Category Archives: Queen Victoria’s Household

Sarah Lyttelton, Baroness Lyttelton, Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria and Governess to the Royal Children

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2018

Sarah Lyttelton, Baroness Lyttelton; Credit – Wikipedia

Sarah Lyttelton, Baroness Lyttelton served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1837 until 1842 and then became Governess to the Royal Children, serving until 1850. Ladies of the Bedchamber were always wives of peers. Only one Lady of the Bedchamber was in waiting at a time. She was always ready to attend to the Queen. The Lady-in-Waiting attended all State occasions and presided over the Household table when the Mistress of the Robes was not in residence. A Lady of the Bedchamber had two to three waits a year from twelve to thirty days at a time.

She was born Lady Sarah Spencer, on July 29, 1787 at Althorp, the seat of the Earls Spencer in Northamptonshire. The eldest daughter, and second child, of George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer and Lady Lavinia Bingham (daughter of the 1st Earl of Lucan), Sarah was raised at Althorp, and Spencer House in London, along with her eight siblings:

Two of Sarah’s brothers also served in Royal Households. Her brother Robert served as Private Secretary and Groom of the Bedchamber to the Duke of Clarence (later King William IV) from 1827 to 1828. Her brother Frederick, the 4th Earl Spencer, served as an Equerry to Queen Victoria’s mother, The Duchess of Kent, from 1840 to 1845 and then Lord Chamberlain of the Royal Household from 1846 to 1848 and Lord Steward of the Royal Household from 1854 to 1857.

William Henry Lyttelton, 3rd Baron Lyttelton. source: Wikipedia

On March 4, 1813, Sarah married Sir William Henry Lyttelton, 3rd Baron Lyttelton. He was the son of William Lyttelton, 1st Baron Lyttelton and Caroline Bristow. Sarah and William had five children:

  • The Hon. Caroline Lyttelton (1816) – unmarried
  • George, 4th Baron Lyttelton (1817) – married (1) Mary Glynne, had issue: (2) Sybella Clive, had issue
  • The Hon. Spencer Lyttelton (1818) – married Henrietta Cornewall, had issue
  • The Hon. William Lyttelton (1820) – married (1)Emily Pepys, no issue; (2) Constance York, no issue
  • The Hon. Lavinia Lyttelton (1821) – married Rev. Henry Glynne, had issue

Continuing the tradition of royal service, one of Sarah’s granddaughters, Lady Lucy Lyttelton (daughter of Sarah’s son George, 4th Baron Lyttelton) served as a Maid of Honour to Queen Victoria from 1863 until 1864, when she married Lord Frederick Cavendish.

After 34 years of marriage, Sarah was widowed in April 1837. Just four months later, she was appointed a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria. However, due to her husband’s death, and an appropriate period of mourning, she first took up her duties in October 1838. Although uncertain of her suitability, Sarah soon adjusted to her role and thoroughly enjoyed her time at court. From her letters, she appears to have gotten along well with others in the household, and soon became a favorite of both The Queen and The Prince Consort. It is due to this closeness that she soon found herself in a new position within the Royal Household.

Having struggled to find appropriate people to raise their children, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert asked Sarah to take on the role of Governess to the Royal Children in April 1842. Somewhat reluctantly, she agreed on the condition that she be given the necessary authority to oversee the nursery and her charges. As Governess, she oversaw the nursery staff, as well as the schedules of the children, and the early stages of their education. At the time, there were just two children – The Princess Royal and The Prince of Wales – who quickly became attached to their new governess. She was nicknamed “Laddle” by the young Princess – a name by which the children affectionately called her well into their adult years. Over the next eight years, the nurseries grew to include the first seven of The Queen’s children.

In October 1850, Sarah’s daughter Lavinia died in childbirth, leaving several young children. In December of that year, Lady Lyttelton requested The Queen’s permission to retire, so that she could return to Hagley Hall and help care for her grandchildren. The Queen approved – quite reluctantly – and gave Sarah a very generous pension of £800 per year for the rest of her life.

In January 1851, Sarah returned to her family at Hagley and settled into life as a grandmother. She kept in contact with the Royal Family and occasionally met them at social functions. In January 1858, she was a guest at the wedding of The Princess Royal and Prince Friedrich of Prussia (the future German Emperor Friedrich III). Ten years later, she hosted a visit from the couple at her home in London.

At the age of 82, The Dowager Baroness died at Hagley Hall on April 13, 1870. She is buried in the Lyttelton family plot in the cemetery at St. John the Baptist Church in Hagley.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Recommended Books:
Correspondence of Sarah Spencer, Lady Lyttelton 1787-1870 edited by her great-granddaughter, The Hon. Mrs. Hugh Wyndham
Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford, Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2018

Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford

Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford was Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1837 until 1841. Ladies of the Bedchamber were always wives of peers. Only one Lady of the Bedchamber was in waiting at a time.  She was always ready to attend to the Queen. The Lady-in-Waiting attended all State occasions and presided over the Household table when the Mistress of the Robes was not in residence.  A Lady of the Bedchamber had two to three waits a year from twelve to thirty days at a time.

Born Anna Maria Stanhope, on September 3, 1783, she was the eldest daughter of Charles Stanhope, 3rd Earl of Harrington and Jane Fleming. Anna had ten siblings:

Anna’s mother had served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Charlotte from 1794 until 1818, and her father served as Governor and Constable of Windsor Castle from 1812 until 1829.

Francis Russell, Duke of Bedford

On August 8, 1808 at Harrington House in London, Anna married Francis Russell, Marquess of Tavistock (later 7th Duke of Bedford). He was the son of John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford and the Hon. Georgiana Byng. The couple had one son:

Anna was appointed a Lady of the Bedchamber in 1837, one of the first eight women appointed to the position by Queen Victoria. At the time, she was the Marchioness of Tavistock, but became Duchess of Bedford upon her husband’s accession to the dukedom in 1839. That same year, Anna played a prominent role in the Flora Hastings scandal. Along with Baroness Lehzen, Anna helped to spread the rumor that Flora was pregnant, and named Sir John Conroy as the father. It was Anna who informed Lord Melbourne of the situation and potential scandal. When the truth became known that Flora was not pregnant, Anna’s reputation – along with those of Baroness Lehzen and Queen Victoria – suffered greatly through several public attacks in the media. But her loyalty to – and from – The Queen remained strong. In 1840, she represented Queen Victoria, serving as chief mourner at the funeral of Princess Augusta, a daughter of King George III. She ended her service in the Royal Household in 1841.

Belvoir Castle. photo: By Jerry Gunner from Lincoln, UK – Belvoir CastleUploaded by Alaniaris, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18154009

Several years later, while visiting the Duke of Rutland at Belvoir Castle, Anna reportedly began the tradition now known as “Afternoon Tea”. Feeling a bit peckish in the mid-afternoon, she began having tea with cakes or sandwiches and then began inviting friends to join her. Much enjoyed, afternoon tea soon became a staple of the British afternoon.

The Duchess of Bedford died in Belgrave Square, London on July 3, 1857, and is buried in the Bedford Chapel at St. Michael’s Church in Chenies, Buckinghamshire.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Recommended Book – Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

Louisa McDonnell, Countess of Antrim

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2018

source: Wikipedia

Louisa McDonnell, Countess of Antrim

Louisa McDonnell, Countess of Antrim, was a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1890 until 1901, and briefly served as Acting Mistress of the Robes in 1894. Ladies of the Bedchamber were always wives of peers. Only one Lady of the Bedchamber was in waiting at a time. She was always ready to attend to the Queen. The Lady-in-Waiting attended all State occasions and presided over the Household table when the Mistress of the Robes was not in residence. A Lady of the Bedchamber had two to three waits a year from twelve to thirty days at a time.

Born Louisa Jane Grey at St. James’s Palace in London, England on February 15, 1855, she was the daughter of The Honorable Charles Grey and Caroline Farquhar. Louisa had five siblings:

Louisa’s early life was spent very close to the royal circles, as her father served as Private Secretary to Prince Albert from 1849 until the Prince’s death in 1861, and then as Private Secretary to Queen Victoria until his own death in 1870. The family had apartments at St. James’s Palace in London and lived in the Norman Tower at Windsor Castle and Osborne Cottage on the grounds of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, where Louisa grew up as a playmate to several of Queen Victoria’s children. Following her father’s death, her mother became an Extra Woman of the Bedchamber to The Queen and was given permission to retain the family’s apartments at St. James’s Palace. She served until her death in 1890.

Royal and government service was very common in the Grey family. Her grandfather, the 2nd Earl Grey, served as Prime Minister from 1830-1834. Her sister Mary’s husband, the 4th Earl of Minto, served as Governor-General of Canada from 1898-1904, and then Viceroy of India from 1905-1910. Her brother, the 4th Earl Grey, served as Governor-General of Canada from 1904-1911.

Louisa’s cousin, Mary Bulteel, photographed at Osborne House, 1854. photo: Royal Collection Trust RCIN 2906545

Her father’s sister, Lady Caroline Barrington, served as a Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1837-1875, as well as Lady Superintendent (governess) to The Queen’s daughters. And her cousin, Mary Bulteel, served as a Maid of Honour to Queen Victoria from 1853-1861, before marrying Sir Henry Ponsonby, who succeeded Louisa’s father as Private Secretary to Queen Victoria in 1870, serving until 1895, and also served as Keeper of the Privy Purse from 1870-1895. Another cousin, Alice, Countess of Morton, later served as an Extra Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Alexandra, from 1901-1907.

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In the Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace on June 1, 1875, Louisa married William McDonnell, 6th Earl of Antrim. He was the son of Capt. Mark McDonnell, 5th Earl of Antrim and Jane Macan. They had met at a house party in Scotland just months earlier and were quickly engaged. Louisa and William had three children:

  • Lady Sybil McDonnell (1876-1959) – married Vivian Smith, 1st Baron Bicester, had issue
  • Randal McDonnell, 7th Earl of Antrim (1878-1931) – married Margaret Talbot, had issue
  • Angus McDonnell (1881-1966) – married Ethelwyn Jones, no issue

In September 1890, Louisa received a letter from The Duchess of Buccleuch asking her to consider becoming a Lady of the Bedchamber. After initially declining, she ended up accepting the offer days later and received her formal invitation from Queen Victoria in early October. Due to her mother’s death the following month, and an appropriate period of mourning, Louisa began her service in March 1891. Having grown up in royal circles, Louisa was quickly able to settle into her position. So impressed was The Queen that she assigned Louisa to be the lady-in-waiting for the Empress of Germany during a State Visit from the Emperor and Empress in July 1891.

Queen Victoria and descendants, April 1894, in Coburg. photo: Royal Collection Trust RCIN 2905204

Louisa briefly served as Acting Mistress of the Robes, when she accompanied Queen Victoria to Coburg in April 1894 for the wedding of the Queen’s grandchildren – Ernst Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine and Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. The position of Mistress had been vacant for several years, as no one would accept the position due to Prime Minister Gladstone’s policy of Home Rule in Ireland. The Dowager Duchess of Atholl and the Duchess of Roxburghe fulfilled the duties during this time, but it was Louisa who was chosen for the trip to Coburg.

Louisa was often chosen to accompany The Queen on her annual holiday in the south of France and joined her on her last foreign trip – to Ireland in 1900. Louisa last saw Queen Victoria in December 1900, taking her final drive with the Queen on December 6th. Later that month, she sailed to Canada to visit her sister and brother-in-law, the Earl and Countess of Minto. It was while in Canada that they received news that Queen Victoria had died. She was unable to return to Britain for the funeral but attended a memorial service at Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa.

The Countess of Antrim (right) with The Hon. Charlotte Knollys, Lady of the Bedchamber and Private Secretary to Queen Alexandra, with young Prince Olav (later King Olav V of Norway). photo taken by Queen Alexandra on a Mediterranean Cruise in 1905. source: Royal Collection Trust RCIN 2924062

Upon returning home, Louisa received a letter from the new Queen Alexandra, asking her to stay on as a Lady of the Bedchamber. She went on to serve the new Queen until the death of King Edward VII in 1910. During this time, she accompanied The Queen on several foreign trips, and during a State Visit from the King of Portugal in 1904, Louisa struck up a friendship with Queen Amelie of Portugal which would last the rest of her life.

Having grown up in royal circles, Louisa also maintained close friendships with several members of the royal family. Her correspondence shows a close relationship with Princess Beatrice, and in later years she became good friends with Princess Helena Victoria (daughter of Princess Helena) and Princess Victoria (daughter of King Edward VII).

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After retiring from royal service, Louisa still kept in touch with many of her royal friends and occasionally went on holiday with Princess Victoria. She was widowed in 1918, and in later years moved next door to her sister, Lady Minto, in Chelsea Park Gardens. The Dowager Countess of Antrim died on April 2, 1949 at the age of 94. She is buried in the Antrim family graveyard at Glenarm Castle in Glenarm, Northern Ireland.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Recommended Books

  • Louisa, Lady in Waiting: The personal diaries and albums of Louisa, Lady in Waiting to Queen Victoria and Queen Alexandra compiled and edited by Elizabeth Longwood
  • Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

Louisa Montagu Douglas Scott, Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2018

Louisa at the Devonshire House Ball of 1897, dressed as Elizabeth, Duchess of Buccleuch. by John Thomson, photogravure by Walker & Boutall, 1897, published 1899. source: National Portrait Gallery, NPG Ax41088

Louisa Montagu Douglas Scott, Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry

Louisa Montagu Douglas Scott, Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry was Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria from 1885 to 1886 and again from 1895 until the Queen’s death in 1901. She continued to serve as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Alexandra until 1912. The Mistress of the Robes was always a Duchess and attended Queen Victoria on every State occasion. She had precedence over every lady of the Court and when in residence, presided at the Household table. She looked over and passed on the Queen’s personal bills sent to her from the Robes Office. During Queen Victoria’s reign, the Mistress of the Robes was a political appointment and changed when the political party of the government changed.

Born Lady Louisa Jane Hamilton on August 26, 1836 in Brighton, Sussex, England, she was the daughter of James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Abercorn and Lady Louisa Jane Russell. She had 13 siblings:

Louisa’s father had served as Groom of the Stole to Prince Albert, from February 1846 until June 1859, and was a member of the Privy Council. He served twice as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, from 1866 to 1868, and again from 1874 to 1876. In 1878, as Queen Victoria’s official representative, he invested King Umberto I of Italy with the Order of the Garter. He later served as Chancellor of the University of Ireland from 1881 until 1885.

The Marchioness of Lansdowne (née Lady Maud Hamilton), Louisa’s sister. source: Wikipedia

Several of her siblings served in the Royal Household as well. Her brother Claud served as an Aide-de-Camp to Queen Victoria from 1887-1897; and her sister Maud, Marchioness of Lansdowne, served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Alexandra from 1905 until 1909, and as an Extra Lady of the Bedchamber from 1909 until Queen Alexandra’s death in 1925. Another brother, Frederick, served as an aide-de-camp to the Governor-General of Canada and is credited as being the one who first introduced skiing in Canada in 1887.

William Montagu Douglas Scott, Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry. source: Wikipedia

On November 22, 1859 in London, Louisa married William Montagu Douglas Scott, Earl of Dalkeith (later the 6th Duke of Buccleuch and 8th Duke of Queensberry). He was the son of Walter Montagu Douglas Scott, 5th Duke of Buccleuch and 7th Duke of Queensberry, and Lady Charlotte Thynne (who had previously served as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria from 1841-1846). Louisa and her husband had eight children:

  • Walter Montagu Douglas Scott, Earl of Dalkeith (1861-1886) – unmarried
  • John Montagu Douglas Scott, 7th Duke of Buccleuch (1864-1935) – married Lady Margaret Bridgeman, had issue
  • Lord George Montagu Douglas Scott (1866-1947) – married Lady Elizabeth Manners, had issue
  • Lord Henry Montagu Douglas Scott (1868-1945) – unmarried
  • Lord Herbert Montagu Douglas Scott (1872-1944) – married Marie Edwards, had issue
  • Lady Katharine Montagu Douglas Scott (1875-1951) – married Thomas Brand, 3rd Viscount Hampden, had issue
  • Lady Constance Montagu Douglas Scott (1877-1970) – married The Hon. Douglas Halyburton Cairns, had issue
  • Lord Francis Montagu Douglas Scott (1879-1952) – married Lady Eileen Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, had issue

Through her son, the 7th Duke, Louisa is the grandmother of Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester; and through her son Lord Herbert, she is the great-great-grandmother of Sarah, Duchess of York.

Louisa was twice appointed Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria, both times during the government of The Marquess of Salisbury. Her first appointment was from 1885 to 1886, and then from 1895 until The Queen’s death in January 1901.  She remained Mistress of the Robes to Queen Alexandra and served until her own death in 1912.

The Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry died at Dalkeith Palace in Midlothian, Scotland on March 16, 1912. She is buried in the family crypt at The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, at Dalkeith Palace.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Recommended Book – Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

Anne Innes-Ker, Duchess of Roxburghe

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2018

Anne Innes-Ker, Duchess of Roxburghe; Credit – Wikipedia

Anne Innes-Ker, Duchess of Roxburghe served as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria from 1883 to 1885. She also served as one of the acting Mistresses, along with the Duchess of Bedford, from 1892 to 1895 while the position was vacant. The Mistress of the Robes was always a Duchess and attended Queen Victoria on every State occasion. She had precedence over every lady of the Court and when in residence, presided at the Household table. She looked over and passed on the Queen’s personal bills sent to her from the Robes Office. During Queen Victoria’s reign, the Mistress of the Robes was a political appointment and changed when the political party of the government changed.

Born Lady Anne Emily Spencer-Churchill on Lower Brook Street in Mayfair, London, on November 14, 1854, she was the daughter of John Spencer-Churchill, 7th Duke of Marlborough and Lady Frances Vane, and she had ten siblings:

Anne’s father served as Lord Steward of the Household from 1866 to 1867, and Lord President of the Council from 1867 to 1868. He later served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland from 1876 until 1880.

James Innes-Ker, 7th Duke of Roxburghe. source: Wikipedia

On June 11, 1874, Anne married James Henry Robert Innes-Ker, Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford (later the 7th Duke of Roxburghe). He was the son of James Innes-Ker, 6th Duke of Roxburghe and Susanna Dalbiac (a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1865 to 1895).  Anne and her husband had seven children:

  • Lady Margaret Innes-Ker (1875-1900) – married James Orr-Ewing, had issue
  • Henry Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe (1876-1932) – married Mary Goelet, had issue
  • Lady Victoria Innes-Ker (1877-1970) – married Charles Hyde Villiers, had issue
  • Lady Isabel Innes-Ker (1879-1943) – married the Hon. Guy Greville Wilson, no issue
  • Lord Alastair Innes-Ker (1880-1959) – married Anne Breese, had issue
  • Lady Evelyn Innes-Ker (1882-1949) – married William Fellowes Collins, had issue
  • Lord Robert Innes-Ker (1885-1959) – married (1) Charlotte Cooney, no issue; (2) Eleanor Woodhead, no issue

In 1883, she was appointed Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria, during the liberal government led by Prime Minister William Gladstone. She served until 1885 when the Conservative party returned to power. When Gladstone returned as Prime Minister in 1892, the position of Mistress of the Robes remained vacant, as no one would accept the position due to Gladstone’s policy of Home Rule in Ireland. For the next three years, Anne, along with the Dowager Duchess of Atholl, fulfilled the duties of the role, although neither was formally appointed.

In 1897, Anne was appointed a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria and served until The Queen’s death in 1901. In later years, she christened the RMS Mauretania, then the largest ship in the world; and served as President of the Haddingtonshire branch of the British Red Cross Society during World War I. She was made an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in King George V’s 1919 New Year’s Honours.

Kelso Abbey. photo: By Eddie Mackinnon, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9565642

After a lengthy illness, the Dowager Duchess of Roxburghe died on June 20, 1923 at her daughter Evelyn’s home on South Audley Street, Mayfair, London. She is buried at Kelso Abbey in Scotland, near Floors Castle, the seat of the Dukes of Roxburghe.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Elizabeth Russell, Duchess of Bedford

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2018

Embed from Getty Images

Elizabeth Russell, Duchess of Bedford, served as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria from 1880 until 1883. The Mistress of the Robes was always a Duchess and attended Queen Victoria on every State occasion. She had precedence over every lady of the Court and when in residence, presided at the Household table. She looked over and passed on the Queen’s personal bills sent to her from the Robes Office. During Queen Victoria’s reign, the Mistress of the Robes was a political appointment and changed when the political party of the government changed.

Born Lady Elizabeth Sackville-West, she was the daughter of George Sackville-West, 5th Earl De La Warr and Lady Elizabeth Sackville, on September 23, 1818. Elizabeth had nine siblings:

Elizabeth’s father served as Lord Chamberlain of the Royal Household from 1841 to 1846, and again from 1858 to 1859. And her brother Reginald served as Chaplain to Queen Victoria from 1846 to 1865.

Francis Russell, 9th Duke of Bedford (left). source: Wikipedia

In 1840, Elizabeth was one of the bridesmaids at the wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Four years later, on June 18, 1844, Elizabeth married Francis Russell, later the 9th Duke of Bedford. He was the son of Lord George William Russell and Elizabeth Rawdon. The couple had four children:

Woburn Abbey. photo: Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=716546

She became Duchess of Bedford in 1872 when her husband succeeded to the dukedom.  The couple inherited Woburn Abbey, in Bedfordshire (the country home of the Dukes of Bedford), and the Bedford Estate in London.  In 1880, Elizabeth was appointed Mistress of the Robes by Prime Minister William Gladstone and served until 1883. When Gladstone returned to power for several months in 1886, no ladies would accept the appointment due to his policy of Home Rule in Ireland. During his brief government service, Elizabeth served as Acting Mistress of the Robes, although she was not formally appointed.

Norris Castle. photo: By Mark Pilbeam, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6105884

The same year Elizabeth became Mistress of the Robes, her husband purchased Norris Castle, the neighboring estate to Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.  This allowed them to be close by when The Queen was in residence at Osborne.  Queen Victoria had stayed at Norris Castle twice, in her childhood, during vacations there with her mother.  She later purchased the house and property next door and rebuilt it to become the Osborne House that exists today.

Having survived her husband by six years, The Dowager Duchess of Bedford died at Latimer House near Chesham, Buckinghamshire, on April 22, 1897. She was cremated and her ashes interred in the Bedford Chapel at St. Michael’s Church in Chenies, Buckinghamshire.

Recommended Book – Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Anne Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, Duchess of Sutherland

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2018

Anne Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, Duchess of Sutherland; Credit – Wikipedia

Anne Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, Duchess of Sutherland, served as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria from 1870 until 1874. The Mistress of the Robes was always a Duchess and attended Queen Victoria on every State occasion. She had precedence over every lady of the Court and when in residence, presided at the Household table. She looked over and passed on the Queen’s personal bills sent to her from the Robes Office. During Queen Victoria’s reign, the Mistress of the Robes was a political appointment and changed when the political party of the government changed.

Born Anne Hay-Mackenzie on April 21, 1829, she was the only child of John Hay-Mackenzie of Newhall and Cromarty and Anne Gibson-Craig. Through her father, Anne was the great-great-granddaughter of George Mackenzie, 3rd Earl of Cromartie, who had participated in the Jacobite rising of 1745, the attempt of Charles Edward Stuart to take the British throne for the House of Stuart. He was captured, tried, and sentenced to death, but managed to get a pardon. In exchange for his life, he was stripped of his titles and all of his estates were confiscated. His eldest son was able to get the family’s estates restored in 1784, but not the titles.

George Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, 3rd Duke of Sutherland. source: Wikipedia

On June 27, 1849, Anne married George Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, Marquess of Stafford (later 3rd Duke of Sutherland), the son of George Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, 2nd Duke of Sutherland and Lady Harriet Howard. Anne and George had five children:

Anne became Duchess of Sutherland on February 22, 1861 upon her husband’s accession to the dukedom. Later that year, she also received titles of her own. On October 21, 1861, Anne was created Countess of Cromartie, Viscountess Tarbat, Baroness Castlehaven and Baroness MacLeod in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. These were all titles previously held by her ancestors, and were granted with special remainder to her younger son, Francis.  She also inherited Castle Leod in the Scottish Highlands, the seat of the Earls of Cromartie going back to the 17th century.

Castle Leod in the Scottish Highlands. photo: By Craig Wallace, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36322284

In 1870, she succeeded her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Campbell, Duchess of Argyll, as Mistress of the Robes, and served until 1874. The position had also previously been held by her mother-in-law Harriet Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, Duchess of Sutherland four different times between 1837 and 1861.

The Duchess of Sutherland died on November 25, 1888, at Stafford House in London. She is buried at Babbacombe Cemetery in Torquay, Devon, England.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Elizabeth Campbell, Duchess of Argyll

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2018

Elizabeth Campbell, Duchess of Argyll

Elizabeth Campbell, Duchess of Argyll, served as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria from 1860 to 1870. The Mistress of the Robes was always a Duchess and attended Queen Victoria on every State occasion. She had precedence over every lady of the Court and when in residence, presided at the Household table. She looked over and passed on the Queen’s personal bills sent to her from the Robes Office. During Queen Victoria’s reign, the Mistress of the Robes was a political appointment and changed when the political party of the government changed.

Born Elizabeth Georgiana Leveson-Gower on May 30, 1824, she was the eldest child of George Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, 2nd Duke of Sutherland and Lady Harriet Howard, who served as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria four different times between 1837 and 1861. Elizabeth had ten siblings:

George Campbell, 8th Duke of Argyll. source: Wikipedia

Elizabeth married George Douglas Campbell, Marquess of Lorne (later 8th Duke of Argyll) at Trentham Hall on July 31, 1844, in a ceremony officiated by the Archbishop of York. He was the son of John Campbell, 7th Duke of Argyll and Joan Glassel. The couple had met at Taymouth Castle in 1842 when Elizabeth accompanied Queen Victoria on her first visit to Scotland. Elizabeth and George quickly began their family, and had 12 children:

The couple took up residence at Rosneath House, given to them by her husband’s father, and enjoyed a very close and happy marriage. Both held a strong interest in liberal policies and shared many of the same interests. Three years after their marriage, Elizabeth’s husband became Duke of Argyll and Chief of Clan Campbell upon his father’s death. He also became Master of the Household in Scotland, a hereditary office that had been held by the Earls and Dukes of Argyll since the reign of King James IV of Scotland. Upon his accession, he also inherited Inveraray Castle, the seat of the Dukes of Argyll in Scotland, and Argyll Lodge in London.

Inveraray Castle. photo: By DeFacto – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43283799

Much like her mother, Elizabeth was an ardent supporter of the abolitionist movement and helped draft a letter to the women of the United States calling for an end to slavery. After the letter was sent to Harriet Beecher Stowe – author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin – the two began a correspondence and friendship which lasted for many years. She and her husband also developed a friendship with Charles Sumner, an American politician and leader in the anti-slavery movement.

The Duchess of Argyll was appointed Mistress of the Robes in December 1868. She served for just over a year before resigning in January 1870 due to her ill health. She had suffered a mild stroke earlier in 1868, and never fully recovered. She was succeeded by her sister-in-law, Anne, The Duchess of Sutherland. The following year, her eldest son John married Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter, Princess Louise, at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor.

The tombs of Elizabeth and her husband in the Argyll Mausoleum. photo © Historic Kilmun, used with permission.

The Duchess of Argyll died in London on May 25, 1878, while dining with the former Prime Minister Gladstone. She was just 53 years old. She is buried beside her husband in the Argyll Mausoleum at the Kilmun Parish Church in Kilmun, Scotland.

Recommended Book – Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

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Elizabeth Wellesley, Duchess of Wellington

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2018

Elizabeth Wellesley, Duchess of Wellington

Elizabeth Wellesley, Duchess of Wellington served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria from 1843 until 1858, and then Mistress of the Robes from 1861 to 1868, and 1874 to 1880. The Mistress of the Robes was always a Duchess and attended Queen Victoria on every State occasion. She had precedence over every lady of the Court and when in residence, presided at the Household table. She looked over and passed on the Queen’s personal bills sent to her from the Robes Office. During Queen Victoria’s reign, the Mistress of the Robes was a political appointment and changed when the political party of the government changed.

Lady Elizabeth Hay was born at Yester House, in East Lothian, Scotland on September 27, 1820, the daughter of George Hay, 8th Marquess of Tweeddale and Lady Susan Montagu (a daughter of the 5th Duke of Manchester). She had 13 siblings:

Her sister Susan, Marchioness of Dalhousie also served briefly as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria in 1842. And her brother William, 10th Marquess of Tweeddale, was appointed by Queen Victoria as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland from 1889 to 1892 and again from 1896 to 1897.

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On April 18, 1839, Elizabeth married Arthur Wellesley, Marquess of Douro (later 2nd Duke of Wellington). He was the son of the famed Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington and the Hon. Catherine Pakenham. The marriage, which was arranged by their families, was never particularly happy and they had no children. She did, however, have a very close relationship with her father-in-law.

She became Duchess of Wellington upon her husband’s accession to the title in 1852. At that time, they inherited Stratfield Saye House in Hampshire, the family seat of the Dukes of Wellington, and Apsley House, the family home in London.

Following the retirement of Harriet Sutherland in April 1861, Elizabeth was appointed Mistress of the Robes. She held the position until 1868, serving in governments led by four different Prime Ministers – Viscount Palmerston (1861-1865), Earl Russell (1865-1866), Earl of Derby (1866-1868), and Benjamin Disraeli (1868). When Disraeli returned to power in 1874, Elizabeth was once again appointed Mistress of the Robes, serving until 1880.

Stratfield Saye House. photo: By Andrew Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14172142

The Dowager Duchess of Wellington died in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, on August 13, 1904 – exactly twenty years to the day after her husband. She is buried alongside him at Stratfield Saye House.

Recommended Book – Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Louise Montagu, Duchess of Manchester

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2018

Louise, Duchess of Manchester, 1884. source: Royal Collection Trust, RCIN 2809221

Louise Montagu, Duchess of Manchester

Louise Montagu, Duchess of Manchester served as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria briefly from 1858-1859. The Mistress of the Robes was always a Duchess and attended Queen Victoria on every State occasion. She had precedence over every lady of the Court and when in residence, presided at the Household table. She looked over and passed on the Queen’s personal bills sent to her from the Robes Office. During Queen Victoria’s reign, the Mistress of the Robes was a political appointment and changed when the political party of the government changed.

Because of her second marriage to the Duke of Devonshire years later, she became known as “The Double Duchess”, and is renowned for throwing the famed Devonshire House Ball of 1897.  She was born Luise Friederike Auguste, Countess von Alten on June 15, 1832 in Hanover, the daughter of Karl Franz Viktor, Count von Alten and Hermine de Schminke.  Luise had three siblings:

  • Helene von Alten (1830-1890) – married Count André Bludoff
  • Guidobaldine von Alten (1838-1922) – married (1) Auguste Grote; (2) Hermann von Bülow
  • Julie von Alten (1835-1915) – married Emil von Albedyll

William Montagu, 7th Duke of Manchester. source: Wikipedia

In Hanover on July 22, 1852, Luisa married William Montagu, Viscount Mandeville (later the 7th Duke of Manchester). He was the son of George Montagu, 6th Duke of Manchester and Millicent Sparrow. The couple had five children:

She became Louise Montagu, Viscountess Mandeville upon marriage, and then Duchess of Manchester upon her father-in-law’s death in 1855. Their home was Kimbolton Castle in Cambridgeshire – the family seat of the Dukes of Manchester since 1615. They also spent time at Tandragee Castle in Northern Ireland, built in the 1830s by Louise’s father-in-law.

In 1858, Louise was appointed Mistress of the Robes in March 1858 and served until June of the following year. She was both preceded and succeeded in the position by Harriet Sutherland- Leveson-Gower, Duchess of Sutherland. In addition to serving The Queen, Louise became friends with The Prince and Princess of Wales and other members of the Royal Family. These friendships would last for the rest of her life.

Spencer Cavendish, 8th Duke of Devonshire. source: Wikipedia

After separating from her husband, Louise began a relationship with Spencer Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington – the heir to the Dukedom of Devonshire. He was the son of William Cavendish, 7th Duke of Devonshire and Lady Blanche Howard. Following her husband’s death in 1890, the widowed Louise and Spencer, by then the 8th Duke, married at Christ Church in Mayfair on August 16, 1892. They had no children.

As Duchess of Devonshire, Louise had numerous residences at her disposal. These included Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, the seat of the Dukes of Devonshire; Devonshire House in Piccadilly – the family’s London residence; Bolton Abbey in North Yorkshire, and Lismore Castle in County Waterford, Ireland.

The Duchess of Devonshire, dressed as Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra. photograph by Walker & Boutall, July 1897. source: National Portrait Gallery NPG Ax41001

It was at Devonshire House that Louise hosted a lavish costume ball to celebrate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. Held on July 2, 1897, the Devonshire House Ball saw many royals in attendance, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of York, The Duke and Duchess of Fife, Princess Victoria, The Duke Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, The Duke and Duchess of Teck, Prince Charles and Princess Maud of Denmark, The Emperor and Empress of Russia, Grand Duke Mikhail Mikhailovich of Russia and The Countess of Torby, the Maharajah Duleep Singh and Prince Victor Duleep Singh. Also in attendance were many members of the British aristocracy and London society. The Duchess of Devonshire dressed as Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra. The ball was from all accounts, the highlight of the 1897 London Season.

Louise was widowed again in March 1908. Three years later, The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire passed away on July 15, 1911 after suffering a seizure while attending the Sandown Races in Esher Park. She is buried in the churchyard at St. Peter’s Church in Edensor, the traditional burial site of the Dukes of Devonshire and their families.

Several members of Louise’s family later served in the Royal Household of Queen Alexandra. Her daughter Louisa, Countess of Gosford, served as a Lady of the Bedchamber from 1901 until the Queen’s death in 1925. Louisa’s husband, The Earl of Gosford, also served as Vice-Chamberlain of The Queen’s Household from 1901 until his own death in 1922. Another daughter, Alice, Countess of Derby served as a Lady of the Bedchamber from 1901 until 1910, and then as an Extra Lady of the Bedchamber from 1910 until 1925.

Recommended Book – Serving Queen Victoria: Life in the Royal Household by Kate Hubbard

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.