nickname derived from his mother's habit of calling him "Boysie", a West Country diminutive meaning "little boy", which was eventually shortened to "Bosie." This was a nickname which stuck for the rest of his life. His mother successfully sued for divorce in 1887 on the grounds of his father's adultery. The Marquess later married Ethel Weeden in 1893, but the marriage was annulled the following year.

Douglas was educated at Wixenford School, Winchester College