13 Facts About Andrew Bertie

Andrew Willoughby Ninian Bertie was Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta from 1988 until his death in 2008.

Andrew Bertie was the fifth cousin once removed of Queen Elizabeth II, by common descent from King George III and his wife Queen Charlotte Sophia.

Andrew Bertie was educated at the English Catholic public school, Ampleforth College, and graduated in Modern History from Christ Church, Oxford.

Andrew Bertie attended the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London.

Andrew Bertie was a judo black belt and taught judo at Worth School.

Andrew Bertie was admitted to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta as a Knight of Honour and Devotion, 14 November 1956.

Andrew Bertie became a Knight of Obedience 31 March 1968.

Andrew Bertie made his perpetual vows as a Knight of Justice 20 May 1981.

In 1981 Andrew Bertie joined the government of the Order as a member of the Sovereign Council.

Andrew Bertie's election was ratified by Pope John Paul II 11 April 1988.

Subsequently, Andrew Bertie was Hospitaller of the Sanctuary of Lourdes, which is the annual pilgrimage site of the Order of Malta.

Andrew Bertie described the aims of the Order as "to help the poor and the sick; that is and always has been our primary aim":.

Andrew Bertie died in Rome from cancer on 7 February 2008, aged 78.