Dr Iain Douglas-Hamilton, CBE 1942-2025

 Dr Iain Douglas-Hamilton, CBE, who died 8 December, 2025, aged 83, was a scion of the Dukes of Hamilton & Brandon.

Douglas-Hamilton was a pioneering elephant researcher who spent nearly 60 years studying Africa’s elephants, beginning in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park with the first scientific study of elephant behaviour in the wild. A leading voice against the ivory trade, he helped drive the 1989 global ban after witnessing devastating population declines in the 1970s and 1980s. He was appointed OBE in 1992, and advanced to CBE in 2015.

He was born 16 August, 1942, the second son of Squadron Leader Lord David Douglas-Hamilton (1912-1944), by his first wife the former Ann Prunella Stack, OBE (who died 30 Dec, 2010), and was a grandson of the 13th Duke of Hamilton & 10th Duke of Brandon (1862-1940).

He married in 1971, Oria Rocco, daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Mario Rocco, by who he had issue, two daughters, Saba Iassa (born 1970), and Dudu Mara (born 1971)

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Neale/Pleydell-Bouverie engagement

The engagement was announced 9 December, 2025, between Charles Urquhart Rupert Neale (born 16 September, 1990), son of Alastair Rupert Neale and Mrs Bernadette Marie Therese de Chabot-Neale (daughter of Vicomte Charles De Chabot), of Sèvremont, France, & Lara Caroline Pleydell-Bouverie (born 1993), scion of the Earls of Radnor, elder twin daughter of the Hon Peter John Pleydell-Bouverie (born 14 January, 1958), of Downton, Wiltshire, and his wife the former Hon Jane Victoria Gilmour (born 22 March, 1959), daughter of the late Baron Gilmour of Craigmillar, PC (1926-2007), and his wife the former Lady Caroline Margaret Montagu Douglas Scott (1927-2004), daughter of the 8th Duke of Buccleuch & Queensberry, KT, DL (1894-1973).

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Hon Felicity Betty Douglas-Home (nee Jonsson) 1929-2025

 The Hon Felicity Betty Douglas-Home, who died 3 December, 2025, aged 96, was the third wife, and widow of Major the Hon Henry Montagu Douglas-Home, MBE (1907-1980).

She was born 24 July 1929, the former Felicity Betty Jonsson, daughter of Major Aubrey Thomas Jonsson (1877-1941), of Natal, South Africa, by his wife the former Elizabeth Noel Crofts, and married firstly, 28 July, 1948 (div. 1962), the Hon Victor Patrick Hamilton Wills (1926-2011), third son of the 1st Baron Dulverton, OBE (1880-1956), and his wife the former Victoria Mary Chichester (1887-1968), scion of the Chichester baronets; she married 2ndly, 16 February, 1966, as his third wife, Maj the Hon Henry Douglas-Home (born 21 Nov 1907), second son of the 13th Earl of Home, KT (1873-1951), and his wife the former Lady Lilian Lambton (1881-1966), daughter of the 4th Earl of Durham (1855-1929).

Her second husband's first wife was Lady Margaret Alexandra Elizabeth Spencer (1906-1996), a great-aunt of Diana Princess of Wales. Henry Douglas-Home was brother of the Prime Minister Sir Alec Douglas-Home (aka the 14th Earl of Home (disclaimed), later Baron Home of the Hirsel, KT, PC) .

Her 2nd husband died 19 July, 1980.

She leaves issue by both marriages, a son  and a daughter from her first marriage, Christopher Wills (born 21 Feb 1953), and Penelope Wills (born 14 Jan, 1950),  and a son from her second marriage, Peregrine Douglas-Home (born 28 July, 1967). She was predeceased by a son from her first marriage, Jeremy Wills (1955-2015).

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Sir John Christopher Calthorpe Blofeld, DL 1932-2025

 Sir John Blofeld, who died 30 November, 2025, aged 93, was a former judge of the High Court and was head of that landed gentry family, of Hoveton House.

He was born 11 July, 1932, son of Thomas Robert Calthorpe Blofeld (1903-1986), author, and his wife the former Grizel Blanche Turner (1903-1992), and was the elder brother of Henry Blofeld (born 1939), the sports journalist and cricket commentator, who was at Eton with Ian Fleming and his name is believed to have been the inspiration for the name of James Bond supervillain, Ernst Stavro Blofeld.

John Christopher Calthorpe Blofeld was a Judge of the High Court of Justice Queen's Bench Division 1990-2001. He was knighted in 1991. He was appointed a Master of the Mercers' Co in 2003.

The Blofeld pile, Hoveton House, near Wroxham, is a splendid William and Mary house, with its park originally laid out by Humphry Repton, & has been in the Blofeld family for over 300 years.

John Blofeld married in 1961, Judith Anne Howie Mitchell (who died 26 June, 2013).

Sir John is survived by three children, two sons, Thomas (born 1964), Piers (born 1968), and a daughter, Charlotte (born 1962).

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Major Michael Dermot White 1936-2025

 Major Michael Dermot White, late the Queen's Royal Irish Hussars, has died aged 89.

He was born in 1936, son of Lieutenant-Colonel Michael White, of Slaveen, Macroom, Co Cork, and married 4 November, 1961, Elizabeth Susan Brazier-Creagh (born 29 August, 1940), scion of that Irish landed gentry family, elder daughter of Major-General Sir (Kilner) Rupert Brazier-Creagh, KBE, CB, DSO (1909-2002), by his first wife the former Elizabeth Mary Magor (1913-1967), by whom he had issue, three daughters, Katherine (born 7 Apr, 1963), Victoria (born 13 Aug, 1965), and Annette (born 4 Aug, 1966).

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Francesca Fern Phythian-Adams (born 2025)

 Eve Phythian-Adams [nee Tandoi], wife of Henry William [Harry] Phythian-Adams, scion of that landed gentry family, gave birth to a daughter, Francesca Fern, 12 October, 2025, a sister for Giacomo Arthur Tandoi, who was born 27 September, 2018, and for Giulia Evelyn Tandoi, who was born 4 October, 2020.

Harry is a son of Mark Vevers Phythian-Adams [born 24 February, 1944], by his wife the former [Elizabeth] Anne Colchester [born 1946].

Harry's grandfather, the Rev William John Telia Phythian-Adams, DSO, MC [1888-1967], was Chaplain to King George V 1933-36, Chaplain to King Edward VIII, 1936, to King George VI 1936-52, and to Queen Elizabeth II from 1952.

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Litteton/Hardiman engagement

 The engagement was announced 6 December, 2025, between (Thomas) Alastair Westby Littleton (born 4 April, 1986), scion of the Barons Hatherton, son of Antony Robin Walhouse Westby Littleton (born 19 June, 1950), and his wife the Hon Aileen Mary Fitzherbert (born 29 May, 1953), scion of the Barons Stafford, and Georgina Eve Hardiman (born 1988), daughter of Paul D. Hardiman, and his wife the former Jayne Scully.

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Monteith/Hudson engagement

The engagement was announced 6 December, 2025, between Maximilian John Water (Max) Monteith (born 17 June, 1994), son of Desmond Michael Monteith (born 1957), of Oxhill, Warwickshire, and his wife the former Emma Jenefer Seyfried (born 1964), & Alicia Jane L. Hudson (born 1995), daughter of Benedict J. Hudson, of York, by his wife the former Tarnia Pattinson-Jones.

Max Moneith is descended maternally from the Holbech landed gentry family. His grandfather, John Beeton Seyfried (who died 28 March, 2008), married Anne Daphne Holbech (born 1939).

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George Nicholas Twine 1941-2025

George Nicholas Twine who died 16 November, 2025, aged 84, was descended from the Earls of Onslow.

He was born 13 May, 1941, 1st son of George Edward Twine (1909-1993), and his wife the former Barbara Opal Onslow Perkins (1915-1983), and twice, firstly 24 June, 1967, Maureen Anne Giggs, daughter of Charles Giggs of Hayling Island, Hampshire, and married 2ndly, 1998, Gillian Williams. From his first marriage he leaves a son, and three daughters.

His grandfather Sidney Perkins married 31 Aug, 1914, Minnie Margaret Matilda Mainwaring-Ellerker-Onslow (who died 19 March, 1978).

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Jane Theodora Cox (nee Vyvyan-Robinson) 1930-2025

Jane Theodora Cox, who died 27 November, 2025, aged 95, was a scion of the Vyvyan baronets.

She was born 1 January, 1930, the second daughter of Arthur Claude Vyvyan-Robinson (1880-1960), and his wife the former Patricia MacDonnell (1901-1982); and married 5 November, 1955, David Kenneth Wilton Cox (1924-2015), son of Richard Wilton Cox, of Harefield, London, by whom she had issue, two sons, Timothy (born 17 Apr, 1959), and Richard (born 31 Dec, 1961), and two daughters, Sarah (born 4 June, 1957), and Victoria (born 25 Feb, 1964).

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Peagram/Vinycomb engagement

 The engagement was announced 5 December, 2025, between Charles Sebastian Peagram (born 23 May, 1997), son of Michael J. Peagram, of Kirtlington, Oxfordshire, by his wife the former Katherine (Katy) Ellis, & Andie Katherine Colquhoun Vinycomb (born 1996), daughter of Bernard Andrew Colquhoun Vinycomb (born 1951), of Neacroft, Dorset, by his wife the former Frances A.L. Weston.

The bride-to-be is descended from the Robertson-Lockhart landed gentry family.

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New Equerry for Queen Camilla

 Major Rob Treasure has been appointed as the new equerry to Queen Camilla, succeeding Major Ollie Plunket, and is known for his charitable endeavours and military service.

Major Robert Henry Treasure, who was born in Hereford in 1996, son of Stephen Michael Treasure (1953-2021), of Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, Shropshire, and his wife the former Lucy Mary Habershon (born 1955), and a grandson of Kenneth Richard Henry Habershon (1922-1994) of Aston-on-Clun House, Craven Arms, Shropshire, and his wife the former Mary Helen C. Scott (1923-2012).

Treasure's family is steeped in military service. His great-grandfather was Major Cyril Bernard Habershon (1887-1953), late the South Wales Borderers, who married Clare Constance Jones-Williams (1894-1971), daughter of Brevet Colonel Howell Richard Jones-Williams (1863-1927), of Llanfigan, Breconshire, late the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, by his wife the former Constance Laura Frances Travers (1865-1938), daughter of Capt Francis Steward Travers (1833- ), son of Rear-Admiral Sir Eaton Stannard Travers (1777-1858). 

Treasure is a platoon commander with the 1st Battalion of The Rifles. He has recently gained attention for completing "The World's Toughest Row," where he and his team rowed over 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 40 days, raising more than £130,000 for charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support. This challenge was undertaken in memory of his father, who passed away from cancer in 2021. 

As the equerry to Queen Camilla, Major Treasure will assist in managing her daily schedule of official engagements and accompany her on public duties and overseas visits. Equerries are typically officers from the British Armed Forces who serve in this role for about three years, providing support to senior royals during their official duties. 

Major Treasure succeeds Major Ollie Plunket, who served as the Queen's first equerry since November 2022. Plunket was recognized for his dedication and service, having participated in significant royal events and charitable activities during his tenure. Queen Camilla expressed her gratitude for Plunket's contributions during a recent awards dinner, highlighting his excellence in the role. 

Major Rob Treasure's appointment continues a legacy of service and charity within the royal household, and he is expected to uphold the responsibilities associated with this prestigious position.

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Moore/Chilton engagement

The engagement was announced 4 December, 2025, between the Hon Garrett Alexander Moore [born 1986], scion of the Earls of Drogheda, second son of the 12th Earl of Drogheda [born 14 Jan, 1937], by his wife the former Alexandra Nicolette Henderson [born 1953], & Hope M. Chilton,  daughter of Mr and Mrs Richard Lockwood Chilton Jr.

Garrett Moore is a grandson maternally of the late Sir Nicholas Henderson, GCMG, KCVO [1919-2009], British Ambassador to Washington 1979-1982.

Garrett Moore's engagement 31 Oct, 2020, to Colleen Camp did not result in marriage.

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Sylvia Mary Victoria Stockdale (nee Nicholson) 1939-2025

 Sylvia Mary Victoria "Vicky" Stockdale (née Nicholson), who died 23 November, 2025, aged 86, was a descendant of the Barons Sudeley.

She was born in Bristol, 20 November, 1939, daughter of Brigadier Claude Nicholson (1898-1943), and his wife the former Hon Ursula Katharine Hanbury-Tracy (1909-1977), scion of the Barons Sudeley, and sister of the 6th Baron (1911-1941).

She married 20 February, 1965, Christopher Minshull Stockdale (1936-1970), scion of the Stockdale baronets, son of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Charles Minshull Stockdale (1902-1981), and his wife the Hon Margaret Violet Henderson (1904-1976), scion of the Barons Faringdon, by whom she had issue, a daughter, Mary (born 9 June, 1968).

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Hon Sandra Debonnaire Patterson (nee Monson) 1937-2025

 The Hon Sandra Debonnaire Patterson, who died 27 November, 2025, aged 87, was a scion of the Barons Monson.

She was born 16 December, 1937, daughter of the 10th Baron Monson (1907-1958), and his wife the former Bettie Northrup Powell (who died 9 June, 2011); and married 24 June, 1958, Major William Garry Patterson (1932-2010), late The Life Guards, son of William Norman Patterson, of Hove, Sussex, by whom she had issue, a son James William John (born 20 Apr 1970), and three daughters, Debonnaire Jane (born 19 Aug, 1959), Juliet Mary (born 9 Feb 1963), and Annabel Kate (born 12 July, 1965).

Her eldest daughter Debonnaire married 31 May, 1984, Eduard Leopold Otto Philip Wilhelm Graf von Bismarck (born 29 Aug, 1951). Her second daughter is Baroness Rayleigh, wife of the 6th Baron (born 4 June, 1960).

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Charlotte Mary Wemyss (died 2025)

 Charlotte Mary Wemyss (nee Bristowe), died 1 December, 2025, aged 74.

She was a daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Royle Lynn Bristowe (1901-1971), of Brookhampton Hall, Ickleton, Cambridgeshire, by his second wife the former Phyllis Mary Rush (1906-1993); and married 7 June, 1975,  Michael James Wemyss of that Ilk, Chief of the Clan Wemyss [born 10 Nov, 1947], of Wemyss Castle, Fife, son of David Wemyss of that Ilk (1920-2005), and his wife the Lady Jean Christian Bruce [born 12 Jan, 1923], daughter of Edward James Bruce, Earl of Elgin and Kincardine [1881-1968].

Her husband was a grandson of Michael John Erskine Wemyss of that Ilk (1888-1982), and his wife the Lady Victoria Alexandrina Violet Cavendish-Bentinck (1890-1994), daughter of the 6th Duke of Portland (1857-1943).

Charlotte Wemyss leaves two daughters, Hermione Mary (born 23 Apr, 1982), and Leonora Anne (born 25 Sept, 1986).

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Patrick Kenneth Stirling-Aird 1943-2025

 Patrick Kenneth Stirling-Aird, who died 8 November, 2025, aged 82, was head of that Scottish landed gentry family.

He was born 10 August, 1943, the elder son of Peter Douglas Miller Stirling-Aird of Kippendavie (1915-2004), and his first wife the former Penelope Anne Stirling; and married 1973, (Elizabeth) Susan Wakeham (born 1945), by whom he had issue, two daughters, Cordelia and Saskia.

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Professor the 3rd Baron Brain, MA, DM, FRCP 1928-2025

 Professor the 3rd Baron Brain, MA, DM, FRCP, died in Canada, 6 November, 2025. He was 97.

Lord Brain was Professor of Medicine, at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

He was born 6 August, 1928, the second son the 1st Baron Brain (1895-1966) and his wife the former Stella Langdon-Down.

Michael Cottrell Brain graduated from New College, Oxford University, in 1953 as a Bachelor of Surgery. He graduated in 1953 with a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Brain served as a Captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He was registered as a Member, Royal College of Physicians, London (M.R.C.P.) in 1955. He graduated from New College, Oxford in 1955 with a Master of Arts (M.A.) He was appointed Fellow, Royal College of Physicians, Canada (F.R.C.P.) in 1958. He graduated from New College, Oxford University, Oxford, in 1963 with a Doctor of Medicine (D.M.)1 He was a physician between 1966 and 1969 at Hammersmith Hospital, Hammersmith, London.  He was appointed Fellow, Royal College of Physicians, London (F.R.C.P.) in 1968. He was Professor of Medicine between 1969 and 1976 at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.

Brain's father, was FRCP 1931; President of the Royal College of Physicians 1950-57; knighted 1952; created a Baronet in 1954, FRS 1964, and raised to the peerage in 1962 as Baron Brain. At his demise, 29 Dec, 1966, he was succeeded by his elder son, Christopher, who died without male issue, 15 Aug, 2014.

Michael Brain married 10 December, 1960, Dr the Hon Elizabeth Ann Herbert (born 17 Nov, 1933), elder daughter of the life peer the Baron Tangley, KBE (1899-1973), and his wife the former Gwendolen Hilda Judd, by whom he had issue, a son the Hon Thomas Russell Brain, and two daughters, the Hon Hilary and the Hon Philippa Brain. The only son, born 23 Oct, 1965, succeeds as 4th Baron Brain and a Baronet.

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