Jake Jasper Foale (born 2019)

 Georgia Celia Foale (nee Grimond, born 1983), wife of James Spencer (Jamie) Foale (born 1986), gave birth to a son, Jake Jasper, in 2019.

Georgia is a daughter of the Hon John Jasper Grimond (born 1946), of Oxfordshire, and his wife the former Roberta Katherine (Kate) Fleming (born 1946), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Lt-Col Robert Peter Fleming (1907-1971), and his wife the actress Dame Celia Johnson, DBE (1908-1982).

Jamie Foale is the younger son of Dr Rodney Alan Foale (born 1946), of London, and his former wife Lady Emma Cecile Dewe Mathews (nee Gordon, born 26 May, 1953), scion of the Marquesses of Aberdeen & Temair, & Georgia Celia Grimond (born 1983), 

Jamie Foale is a grandson of the late 6th Marquess of Aberdeen & Temair (1920-2002).

Georgia Grimond is a granddaughter of the life peer the Baron Grimond (1913-1993) who as Jo Grimond was Leader of the Liberal Party.

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Theodoracopulos/Balfour marriage

The marriage took place in 2019 between Alexis Theodoracopulos (born 1979), son of Harilaos "Harry" Theodoracopulos (born c. 1934), ship owner, by his wife Gail McKinney, & Eleanor Cecily Isabelle Balfour (born 2 April, 1989), scion of the Earls of Balfour, daughter of the Hon Charles George Yule Balfour (born 23 April, 1951), and his second wife, Reichsgräfin Svea Maria Cecily Lucrezia von Goëss (born 16 February, 1962).

The Hon Charles Balfour is the younger brother and heir presumptive of the 5th Earl of Balfour (born 9 December, 1948).

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Wilfred Richard Montagu Douglas Scott [born 2019]

 Lady Charles Montagu Douglas Scott [nee (Frances) Flora Jane Summerfield, born 1986], wife of Lord Charles David Peter [Charlie] Montagu Douglas Scott [born 1987], scion of the Dukes of Buccleuch and Queensberry, gave birth to a second son, Wilfred Richard, in 2019, a brother for Rufus Peter Francis, born in 2017.

Lord Charlie Montagu Douglas Scott is the second son of the 10th Duke of Buccleuch, KT [born 14 February, 1954], and his wife the former Lady Elizabeth Marian Frances Kerr [born 8 June, 1954], scion of the Marquesses of Lothian. 

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Eliza Tamara Dorrien Smith (born 2019)

 The Hon Isabella Dorrien Smith (nee Monson, born 10 July, 1986), wife of Michael Horace Dorrien Smith (born 11 March, 1987), scion of that landed gentry family of Tresco Abbey, gave birth to a daughter, Eliza Tamara, in 2019.

Michael Dorrien Smith is the second son of Robert Arthur Dorrien Smith (born 15 May, 1951), and his former wife the former Lady Emma Windsor-Clive (born 13 February, 1954), scion of the Earls of Plymouth.

Isabella is the daughter of the 12th Baron Monson (born 19 October, 1955), and his first wife the former Hilary Martin.

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Albert Inskip [born 2019]

 _. The Hon Lara Elizabeth Inskip [nee Hughes-Young, born 1987], wife of Thomas Hampden Inskip [b 1986] descended from the Noel-Buxton barons, gave birth to a son, Albert, in 2019.

Thomas Inskip, a close friend of the Duke of Sussex, is a son of Oliver Hampden Inskip by his wife the former Clare Elizabeth Anne Noel-Buxton.

The Hon Lara Elizabeth Inskip is a daughter of the 2nd Baron St Helens [b 1945], and Baroness St Helens.

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Lady Dido Rose Montagu Douglas Scott [born 2019]

  The Countess of Dalkeith [nee Elizabeth Honor Cobbe, born 1986], wife of Walter John Francis Scott, formerly Montagu Douglas Scott, styled Earl of Dalkeith (b 8 Aug, 1984), gave birth to a daughter, Lady Dido Rose, in 2019, a sister for Willoughby and Hester.

Lord Dalkeith is the elder son and heir of the 10th Duke of Buccleuch & Queensberry, KBE, DL (b 1954), by his wife the former Lady Elizabeth Marian Frances Kerr (b 1954), scion of the Marquesses of Lothian, 

Lady Dalkeith is a sion of that Irish gentry family of Newbridge House, Dublinounger younger daughter of Mr Hugh Michael Thomas Cobbe (b 1942), of East Woodhay, Hampshire, by his wife the former Katherine Elizabeth Chichester, dau of Charles Chichester. 

The Cobbe forebears include Frankland baronets, Arbuthnots and John Jay (1745-1829), one of the most important of the American Founding Fathers -- co-author of the "Federalist Papers" and first chief justice of the United States. 

-=-

Sir Francis Drake Clark, 5th Baronet 1924-2019

 _. Sir Francis Clark, 5th Baronet, died 20 December, 2019. He was 95.

Francis Drake Clark was born 16 July, 1924, second son of Sir Thomas Clark, 3rd Baronet [1886-1977], and his wife the former Ellen Mercy Drake [died 1987], and succeeded to the baronetcy in 1991, on the demise of his elder brother, Sir John Douglas Clark, 4th Baronet [1923-91].

He married 14 August, 1958, Mary Andrews [died 1994], daughter of John Alban Andrews, by whom he had a son, Edward Drake Clark, born 27 April, 1966, who now succeeds to the baronetcy.

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Trafelet/Percy marriage

_, The marriage took place 19 December, 2019, at Mercer Mill Plantation, Georgia, United States, between Mr Remy White Trafelet, and the Lady Melissa Jane [Missy] Percy [born 20 May, 1987], younger daughter of the 12th Duke of Northumberland [born 16 November, 1956], of Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, and Syon House, Middlesex, by his wife the Duchess of Northumberland [the former Isobel Jane Richard].

Lady Melissa is expecting her first child in the Spring of 2020. She was married firstly, 2013 [divorced 2016] to Thomas Alexander van Straubenzee [born 1982], scion of that landed family.

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Wilson/Muir-Mackenzie engagement

The engagement was announced 24 December, 2019, between James A.R. Wilson, son of Mr Richard Wilson, of Ashford Hill, Hampshire, by his wife Rosamunde, and Georgina Mary Muir-Mackenzie [born 1 March, 1987], daughter of Sir Alexander Alwyne Henry Charles Brinton Muir-Mackenzie, 7th Baronet [born 8 December, 1955], of Gillingham, Dorset, by his wife the former Susan Carolyn Hayter [now Lady Muir-Mackenzie, of Sherborne, Dorset.]

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Serena Venetia Charlotte Dale [born 2019]

_. Sophia Lucy Dale [nee Brudenell, born 1985], wife of Capt Charles Edward Brian Dale ][born 1982], and scion of the Marquesses of Ailesbury, gave birth to a daughter, Serena Venetia Charlotte, 13 December, 2019.

Capt Charles Dale is a son of [Frederick] David Dale by his former wife the former Marion J. Hartley [later Mrs Mark Hudson].

Sophia is a daughter of Thomas Mervyn Brudenell [born 1956], by his first wife the former Venetia Jane Chaworth-Musters [1954-1993], scion of that landed gentry family.

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Antony Burrard Horatio Nelson 1935-2019

_. Antony Burrard Horatio Nelson, who died on the Isle of Lewis, 5 December, 2019, aged 84, was a scion of the Earls Nelson.

He was born 5 July, 1935, son of John Charles Horatio Nelson [1905-94], by his wife the former  Alice Helen Rainey-Robinson [1910-2005], scion of that landed family.

Antony Nelson was a great-great-grandson of the 2nd Earl Nelson, of Merton and of Trafalgar [1786-1835], who was a nephew of the great Horatio Nelson, Viscount Nelson of Trafalgar, &c.

Antony Nelson married firstly, 2 Apr, 1960 [divorced 1989], Judith Constance Howard, daughter of Brigadier Thomas Farquharson Ker Howard, by whom he had issue, 2 sons and 2 daughters; married secondly, 6 December, 1990, Vasanthi Muriel Vedanyakam, daughter of Charles Vedanyakam, by whom he had a further two daughters

The funeral service was held at Ness, on Friday 13 December, 2019.

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Wingfield/Bukanova engagement

_. The engagement was announced 23 December, 2019, between Thomas C. Wingfield, scion of the Wingfields of Onslow Park, Salop, son of John George Owen Wingfield [born 1957], of Onslow Park, by his wife the former [Marie] Claire Pearson [born 1957], & Frau Elisabeth A. Bukanova, daughter of Gospodin Alexey Vladimirovich Bukanova, of St Petersburg, and Frau Larissa Anatolyevna Kloss, of Wurzburg, Franconia.

-=-

Lyla Diana Helen Mitchell-Innes [born 2019]

_. Charlotte Elizabeth Mitchell-Innes [born 1985, née Groves], wife of Peter Stewart Mitchell-Innes [born 1985], scion of that landed family, gave birth to a daughter, Lyla Diana Helen, 13 December, 2019, a sister for Jasper William David, who was born 8 February, 2017.

Peter is a son of Ian Stewart Mitchell-Innes [born 1947] by his wife the former Diana Brooke Dean. 

Charlotte is a daughter of Richard William Lewis Groves [born 1957], by his wife the former Helen Mary Keppel Charteris [born 1956], scion of the Earls of Wemyss & March,

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Gore/Sinclair engagement

 _. The engagement was announced 21 December, 2019, between Robert William Gore [born 1986], scion of the Earls of Arran, younger son of Nicholas David Gore [born 7 September, 1952], of Westcombe, Somerset, by his wife the former Christine Mary Clothier [born 1948], and Iona Caroline Sinclair [born 1988], daughter of Hugh J. Sinclair, of Goldenlands, Wiltshire, by his wife the former Caroline S.C. Naylor.

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Sarah Phillips [nee Palmer-Tomkinson] 1949-2019

_. Sarah Phillips, who died 16 December, 2019, was a scion of the Palmer-Tomkinson family, descended from the Palmer baronets. She was a third cousin several times removed of the Queen through her descent from the Abel Smith landed gentry family.

She was born in 1949, a daughter of James Algernon Palmer-Tomkinson [1915-1952], by his wife the former Doris Friedrich [1919-1997]; married 1975, Michael L.E. [Micko] Phillips, by whom she had issue, two sons, Patrick and David and a daughter, Rebecca.

Sarah's brother, Charles, a close friend of the Prince of Wales, is father of Santa Sebag-Montefiore and the late socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson.

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John Edward Chetwynd-Talbot 1934-2019

_. John Edward Chetwynd-Talbot, who died 13 December, 2019, aged 85, was a scion of the Earls of Shrewsbury, Talbot and Waterford, the Premier Earldom on the Rolls of England and Ireland.

He was born 29 October, 1934, son of Squadron Leader John Arthur Chetwynd-Talbot [born 14 March, 1905], by his first wife the former Helen Mary Townsend [1906-69].

He married firstly, 3 April, 1959 [div 1964], Sonja Ann Walker, daughter of Roger Walker; married secondly, 4 April, 1967, Belinda Bess Gilchrist, daughter of Maj Euan Gilchrist; he leaves two daughters, Jane and Sarah, from the first marriage, and a son, Edward and two daughters, Mary and Prudence from the second marriage.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at St Mary's Church, Great Bedwyn, 14 January, 2020.

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Hon Jacqueline Patricia Hutton [nee Grant] 1942-2019

_. The Hon Jacqueline Patricia Hutton, who died at Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, 12 December, 2019, aged 77, was a scion of the Barons Strathspey. She was born 19 January, 1942, daughter of the 5th Baron Strathspey [1912-1992], by his first wife the former Alice Bowe [died 2002]; married 30 Apr, 1966, Malcolm Usheen Lingen Hutton, son of Capt Ronald Stamford Lingen Hutton.

-=-

Wilbur Alexander Sholto Robertson [born 2019]

 _. Camilla Rose Francisca Robertson [née Currey, born 1986], wife of Alexander Robertson, and scion of the Barons Howard De Walden, gave birth to a son, Wilbur Alexander Sholto, 12 December, 2019, a brother for Arthur Rafe Charles, who was born 3 November, 2017.

Camilla Robertson is a daughter of Charles Alistair Currey by his wife the former Hon Henrietta Mary Rosario Czernin [born 1960], daughter of the [10th] Baroness Howard De Walden [born 1935].

Alexander Robertson is a son of Robert Robertson, of Bradfield, Berkshire.

-=-

Peerage for Zac Goldsmith confirmed

_. The Rt Hon Zac Goldsmith has been confirmed as a Minister of State (unpaid) at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for International Development.

'The Queen has been pleased to signify Her intention of conferring a peerage of the United Kingdom for Life on Zac Goldsmith.' 

Goldsmith was Conservative MP for Richmond Park 2010-2019.

Zacharias Frank Goldsmith was born on 20 January 1975, a son of the late Sir James Michael Goldsmith [1933-97], by his wife the former Lady Annabel Vane-Tempest-Stewart [born 13 June, 1934]. daughter of the 8th Marquess of Londonderry [1902-55].

He married, firstly, 5 June, 1999, Sheherazade Ventura-Bentley [born 14 March, 1974], daughter of John Ransome Bentley and actress Vivienne Ventura, by whom he has a son, and two daughters; married secondly, 15 March, 2013, Alice Miranda Rothschild [born 29 November, 1983], scion of the Barons Rothschild, daughter of the late Hon Amschel Mayor James Rothschild [1955-96], by his wife the former Anita Patience Guinness [born 7 December, 1957], scion of the merchant banking branch of the Guinness brewing dynasty, by whom he has a son and two daughters.

-=-

Archie Mountbatten-Windsor really is Lord Archie, says peerage expert

Patrick Cracroft-Brennan, editor of Cracroft's Peerage and one of the UK's leading experts in peerage law, in a recent addition to Cracroft Peerage's entry on the Dukedom of Sussex writes:
'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex issued a statement shortly after their son's birth that he would not bear any courtesy titles, and would be known as "Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor".  This is a complete break with tradition and with the laws governing peerages.  Until such time as this is confirmed by a Royal Warrant we will continue to refer to him as the Earl of Dumbarton'.

He was, as son of a duke, BORN with the rank of a duke of in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, and is legally 'Lord Archie' Mountbatten-Windsor.

It was expected that Archie would be styled as Earl of Dumbarton, which is Prince Harry's earldom, created with the Dukedom of Sussex and Barony of Kilkeel in May, 2018.

A Palace statement announced that no courtesy titles would be borne by the seventh in line to the throne, and that he will be KNOWN as Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor.

It will be interesting to see how the College of Arms handles the case of 'Master' Mountbatten-Windsor. The eldest son of a duke by custom uses one of his father's peerages as a 'courtesy' title, but like his younger brothers he is also 'Lord' [Christian name] Surname, and was born so, and will be recorded as such at the College of Arms.

In cases where a person succeeds to a peerage from a cousin or relation other than a parent then the siblings of that new peer do not automatically assume courtesy titles, and apply to the Crown to be so granted. Claims are reviewed and when approved the Crown Office issues the following:
'Her Majesty has been graciously pleased by Warrant under her Royal Signet and Sign Manual bearing the date …. to ordain and declare that …..(name of person seeking courtesy title) .. shall henceforth have, hold and enjoy the same title, rank, place, pre-eminence and precedence as the children of a ….Duke/Marquess/Earl/Viscount/Baron... as would have been due to them had their father … (his name)… succeeded to the title and dignity of Duke of …….and to command that the said Royal Concession and Declaration be recorded in Her Majesty's College of Arms.'

Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, being born the son of Duke, was born Lord Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor as a legal entity. The 'courtesy' title Earl of Dumbarton may have been declared withheld or not to be used, but on legal documents will the Queen's latest great-grandchild be named as Lord Archie? My mole in the College of Arms certainly thinks so.

George Anthony Vere-Laurie 1963-2019

_. George Anthony Vere-Laurie, who died 15 December, 2019, aged 56, was descended from the Viscounts Massereene. He was born 6 May, 1963, son of George Edward Vere-Laurie [b 3 Sept, 1935], by his first wife the former Georgina Nefert Riall [born 11 Apr, 1942].

His grandfather Lt-Col George Haliburton Foster Peel Vere-Laurie [1906-81], was son of Lt-Col George Brenton Laurie, by his wife the former Florence Clementina Skeffington [1873-1978], scion of the Viscounts Massereene.

His aunt, Lady Mary Fagan, LG [Lady of the Order of the Garter], DCVO, born in 1939, is a former Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire.

George Vere-Laurie married Eva, and was father of Jorge and Isabel.

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Hon John William Blackstock Butterworth 1952-2019

_. The Hon John William Blackstock Butterworth, who died 16 December, 2019, aged 67, was the son of the life peer Baron Butterworth [1918-2003], by his wife the former Doris Crawford Elder.

His father, managing trustee of the Nuffield Foundation, was created a life peer in 1985, and died 19 June, 2003.

The funeral takes place at All Saints' Church, Pocklington, York, 6 January, 2020.

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Hay/Weguelin engagement

_. The engagement was announced 19 December, 2019, between Matthew John Claud Hay [born 1990], son of Stephen John Hay, of Bonhard, Perthshire, by his wife the former Charlotte Mary Proby [born 27 May, 1957], scion of the Proby baronets, & Anna L. Weguelin, daughter of Mr & Mrs David Weguelin, of Battersea, London.

Matthew Hay is a grandson maternally of Sir Peter Proby, 2nd Baronet [1911-2002].

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Wigram/Barton engagement

_. The engagement was announced 18 December, 2019, between the Hon William Michael Clive Wigram [born 3 January, 1984], third and youngest son of the 3rd Baron Wigram, MVO [born 18 March, 1949], of Hampshire, by his former wife the former Gabriella Diana Moore [now Mrs Gabrielle Radford, of Gloucestershire], & Lily Barton, daughter of Mr & Mrs Niall Barton, of Hampshire.

William's family has long associations with the Court. His father, the third Baron, was an Extra Equerry to the Duke of Edinburgh, 1982-86; his grandfather, the 2nd Baron, was a Page of Honour to King George V, 1925-32; and his great-grandfather, the 1st Baron, was Private Secretary and Equerry to King George V, and to King Edward VIII, and a Lord in Waiting to King George VI and to Queen Elizabeth II.

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Fane/Kirkova engagement

_. The engagement was announced 18 December, 2019, between Sam Michael David Fane [born 1989], scion of the Earls of Westmorland, only son of the Hon Harry St Clair Fane [born 19 March, 1953], by his wife the former Tessa Forsyth-Forrest [born 1955], descended from the Dukes of Westminster, & Viktoria N. Kirkova, daughter of Mr & Mrs Nikolay Kirkovi.

Sam's father is the younger brother and heir presumptive to the 16th Earl of Westmorland [born 1 Aug, 1951].

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Carington/Litchman engagement

_. The engagement was announced 18 December, 2019, between the Hon Robert Carington [born 7 December, 1990], only son and heir of the 7th Baron Carrington [born 2 Dec, 1948], by his wife the former Daniela Diotallevi, & Olga Litchman, daughter of Mr & Mrs Victor Litchman, of Tallin, Estonia.

Robert is a grandson of the Tory grandee, Peter, the 6th Baron Carrington, KG [1919-2018].

-=-

Orla Kate Hendrika de Segundo [born 2019]

 _. Kate de Segundo [born 1985, née Guinness], wife of Julian W.A. de Segundo [born 1985], and scion of the Barons Moyne, gave birth to a daughter, Orla Kate Hendrika, 3 December, 2019, a sister for Louis Walter Sempill, who was born 11 March, 2018.

Kate de Segundo is a daughter of the Hon Kieran Arthur Guinness [born 11 February, 1949] and Vivienne van Amerongen.

-=-

Pease/Narbeth engagement

_. The engagement was announced 30 November 2019, between Edward Robert Pease [born 1991], scion of the Pease baronets, son of Christopher Berkeley Pease [born 1958], of Upper Woodcott, Hampshire, by his wife the former Mariana Scrymsoure Steuart Fothringham, & Elisabeth Charlotte Narbeth [born 1995], daughter of Ian Anthony Narbeth [born 1959], of Wivenhoe, Essex, by his wife the former Charlotte Clare Walford-White [born 1955].

Edward Pease is a direct descendant of King William IV.

Edward's mother is a daughter of Robert Steuart Fothringham, 22nd of Pourie Fothringham [b 1937],  son of Maj Thomas Steuart Fothringham [1907-79], by his wife the former Carola Mary Noel [1916-89], scion of the Earls of Gainsborough, daughter of Maj the Hon Charles Noel [1885-1947], son of the 3rd Earl of Gainsborough [1850-1926], son of Lady Ida Harriet Augusta Hay [1821-67], daughter of Lady Elizabeth FitzClarence [1801-56], illegitimate daughter of His Majesty King William IV [1765-1837] and his mistress Dorothea Bland [known as Mrs Jordan] [1761-1816].

-=-

Hon James Alexander Campbell 1942-2019

_. The Hon James Alexander Campbell, who died 3 December, 2019, aged 77, was a scion of the Earls Cawdor.

He was born 21 July, 1942, the second son of the 5th Earl Cawdor [1900-1970], of Cawdor Castle, by his 1st wife the former Wilma Mairi Vickers [who died 1982].

He married firstly, 14 Nov, 1964 [divorced 1973], Brigid Carol Dolben Lyons [born 1940], daughter of Capt Patrick Owen Lyons [1909-41], and descended maternally from the Mackworth baronets; married 2ndly, 1973 [divorced 1986], Anne Elizabeth Gilmore [born 1938], daughter of Colonel Argyle Henry Gilmore, OBE [1905-55]. He leaves two daughters from each marriage, and a daughter from a relationship with Jane U'ren.

The funeral takes place at St James' and St Elidyr's Church, Stackpole, Elidor, Pembrokeshire, 10 January, 2020.

-=-

Sasha Raphael Phoenix Tritton [born 2019]

_. Pandora India Nicola Tritton [born 6 March, 1987, nee Sykes], descended from the Barons Buxton of Alsa, wife of Oliver Seymour Tritton [born 1985], gave birth to a son, Sasha Raphael Phoenix, 16 December, 2019, a brotjer for Zadie Grace Valentine, who was born 1 March, 2018.

Pandora is a daughter of Adrian William Guy Sykes by his wife the former Hon Nicola Mary Caroline Buxton [born 7 July, 1947], daughter of the life peer Baron Buxton of Alsa [1918-2009].

Pandora is descended maternally from the Birkin baronets.

-=-

Wills/Brooke engagement

_. The engagement was announced 16 December, 2019, between Benjamin James Hamilton Wills [born 1988], scion of the Barons Dulverton, son of the late Capt Jeremy Robert Hamilton Wills [1955-2015], by his wife the former Alison Mary Malkin [born 1954], of Charlbury, co Oxon, & Lucy Eleanor Brooke [born 1987], daughter of Michael W. Brooke, of London, by his wife the former Susannah R. Williams-Ellis [born 1955], scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of John Richard Baldwyn Williams-Ellis [1923-89].

Benjamin Wills is a great-grandson of the 1st Baron Dulverton [1880-1956].

-=-

Simon Miles Rivett-Carnac 1966-2019

_, Simon Miles Rivett-Carnac, who has taken his own life, aged 53, was a scion of the Rivett-Carnac baronets, and heir presumptive to the baronetcy.

He was born 10 February, 1966, second son of Sir Miles Rivett-Carnac, 9th Baronet [1933-2009], of Martyr Worthy Manor, Winchester, by his wife the former April Sally Villar.

Simon's sister is Lulu Guinness, the handbag designer. His elder brother, Sir Jonathan, the 10th baronet, is married with a daughter.

Simon Rivett-Carnac married Sarah Petrie in 1994, and was father of two sons, Tom and Geordie. The elder son, Tom Alexander Miles Rivett-Carnac, born 5 April, 1996, is now heir to the baronetcy created in 1836.

-=-

Johns/Lopes engagement

 _. The engagement was announced 14 December, 2019, between Alexander Charles Johns [born 1983], son of Derek Ernest Johns [born 1946], by his second wife the former Daphne Ellen Hainworth [born 1949], & Sabrina Helen Lopes [born 1983], scion of the Barons Roborough, daughter of the Hon George Edward Lopes [born 22 Feb 1945], of Gnaton Hall, Yealmpton, co Devon, by his wife the former Hon Sarah Violet Astor [born 30 Sept, 1953], scion of the Barons Astor of Hever.

Sabrina Lopes is a granddaughter paternally of the 2nd Baron Roborough [1903-92], and a granddaughter maternally of the 2nd Baron Astor of Hever [1918-1984].

Sabrina's brother, Harry Lopes, married in 2006, Laura Rose Parker Bowles [b 1 January, 1978], scion of the Earls of Macclesfield, only daughter of Brig Andrew Parker Bowles [b 1939] by his first wife the former Camilla Rosemary Shand [born 17 Jul 1947] [now HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, GCVO].

-=-

Sir John Graham, GCMG, 4th Baronet 1926-2019

_. Sir John Graham, GCMG, 4th Baronet, diplomat, former British Ambassador to Iraq, Iran and NATO, died 11 December, 2019. He was 93.

John Alexander Noble Graham was born 15 July, 1926, son of Lieut-Col. Sir [John] Reginald Graham, VC, 3rd Baronet [1892-1980], by his wife the former Rachel Sprot [1890-1984], scion of the Sprot baronets; married firstly 1956, Marygold Ellinor Gabrielle Austin [1931-1991], daughter of Lt-Col Clive Austin [1901-74], by his wife the former Lady Lilian Mary Theodora Lumley [1900-81], scion of the Earls of Scarbrough; married secondly, 1992, Janet Mackenzie Hayes.

He served as Ambassador to Iraq 1974-77, Ambassador to Iran 1979-80, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to NATO  1982-86.

He succeeded to the baronetcy on his father's death, 6 December, 1980. He was appointed CMG in 1972, knighted in 1979, and advanced to GCMG in the New Year's Honours, 1986.

Sir John leaves three sons from his first marriage. The eldest son, Lieutenant-General Andrew John Noble Graham, CB, CBE, who was born in 1956, succeeds to the baronetcy.

-=-

Astrid Isla Trenchard [born 2019]

 _. Amanda K.M. Trenchard [nee Karlsson], wife of the Hon William James Trenchard [born 14 May, 1986], scion of the Viscounts Trenchard, gave birth to a daughter, Astrid Isla, in Bergen, Norway, 11 December, 2019.

The Hon William Trenchard is the second son of the 3rd Viscount Trenchard [born 12 March, 1951], by his wife the former Hon Fiona Elizabeth Morrison [born 11 Nov, 1954], scion of the Barons Margadale.

Amanda Trenchard is a daughter of Thomas Karlsson, of Stockholm, Sweden.

-=-

Wombwell/Denny engagement

_. The engagement was announced 11 December, 2019, between Stephen Philip Henry Wombwell [born 12 May, 1977], scion of the Wombwell baronets, son and heir of Sir George Wombwell, 7th Baronet [born 21 May, 1949], of Coxwold, co York, by his wife the former [Hermione] Jane Wrightson, & Alice E.T. Denny, daughter of Mr & Mrs Robin Denny, of Lower Dunsforth, co York.

It is Stephen Wombwell's second marriage. His first union was with Helen Sarah Pattinson, by whom he has issue.

-=-

Lady Thomas [died 2019]

Lady [Lineke] Thomas, who died 9 December, 2019, aged 89, was the wide of Sir Derek Thomas, KCMG [born 31 Oct, 1929].

Her husband's career as a diplomat was divided between Embassies abroad and spells at the FCO in London. Postings abroad included to 2½ years in Moscow, then Sofia, Manila, Ottawa, Paris, Washington, and finally Rome – where he was Ambassador to Italy.  For one spell in London before going to Paris, he was seconded to the Treasury to learn about international financial issues.

After retirement from the FCO, Sir Derek was recruited in 1990 by N. M. Rothschild and Sons and spent 14 years as adviser to the Chairman on the development of the bank’s European business, particularly in Eastern and Central Europe.

Her daughter, Caroline, married in 1988, Sir Charles Gladstone, 8th Baronet [born 11 Apr, 1964].

-=-

The [24th] Countess of Sutherland 1921-2019

_. The Countess of Sutherland, the 24th holder of a peerage created in 1235, died in London, 9 December, 2019. She was 98.

The countess, one of Scotland's biggest landowners, was seated at Dunrobin Castle, Golspie, Sutherland, and House of Tongue, by Lairg, Sutherland. Her London home was in Edwardes Square.

She was born Elizabeth Millicent Sutherland Levson-Gower, 30 March, 1921, the only child of Major Lord Alastair St Clair Sutherland-Leveson-Gower [1890-1921], by his wife the former Elizabeth Helene Demarest [died 1931], daughter of Warren Gardener Demarest, of New York, United States.

Her grandfather was the 4th Duke of Sutherland, KG [1851-1913]. She succeeded as 2th Countess of Sutherland and Lady Strathnaver on the death of her uncle, the 5th Duke of Sutherland, 1 Feb, 1963.

Elizabeth Sutherland-Leveson-Gower [who later assumed the surname of Sutherland only] married 5 January, 1946, Capt Charles Noel Janson [died 15 June, 2006], son of Capt Charles Wilfrid Janson, of Wilton Crescent, Belgravia, by whom she had issue, three sons, Alistair, Martin and Matthew, and a daughter, Lady Annabel.

The Earldom of Sutherland and Lordship of Strathnaver now pass to her eldest son, Alistair Charles St Clair Sutherland, styled Lord Strathnaver, who was born 7 January, 1947.

The funeral will take place at Dunrobin Castle, Golspie.

-=-

Loder/Haszlakiewicz

_. The engagement was announced 10 December, 2019, between James Robert [Jamie] Loder [born 22 July, 1981], son of the late Capt Simon John Loder [1932-2002], by his second wife the former Penelope Anne Mary Mander [born 22 Sept, 1946], of Melbury Osmond, scion of the Mander baronets, & Georgina E.C. Haszlakiewicz, daughter of Mr Mark Haszlakiewicz, of Goodworth Clatford, and the late Mrs Haszlakiewicz.

Jamie Loder is descended paternally from the Flemings of Nettlebed [of which James Bond author Ian Fleming was a scion], the Barons Wyfold, and Earls of Stradbroke.

Jamie is a grandson maternally of Sir Charles Mander, 3rd Baronet [1921-2006].

-=-

Lady Greig 1928-2019

_. Lady Greig died 8 December, 2019, aged 91. She was a scion of the Barons Mowbray, Segrave & Stourton, and wife of Sir Carron Greig, KCVO [1925-2012].

She was born Monica Kathleen Stourton, 18 January, 1928, daughter of Major the Hon John Joseph Stourton [1899-1992], by his first wife the former Kathleen Alice Gunther. Her paternal grandfather was Lord Mowbray, Segrave & Stourton [1867-1936].

She married 23 September, 1955, [Henry Louis] Carron Greig, son of Group Capt Sir Louis Greig, Equerry to HM King George VI, by his wife the former Phyllis Scrimgeour, by whom she had issue, three sons, Louis, Jonathan and George, and a daughter, Laura. Her son, George, known as Geordie, is editor of the Daily Mail. Her daughter, Laura [Mrs Lonsdale] was Lady in Waiting to Diana, Princess of Wales 1989-97.

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Hon Susan Elizabeth Moon Pakenham 1938-2019

_. The Hon Susan Pakenham [nee Lever], who died 7 December, 2019, aged 81, was a scion of the extinct Viscounts Leverhulme.

She was born the Hon Susan Elizabeth Moon [Shu] Lever, 5 May, 1938, the eldest daughter of the 3rd and last Viscount Leverhulme, KG [1915-2000], by his wife the former Margaret Ann Moon [1916-1973]; married 1 June, 1957 [divorced 1973], Hercules Michael Roland Pakenham [born 1935], scion of the Earls of Longford, by whom she had issue, a son, Dermot, and a daughter, Caroline.

Susan's sister Victoria is a Lady in Waiting to HRH The Princess Royal. Another sister, Jane, is wife of Algernon Heber Percy, scion of the Dukes of Northumberland.

The funeral takes place at All Saints Church, Thornton Hough, 23 December, 2019.

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Marianne Julia Piroska Astor 1958-2019

_. Marianne Astor died 5 December, 2019, aged 61. She was born in 1958 as Marianne Julia Piroska Leche, daughter of John Hurleston Leche, of Carden, Cheshire. She married in 1983, [George] David Astor [born 8 July, 1958], scion of the Barons Astor of Hever, son of the Hon John Astor [1923-87], by his 1st wife the former Kathleen Diana de Vere Drummond [1926-82], scion of the Earls of Perth, by whom she had issue, a son, Thomas [born 1987], and a daughter, Amy [born 1989].

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Ann Katherine Hill-Wood 1928-2019

_. Anne Katherine Hill-Wood, who died 4 December, 2019, aged 91, was a scion of the Hill-Wood baronets.

She was born 2 September, 1928, daughter of Sir Basil Samuel Hill-Wood, 2nd Baronet [1900-1954], by his wife the Hon Joan Louisa Brand [1904-1996]. Unmarried.

Anne was a granddaughter maternally of the 3rd Viscount Hampden [1869-1958], by his wife the former Lady Katharine Mary Montagu-Douglas-Scott [1875-1951], and was a great-granddaughter of the 6th Duke of Buccleuch & Queensberry [1831-1914].

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Sophie Antonia Hyde Parker 1992-2019

_. Sophie Antonia Hyde Parker, who died 4 December, 2019, aged 27, was a scion of the Parker baronets, daughter of Anthony Laurence Hyde Parker [born 4 December, 1958], by his wife the former Bridget Charlotte Stearns.

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Ali Fortescue, Sky News correspondent, cousin of Earl Fortescue, engaged

_. The engagement was announced 4 December, 2019, between Mr Richard Frederick C. Alliott [born 1991], son of George B. Alliott [born 1958], of Aldbury, Hertfordshire, by his wife the former Catherine M. Coles [born 1959], and Alexandra Kate [Ali] Fortescue [born 1991], scion of the Earls Fortescue and a news reporter on Sky News, daughter of the Hon Seymour Henry Fortescue [born 1942], of Canonbridge, co Hereford, by his second wife the former Jennifer Ann Simon [born

1954].

Miss Fortescue's half sister is Her Serene Highness the Hereditary Princess zu Bentheim-Tecklenburg. Alexandra is a cousin of the 8th Earl Fortescue.

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Hon Vanessa Clare Vanneck 1983-2019

_. The Hon Vanessa Clare Vanneck, who died 2 December, 2019, aged 36, was a scion of the Barons Huntingfield [Peerage of Ireland], born 31 August, 1983, only daughter of the 7th Baron Huntingfield [born 10 August, 1954], by his late wife the former Arabella Mary Fraser [1959-2011], scion of the Lords Lovat. Unmarried.

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Sir Richard Alexander, 3rd Baronet 1947-2019

_. Sir Richard Alexander, 3rd Baronet, died 2 December, 2019. He was 72.

Richard Alexander was born 1 September, 1947, son of Sir Charles Alexander, 2nd Baronet [1923-2009], by his wife the former Mary Neale Richardson, and succeeded to the baronetcy on his father's death 31 December, 2009.

His grandfather, Sir Frank Alexander, served as Lord Mayor of London, 1944-45, and was created a baronet at the end of his term of office.

Sir Richard married in 1971, Lesley Jane Jordan, daughter of Frederick William Jordan, by whom he had two sons, Edward [born 1974], and James [born 1977].

The baronetcy now passes to the elder son, Edward Samuel Alexander.

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‘Princess’ Anne Cantacuzino 1930-2019

_. ‘Princess’ Anne Cantacuzino, widow of the late Prince Sherban Cantacuzino, died 1 December, 2019. She was 89.

She was born 27 April, 1930 as Anne Trafford, daughter of Major Cecil Edward Trafford [1884-1948] by his wife the former Monica Elizabeth Mary Clifford [1905-65], scion of the Barons Clifford of Chudleigh; married 1954, Prince Sherban Cantacuzino, CBE [1928-2018], son of Prince George Matei Cantacuzino [1899-1960], by wom she had a son, Sherbani [deceaded] and two daughters, Llinca and Marina.

Her husband was a Romanian architect and the founder and president of Pro Patrimonio foundation. Cantacuzino was the son of architect, painter and essayist Prince George Matei Cantacuzino, of the noble Cantacuzino family and his wife Sanda Știrbei, also of a family of Romanian aristocrats. 

The funeral will be held at Holy Trinity, 41 Brook Green,.. on  19 December, 2019.

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Hon Lady Murray 1923-2019

 _, The Hon Lady Murray, who died 1 December, 2019, a childhood friend of the Queen, was a scion of the Barons Hardinge of Penshurst.

The Hon Winifred Mary Hardinge was born in 1923, a daughter of Major the 2nd Baron Hardinge of Penshurst, GCB, GCVO, MC [1894-1960], by his wife the former Helen Mary Gascoyne-Cecil [1901-79], scion of the Marquesses of Salisbury.

Her father, a courtier, served as assistant private secretary to King George V 1920-36, Assistant Keeper of HM's Privy Purse 1935-36; Private Secretary to King Edward VIII January-Dec 1936; Private Secretary to King George VI, 1936-1943.

The then Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret attended her wedding in 1943, to Sir [John] Antony Jerningham Murray, CBE [1921-2002], son of John Challenger Murray [d 1939], by his wife the former Cecilia Annette Mary Jerningham [1896-1955], scion of the Jerningham baronets, by whom she had a son, for whom King George VI stood sponsor.

The funeral takes place at All Saints' Church, Cirencester, 10 January, 2020.

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Alexander Henry Christopher Pepys [born 2019]

_. Rosemary Claire Pepys [born 1980, nee Penny], wife of [George] Oliver Frere Pepys [born 1982], scion of the Earls of Cottenham, gave birth to a son, Alexander Henry Christopher, 26 November, 2019.

Rosemary is a daughter of Nigel Henry Penny [born 1947], by his wife the former Vivien W. Dawes.

Oliver Pepys is a son of [Charles] Richard Ekin Pepys [born 1951], by his wife the former Jane Elizabeth Cracroft Frere-Cook [born 1954].


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Sheelagh Wilmot Trier (nee Bourke) 1925-2019

 Sheelagh Wilmot Trier [nee Bourke], who died 28 November, 2019, was a scion of the Earls of Mayo.

She was born 30 Aug, 1925, daughter of the Hon Bryan Longley Bourke [1897-1961], and his wife the former Violet Wilmot Heathcote Stisted [d 31 Dec, 1950], and was a granddaughter of the 8th Earl of Mayo [1859-1939].

Her brother, Terence Bourke, succeeded as 10th Earl of Mayo, 17 Dec, 1962.

She married 4 Feb, 1955, Frank Merton Trier.

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Clement Andrew Seymour, styled Baron Beauchamp [born 2019]

_, The Countess of Yarmouth, wife of William Francis Seymour, styled Earl of Yarmouth [born 2 November, 1993], gave birth to a son, the Hon Clement Andrew Seymour, styled Baron Beauchamp, 29 November, 2019.

The Countess of Yarmouth is the former Kelsey Wells, daughter of Dr Andrew Wells and Mrs Jacqui Wells, of Bidford on Avon, Warwickshire. Her husband is the eldest son and heir of the 9th Marquess of Hertford [born 6 July, 1958], of Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire, by his wife the Marchioness of Hertford [nee Beatriz Kazam].

In recent press reports we read of a family rift between Lord Yarmouth, his parents and his aunt.

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