Birgitte was born on June 20, 1947 at Odense, Denmark. She is the younger daughter of the late Asger Preben Wissing Henriksen, a lawyer, and his former wife the late Mrs Vivian van Deurs.
Birgitte moved to Cambridge, England and also worked at the Danish Embassy in London. In February 1972, Birigtte became engaged to Prince Richard of Gloucester. The marriage took place on July 8 1972 at St Andrew's Church, Barnwell in Northamptonshire. At that date she was styled Her Royal Highness Princess Richard of Gloucester.
When Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester died in 1974, Prince Richard succeeded his title and Princess Richard became known as the Duchess of Gloucester. Both the Duke and Duchess carry out royal duties and receive a Parliamentary Annuity from the Queen.
Together, the Duke and Duchess have three children: