Biography
Downer was born in Adelaide a member of the influential Downer family. His father Sir John Downer was a Premier of South Australia and member of the Australian Senate. Sir Alec's son, Alexander Downer, also a Liberal politician, was Leader of the Opposition 1994–95 and Foreign Minister of Australia 1996–2007.
He was educated at Geelong Grammar School and at Oxford University, where he graduated in economics and political science. He was the godfather of Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, brother of Diana, Princess of Wales. The Earl's godmother was Queen Elizabeth II.
After graduating from Oxford in 1932 he read law in London and in 1934 was admitted to the bar at Inner Temple. Returning to Adelaide he joined the South Australian Bar in 1935. He practised as a barrister until joining the Australian Army in 1940. He served in Malaya and was a prisoner-of-war for three years.
Read more about this topic: Alec Downer
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