In the most recent installment of the Daily Mail’s podcast, “Reading the Royals,” Richard Eden delves into the remarkable journey of Princess Alexandra. Often overlooked in the royal narrative, her seven decades of dedication have quietly but significantly shaped the monarchy.

Born on Christmas Day in 1936, Princess Alexandra arrived at a time when the Royal Family was still grappling with the fallout from King Edward VIII’s abdication merely two weeks prior. Her birth was a beacon of hope during a period of uncertainty.

Now 89, Alexandra was initially sixth in line to the throne at her birth. She is a first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Her father, Prince George, the Duke of Kent, was the son of King George V. Tragically, he lost his life during World War II, leaving Alexandra fatherless at the tender age of five.

At just 15, Alexandra commenced her royal responsibilities in 1952, stepping into her role during a pivotal era for women in the monarchy. Her trailblazing efforts paved the way for future royal figures such as Princess Anne, Sophie, and Catherine.

As one of the most industrious royals of the 20th century, Eden highlights the numerous ways Alexandra quietly influenced royal history. One significant milestone was the end of an ancient custom coinciding with her birth.

Alexandra was born on Christmas Day 1936, a moment of rare joy for a Royal Family reeling from the abdication of King Edward VIII just two weeks earlier

As one of the most active working royals of the twentieth century, host Eden reveals the various ways Alexandra’s life altered Royal history

Princess Alexandra’s Historical Impact

Until 1936, all Royal births had to undergo an official process known as verification.

This centuries old custom saw the serving Home Secretary awkwardly sit in and watch the birth of a new prince or princess.

Verification began in the late 17th century, after rumours that a Catholic heir had been smuggled into the Royal bedchamber sparked the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

Alexandra’s birth was the last ever to be verified, as Eden explains: ‘It may sound ridiculous now, but the Home Secretary had to be present at the birth of any potential heir to the throne.

‘John Simon was the last Home Secretary ever to carry out this duty for Princess Alexandra.’

King George VI is believed to have formally abolished the practice shortly after Alexandra’s birth, having decided it served no practical purpose in the modern age.

The princess inadvertently made history once again just one year later, when she was christened in what is now known as the old chapel at Buckingham Palace.

The chapel was destroyed by a bomb during the Blitz in September 1940, one of nine direct hits sustained by the Palace, making Alexandra the last royal baby ever to be baptised there.

After the war, Alexandra’s mother Princess Marina of Greece made a radical decision over her daughter’s education, one that would rewrite the rules for every princess that followed.

Before 1947, royal children were taught exclusively by private tutors at home. Mixing with commoners was considered beneath the family’s station, leaving princesses isolated from the real world and the social education that came with it. With Alexandra, tradition was broken once again.

Eden said: ‘Alexandra was the first British princess to be sent to boarding school. She was sent away to the exclusive Heathfield school near Ascot in 1947.

Hear Richard Eden’s full breakdown of Alexandra’s extraordinary life by subscribing to the Daily Mail’s Palace Confidential YouTube channel.

 ‘Unknowingly, she opened the door for the likes of Princesses Anne, Beatrice and Eugenie and who knows, maybe Princess Charlotte will be next on that list.’

As a working royal, Alexandra has been exceptionally busy, serving as patron of more than 100 charities and at her peak undertaking over 120 engagements a year.

She even represented the Crown at Nigeria’s independence ceremony in 1960, such was the trust the Royal Family placed in her.

Another first for Alexandra came in 1964, when she was appointed founding Chancellor of Lancaster University, a post she would hold for 40 years.

Alexandra has served as an informal mentor to younger royals who married into the family, most notably Princess Sophie and Princess Catherine, guiding them through the demands of public royal life.

‘She may be a Princess you have never heard of until today, but now I am sure you will find it hard to forget her’, Eden said.

To hear Richard Eden’s full breakdown of Alexandra’s extraordinary life, subscribe to the Daily Mail’s Palace Confidential YouTube channel.