James Albert Edward Hamilton, 3rd Duke of Abercorn and First Governor of Northern Ireland

James Hamilton, 3rd Duke of Abercorn, was the first Governor of Northern Ireland. Born on January 30, 1869, in Hamilton Place, Piccadilly, London, he was the eldest son of James Hamilton, 2nd Duke of Abercorn, and godson of the Prince of Wales.

He held the position of Governor of Northern Ireland from 1922 to 1945. The establishment of the position of Governor of Northern Ireland coincided with the creation of Northern Ireland itself in 1921, following the Government of Ireland Act 1920.

He was a great-grandfather of Diana, Princess of Wales

Governorship

James Hamilton assumed the role of Governor of Northern Ireland on June 07, 1922, serving as the first representative of the monarch in the newly formed region.

Political Background

The 3rd Duke of Abercorn came from a prominent aristocratic and political family. He had previously served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland before the establishment of Northern Ireland.

Family and Titles

The Duke of Abercorn was a member of the Hamilton family, one of the leading aristocratic families in Ireland. In addition to his political roles, he held various titles, including Duke of Abercorn, Marquess of Hamilton, and Earl of Abercorn.

Later Years

After his tenure as Governor of Northern Ireland, James Hamilton continued to be involved in public life. He passed away on September 12, 1953.

As the first Governor of Northern Ireland, James Hamilton played a role in the early years of the region’s existence as a separate entity within the United Kingdom. His position represented the ceremonial and constitutional link between the monarch and the government of Northern Ireland.