Queen’s cousin and his wife take part in remarkable challenge in support of vital charity

The Duke of Gloucester is Her Majesty's first cousin

Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester attend the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Mr Thomas Kingston at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 18, 2019 in Windsor, England
(Image credit: Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

The Queen’s cousin and his wife are taking part in an incredible challenge this month to raise money for a very significant cause. 

The Queen’s cousin Richard, Duke of Gloucester and his wife Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester are taking part in a remarkable challenge - Prostate Cancer UK's March the Month. Whilst perhaps not as well known to royal fans as Her Majesty’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are, the Duke and Duchess are nonetheless significant senior members of the Royal Family. 

As a son of the late Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, who was brother to King George VI, the Duke is a paternal first cousin to the Queen. The Queen has previously supported his fight against Covid-19.

Duchess Birgitte and Duke Richard’s participation in this amazing charity challenge was announced on March 1 on the Royal Family’s official Twitter account. Posting a picture of the royal couple in the great outdoors, the caption shared the important cause they will be raising awareness for.

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‘The Duchess of Gloucester, Patron, is taking part in @ProstateUK’s #MarchTheMonth challenge!' the caption read.

‘HRH - supported by her walking partner, The Duke of Gloucester - will complete 11,000 daily steps this month, representing the 11,000 men who die from prostate cancer every year.’

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The March The Month challenge is a virtual walking challenge that everyone can get involved with. The Prostate Cancer UK website states that you can take on the challenge either alone or, as the Duchess of Gloucester has chosen to do, with other people. 

The challenge sees those taking part walk 11,000 steps a day throughout March and participants can also track and share their progress using a JustGiving fitness tracker. This important challenge will help to raise awareness and money to fund lifesaving research. 

Duchess Birgitte has been a Royal Patron of this vital charity for many years. She and the Duke of Gloucester hold a great number of royal patronages and are important working members of the Royal Family. 

rince Richard, Duke of Gloucester (R) and Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester attend day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 17, 2014 in Ascot, England

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse)

The Gloucesters live in the Old Stables at Kensington Palace - the same royal palace where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their young children live during term-time. The Cambridges are understood to have been spending lockdown at their Norfolk residence, Anmer Hall.

Though with schools set to reopen on March 8, it’s been speculated that the family will move back to London so that Prince George and Princess Charlotte can return to Thomas’s Battersea school.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!