Andrew Russell, 15th Duke of Bedford

Bedford was educated at Hall School, Hampstead and Heatherdown School, near Ascot in Berkshire, followed by Harrow School and Harvard, where he received his BA degree. He was known as Lord Howland until his grandfather's death in 2002, when he adopted the courtesy title Marquess of Tavistock, previously held by his father, Robin Russell, 14th Duke of Bedford. He succeeded to the Dukedom of Bedford the following year after his father suffered a fatal stroke. He also succeeded to the titles of 19th Earl of Bedford, 15th Marquess of Tavistock, 17th Baron Russell of Thornhaugh, and 15th Baron Howland of Streatham, all on 13 June 2003. Since then he has been styled His Grace The Duke of Bedford.

Bedford is married to Louise Rona Crammond (born November 1962 at Marylebone, London), with the wedding taking place on 16 October 2000 at St Margaret's Church, Westminster, London, Greater London, Middlesex. Louise is the first daughter of Donald Ian Crammond (born Willesden, Middlesex, May 1936) and Rona Zara Clifford-Johns (born 22 November 1939). Louise is the maternal granddaughter of Ernest Clifford-Johns was son of Ernest Morgan Johns (Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales, October / December 1872 - ?) and wife (Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales, January / March 1903) Rachel Winifred Matthews (Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales, October / December 1875 - ?).

The Duke and Duchess have two children:

• Lady Alexandra Lucy Clare Russell (b. 9 July 2001)
• Henry Robin Charles Russell, Marquess of Tavistock (b. London, Greater London, Middlesex, 7 June 2005)

Bedford also has two brothers, Robin and James.

• "Burke's Peerage and Baronetage"