Royal Mistresses #3: Kiki Preston, The Girl with the Silver Syringe
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. Alone amongst his siblings, he married a fellow royal: the polished Marina of Greece. However, despite having a glamorous wife, he reportedly sought his kicks elsewhere.
One of his notorious alleged affairs was with Kiki Preston, born Alice Gwynne. Kiki was a socialite with a chic American lineage She was related to the Vanderbilt and Whitney families. However, due to her father's poor financial acumen, the family money was squandered and Kiki and her brothers lived off a trust that was miraculously saved from her father's creditors. Due to her family ties, Kiki managed a series of marriages to wealthy men, which allowed her income and access to high society.
Kiki was known as a hard partier, and her addiction to drugs earned her the name "the girl with the silver syringe." She carried the syringe everywhere and injected herself in front of everyone. She used cocaine, heroin and morphine. Allegedly, Kiki and George engaged in a drug fueled threesome with the son of an Argentinian politician.
George's eldest brother, the future Edward VIII, a man who was no stranger to unsuitable women, attempted to force George to break off his contact with Kiki. However George was continually drawn to Kiki, or perhaps her drugs. Ultimately the relationship ended when George was killed in action during World War II.
Rumors remain that Kiki was the mother of George's illegitimate child, a belief George allegedly shared. It is said that Michael Canfield, the adopted son of American publisher Cass Canfield, was their son Michael married Jackie Kennedy's sister, the future Lee Radziwill, and later the Duchess of Dudley before he died aged 43.
Notable Descendants:
Besides the alleged illegitimate Michael Canfield, George was the father of the current Duke of Kent, Edward, Princess Alexandra of Kent, Mrs. Ogilvy, and Prince Michael of Kent. These three are cousins of Queen Elizabeth and are seen at large family gatherings. They are also related to Prince Philip, as their mother, Princess Marina, was Philip's first cousin.
 |
| Prince George, Duke of Kent |
One of his notorious alleged affairs was with Kiki Preston, born Alice Gwynne. Kiki was a socialite with a chic American lineage She was related to the Vanderbilt and Whitney families. However, due to her father's poor financial acumen, the family money was squandered and Kiki and her brothers lived off a trust that was miraculously saved from her father's creditors. Due to her family ties, Kiki managed a series of marriages to wealthy men, which allowed her income and access to high society.
Kiki was known as a hard partier, and her addiction to drugs earned her the name "the girl with the silver syringe." She carried the syringe everywhere and injected herself in front of everyone. She used cocaine, heroin and morphine. Allegedly, Kiki and George engaged in a drug fueled threesome with the son of an Argentinian politician.
 |
| George and Marina |
Rumors remain that Kiki was the mother of George's illegitimate child, a belief George allegedly shared. It is said that Michael Canfield, the adopted son of American publisher Cass Canfield, was their son Michael married Jackie Kennedy's sister, the future Lee Radziwill, and later the Duchess of Dudley before he died aged 43.
Notable Descendants:
Besides the alleged illegitimate Michael Canfield, George was the father of the current Duke of Kent, Edward, Princess Alexandra of Kent, Mrs. Ogilvy, and Prince Michael of Kent. These three are cousins of Queen Elizabeth and are seen at large family gatherings. They are also related to Prince Philip, as their mother, Princess Marina, was Philip's first cousin.
Comments
Post a Comment