Biography

Charles Grey (1804-70), army officer and courtier, was born at Howick Hall, Northumberland, on 15 March 1804. He was educated at home under the supervision of his father, and entered the army in 1820 as second lieutenant in the rifle brigade. He became brevet colonel in 1846, major-general in 1854, lieutenant-general in 1861, and general in 1865, and was colonel of the 3rd Buffs from 1860 to 1863, and thereafter of the 71st light infantry. Grey was whig MP for High Wycombe from 1831 to 1837. He was an equerry to the queen from 1837 to 1867, and private secretary to Prince Albert from 1849 to 1861, and after Albert's death he became private secretary to Victoria (although he did not officially acquire that title until 1867), and served in this capacity until his death. He died at St James's Palace, London, on 31 March 1870.

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