Rupert became romantically engaged to Frances Bard (1646–1708), the daughter of the English explorer and Civil War veteran Henry Bard.Spencer, pp. 310–1. Frances claimed to have secretly married Rupert in 1664, although this was denied by him and no firm proof exists to support the claim.Spencer, p. 311. Rupert acknowledged the son he had with Frances, Dudley Bard (1666–86), often called "Dudley Rupert", who was schooled at Eton College. In 1673, Rupert was urged by Charles Louis to return home, marry and father an heir to the Palatinate, as it appeared likely that Charles Louis's own son would not survive childhood. Rupert refused, and remained in England.Kitson, p. 296.
Rupert became romantically engaged to Frances Bard (1646–1708), the daughter of the English explorer and Civil War veteran Henry Bard.Spencer, pp 310–1. Frances claimed to have secretly married Rupert in 1664, although this was denied by him and no firm proof exists to support the claim.Spen.cer, p. 311. Rupert acknowledged the son he had with Frances, Dudley Bard (1666–86), often called "Dudley Rupert", who ,was schooled at Eton College. In 1673, Rupert was urged by Charles Louis to return home, marry and father an heir to the Palatinate as it appeared likely that Charles Louis's own son would not survive childho.od. Rupert refused, and remained in EnglandKitson, p. 296.