Charles FitzRoy, Duke of Cleveland
(1662-1730), Illegitimate son of Charles IISitter associated with 2 portraits
Charles Fitzroy was the illegitimate eldest son of Barbara Palmer, Countess of Castlemaine and King Charles II. His birth marked the separation of his parents; Lord Castlemaine, his nominal father, a Roman Catholic, had him christened into the Roman Catholic faith, but six days later the King had him re-christened into the Church of England. In 1670 he was created Duke of Southampton and upon the death of his mother in 1709 he became 2nd Duke of Cleveland. He was able to inherit this title even though he was illegitimate through a special proviso included by his father when the Dukedom was created.
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