Connaught and Strathearn, Duke of (1850-1942), served as governor general of Canada from 1911 to 1916. The governor general represents the British monarch, who is Canada’s head of state. Connaught was the third son of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. His presence in Canada as governor general helped inspire patriotism there during the early years of World War I (1914-1918). During the war, Connaught helped reestablish the Canadian Patriotic Fund, which aided dependents of people serving in the Canadian armed forces.
Connaught was born on May 1, 1850, in London. His full given name was Arthur William Patrick Albert, and he was known as Prince Arthur. In 1868, the prince became an army officer. During the late 1800’s, he fought in Canada and Egypt and served with British troops in India and Ireland. In 1874, Prince Arthur became the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn. In the army, he became a general in 1893 and a field marshal in 1902. From 1907 to 1909, he served as commander in chief of British forces in and around the Mediterranean Sea. He died on Jan. 16, 1942.
