The Kennedy family’s prominence in British high society began with Joseph P. Kennedy’s appointment as the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom in 1938, a position he held until late 1940. Alongside his wife, Rose, a skillful socialite, and their nine children, Kennedy was welcomed into a world of lavish events, forming close ties with notable figures like the Astors.
Their daughter, Kathleen, affectionately known as Kick, quickly made waves in society, being named the ‘debutante of 1938’ at Queen Charlotte’s Ball. Educated at Queen’s College, she garnered a reputation for her spirited personality and wit, solidifying her status in London’s elite social circles.
A notable highlight during Joseph Kennedy’s ambassadorship was a weekend at Windsor Castle with King George VI. Reflecting on his dramatic journey from East Boston to the heights of British society, he famously remarked to Rose, “This is a hell of a long way from East Boston, isn’t it?” However, the relationship soured when World War II began, leading to Kennedy’s resignation later that year due to his public skepticism about Britain’s resilience against Germany.
Despite her father’s departure from the UK, Kick’s affinity for the country persisted. In 1943, she returned to Britain as a volunteer for the Red Cross, gradually asserting her independence from her family’s strict Catholic values. Kick eventually married William Cavendish, the Marquess of Hartington and heir to the Duke of Devonshire, in May 1944, despite her mother disapproving of their union due to his Anglican faith.
The Kennedy family’s narrative is a fascinating blend of social influence, personal struggle, and romance against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical period, showcasing the complexities of their legacy in both American and British contexts.