Bertram Brooke


Captain Bertram Willes Dayrell Brooke, Tuan Muda of Sarawak was a member of the family of White Rajahs who ruled Sarawak for a hundred years.

Life

Brooke was the son of Charles, the second of these rajahs, and a brother of Vyner of Sarawak, the third and final ruler of that family. He was for some years heir presumptive to his brother, a claim he relinquished in favour of his son. He held the title of "Tuan Muda" and the style of "His Highness".
Brooke was educated at Winchester College and at Trinity College, Cambridge. He was president of Cambridge University Boat Club and rowed in the Boat Race in 1900 and 1901, and he was a member of the Pitt Club. He went on to serve in the Royal Horse Artillery during the First World War and act as Special Commissioner from Sarawak to the UK.
Brooke married Gladys Milton Palmer on 28 June 1904. She was the only child of Sir Walter Palmer, 1st Baronet. As wife of the Tuan Muda, Gladys took the title of "Dayang Muda" and the style of "Her Highness".
The couple had one son, Anthony, titular Rajah Muda of Sarawak, and three daughters.
Brooke is buried in St Leonard's parish churchyard, Sheepstor, Devon, along with the White Rajahs.