FitzGerald was the son of Gerald of Windsor and Nest, daughter of Rhys ap Tewdwr,[3] and was probably born between 1103 and 1109.
Some half-brothers held lands in Wales, including Robert Fitz-Stephen, who later secured fitzGerald's help in getting released from captivity.
[4] The cathedral chapter was divided over whom to elect, and the circumstances for the dissension are a bit murky, as two different reasons are recorded.
Theobald's securing of the promise to no longer seek the elevation of St David's was a sign of the archbishop's victory over the separatist tendencies in the Welsh church.
[3] Besides this, fitzGerald took little part in political affairs, with the main exception being his efforts in 1167 to secure his half-brother's release from the custody of Rhys ap Gruffudd.