement, she is ensuring that the Mark Benevolent Fund remains a strong force for good in society today. She is passionate about leading initiatives that make a difference, such as organizing fundraising events or volunteering opportunities for others. Additionally, she provides advice and guidance when needed for members of the fund who are facing difficult times or require extra support.
The Honourable Lady Ogilvy is truly an inspirational figure within the Mark Benevolent Fund and beyond whose legacy will live on for years to come. Her commitment and dedication have enabled countless people around the world to lead better lives through her work with this wonderful cause.
In Reflection On Freemasons In The Royal Family
Freemasons have long been associated with the Royal Family, and it is now clear that there has been a direct connection between them for a considerable period of time. While there are some who believe this relationship is beneficial for both parties, others worry about the implications it may have on the Royal Family’s reputation.
Regardless of what one believes, it is clear that many members of the Royal Family have been involved with Freemasonry in some way or another. From Edward VII to Prince Edward, many members of the monarchy have held positions within the organization and continue to do so today.
It is not certain how much influence this has had on the decisions made by the Royal Family or how much it has shaped their views, but it is an interesting subject to explore. Whether one views this relationship positively or negatively, it is undeniable that Freemasonry has played a role in shaping the lives of many members of the British monarchy throughout history.
The ties between Freemasonry and the Royal Family are fascinating and complex, and further research into this subject could provide great insight into its influence on both parties. It would also be beneficial to explore how these relationships have changed over time and if they are still as strong as they were in previous centuries.
In reflection, Freemasonry has been intertwined with the Royal Family for centuries and continues to be so today. It is an interesting topic that deserves further research in order to better understand its impact on both parties involved.
(At the time of writing – 2023)