Lee Radziwill First Husband: Meet Michael Temple Canfield

Caroline Lee Bouvier, later known as Lee Radziwiłł, had a fascinating and complex romantic history, beginning with her first husband, Michael Temple Canfield.

Their union, shrouded in speculation, added an intriguing chapter to Lee’s life.

Michael Temple Canfield, rumored to be the illegitimate child of Kiki Preston and the Duke of Kent, entered matrimony with Lee Radziwiłł in 1953.

Their marriage, however, was not destined for longevity, as they parted ways in 1958. The relationship underwent further scrutiny when, in November 1962, the Sacred Rota declared the marriage annulled.

Michael Canfield’s professional journey was as noteworthy as his personal life. He served as a diplomatic aide and secretary at the US Embassy in London during the Eisenhower administration. Later, he transitioned to a role as an editorial representative of Harper & Row in London.

Tragically, on December 20, 1969, Michael Temple Canfield’s life was cut short by a heart attack. The incident occurred while he was aboard a BOAC flight from New York to London, marking the end of a chapter in Lee Radziwiłł’s romantic history and a poignant moment in the intriguing tapestry of her life.