David Albert Charles Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, styled as Viscount Linley until 2017 and known professionally as David Linley, is a member of the extended British royal family, an English furniture maker, and honorary chairman of the auction house Christie's UK. He is the only son of Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon and Princess Margaret, and through his mother a grandson of King George VI and first cousin of King Charles III. When he was born, he was 5th in the line of succession to the British throne; as of 2025, he is 26th, and the highest who is not a descendant of Queen Elizabeth II, his aunt.

1961Dave Hahn, Japanese-American mountaineer and journalist^[†]

David Allen Hahn is an American mountaineer, ski patroller and journalist. In May 2013, he reached the summit of Mount Everest for the 15th time—at the time, this was the most summits for a non-Sherpa climber, according to Outside Magazine contributor and climber Alan Arnette. His record was surpassed by Kenton Cool in 2022. Among Hahn’s other notable accomplishments are his 39 summits of Vinson Massif, Antarctica’s highest mountain. He has reached the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest peak, 25 times over the course of 37 expeditions.

1961Greg Townsend, American football player^[†]

Gregory Townsend Sr. is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Long Beach City before transferring to TCU and was selected by the Los Angeles Raiders in the fourth round of the 1983 NFL draft. He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Historical Events

1961U Thant is unanimously appointed as the 3rd Secretary-General of the United Nations, becoming the first non-European individual to occupy the post.^[†]

Thant, known honorifically as U Thant, was a Burmese diplomat and the third secretary-general of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971, the first non-Scandinavian as well as Asian to hold the position. He held the office for a record 10 years and one month.

Historical Context for November 3, 1961

In 1961, the world population was approximately 3,064,869,675 people^[†]

Headlines from November 3, 1961

TRADERS FORESEE BATTLE ON TARIFF; Plans for a Freer Policy Get Wide Support Here TRADERS FORESEE BATTLE ON TARIFF

PRESIDENT TAKES STEPS TO PREPARE FOR TESTING IN AIR; Says He Will Approve Atom Blasts if Needed to Hold U.S. Lead in Weapons MOSCOW IS DENOUNCED Kennedy Terms Resumption of Program 'Irresponsible' -- Truman at Meeting KENNEDY ORDERS PLANS ON TESTING

Crisis on Cabinet In Bonn Worsens; Cabinet Crisis in Bonn Worsens; Free Democrats Balk on Accord

James Thurber Is Dead at 66; Writer Was Also Comic Artist; Created Walter Mitty -- His Stories and Drawings Long Appeared in New Yorker James Thurber, Writer and Humorist, Is Dead

KENNEDY, IN CITY, SUPPORTS WAGNER IN STRONG TERMS; President Says Re-election of the Mayor Will Further Administration Aims MOTORCADE IS CHEERED Crowds Along Route Greet Both Men -- Running Mates Share the Limelight KENNEDY, IN CITY, SUPPORTS WAGNER

Notable Births

Historical Events

Historical Context for November 3, 1961