James Albert Edward Hamilton, 3rd Duke of Abercorn (November 30, 1869 - September 12, 1953) was a British Unionist politician and nobleman who became the first Governor of Northern Ireland.

His full title was: The Most Noble James Albert Edward, Duke of Abercorn, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knight of the Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick, Knight of Grace of the Most Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem, Lord of His Majesty's Most Honourable Council.

Born in London, the eldest son of James Hamilton, 2nd Duke of Abercorn, and godson of the Prince of Wales, he was educated at Eton and subsequently served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the 1st Life Guards. In the 1900 General Election, he was elected Unionist Member of Parliament for Londonderry City, and three years later he became Treasurer of the Household, a post he held until the fall of Balfour's Conservative administration in 1905.

After serving for a time as an Opposition whip, Hamilton succeeded his father as third Duke of Abercorn in 1913, and nine years later was appointed Governor of the newly-created Northern Ireland. He proved a popular royal representative, and was reappointed to the post in 1928 after completing his first term of office. In 1931, he declined the offer of the Governor Generalship of Canada, and three years later he was again reappointed Governor for a third term. He remained in this capacity until his resignation in July 1945.

The Duke was made a Knight of St Patrick in 1922, and six years later became a Knight of the Garter. In the latter year, he was also the recipient of an honorary degree from the Queen's University of Belfast, and received the Royal Victorian Chain in 1945, the same year he became a Privy Counsellor. In 1894, he married Lady Rosaline Cecilia Caroline Bingham, daughter of the fourth Earl of Lucan, who eventually died in 1958. He died at his London home, and was buried at Baronscourt, County Tyrone.

Preceded by: None

Governor of Northern Ireland 1922-1945

Succeeded by: The Earl Granville

Preceded by: James Hamilton

Duke of Abercorn

Succeeded by: James Hamilton