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Major-General Robert Bruce (1813–1862): Soldier, Royal Governor, and Brother to Lady Augusta Frederica Bruce

Robert Bruce, born on March 15, 1813 (the Ides of March) in Fifeshire, Scotland, was the son of General Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin and 11th Earl of Kincardine, and Elizabeth Oswald, my second cousin. He was also the brother of Lady Augusta Frederica Elizabeth Bruce, later known for her close association with Queen Victoria.

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Early Military Career

At just 17 years old, on June 18, 1830, Robert Bruce began his distinguished military career. Like many young men of noble birth in 19th-century Britain, he purchased a commission as an Ensign and Lieutenant in the prestigious Grenadier Guards.

In 1833, Bruce purchased his promotion to Captain, and soon after served as Adjutant of his regiment (May 1835 – July 1836). He later joined the staff of Sir Edward Blakeney, the Commander-in-Chief in Ireland, gaining valuable administrative and leadership experience.

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Service in the British Colonies

Between 1841 and 1846, Robert Bruce served as Military Secretary to his brother, Lord Elgin, then Governor of Jamaica. When Lord Elgin was appointed Governor General of Canada (1847–1854), Robert again accompanied him in the same role, overseeing critical correspondence and operations within the colonial administration.

Following Lord Elgin’s term in Canada, Robert Bruce returned to England.

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Governor to the Prince of Wales

In 1858, Robert Bruce was appointed Governor and Mentor to the 17-year-old Prince of Wales, HRH Edward, who would later ascend the throne as King Edward VII. In this prestigious role, Bruce accompanied the Prince during his studies at Christ Church, Oxford, and Trinity College, Cambridge (1859–1861).

He also joined the Prince on royal tours to Rome, Canada, and the United States between 1859 and 1860, strengthening international goodwill on behalf of the British Crown.

On December 7, 1859, Bruce’s long and loyal service was recognized with a promotion to Major-General.

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Final Years and Legacy

In 1862, while accompanying the Prince of Wales on a tour of the Near East, Robert Bruce contracted a fever and fell gravely ill. He passed away later that year at St. James’s Palace, in the residence of his sister, Lady Augusta Frederica Bruce.

Robert Bruce was married to Katherine Mary Shaw-Stewart, who continued her own distinguished royal service. In 1866, she was appointed a Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria, and later became a Lady of the Order of Victoria and Albert.

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Historical Record

Below is a copy of the 1861 England Census, listing members of the Royal Household, including Lady Augusta Frederica Bruce, Major-General Robert Bruce, and his wife, Mary (Katherine Mary Shaw-Stewart).