He was a son of George Grey, 2nd Earl of Kent and his first wife Anne Woodville.

[2] His maternal grandparents were Richard Woodville, 1st Earl Rivers and Jacquetta of Luxembourg.

[6] He was created a Knight of the Garter in 1505, alongside the latter Henry Stafford, 1st Earl of Wiltshire.

[7] Richard wound up heavily in debt,[6] probably through gambling, and was forced to alienate most of his property.

Henry tried, with little success, to reacquire the property Richard had sold, and had to live as a modest gentleman, never formally taking title as earl.