Tragedies That Shook Royal Families Around The World

Prince George, Duke Of Kent Died During Active Duty

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Prince George, Duke of Kent, has the distinction of being the first member of the British royal family to die in active duty in 450 years. Prince George was just 39 at the time of his death.

The incident happened on 25th August 1942, when he was traveling onboard an RAF Short Sunderland flying boat W4026 when it crashed into a hillside near Dunbeath, Caithness, Scotland. George died along with 13 other passengers. One survivor, RAF crew member Flight Sergeant Andrew Jack, claimed that the Duke was at the controls of the plane when it crashed. He also suggested there was an additional person on board who was never identified.