What surprising royal connection does Broadstairs have?

Broadstairs may be best known for its beaches and Dickens connections, but the town also shares an unexpected link with the Royal Family.

Prince William of Gloucester, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, was once a pupil at Wellesley House School in Broadstairs. When he was born he stood fourth in line to the British throne. As a young boy he was already part of major royal occasions.

At just six years old he served as a page boy at the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. A few years later, aged twelve, he attended the Queen’s Coronation.

His early education in Broadstairs was just the beginning of a life that would combine royal duty with a taste for adventure.

What was Prince William of Gloucester like as a person?

Prince William grew into a modern and charismatic royal. By the standards of the time he was considered cool, young and adventurous.

He enjoyed nightclubs and sports cars, played polo, skied and trained as a pilot. After leaving Broadstairs he went on to study at Eton and later at Cambridge University, continuing the path expected of a young royal.

Despite the responsibilities that came with his position, he lived life with energy and curiosity.

Who was the woman he fell in love with?

During a period working in Japan in 1968, Prince William met Zsuzsi Starkloff, a Hungarian-born former model.

The two fell deeply in love. However, their relationship was controversial within royal circles. Zsuzsi was seven years older than William and had previously been married, which at the time meant she was not considered a suitable match for someone so close to the throne.

After several years together, William ultimately chose to place duty to the monarchy first. Their relationship ended after four years, and he never married.

What tragic event ended his life?

Prince William’s life was cut tragically short.

On 28 August 1972, while piloting his aircraft in the Goodyear International Air Trophy, his plane crashed. Both he and his co-pilot died instantly. He was only 30 years old.

At the time of his death he was ninth in line to the throne. Queen Elizabeth II ordered a period of mourning for the Royal Family until his funeral took place.

Where is Prince William of Gloucester buried?

Prince William was laid to rest in the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, near Windsor.

Many members of the Royal Family are buried there, including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson are also buried together in the same peaceful royal cemetery.

His story remains one of the lesser-known chapters in royal history, and it’s just one of the fascinating facts uncovered through the Broadstairs Quiz Trail.

How can you explore Broadstairs with the Quiz Trail?

The Broadstairs Quiz Trail is both a town souvenir and a fun outdoor activity. As you follow the trail through the streets of Broadstairs, you’ll discover local history, hidden details and intriguing stories like this one.

Each trail is created by a small Kent family team, a mum and her two daughters, who love researching the stories that shape the towns they explore.

It’s history with a little mystery added in.

Gather your friends or family, solve the clues together and see who becomes the champion quiz trail explorer.

👉 Order your Broadstairs Quiz Trail here: www.QuizTrail.co.uk

Step outside, explore Kent and start solving.