Unconventional Wisdom

A Commoner’s Touch Kate Middleton’s dazzling social high-jump—from the pretty middle-class daughter of self-made millionaires to the future queen of England—is spectacular. But singular? Not really, says historian Amanda Foreman, who argues that Middleton’s climb to the top is actually part of a centuries-old—and very (gasp!) American—tradition.

Illustration David Hughes

For Americans, there is something undeniably Middleton may be the first British commoner to ­Alexander ­Baring, the first Baron Ashburton, familiar about Kate Middleton, the 29-year-old marry so spectacularly into the upper echelons in 1798. Bingham was the younger and pret- who, on April 29, will become the wife of Britain’s of British royalty, she is preceded by two centu- tier daughter of Senator William Bingham, Prince William. And although it’s partly her ries of American women who, armed only with the richest man in Pennsylvania and one of polished appearance—her perfect, impossibly their beauty, charm, and new money, periodi- the co-founders of the Bank of North America. straight white teeth and glossy hair—that strike cally sailed to England to find husbands—and By marrying the wildly ambitious Ashburton, a chord stateside, there’s something else about in doing so collectively helped save the nobility the head of Barings, Britain’s oldest merchant her that seems recognizable as well. from its own encroaching irrelevance. It’s some- bank, she was also responsible for the first So what is it? It’s not, of course, that Middleton thing that Middleton now has the chance to do transatlantic corporate merger. is actually, secretly American; in fact, she’s never for the British monarchy itself. The women who followed in Bingham’s wake set foot in this country. But she does represent a were no less wealthy. One of the most dazzling sort of story that is both familiar and treasured The tawdry history of Edward VIII’s marriage American-British marriages of the time was in America: that of the commoner who, through to Mrs. Wallis Simpson (the Baltimore-born ­Helen Magruder’s nuptials to the third Baron pluck and charm and determination, transcends divorcée) aside, the first Americans to marry Abinger in 1863. Although Magruder was not as her middle-class origins to win the heart of a into British aristocratic circles were, much like rich as her predecessors, her personal story con- future king. Before she and William met at the Middleton herself, confident of their position tained more than enough romance and tragedy University of St. Andrews in Scotland, Middle- and eligibility in any marriage market. Like to seduce British society. Her father was a naval ton may have been a student at the pricey and Middleton they were beautiful, educated, and officer from the South, and her uncle was the socially prestigious Marlborough College, the the first generation of their families to be raised Confederate victor of the Battle of Galveston. Any alma mater of her future cousin-in-law Princess with money. (Her parents live in Oak Acre, a doubts that society might have enter- Eugenie, but despite her grand education she is $2.5 million mock-Georgian house in the afflu- tained about the Southern belle were dispelled really the daughter of up-by-their-bootstraps par- ent village of Bucklebury, Berkshire, and own once Queen Victoria pronounced her to be “a ents, members of the newly wealthy. an online party supply business, Party Pieces.) beautiful creature.” The queen even stayed with It’s a narrative with a long tradition­—and, as it The original alliance, the one that start- them at their castle, Inverlochy—a mixed bless- turns out, a very American one indeed. ­Although ed it all, united Anne Louise Bingham and ing—during one of her annual Highland tours.

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These early American invasions into the ­higher unwittingly encouraged the trend when they American heiress marries an English lord. The echelons of society taught a valuable lesson to tried to regulate New York high society. In 1872, 22-year-old Duke of Manchester was a lying, the British. Not only was the aristocracy forced McAllister, William Astor, his brother John Ja- lazy spendthrift who fled England to escape his to accept that upbringing could make a lady just cob Astor III, and 22 other self-proclaimed blue creditors. Marriage, even to the sensual Yznaga, as much as breeding, it also realized that there bloods (each selected by McAllister) formed failed to change his ways, and as soon as his wife was something about these new­comers that set a social committee known as the Patriarchs. produced a son, he disappeared into a life of them apart from traditional women. They were Three times a year the committee held a gala in drunken excess, never bothering to contact her independent without being rebellious, confident Delmonico’s in New York, to which each Patri­ except when his allowance was late. Randolph without being arrogant. To the British, theirs arch was allowed to invite just 25 people. The and Jennie, on the other hand, married for love, was a wholly modern way of behaving—albeit purpose was to keep the newly rich from insinu- but their union was doomed by his inexorable one whose merits they had yet to accept. ating themselves into the ranks of those whose descent into syphilis-induced insanity (an occu- families had been free from trade—meaning all pational hazard for the young man-about-town By the late 19th century, the trend had gained professions except the law or banking—for at before condoms and anti­biotics), which ended even more momentum as oil, mining, railroads, least two generations. ­McAllister and Mrs. Astor in their eventual disgrace and bankruptcy. They and construction fueled the greatest period of succeeded so well that they drove the nouveau did, however, manage to produce Winston, Eng- economic growth in American history. Known riche to seek social acceptance abroad. As far as as the Gilded Age, it was the era of the first plu- the Europeans were concerned, all Americans tocratic tycoons and the robber barons, such were alike; it didn’t matter how many genera- as the Rockefellers, Dukes, Harrimans, Fricks, tions separated the Astors (who made their first To the Europeans, and Goulds, whose insatiable desire to create fortune in the fur trade) from the Vanderbilts all Americans empires crushed all be- (who had made theirs from railroads). Their fore them. In response money had the same ability to rescue great es- were alike; to these newcomers, tates from the iron grip of high taxes and de- Mrs. William Backhouse clining agricultural profits. it didn’t matter ­Astor Jr.—the Mrs. It was the 19th-century British aristocracy’s Astor—and her side- inability to distinguish or care about the finer how many kick Ward ­McAllister, a gradations of self-made fortunes that enabled generations ­Savannah native whose the exotic Jennie Jerome, daughter of New York lilting Southern accent financier Leonard Jerome, to marry Lord Ran- separated the hid his predilection for dolph Churchill, the younger son of the seventh malicious gossip under Duke of Marlborough and a rising statesman Astors from the a thin veneer of charm, in the Conservative Party. (The small detail of Churchill’s large debts was obscured by the Vanderbilts. glittering political future thought to be ahead of him.) Two years later the ravishing and even land’s greatest prime minister and statesman— more exotic Consuelo Yznaga del Valle, the and arguably the most superb outcome of these daughter of a Cuban sugar mill owner and a alliances. Southern heiress, married Viscount Mandeville, By 1894 more than 80 titled aristocrats had the future Duke of Manchester. Yznaga had been American wives. The following year another nine raised on a Louisiana plantation before being were added to the list. The most celebrated of taken in her teens to New York, where her family these weddings was that of did not fit easily into society; she was sniffed at (Consuelo Yznaga’s goddaughter) to the ninth until her illustrious marriage in 1876. Suddenly, Duke of Marlborough at St. Thomas Church on a British husband, preferably one with a title and Fifth Avenue in New York. The duke was facing a significant estate, became the latest must-have ruin, and the bride was under the sway of her accessory for the daughters of America’s early ty- forceful mother, Alva Vanderbilt, who had sworn coons. It was, after all, the most immediate path to defeat her social rival, Mrs. Astor. The Vander- to social acceptability and legitimacy. A duke was bilts had been dismissed by the Astors as parve- obviously the best catch, followed by a marquis, nus because their $60 million fortune had been then an earl, a viscount, and finally a mere baron. amassed only in the mid–19th century, whereas THE MARRYING TYPES Jennie Jerome (top), Baronets were a last resort. the first John Jacob Astor had made his money ’s mother, married into nobility These marriages were not happy ones of the two generations earlier. (The fact that Mrs. ­Astor’s in 1874. So did fellow American heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt (right, with C.Z. Guest in 1955), who sort depicted in the recent, critically acclaimed husband William had doubled his father’s wealth

wed the Duke of Marlborough in 1895. television series Downton Abbey, in which an by becoming a notorious slumlord was somehow Images Archive/Getty top: Classic Image/Alamy; Slim Aarons/Hulton Photographs, from

110 | Town & Country considered less déclassé than the ­money that had come from the Vanderbilt railroads.) Every year Mrs. Astor pointedly excluded the Vanderbilts from the Patriarch balls, until Alva retaliated by holding at her new $3 million Fifth Avenue manse the most sumptuous costume ball ever seen in New York. Invitations were sent out to 1,200 guests—but not to Mrs. Astor. The excite- ment over the ball was matched only by Mrs. ­Astor’s embarrassment at not being invited to it. After 13 years of pretending that Alva didn’t exist, Mrs. Astor swallowed her pride and paid a cour- tesy call to the Vanderbilt chateau. An invitation followed the next day. Alva’s swan-necked daughter dutifully pro- duced an heir (and a spare) to the Duke of Marlborough, but it took less than a decade for the excitement of running to dull—although not before her money was used to make over the entire western side of the building. In 1905 the bored duchess shocked society by running off to with the married Viscount Castlereagh. The relationship soon ran its course, after which Consuelo proceeded to pinch a few other women’s husbands before married bliss arrived in 1921 in the shape of a Frenchman named . The Vanderbilt-Marlborough marriage was the last straw for the press on both sides of the Atlantic, which had become obsessed with the slew of “dollar princesses” being snapped up by the scions of Britain’s grandest families. The British broadsheets claimed to be troubled by the triumph of vulgarity and excess over ancient lineage. The Strand Magazine characterized the American interlopers as “cold, calculating and OLD-FASHIONED GIRL Clockwise from left: Middleton with Prince William at a charity ball in 2008; devoted to the pleasure of social excitement.” in a candid moment; Oak Acre, the Middletons’ $2.5 million home; and with her parents, Michael and Carole. The British press has taken glee in documenting Mrs. Middleton’s faux pas. Questions of whether they were “up to the job” abounded. The mothers of these brides were also subjected to particularly vicious treatment. both used the word toilet and, later, chewed brides were far superior to their titled and en- One can’t help seeing an uncanny echo of that gum. But Mrs. Middleton should take comfort, titled grooms. Newspapers on the East and West criticism in the sort that is now ­being directed for she is in good company. Alva Vanderbilt, coasts agreed: Nothing was more disgusting against Middleton, her father, younger brother, Consuelo’s mother, was in her time a favorite than the spectacle of rich upstarts selling their sister, and, in particular, her mother. Before item of scorn for the press, which painted her daughters for the sake of a bankrupt title. “When Middleton’s parents ­founded their business, her as a mercenary gorgon. Some habits, it seems, the American woman comes to London today,” father was an airline pilot and her slim, sporty are hard to shake. sneered the San Francisco Call in 1906, “she mother a flight attendant (a fact with which the is welcomed, petted and fussed over, for she is meaner-spirited tabloids have had much fun). But there is one fundamental and crucial way in the fashion.” But make no mistake, insisted the Thanks to long-lens cameras and loquacious which Kate—happily for her—differs from her Call—she was desired only for her money. “insiders,” the whole world now knows of Mrs. socially ascendant American forerunners. The And indeed, there was no denying the large Middleton’s various faux pas, which have been British press may have sneered at the American sums involved. By the early 20th century these well documented in the British press. How, heiresses’ perceived lack of manners, polish, heiresses had brought over with them the upon meeting the queen, she said, “Pleased to and politesse, but for the American media the equivalent of $1 billion, which was gleefully

Photographs, clockwise from top right: Toby Melville/Reuters/Corbis; Stephen Daniels/Alpha/Landov; top right: Toby Photographs, clockwise from Library/Getty Images; Davidson/O’Neill/Rex USA Graham Picture POOL/Tim meet you,” and how, in the ­royal presence, she chief problem with these marriages was that the used to shore up sagging roofs and repurchase 10 More Heirs family treasures. The Americans’ money paid Her younger sister Evalina assumed a leading for the installation of bathrooms at the Earl of role in the suffrage movement. In one famous Craven’s Hamstead Hall, and the Viscount Cur- incident she threatened to take out her revolver The zon was not only able to restore the magnificent and shoot any policeman who tried to man­ Palladian mansion Kedleston Hall thanks to his handle her fellow suffragettes. wife Mary Leiter’s money, but also to buy and And it’s a similar can-do (and, yes, very Ameri- restore two other castles. can) optimism that Kate Middleton projects, and The spectacular collapse of the Vanderbilt- that makes her so attractive. Her common roots Marlborough marriage lent credence to the are now labeled her greatest asset. The knowledge Best popular American perception that these alliances­ that this is a genuine love match between two were doomed to failure. In 1909 the New York young people from vastly different backgrounds of Journal took great delight in examining some has silenced the usual cynics. And although she of the more recent scandals under the headline will not be bringing money to her marriage (the “How Titled Foreigners Catch Americans.” Windsors are estimated to be worth about $600 the But to reduce these marriages to mere busi- million and so have no need of Mr. Middleton’s ness transactions is not only dismissive, it’s fortune—although the Middletons­ did reported- unfair. There is no denying that the American ly contribute money toward the wedding, which is estimated to cost at least $10 million), she is bringing her own brand of refurbishment, which Rest Mrs. Middleton the monarchy does desperately need and which she can uniquely provide. Even ­William has said Marrying a royal may sound dreamy, but it’s hardly should take that taking on a royal role should not have to de- uncomplicated. There’s the public scrutiny, the fine his bride—­rather, it will be the other way cumbersome security detail, the inability to watch a comfort, for she is around. Marrying into the British aristocracy morning news show without seeing one’s own face. in good company. is, he said, “about carrying­ your own future and Just look at poor Charlene Wittstock, soon-to-be- making your own destiny—and Kate will make a wife of Prince Albert of Monaco, who, in addition Alva Vanderbilt very good job of that.” to suffering the loneliness and isolation she’s com- In the past two decades, the monarchy has plained of, has spent the last year studying a thick was in her time been hobbled, both by traditions and by its re- file of royal protocol. Tedious indeed. Fortunately, cent scandals. Middleton, on the other hand, charm, power, and wealth don’t come only with a a favorite item comes with no unpleasant baggage, no fusty title. These eligible bachelors may be commoners, snobbery. She represents an infusion of fresh but they’re anything but common. Danielle Stein of scorn for the energy and new attitudes; her very presence press as well. makes the monarchy seem modern, lively, open to change. The fact that she has not yet pub- licly declared her postmarriage plans for the brides’ fortunes played a fundamental role in world to analyze is both to her advantage and Key restoring the British aristocracy to its former to her credit. In contrast to the disgraced and splendor. However, more than their money, it debt-ridden Sarah Ferguson, for example, Kate = An estimated billion was these women’s cultural expectations and appears to be thinking hard about how she can independent spirits that ensured the adaptation be useful to the Windsors, rather than about = An Ivy League (or equivalent) degree of these old and intermarried families to mod- what they will do for her. Polls show that she ern life. Downton Abbey had a real-life parallel has already revived the popularity of the mon- = Potential future in politics in the marriage of Lord Abinger, a charming but archy in Britain to heights not seen since Diana dull man with a taste for beautiful architecture, married Prince Charles 30 years ago. And, curi- = A name that opens all doors and Helen Magruder. Although Abinger never ously, as an outsider she is in a position to exert had any ambitions beyond maintaining his be- a far greater influence on what the next genera- = Celebrity/Hollywood proximity factor loved castle (the romantic Inverlochy in Scot- tion of Windsors will be like than any previous land is now a hotel), their daughters would have royal consort. All she needs for success is an = Boy toys (race cars, planes, boats, made any American parent proud. Ella became understanding that she must take her role as bachelor pad) the first aristocrat, and one of the first women, the future Queen of England seriously and the to qualify as a doctor. In 1900 she went as a sin- strength of character to teach her children that = Descended from an established gle woman to ­Korea, where she was engaged as anything is possible—because she is proof that, family dynasty

the court physician to the Imperial Household. in today’s England, anything is. • Photographs: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images (gala ball); Ryan images McVay/Photodisc/Getty (frame); head shots, in numerical order: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images; © patrickmcmullan.com; Slaven Vlasic/ Images; Asia Tatler Images; Albert L. Ortega/WrieImage/Getty Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Times; courtesy Schlegel; Paul Hawthorne/GettyYork Getty Images; courtesy Creed; Ruth Fremson/New

112 | Town & Country SAM ALEJANDRO ROBERT F. ERWIN KIRBY BRANSON SANTO DOMINGO KENNEDY III CREED SCHLEGEL son of Virgin honcho son of South American son of American royalty son of fragrance dynasty son of dry concrete king beverage magnate AGE: 26 AGE: 26 AGE: 30 AGE: 33 Primary residence: AGE: 34 PRIMARY RESIDENCE: primary residence: primary residence: London primary residence: Paris Dallas PRofession: New York City PRofession: Filmmaker PRofession: Fragrance profession: Sports team Documentary filmmaker PRofession: Director, DOWRY: The Hyannis Port developer, Creed owner and consultant DOWRY: His father’s $4.2 Santo Domingo Group compound; enough funding to DOWRY: A seven-­generation DOWRY: An uber- billion fortune; Virgin airlines, DOWRY: His family’s $6 bil- have spent the last year in Italy family business that he’ll ­extravagant family manse; megastores, mobile phone lion fortune; a Harvard degree; filming the independent com- inherit; a jet­-setting lifestyle penthouse in the W Dallas; companies, etc; the entirety board positions on several of edy he wrote (which co-stars (job requires “research” trips minor league baseball team of Necker Island his family’s 100-plus holdings Alec Baldwin); and, of course, to exotic locales); great hair RED FLAG: Penchant for RED FLAG: Inherited father’s RED FLAG: Modelizer (his the Kennedy name RED FLAG: Very present party­ing with athletes and love of death-wish stunts; a re- current relationship is with RED FLAG: Dubious style (his in-laws (Erwin not only works playing the field. “Sports, busi- cently fizzled relationship with Sports Illustrated model shirt’s always one button too side by side with his father ness, women, health, philan- actress Isabella Calthorpe; Julie Henderson); constant open); rumors of a past dalli- ­Olivier but also skis, golfs, thropy, women,” Schlegel once also, blonder than you are business travel ance with Mariah Carey and travels with him) told a reporter of his interests.

CHARLES A.G. “GREGG” PIERRE DAVID ERIC ROCKEFELLER SULZBERGER SARKOZY ELLISON FOK son of U.S. senator son of newspaper baron son of French president son of software bigwig son of Hong Kong tycoon

AGE: 37 AGE: 30 AGE: 26 AGE: 28 AGE: 28 Primary residence: primary residence: primary residence: PRIMARY RESIDENCE: primary residence: New York City Kansas City Paris Los Angeles Hong Kong PRofession: PRofession: Journalist PRofession: PRofession: profession: Vice presi- Graduate student DOWRY: Good work ethic; Rap producer Hollywood producer dent, Fok Ying Tung Group DOWRY: A significant a Brown degree; oh, and DOWRY: Son of the presi- DOWRY: His father’s $28 DOWRY: Several billion in piece of his family’s fortune; presumably the New York dent of ; former model; billion fortune; his $20 million family fortune (initially reaped Stanford, Georgetown, and Times (he’s the son of Times is a white rap producer Cape Cod–style house on Mal- from his grandfather’s invest- University of Pennsylvania de- publisher and chairman Arthur RED FLAG: Son of the presi- ibu’s Carbon Beach; a bright ment in Stanley Ho’s Macau grees; an appreciation of art; Sulzberger Jr.) dent of France; former model; ­future as a Hollywood pro- gaming enterprises); fast a sense of civic responsibility RED FLAG: Proving himself is a white rap producer ducer (he was recently named cars (he’s rumored to drive (he plans to work in corporate more than just the boss’s son to Variety’s Dealmaker list) a $385,000 Ferrari); social responsibility) has required taking a Midwest RED FLAG: A daredevil business ambition RED FLAG: Seemingly none bureau chief post, meaning at streak (he’s an aerobatic pi- RED FLAG: An on-again, least a couple of years jetting lot); fancies himself an actor off-again relationship with around glamorous locales like actress Zhang Ziyi Missouri and Wisconsin