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INTERVIEW
Lady Marina Windsor, a connoisseur of life's simple beauties, finds inspiration in the art that speaks to the soul and the wonders of our planet. Despite being a paternal granddaughter of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, and Katharine, Duchess of Kent, Marina has kept a relatively low-key upbringing over the years, focusing her efforts on environmentalism and staying out of the spotlight.
From London's vibrant cultural scene to vintage market escapades in Notting Hill with her sister Lady Amelia Windsor, she embraces every moment with mindful appreciation. "I’m inspired by great art in all forms, that tells important stories with the power to change the world for the better and offers experiences that open the heart and mind. I’m inspired by our magical planet and nature’s breath-taking beauty and resilience which reminds us to live in the present moment," she tells CSP Times in an exclusive interview.
Beyond her love for the arts, Lady Marina is dedicated to making a difference. Engaging in charitable endeavours, she collaborates with organisations from Big Give to Blue Marine Foundation, and is driven by a passion to protect our oceans.
Here, she shares with us more about her upbringing, favourite museums and restaurants, and her pivotal role in safeguarding marine ecosystems.
1. How would you describe your childhood and upbringing and how has it influenced who you are today?
My childhood was rich with the sound of different languages and dialects, road trips around the UK and Europe, Radio 4, BBC World Service and Aretha Franklin CD’s. We were either visiting family friends in Scotland or our cousins in the Austrian mountains. Growing up in Cambridge we were lucky to have dogs, rabbits and other pets, who were our great friends, and as my parents are academics our house was full of books.
We watched mostly foreign cinema which ignited a life long love of film in all of us. I think my childhood made me, my brother and sister interested in the world, encouraged us to be kind, curious and open minded and to enjoy the beauty of life with a sprinkle of silliness and humour. I was also very fortunate to have great teachers such as my acting teacher Laoisha O’Callaghan, who enriched my school years with the transformative world of theatre.
2. As someone who loves the arts, can you share with us your personal favourite museum or theatre to visit?
Very hard to choose as any exposure to art is affecting and inspiring in some way. A prominent theatre memory is going to see 'Inheritance' at the Young Vic Theatre and needing to sit and bawl my eyes out for a good five minutes with my best friend when it ended. By the time we left, the theatre was emptied out; when art has that stirring effect on you it is quite something. I loved ‘In the Black Fantastic’ show last summer at the Hayward Gallery and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye’s solo show at Tate Britain earlier this year. The Barbican, Royal Academy and White Chapel Gallery are other favourites, as well as Pipeline - a new gallery opened by my friend Tati Cheneviere who rotates artists each month with a taster of the next show always on display in the back room.
3. What are your top favourite things to do in London?
I love a whole host of things in London. Going out dancing to music that lifts your soul is always wonderful. Eating in hidden gem restaurants and meeting friends for drinks and catch-ups in cosy, characterful pubs.
Going to independent cinemas, such as Castle Cinema, The Rio Dalston and The Gate in Notting Hill. Then going to an exhibition or play or talk that opens a whole new perspective is always spoiling and exciting, and reminds you how lucky we are to have such a rich and varied cultural capital. I love walking around London, I don’t drive, so walking or tube/bus are always my go to, and I love how much of the city you can see by getting around on foot.
4. What are 5 things that you carry with you everyday?
I’m fairly well known amongst friends for carrying a large amount of unnecessary of things in my handbag, but generally I make sure to have my refillable water bottle, a book, headphones, a reusable bag and my diary.
"I’m inspired by our magical planet and nature’s breath-taking beauty and resilience which reminds us to live in the present moment."
- Lady Marina Windsor
5. Where are your top foodie recommendations in London?
I always have a long and ongoing list of places I want to try, but these are some of my to-date favourites:
6. What are you inspired by?
People who do amazing things to help and care for people and planet and who are dedicated to making the world a better, safer, kinder place. Also, the small everyday acts of kindness that go unseen, those smiles, gestures and words of encouragement that can do so much to help someone - sometimes easy to forget but we never know what someone is going through, and those simple acts of warmth and compassion can go a long way.
I’m inspired by great art in all forms, that tells important stories with the power to change the world for the better and offers experiences that open the heart and mind. I’m inspired by our magical planet and nature’s breath-taking beauty and resilience which reminds us to live in the present moment.
7. Can you tell us a little about your work with charities like the Blue Marine Foundation?
It is a great privilege to work for organisations whose core missions are to help make the world a better place. I’ve worked for a range of organisations in the not-for-profit sector from charities to art festivals, and I feel very lucky to have worked in spaces that have aligned with my values as well as taught me a great deal.
Most recently I worked for the wonderful Big Give for two years, which helps thousands of charities across the UK through match funding campaigns - the amount of charities you’d learn about every day who do brave, brilliant and vital work is extraordinary.
Recently I joined Blue Marine Foundation as their Events Manager; they are a fantastic, pioneering ocean conservation charity with an amazing and dedicated team working hard to protect our oceans and seas in lots of ways from securing Marine Protected Areas to Oyster Restoration to campaigning against overfishing. The list goes on and I highly recommend reading more about their immense range of projects. I’m learning so much and it’s very humbling to work amongst such experts. It is an honour at a time of climate emergency to be in work that is directly involved in helping protect our natural world.
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All imagery is provided by Marina Windsor.
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