Today, on 9 October 2025, HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, marks his 90th birthday. As a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and grandson of King George V, he holds the distinguished titles of “Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland” and “His Royal Highness.”
Renowned for his steadfast commitment to Polish–British relations, the Duke has become a cherished figure among British Poles, admired for his enduring support of Polish cultural and historical causes.
Born on 9 October 1935, Prince Edward’s connection with Poland was forged early in life through his family’s generosity. After the Second World War, his parents, Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina, offered their Coppins estate in Iver, Buckinghamshire, as a home for the Polish noble family Koziell-Poklewski. The young Prince grew up alongside Vincent Koziell-Poklewski, one of the family’s two sons, fostering a lifelong friendship. This bond instilled in him a deep affection for Poland and its people — one shared by his siblings, Prince Michael and Princess Alexandra.
A remarkable historical episode links the Duke’s family to Poland’s wartime aspirations. In November 1941, General Władysław Sikorski, Prime Minister of the Polish government-in-exile, proposed Prince George, Duke of Kent — the Duke’s father and brother of King George VI — as a potential King of Poland. This bold idea arose amid discussions for a proposed Polish–Czechoslovak confederation, intended to strengthen the region’s security against German and Soviet threats. At 37, Prince George was seen as a unifying figure who could reinforce Poland’s position within the Allied framework. Tragically, these plans were cut short when Prince George died in a mysterious plane crash in Scotland on 25 August 1942. General Sikorski mourned his death, declaring, “Poland has lost a trusted and proven friend.” Less than a year later, on 4 July 1943, Sikorski himself perished in another unexplained air crash in Gibraltar — ending the visionary concept of restoring a Polish monarchy under a Windsor.
Could Prince Edward have been heir to a Polish throne? Had General Sikorski’s proposal for Prince George to become King of Poland succeeded, Prince Edward might have been considered a potential heir. While purely hypothetical, this historical footnote underscores the Duke’s unique connection to Poland’s wartime ambitions and his family’s enduring role in fostering Polish–British friendship.
Throughout his life, the Duke of Kent has actively nurtured Polish–British ties through frequent visits to Poland and participation in ceremonies honouring shared history. His efforts earned him the prestigious Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.
As Chairman of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the Duke continues to support veterans — including those of Polish heritage — reflecting his commitment to the shared military legacy of both nations. His late wife, Katharine Worsley, Duchess of Kent, converted to Catholicism in 1994 — a decision that did not affect the Duke’s place in the British line of succession, as it occurred after their marriage, in accordance with the Act of Settlement 1701.
A regular visitor to Daquise — one of London’s oldest Polish restaurants — the Duke enjoys Polish dishes familiar from his childhood, reflecting his genuine affection for Polish culture.
In July 1940, his parents opened the Polish Hearth Club (Ognisko Polskie) in London’s South Kensington, a cultural hub for the Polish diaspora. The Duke serves as its patron — a role he continues to cherish.
On 24 September 2000, the Duke unveiled a bronze statue of General Władysław Sikorski at Portland Place in central London — a tribute to the legendary Polish leader and the Polish servicemen who fought alongside British forces in WWII. His speech on that occasion emphasised the enduring alliance between the two nations.
On 15 September 2020, the Duke opened the exhibition Polish Airmen in the Battle of Britain – 80th Anniversary at the Polish Embassy in London. He delivered a moving address: “It is a great honour for me to open this exhibition. The courage, resistance, and determination of those who gave their lives for our freedom are legendary. Thanks to this exhibition, even more people will learn about it.”
This event underscored his deep interest in Polish history, particularly the contributions of Polish pilots during the Battle of Britain.
The Duke celebrated his 88th birthday in 2023 at a reception hosted by Polish Ambassador Piotr Wilczek at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London — a testament to his enduring friendship with the Polish community.
In 2025, he attended the annual Bal Polski in London, an event celebrating Polish culture and heritage. His presence once again highlighted his ongoing support for Polish charitable causes.
Your Royal Highness, your unwavering dedication to Polish causes has earned the deep respect and admiration of British Poles. On behalf of our community, we wish you a joyful 90th birthday and many more years of health and happiness!
Maria Byczynski
Photos: Royal Family, Polish Embassy, British Poles
