logo
Getty images
Getty images

Prince Philip's Older Sister Princess Cecilie Died in a Tragic Accident When She Was Only 26

Olawale Ogunjimi
Feb 10, 2020
02:30 P.M.

Prince Philip has lived an extended and fulfilled life; however, not all members of his immediate family were that blessed. Find out what happened to his sister Princess Cecilie who died in a tragic accident almost 85 years ago.

Advertisement

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has been living for almost 97 years, and in those years, the royalty has experienced grief that he may wish not to remember.

One particular striking incident is perhaps the tragic death of his elder sister Princess Cecilie who died in a plane crash while going for her brother-in-laws' wedding.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attend Royal Ascot 2017 at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, England | Photo: Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attend Royal Ascot 2017 at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, England | Photo: Getty Images

THE TRAGIC ACCIDENT

The 16th of November 1937 will forever be remembered as the day tragedy struck Prince Philip the most. His elder sister Princess Cecilie who was eight months pregnant at the time, was on her way to Germany for a wedding before the plane crashed, leading to her death.

Advertisement

The princess was not the only one aboard the plane; she was with her husband George Donatus, her mother Elenore, two of her children, and the governess of the children. There were no survivors from the crash.

The plane crash, which was caused by bad weather, was more painful because the princess, who was eight months pregnant at the time, went into labor and was trying to give birth according to some reports.

Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1886-1954), Crown Princess of Prussia, born in Schwerin (Germany). Ca. 1905. | Photo: Getty Images

Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1886-1954), Crown Princess of Prussia, born in Schwerin (Germany). Ca. 1905. | Photo: Getty Images

While others suggest that the baby might have been removed from her womb due to the high impact force of the crash, whatever the case may be, it was a painful experience for all involved.

The crash occurred when the plane crashed into the chimney of a factory, causing the wing and one of the engines to come off. This led to the death of all the eleven occupants of the plane, including the baby that was later found in the wreckage.

Advertisement
The Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh re-visit Broadlands, to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on November 20 | Photo: Getty Images

The Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh re-visit Broadlands, to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on November 20 | Photo: Getty Images

PRINCESS CECILE

The princess was the third of the five children born to Princess Alice and Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark.

The other children were princess Margarita, Theodora, Sophie, and Prince Philip. The family was exiled from Greece in 1922 and settled in Paris.

One surprising thing about the wedding was that none of his sisters were in attendance.

Princess Marie Cecilie of Prussia holding her two pet kittens, circa 1955 | Photo: Getty Images

Princess Marie Cecilie of Prussia holding her two pet kittens, circa 1955 | Photo: Getty Images

Advertisement

A SAD STORY

The young Cecilie as she was fondly called got married to her first cousin removed, Georg Donatus, Hereditary Grand Duke of Hesse with whom she raised three children and expected the fourth before their demise

Following the death of 26-year-old Cecile and 31-year-old George with two of their children, people were hopeful that their only surviving child Princess Johana would live long to carry the legacy of the family.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on his visit to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, US. | Source: Wikimedia Commons

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on his visit to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, US. | Source: Wikimedia Commons

However, that was not to be as the then two-year-old Johana died two years after her parent's death due to meningitis.

Johana was laid to rest beside the rest of her family, who had been buried in the presence of Prince Philip, surrounded by people performing the Nazi salute to the late family.

Advertisement
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, looking at City Hall in London. | Source: WikiMedia Commons

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, looking at City Hall in London. | Source: WikiMedia Commons

LIFE AFTER CECILE'S DEATH

Following the death of Princess Cecile, Prince Philip joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1939, just before World War II broke out. That year while touring the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, he spent time with then-Princess Elizabeth.

The two kept in contact over the years via letters and eventually started seeing each other. In November 1947, they tied the knot at Westminster Abbey.

Advertisement

One surprising thing about the wedding was that none of his sisters were in attendance. This was because all his sisters had connections with the Nazis as they had all gotten married to Germans.

If Cecile were to be alive, she would have been 109 years old already, even though she might have passed on before now. She did not get the chance to meet any of her siblings' children, which in itself is saddening.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Prince Charles Realized He Loved Diana after Her Death — She Was the 1st Woman Who 'Showed Him Real Love'

February 07, 2024

Boy, 8, Was Killed Holding His Dad's Hand While His Heartbroken Mom Ran over 1.3 Miles to See Him

December 06, 2023

Plane Crashes near Shopping Center in Texas – Witness Says There Were ‘Flames Everywhere’

November 22, 2023

Rare Photo of 8-Week-Old Late Princess Diana in Mother's Arms Revealed – Fans Amazed by Their Resemblance

January 22, 2024

King Charles' Cousin's Husband Has Died at 45 in Country Mansion: More Details Revealed

February 29, 2024

Texas Surgeon & His 2 Young Children Found Dead: 'The Tragedy That This Family Has Endured Is Unimaginable'

January 17, 2024

King Charles' Cousin's Husband Found Dead at 45: Tragic Details

February 29, 2024

King Charles' Cousin's Husband Found Dead at 45: Tragic Details

February 28, 2024

Ricky Nelson's Twins Were Left with $26 – They Didn't Have 'The Rosy Life' Everyone Thought Following Dad's Sudden Death

December 31, 2023

'The Poor Mom': Widow of 'Speed Racer' Actor Christian Oliver Speaks Out after His & Their 2 Young Daughters' Deaths

January 07, 2024

King Charles & Other Royal Family Members Affected by Cancer: 3 Have Passed Away

February 08, 2024

Matt LeBlanc's Cap in an Outing since Matthew Perry's Death Sparked 'Friends' Fans Reaction

November 03, 2023

Mom Dies in Front of Her Partner & 3 Kids While Giving Eulogy at Her Father-in-Law's Funeral

January 26, 2024

Prince Harry Finally Breaks His Silence on King Charles' Cancer Diagnosis and Possible Family Reunion

February 16, 2024