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John Ambler

1924 – 2008

British businessman

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About John Ambler

Lived 1924 – 2008 (aged 83). John Ambler was a British businessperson.

John Kenneth Ambler (6 June 1924 – 31 May 2008) was a British businessman married to Princess Margaretha of Sweden.

Life and work Ambler was born in Dorking, Surrey. His parents were Captain Charles Ambler (1896–1954) and Louise Gwendolen Cullen (1895–1980). In October 1942, he was commissioned in the Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey).

Princess Margaretha and John Ambler were married in Gärdslösa Church, Öland, on 30 June 1964. The couple then lived in England, first in London and later at Chippinghurst Manor outside Oxford. They had three children: Sybilla Louise (b. London, 14 April 1965), Charles Edward (b. London, 14 July 1966) and James Patrick (b. Oxford, 10 June 1967).

For many years John Ambler was a director of Atlas Express Ltd (which provided nationwide parcel delivery services) and managing director of Atlas Air Express. In the late 1950s he used Freddie Laker's Channel Air Bridge car ferry flights, from Southend to Rotterdam and Ostend. Working with continental hauliers Ambler later established Trukair, a parcel delivery network connecting the UK and the Common Market and Scandinavia; this was a pioneering venture, before the inception of daily roll-on, roll-off ferry services between the UK and the Continent. After business declined, the family had to vacate their home, Chippinghurst Manor (which was owned by James Gladstone McDougall, a member of a flour milling dynasty), and move to a smaller house.

The Amblers often visited the Swedish royal family at Solliden Palace in Öland and John Ambler often participated in King Carl XVI Gustaf's autumn hunts. -- 50px

Foreign honours Recipient of the Wedding Medal of Princess Beatrix and Claus Van Amsberg.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Also known as
John Kenneth Ambler

Family & relationships

Spouse
Princess Margaretha, Mrs. Ambler

People in John Ambler's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Ambler's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Ambler?

British businessman (1924-2008)

When was John Ambler born?

John Ambler was born on 6 June 1924 in Sussex.

When did John Ambler die?

John Ambler died on 31 May 2008 in Oxfordshire.

What was John Ambler's occupation?

John Ambler was a businessperson.

What nationality was John Ambler?

John Ambler was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Ambler

· Wikidata: Q5548600

· DBpedia: John Ambler

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Ambler. https://biography.guide/john-ambler/

MLA: "John Ambler." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-ambler/.

Chicago: "John Ambler." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-ambler/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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