Sunday, December 31, 2023

Weller/Baillie-Hamilton marriage

 The marriage took place in 2023, in Scotland, between Oliver Philip Weller and the Lady Isobel Joan Baillie-Hamilton (born 16 June, 1990), second daughter of the 13th Earl of Haddington (born 21 December, 1941), of Mellerstain, Berwickshire, and the Countess of Haddington (nee Susan Jane Antonia Heyworth).

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Agass/Douglas wedding

 The marriage took place in Edinburgh, in 2023, between Samuel David Agass [born 1991], son of Robert A. Agass, of Clifton, Bedfordshire, and his late wife the former Jayne Elizabeth Ford [1956-2013], and the Lady Jennifer Mary Douglas [born 29 March, 1991], younger daughter of the 22nd Earl of Morton [born 17 January, 1952], of Dalmahoy, Edinburgh, and the Countess of Morton [nee Amanda Kirsten Mitchell].

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The Hon Aster Windsor-Clive (born 2023)

 _. Alice Rose Windsor-Clive, styled Viscountess Windsor [nee Llewellyn, born 1980], wife of Robert Other Ivor Windsor-Clive, styled Viscount Windsor [born 1981], son and heir of the 4th Earl of Plymouth [born 1951], gave birth to a third daughter, the Hon Aster Rose C, in 2023, a sister for Grace (born 2016), and Olive (born 2017), and for the Hon Edward Other Ivor Llewellyn [Ned] Windsor-Clive, who was born 26 April, 2019.

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Saturday, December 30, 2023

Page/Foley engagement

  The engagement was announced 30 December, 2023, between Thomas Joseph Dalziel Page (born 1995), elder son of Timothy Algernon Clement Page (born 1963), of West Ashton, Wiltshire, and his wife the former Alice Mary Colman (born 8 January, 1965), scion of the Colman baronets, & Victoria Leigh (Vicki) Foley (born 1987), daughter of the late Mr Paul Foley, and Mrs Mark Sampson, of Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire.

Tom Page is a grandson paternally of Sir Michael Jeremiah Colman, 3rd Baronet. 

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Singh-Brar/Shuttleworth engagement

 The engagement was announced 30 December, 2023, between Kabir Singh-Brar, son of Mr & Mrs J.S. Brar, of Sunningdale, Berkshire, and Flora Mary Ashton Shuttleworth (born 1994),scion of that Derbyshire landed gentry family, daughter of William Richard Ashton Shuttleworth (born 1 March, 1958), of Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire, and his former wife the former Sarah Camilla Mordaunt (born 19 September, 1961), scion of the Mordaunt baronets (now Mrs Archie Hunter, of Ludlow). 

The 2nd Viscount Cross > Hon Idonea Cross > William Shuttleworth > Flora Shuttleworth

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Friday, December 29, 2023

Lady Katherine Lucy Lambart 1955-2023

The Lady Katherine Lucy Lambart, who died 22 December, 2023, aged 68, was a scion of the Earls of Cavan. She was born 2 March, 1955, the third daughter of the 12th Earl of Cavan (1911-1988), and the Countess of Cavan (1921-2005) nee Essex Lucy Cholmondeley, scion of the Barons Delamere; and married 25 Oct, 1978 (div 1986) Lorenzo Ruiz Barrero, son of Lorenzo Ruiz Jimenez, of Madrid, and his wife the former Guadalupe Barrero Alonso, by whom she had issue, a son, Lorenzo Cavan (born 28 Aug, 1980), and a daughter, Natasha (born 1982).

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Resignation peerages from former prime minister Liz Truss

 Resignation Peerages December 2023

The King has been graciously pleased to signify His intention of conferring Peerages of the United Kingdom for Life upon the undermentioned:

Nominations from the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Matthew Elliott

Political Strategist and formerly Chief Executive of Vote Leave

Jon Moynihan

Formerly CEO and Executive Chairman of PA Consulting Group. Formerly Chairman of Vote Leave

Ruth Porter

Deputy Chief of Staff to the former Prime Minister in 2022

The Prime Minister recommended this list to the King, further to advice from the former Prime Minister, Rt Hon Liz Truss MP.

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Thursday, December 28, 2023

Caroline MacDowell Gurney (nee Howard) 1931-2023

Caroline Mac Dowell Gurney, died 3 December, 2023, aged 92.

The former Caroline MacDowell Howard married firstly, 1953 (div) Brian Samuel Berridge (1930-1976); and married 2ndly, 3 April, 1964, as his second wife, Capt Joseph John Gurney (1914-2001), late the Welsh Guards, scion of that landed gentry family of Keswick and Bawdeswell, of Northrepps Hall, Norfolk, son of Christopher Richard Gurney (1884-1969), and his wife the forme Dorothy Clara Ruggles-Brise (1889-1960), scion of the baronets of that name. She leaves issue from both marriages.

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Anthony David Loehnis, CMG 1936-2023

Anthony David Loehnis, CMG, died 20 December, 2023. He was 87.

He was a diversified financial services company executive. Member management county Ditchley Foundation, United Kingdom, since 1992; county member Baring Foundation, since 1994; deputy chairman Public Works Loan Board, since 1996. Second lieutenant British Army, 1954-1956.

He was born 12 March, 1936, son of Commander Sir Clive Loehnis, KCMG, RN (1902-1992), and his wife the former Rosemary Beryl Ryder (1909-2006), scion of the Earls of Harrowby; and married 7 Aug, 1965, Jennifer Forsyth Anderson (born 10 Nov, 1937), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Sir Donald Forsyth Anderson (1906-73), and his wife the former Margaret Elaine Llewellyn (1913-2002), scion of the Llewellyn baronets, by whom he had issue, three sons, Dominic (born 31 Aug, 1967), Alexander (born 12 May, 1969), and Barnaby (born 21 July, 1971).

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Princess Sybille of Bourbon-Parma (born 2023)

 Princess Pélagie Jeanne Marie Marguerite Charlotte Natalie of Bourbon-Parma (born 24 June, 1990), wife of Prince Amaury Yves Michel Marie Joseph of Bourbon-Parma (b 30 October 1991), gave birth to a daughter, Princess Sybille, 25 December, 2023.

Prince Amaury is the son of Prince Charles-Emmanuel Joseph Jacques Hély of Bourbon-Parma (b 3 June 1961), and Baroness Constance de Ravinel (b 18 July 1971).

Princess Pélagie is a scion of the Barons Strange, daughter of Philippe de MacMahon, 4th Duc de Magenta (born 15 May 1938), and his second wife the Hon Amélie Margaret Mary Drummond (born 2 July, 1963), daughter of Capt Humphrey Drummond of Megginch, MC (who died 2009), and his wife (Jean) Cherry Drummond, suo jure Baroness Strange (16th holder of the title) (1928-2005).

The prince and princess married 8 July, 2023.

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Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Oliver William Everett, CVO 1943-2023

Oliver Everett, CVO, who died 22 December, 2023, aged 80, was a former diplomat and academic, and a senior member of the royal household.

Everett joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1967 and was 1st Secretary in New Delhi 1969 to 1973. Subsequent service in the Diplomatic Service included a posting as Head of Chancery in Madrid 1980 to 1981. From 1978 to 1980 he was seconded as Assistant Private Secretary to HRH The Prince of Wales (now King Charles III). After leaving the Diplomatic Service in 1981 he served as Private Secretary to HRH The Princess of Wales 1981 to 1983, and as Librarian, Royal Library, 1985–2002 (he was deputy librarian 1984–1985). He was a NADFAS lecturer, and Librarian Emeritus, Windsor Castle. In 1999 he received the Queen Elizabeth II Version of the Royal Household Long and Faithful Service Medal for 20 years cumulative service to the British Royal Family.

Oliver William Everett was born 28 February, 1943, son of (Walter George) Charles Everett, DSO, MC (1896-1979), of Bognor Regis, Sussex, and his wife the former Gertrude Florence Daisy Hellicar; and he married 28 August, 1965 (separated 2003), Theffania Vesey Stoney (born posthumously, 29 May, 1944), scion of that Irish landed gentry family, daughter of Robert Vesey Stoney (1903-44), and his wife the former Marian Catherine Theffania Nugent, scion of that landed gentry family; and had a long standing relationship with Diana Jervis-Read. He leaves two sons and two daughters from his marriage.

He was appointed LVO in 1980, and advanced to CVO in 1991. 

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Hon William Rupert Leigh 1938-2023

 The Hon William Rupert Leigh, who died on Christmas Day, 2023, aged 85, was a scion of the Barons Leigh. Mr Leigh, of Ranaghan More, Ballinacarrow, Co Sligo, was 85.

He was born 13 September, 1938, second son of the 4th Baron Leigh (1908-1979), and his wife the former Anne Hicks-Beach (1908-77), scion of the Earls St Aldwyn; and married 20 May, 1965, Priscilla Elizabeth Cooper (1946-2023), daughter of Lieutenant-Commander Edward Frabcis Patrick Cooper (1912-1985), scion of that Irish landed gentry family, and his wife the former Elizabeth Mary Clarke, by whom he had issue, four sons, James (b 15 Feb 1967), Edward (b 1968), Richard (1974-1978), and Francis (b 1982).

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Sir Richard James Kay Muir 1939-2023

 Sir Richard Muir,  4th Baronet, died 18 December, 2023, aged 84, at Nakuru, Kenya.

Richard James Kay Muir was born 25 May, 1939, son of Sir John Harling Muir, 3rd Baronet (1910-1994), and his wife Elizabeth Mary Dundas (1914-2008), scion of the Earls (later Marquesses) of Zetland; and succeeded to the baronetcy (cr UK, 1892) on his father's death, 31 May, 1994 (but did not use the title). His home was Park House, Blair Drummond, Perthshire, and later at Nakuru, Kenya.

He was twice wed, firstly, 22 May, 1965 (div 1974), Susan Elizabeth Gardener, daughter of George Albert Gardener, by whom he had issue, 2 daughters (one deceased); & married secondly, 29 Aug, 1975, the Lady Linda Mar Cole (1944-2023), daughter of the 6th Earl of Enniskillen, MBE, DL, JP (1918-1989), Capt, Irish Guards, and his first wife Sonia Mary Syers, by whom he had issue, two daughters.

His second wife, Lady Linda, died 3 November, 2023.

Sir Richard is survived by three daughters, Catherine, Daisy and Anna. Sir Richard is succeeded by his younger brother, Ian Charles Muir (born 16 September, 1940).

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Sunday, December 24, 2023

The Baroness Sandberg 1927-2023

Baroness Sandberg, who died 4 December, 2023, was the widow of the life peer, the Baron Sandberg, CBE (1927-2017), who was executive chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation from 1977 to 1986.

She was the former Carmel Mary Roseleen Donnelly, daughter of Joseph Donnelly, of Dublin, and married Michael Graham Ruddock Sandberg in 1954, by whom she had two sons, Michael and Paul, and two daughters, Marion and Deirdre.

Her husband died 2 July, 2017.

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Susan Diana Harden 1935-2023

 Susan Diana Harden (nee Fairney), died 20 December, 2023. She was 88.

She was born in 1935, daughter of Robert Vivian Fairney (1894-1966), and his wife the former Joan Ethel Marriott (1912-82); and married firstly, 12 Oct, 1955, Simon Patrick Conyngham Plunket (1932-1968), scion of the Barons Plunket, son of David Pierce Conyngham Plunket (1908-56), and his wife the former Sybil Marjorie Archer (1907-82), scion of that landed gentry family; and married 2ndly, 1972, Martin John Faber Morrison; and married 3rdly, 1979, Major Richard Harden. From her first marriage she leaves a son, Piers Robert Conyngham Plunket (born 27 June, 1959), and a daughter, Sara Doon Plunket (born 19 January, 1957).

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Saturday, December 23, 2023

Mansel/Cottrell engagement

 The engagement was announced 23 December, 2023, between Ehys Clavell Mansel (born 1987), scion of the Mansel baronets, son of the late Hugh Clavell Mansel (1948-2015), of Long Crichel, Dorset, and his wife the former Diana Theresa Violet Scrope (born 2 Feb, 1951), scion of that landed gentry family, of Danby on Yore, Yorks, & Louisa Cecilia Elizabeth Cottrell (born 3 October, 1987), daughter of Capt Edward Alexander Campbhell Cottrell (born 1959), of East Marden, West Sussex, and his wife the former Camilla Jane Neal (born 1960).

The 4th Earl of Ellesmere (1872-1944) > Lady Mary Egerton (1911-1983) > Diana Scrope (b 1951) > Rhys Mansel (b 1987)

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Bennett/Little engagement

The engagement was announced 23 December, 2023, between Edward Charles (Ted) Bennett (born 1994), son of Charles Albury George Bennett, of Carlton, Suffolk, and his wife the former Joanna Caroline Vernon (born 26 July, 1963), scion of the Vernon baronets, and Charlotte Anne (Lottie) Little (born 8 August, 1995), daughter of Christopher Guthrie Little (born 1947), of Kensington, London, and his wife the former Emma Jane Lowndes.

Ted Bennett is a descendant of Sir William Vernon, 1st Baronet (1835-1919).

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Barbara Carol Somerset 1933-2023

 Barbara Carol Somerset, who died 9 December, 2023, aged 90, was a scion of the Dukes of Beaufort.

She was born 21 June, 1933, daughter of Maj Alan FitzRoy Somerset (1902-1940), and his wife the former Ellen Lauder Pyman (who died 15 January, 1951), scion of that landed gentry family; she was unmarried.

Henry, 5th Duke of Beaufort (1744-1803) > General Lord Charles Somerset (1767-1831) > Lt-Gen Sir Henry Somerset (1794-1862) > Col Henry Somerset (1829-1920) > Col Charles Somerset (1862-1938) > Maj Alan Somerset (1902-40) > Barbara Somerset (1933-2023)

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Friday, December 22, 2023

Fraser/Slemeck engagement

 The engagement was announced 22 December, 2023, between Hector William Thomas Fraser (born 1994), scion of the Lords Saltoun, son of Simon William David Fraser (born 1963), of Mountfield, East Sussex, and his wife the former Lucinda Anne Egerton (born 1965), scion of that landed gentry family, and Sophie Sarah F. Slemeck (born 1993), daughter of (Frederick) Mark Slemeck (born 1959), of Cassey Compton, Gloucestershire, and his former wife the former Emma C. Hooper (now Mrs Emma Bedford, of Winslade, Hampshire).

The 19th Lord Saltoun (1851-1933) > Brig Hon William Fraser (1890-1964) > Gen Sir David Fraser (1920-2012) > Simon Fraser (b 1963) >  Hector Fraser (b 1994)

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Francis John Fane Marmion Dymoke 1955-2023

 Francis Dymoke, who died 18 December, 2023, aged 68, was Lord of the Manor of Scrivelsby, Lincolnshire, where his family have been seated since the Norman Conquest in 1066, and he served as the Honourable the King's Champion. A chartered accountant, he served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in 1999.

The King's Champion is a role that has been been passed down Francis Dymoke's family since 1066 and involves bearing Royal Standard and walking in the coronation procession. He fulfilled the role in May at the Coronation of King Charles III.

Francis John Fane Marmion Dymoke was born 19 January, 1955, son of Lieutenant-Colonel John Lindley Marmion Dymoke (1926-2015), of Scrivelsby, and his wife the former Susan Cicely Fane (1932-2020), scion of the Earls of Westmorland.

He was twice married, firstly, in 1982 (divorced 2003), to Rosalie Mary Goldingham, daughter of Major Anthony Goldingham, of Uley, Gloucestershire, by whom he had three children, 2 sons and a daughter; and married 2ndly, 27 June, 2009, Gail M. Humphries. His elder son, Henry Francis Marmion Dymoke, who was born in 1984, succeeds as Lord of the Manor of Scrivelsby, and to the office of hereditary King's Champion.

The Honourable The King's (or Queen's) Champion is an honorary and hereditary office in the Royal Household. The champion's original role at the coronation of a British monarch was to challenge anyone who contested the new monarch's entitlement to the throne to trial by combat. Although this function was last enacted at the coronation of King George IV in 1821, the office continues to descend through the Dymoke family. The feudal holder of the Manor of Scrivelsby has, since the Norman Conquest in 1066, held the manor from the Crown by grand serjeanty of being the King's or Queen's Champion. Such person is also the Standard Bearer of England. 

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Thursday, December 21, 2023

Alfred Peter Felix Quinn (born 2023)

 Olivia Clare Lucy Quinn [née Reeves, born 1989]. wife of Jonathan Patrick [Jonnie] Quinn [born 1989], gave birth to a son, Alfred Peter Felix, 24 November, 2023, a brother for Mollie Isla Diana, who was born 7 October, 2021.

Olivia Quinn is a daughter of [Frederick] John Reeves [born 1947], of Devon, and his wife the former Diana Grace Angela Cavendish [born 30 January, 1954], scion of the Dukes of Devonshire.

Jonnie Quinn is a son of Peter N. Quinn, of Berkshire, and his wife the former Jean M. Leiper.

William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire [1720-64] > George Cavendish, 1st Earl of Burlington [1754-1834] > Hon Henry Cavendish [1789-1873] > Francis Cavendish [1820-93] > Reginald Cavendish [1857-1941] > Godfrey Cavendish [1884-1914] > Godfrey Cavendish [1912-58] > Diana Cavendish [b 1954] > Olivia Reeves [b 1989] > Alfred Quinn [b 2023]

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Tuesday, December 19, 2023

George Thomas Rupert Taylor (born 2023)

 Zoë F. Taylor (nee Bond), wife of Anthony James Taylor (born 24 January, 1991), gave birth to a son, George Thomas Rupert, 5 December, 2023.

 Zoë Taylor is a daughter of Mr and Mrs Andrew Bond. Anthony is the son of Simon Peter (Pierre) Taylor, and his wife the former  Lucy Hall (born 10 Jan, 1960), daughter of Lieutenant-Col Thomas Armitage Hall, CVO, OBE, and his wife the former Marie Antoinette Hornby, a granddaughter maternally of the 3rd Marquess of Dufferin & Ava (1875-1930).

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Monday, December 18, 2023

Lilias Mulgrave Sheepshanks (née Noble) 1931-2023

 Lilias Mulgrave Sheepshanks, OBE (née Noble), died 23 November, 2023, aged 92.

She was born 13 January, 1931, daughter of Sir Humphrey Brunel Noble, 4th Baronet (1892-1968), and his wife the former Celia Weigall (1904-1982); and married 29 November, 1951, Capt Robin John Sheepshanks (1925-2007), scion of that landed gentry family, of Arthington Hall, West Yorkshire, son of Major Richard Hasell Sheepshanks, DSO, MVO (1885-1951), and his wife the former Hon Bridget Mary Thesiger (1900-1983), daughter of the 1st Viscount Chelmsford,  GCSI, GCMG, GCIE, GBE, PC (1868-1933).

Her husband died 25 April, 2007. She leaves four sons, David (born 30 Oct, 1952), Richard (born 4 Dec, 1955), Andrew (born 7 Aug 1960), and Christopher (born 10 Oct 1964).

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Hon Harry St Clair Fane 1953-2023

 The Hon Harry Fane, who died 15 December, 2023, aged 70, was a younger son of the 15th Earl of Westmorland, GCVO, DL (1924-1993), and the Countess of Westmorland (nee Jane Barbara Findlay) (1928-2009), scion of the Findlay baronets.

Harry Fane was renowned as the man who may have known more about Cartier than Cartier. He was obsessed with the historic jeweller for over 40 years. From 1978 he dealt exclusively in vintage Cartier collectables and watches, especially those from the jeweller's golden era from 1919 to 1939, from an office in Mayfair. From hunting down treasures in Indian palaces to finding them new homes with oil-rich Venezuelan barons, his life was driven by his search and passion for vintage Cartier. 

He began working at Sotheby’s in London and then Los Angeles and New York, which he soon left to work privately selling contemporary American art: Warhol, Wesselmann, Stella, &c. And then, with a friend, they went into business together, selling general objets d’art. 

Harry St Clair Fane was born 19 March, 1953, second son of the 15th Earl of Westmorland, who was Master of the Horse and a Lord in Waiting to Queen Elizabeth II.

He married 6 January, 1984, Teresa Forsyth-Forrest (born 25 February, 1955), daughter of Michael Philip Forsyth-Forrest (who died in 2007), and his wife the former Robina Jill Grosvenor (1930-2014), scion of the Dukes of Westminster, by whom he had issue, a son, Sam, and a daughter, Sophie Jane (born 1987).

Harry Fane was the younger brother and heir presumptive of the 16th Earl of Westmorland (born 1 Aug, 1951), and the heir to the Westmorland peerages is now Harry's only son, Sam Michael David Fane (born 2 August, 1989).

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Saturday, December 16, 2023

Audrey, Lady Hanmer (nèe Congreve) 1928-2023

 Audrey, Lady Hanmer, who died 13 December, 2023, aged 95, was the widow of Sir John Wyndham Edward Hanmer, 8th Baronet.

She was born in 1928 as Audrey Melissa Congreve, scion of that landed family, daughter of Major Arthur Christopher John Congreve (1903-1992), and his 1st wife the former Rosemary Minna Robinson Thurburn (1906-1993); and married 17 July, 1954, John Wyndham Edward Hanmer (born 27 Sept, 1928), son and heir of Sir Griffin Wyndham Edward Hanmer, 7th Baronet (1893-1977), and his wife the former Aileen Mary Rogerson (1896-1967). Her husband, High Sheriff of Clwyd in 1977, succeeded to his father's baronetcy, 1 January, 1977, and died 29 December, 2008, aged 80.

Lady Hanmer leaves issue, two sons, Sir Wyndham Richard Guy, the 9th Baronet (born 27 Nov, 1955), and Edward Hugh (born 12 July, 1857).

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Scrope/Shaw engagement

 The engagement was announced 16 December, 2023, between Thomas Henry Aloysius Scrope (born 31 August, 1994), scion of the Scrope landed gentry family of Danby, younger son of Major Peter Geoffrey Scrope (born 3 January,1955), and his wife the former Penelope Eldrydd Davies (born 31 March, 1955), scion of the Barons Davies, & Cressida May Shaw (born 1994), elder daughter of Professor Rory James Swanton Shaw (born 1954), and his late wife the former Sarah Margaret Foulkes (1958-2011).

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Gracia/Seymour engagement

 The engagement was announced 16 December, 2023, between Mark Gracia (born 1988), son of Christopher V,P. Gracia, of Hawkhurst, Kent, and his wife the former Janice M. Abbott, and Sarah Kathleen Seymour (born 1987), scion of the Marquesses of Hertford, daughter of Richard Hubert Seymour (born 1947), of Martyr Worthy, Hampshire, and his wife the former Amanda Claire Hardie (born 1957),

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Friday, December 15, 2023

Kitty Elsa Cohen (born 2023)

 Emma Florence Cohen (nee Gamon, born 1991), wife of Rupert Lionel Cohen [born 1986], gave birth to a daughter, Kitty Elsa, 15 November, 2023.

Rupert is the younger son of Sir Jonathan Lionel Cohen, QC [born 8 May, 1951], of London, and his wife the former Bryony Frances Carfrae.

Emma Cohen is the younger daughter of Charles W.T. Gamon [born 1956], of Leigh, Kent, and his wife the former Michele S. Arthur.

Lionel Leonard Cohen, Baron Cohen, PC [1888-1973] [Law Lord] > Hon Leonard Cohen [1922-2007] > Sir Jonathan Cohen [b 1951] > Rupert Cohen [b 1986] > Kitty Elsa Cohen (b 2023)

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John Stuart Bellingham 1929-2023

 John Stuart Bellingham, who died 10 December, 2023, aged 94, was a scion of the Bellingham baronets; born in 1929, son of Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Stuart Bellingham (1893-1969), and his wife Jean Arthur (who died 1979), a collateral of the Barons Glenarthur; & married in 1989, Fiona Aileen Nugent (born 1949), daughter of Sir Peter Walter James Nugent, 5th Baronet (1920-2002).

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Thursday, December 14, 2023

Mary, Lady Stewart (née Moxon) 1933-2023

 Mary, Lady Stewart, who died 10 December, 2023, was widow of Sir Keith Stewart, 5th Baronet.

She was born Mary Elizabeth Moxon in 1933, daughter of John Francis Moxon (1902-1987), of Horton Hall, Leek, Staffordshire, and his wife the former Doreen Nancy Kent (1906-1998); and married 7 May, 1954, John Keith Watson Stewart (born 25 Feb, 1929), son of Sir James Watson Stewart of Balgownie, 3rd Baronet (1889-1955), and his wife the former Jane Sim. Her husband succeeded to the baronetcy on the death of his elder brother, Sir James Stewart, 4th Baronet, in 1988, and died in 1990.

Lady Stewart leaves issue, two sons, Sir John, 6th Baronet (born 5 July, 1955), and James (born 7 May, 1960), and a daughter, Caroline (born 31 Jan 1958).

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The Baroness Luce 1937-2023

The Baroness Luce, who died 8 December, 2023, aged 86, was the wife of the Baron Luce, KG, GCVO, PC, DL, a politician and a Lord Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth II.

She was born Rose Helen Nicholson, 13 May, 1937, the eldest daughter of Sir Godfrey Nicholson, 1st & last Baronet (1901-1991), and his wife the Lady Katharine Constance Lindsay (1912-1972), daughter of the 27th Earl of Crawford and (10th) Earl of Balcarres (1871-1940), &c; and married 5 April, 1961, Richard Napier Luce (born 14 October, 1936), son of Sir William Henry Tucker Luce, GBE, KCMG (1907-1977), and his wife the former Margaret Napier (1908-1989), descended from the Culme-Seymour baronets.

Her husband was Conservative MP for Arundel & Shoreham (later Shoreham) 1971-1992; was a Foreign Office Minister; sworn of the Privy Council, 1986; Knighted in 1991; Governor of Gilbraltar 1997-2000; raised to the peerage for life, in October, 2000, as Baron Luce, of of Adur, in the County of West Sussex; appointed GCVO in 2000, and served as Lord Chamberlain, 2000-2006; on St George's Day 2008 he was appointed a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.

Lady Luce is survived by her husband and by two sons, the Hon Alexander (born 18 Jul 1964), and the Hon Edward (born 1 June, 1968).

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Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Hon Mrs James Bruce 1930-2023

 The Hon Mrs James Bruce died 7 December, 2023, aged 93.

She was born Mary-Elizabeth Walter in 1930, daughter of Reginald Arthur Walter (1885-1965), and his wife the former Kathleen Wylie Hill (1893-1942); and married 1stly, 5 December, 1953, Brigadier Bruce Meade Hamilton, MBE (1926-1998), The Black Watch, son of Lieutenant-Colonel Adrian Kelso Hamilton, DSO, MC, (1897-1960), The Black Watch, and his wife the former Susannah Mary Arbuthnott (1901-1983), scion of the Viscounts of Arbuthnott; and married secondly, in 2000, as his third wife, the Hon James Michael Edward Bruce, CBE (1927-2013), son of the 10th Earl of Elgin and (14th) of Kincardine, KT, CMG, TD (1881-1968), and his wife the former Hon Katherine Elizabeth Cochrane, DBE (1890-1989), Scion of the Barons Cochrane of Cults. She leaves issue from her 1st marriage, a son, Roderick Adrian (Roddy) Hamilton (born 25 Aug, 1959), and a daughter, Catherine Elizabeth Hamilton (born 22 March, 1963).

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Monday, December 11, 2023

Shirley Anne Field 1936-2023

 Shirley Anne Field, who died 10 December, 2023, aged 87, was an actress of stage and screen.

She was once talked of as Britain’s answer to Marilyn Monroe; a noted beauty, she appeared in some of the most popular films of the 1960s, among them The Entertainer, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning and Alfie.

She was born 27 June, 1936, as Shirley Broomfield, daughter of a cockney lorry driver. On 7 July 1967, Field married the aristocratic RAF pilot and racing driver Charles Patrick Colum Henry Crichton-Stuart (1939–2001), scion of the Marquesses of Bute, son of Lord Patrick Crichton-Stuart (1913-56), and his first wife Jane von Bahr, and a grandson of the 4th Marquess of Bute. The marriage ended in divorce. The couple had a daughter, Nicola Jane Crichton-Stuart.

The stage and screen actress came to prominence in the 1960s following her role as Tina Lapford in The Entertainer opposite Laurence Olivier. She went on to feature in films including the comedy Alfie alongside Sir Michael Caine and the kitchen sink drama Saturday Night and Sunday Morning with Albert Finney. 

After her appearance alongside Olivier, her reputation grew and she went on to star in a string of films, television series and stage productions. Among the hit films in which she featured were 1962’s The War Lover alongside Steve McQueen and Robert Wagner and the 1985 romcom My Beautiful Laundrette with Daniel Day-Lewis.

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Saturday, December 09, 2023

Duke of Buccleuch appointed Chancellor of the Order of The Thistle

The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry has been appointed to the office of Chancellor of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle.

Richard John Walter Montagu-Douglas-Scott, 10th Duke of Buccleuch, KT, KBE, CVO, DL (born 14 February, 1954), succeeded to the family honours on the death of his father, 4 September, 2007, and was appointed a Knight Companion of the Order of the Thistle in 2017.

The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is an order of chivalry and the senior order in Scotland. The current version of the order was founded in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland, who asserted that he was reviving an earlier order. The order consists of the sovereign and sixteen knights and ladies, as well as certain "extra" knights (members of the British royal family and foreign monarchs). The sovereign alone grants membership of the order; they are not advised by the government, as occurs with most other orders. 

The current membership of the order: His Majesty the King was admitted a knight in 1977 and has been Sovereign of the Order since his accession, 8 Sept, 2022. The other Royal or Extra knights and ladies are Her Majesty the Queen (2023), HRH The Princess Royal (2000), and Prince William, Duke of Rothesay (2012).

The Knights and ladies currently number thirteen, with three vacancies:-

The Earl of Elgin and Kincardine KT CD JP DL (1981), The Lord Mackay of Clashfern KT PC KC FRSE (1997), The Lord Wilson of Tillyorn KT GCMG FRSE (2000), The Lord Steel of Aikwood KT KBE PC (2004), The Lord Robertson of Port Ellen KT GCMG PC FRSA FRSE (2004), The Lord Cullen of Whitekirk KT PC KC FRSE FREng (2007), The Lord Hope of Craighead KT PC KC FRSE (2009), The Lord Patel KT FMedSci FRSE (2009), The Lord Smith of Kelvin KT CH FRSGS (2014), The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry KT KBE CVO DL FSA FRSE FRSGS (2017), Sir Ian Wood KT GBE (2018), Lady Elish Angiolini LT DBE PC KC FRSA FRSE (2022), Sir  George Reid KT FRSE (2022).

The Duke of Buccleuch, a great-nephew of the late Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester (1901-2004), is 10th Duke of Buccleuch (Scotland, let. pat. 20 Apr 1663, sur. and regrant 16 Jan 1666 and 17 Nov 1687), 12th Duke of Queensberry (Scotland, let. pat. 3 Feb 1683, sur. and regrant 17 Jun 1706), 12th Marquess of Dumfriesshire (Scotland, let. pat. 3 Feb 1683, sur. and regrant 17 Jun 1706), 13th Earl of Buccleuch (Scotland, let. pat. 16 Mar 1619, sur. and regrant 16 Jan 1666 and 17 Nov 1687), 10th Earl of Doncaster (England, let. pat. 14 Feb 1662/3), 10th Earl of Dalkeith (Scotland, let. pat. 20 Apr 1663, sur. and regrant 16 Jan 1666 and 17 Nov 1687), 12th Earl of Drumlanrig and Sanquhar (Scotland, let. pat. 11 Feb 1682, sur. and regrant 17 Jun 1706), 12th Viscount of Nith, Tortholwald and Ross, (Scotland, let. pat. 11 Feb 1682, sur. and regrant 17 Jun 1706), 14th Lord Scott of Buccleuch (Scotland, let. pat.18 Mar 1606, sur. and regrant 16 Jan 1666 and 17 Nov 1687) 13th Lord Scott of Whitchester and Eskdaill (Scotland, let. pat. 16 Mar 1619, sur. and regrant 16 Jan 1666 and 17 Nov 1687), 10th Baron Scott of Tindale, (England, let. pat. 14 Feb 1662/3), 12th Lord Douglas of Kilmount, Middlebie and Dornock, (Scotland, let. pat. 11 Feb 1682, sur. and regrant 17 Jun 1706).

The office of Chancellor is mentioned and given custody of the seal of the order in the 1687 statutes, but no-one was appointed to the position until 1913. The office has subsequently been held by one of the knights, though not necessarily the most senior. 

The Duke of Bucccleuch, one of Europe's biggest landowners, is seated at Bowhill, Selkirk , Boughton House, Kettering, Northamptonshire, and Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfriesshire.

He married 31 October, 1981, the Lady Elizabeth Marian Frances Kerr, daughter of the 12th Marquess of Lothian. He duchess died 30 April, 2023, aged 68, a week before the Coronation of King Charles III in which the duke took a ceremonial role.

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Dawes/Paravicini engagement

The engagement was announced 9 December, 2023, between Benjamin Guy Dawes (born 1998), eldest son of Guy Anthony Dawes (born 1967), of Liss, Hampshire, and his wife the former Jane Wendy Regan (born 1969), & Charlotte Francesca Paravicini (born 19 April, 1999), descended from the Earls of Macclesfield, younger daughter of Charles Vincent Somerset Paravicini (born 21 June, 1968), of Midhurst, West Sussex, and his wife the former Lucia Francesca Laurie (born February, 1969).

Charlotte is a granddaughter of Mary Ann Parker Bowles (born 9 June, 1945), and a great-niece of Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles (born 27 Dec, 1939), first husband of HM Queen Camilla.

The 6th Earl of Macclesfield (1811-96) > Hon Algernon Parker Bowles (1849-1940) > Eustace Parker Bowles (1884-1952) > Derek Parker Bowles (1915-77) > Mary Ann Parker Bowles (b 1945) > Charles Paravicini (b 1968) > Charlotte Paravicini (b 1999)

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Adrian Alexander Bridgewater 1936-2023

 Adrian Alexander Bridgewater, who died 5 December, 2023, was descended from the Barons Vivian.

He was born in 1936, son of Major Philip Alexander Clement Bridgewater (1910-1979), Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, by his wife the former Hon Ursula Vanda Maud Vivian (1912-1984), daughter of the 4th Baron Vivian (1878-1940); and married 1stly, 1958, Charlotte Pumphrey (born 1937), daughter of the Rev Michael Ernest Christopher Pumphrey (1908-80), and his wife the former Philida Waterfield (1910-2000); married 2ndly, 1969, Lucy Mary le Breton Bartlett (1941-2006), daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Basil Hardington Bartlett, 2nd Baronet (1905-1985), and his wife the former (Helen) Mary Malcolm (1918-2010), one of the first BBC TV announcers, descended from the House of Battenberg (Marquesses of Milford Haven), and from Lillie Langtry, &c; he married 3rdly, 2014, Annabel Gooch.

From his first marriage he leaves issue, a son, Thomas George Michael (b 1964), and two daughters, Emma Mary (b 1960), and Sophia Charlotte (b 1962); and from his second marriage he leaves a son, Benjamin Hardington (b 1979), and two daughters, Nancy le Breton (b 1971), and Daisy Maud (b 1973).

HSH Prince Louis of Battenberg (later Mountbatten), 1st Marquess of Milford Haven, GCB, GCVO, GCMG, PC (1854-1921), he had issue by Lillie Langtry > Jeanne Marie Langtry (d 1964) > Helen Mary Malcolm (1918-2010) > Lucy Bartlett (1941-2006) = Adrian Bridgewater, &c.

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Christopher William Kerr Devas 1944-2023

 Christopher William Kerr Devas, who died 4 December, 2023, aged 79, was a scion of that landed gentry family.

He was born 26 July, 1944, son of Group Capt William George Devas, CBE, DFC, AFC, RAF (1912-2001), and his wife the former Monica Mary Cecil Kerr (1917-2009), scion of the Marquesses of Lothian, descended from the 6th Marquis; and married 1stly, 9 May, 1970 (div 1983) the Hon Penelope Ann O'Neill (born 15 April, 1947), daughter of the life peer the Baron O'Neill of The Maine (1914-1990), sometime Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, and his wife the former Katherine Jean Whitaker (1915-2008), scion of the Whitaker baronets; married 2ndly, 1 June, 1994, asher second husband, Mrs Veronica Susan Phayre-Mudge (born 6 Oct, 1944), scion of the Earls of Eldon, daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Eric Surtees Scott, MBE (1912-2005), and his wife the former Rose Anne Stewart (1915-1994), scion of the Earls of Galloway.

He leaves a son from his 1st marriage, William Thomas Devas (born 1975). 

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Andrew Donald Hamilton McCullough 1940-2023

 Andrew Donald Hamilton McCullough's death was reported in the Daily Telegraph, 9 Dec, 2023.

He was born in 1940, son of (William) Donald Hamilton McCullough (1901-1978), and his wife the former Hannah Kynaston Watts-Jones (1909-2001); and married 1966, Philippa Anne Beaufort Grimaldi (born 1942), daughter of Philip Rainier Beaufort Grimaldi, 15th Marquis Grimaldi (1912-1983), and his wife the former Phyllis Anne Twigg (1915-2000), scion of that Irish landed gentry family, by whom he had issue, three daughters, Antonia, Bernadette and Cecilia.

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Ralph William Baker Baker (born 2023)

 Sarah Marie Baker Baker (née Larby, born 1991), wife of Rory Francis Baker Baker [born 1990], scion of that landed gentry family, of Sedbury Hall, Gilling West, gave birth to a son, Ralph William, 29 November, 2023.

Rory is a son of William George Baker Baker [born 5 January, 1955], of Richmond, North Yorkshire, and Mrs Sarah Baker Baker [nee Sarah M.B. Lloyd], of Ramsbury, Wiltshire.

Sarah Baker Baker is a daughter of Kevin Larby [born 1958], of Wycliffe, co Durham, by his wife the former Marie E. Wakefield [born 1960].

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de la Poer Beresford/Wilson engagement

 The engagement was announced 9 December, 2023, between Ferdinand John Patrick de la Poer Beresford (born 18 Oct, 1994), scion of the Marquesses of Waterford, son of Valentine Tristram de la Poer Beresford (born 10 Oct, 1965), of Dorset, & his wife the former Evelyne Deborah Hoskin (born 1966), & Ella Alice Wilson (born 1996), eldest daughter of Craig A. Wilson, of Surrey, by his wife the former Claire E. Whorlow.

Ferdinand de la Poer Beresford is a great-grandson of the 7th Marquess of Waterford (1901-1934).

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Friday, December 08, 2023

Richard William Godfrey Astell 1944-2023

 Richard William Godfrey (Robin)Astell, who died 25 November, 2023, aged 79, sometime of Tissington Hall, Derby, was a scion of the Astell landed family of Woodbury and Everton; born 27 September, 1944, son of Major Henry Thornton Astell (1915-1989), of Bishop's Castle, Salop, by his 1st wife the former Kathleen Anne Rees; & married  in 1986, Sarah Mary Bellord (born 1950), daughter of Major Robert Bellord (1908-70), the Irish Guards, and his wife the former Susan Clara Willoughby (1922-2017), scion of the Barons Middleton, by whom he had issue.

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Anstey/Denison engagement

The engagement was announced 8 December, 2023, between Alfred William Leighton (Freddie) Anstey, descended from the Earls of Devon, son of Henry Michael Anstey (born 5 October, 1965), of King's Cliffe, Northamptonshire, and his wife the former Kate Louise Harris, & Emma Louise Denison (born 1994), youngest daughter of Robert Paul Denison (born 1963), of Earley, Reading, and his wife the former Alison Jane Bottomley (born 1968).

Rev the 16th Earl of Devon (1875-1935) > Lady Evelyn Courtenay (1908-85) > Thomas Anstey (1937-86) > Henry Anstey (b 1965) > Freddie Anstey (b c 1998)

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Thursday, December 07, 2023

Richard Henry Tollemache Walker 1935-2023

 Richard Henry Tollemache Walker, who died 4 December, 2023, was a scion of the Earls of Dysart.

He was born at Christchurch, New Zealand, 13 January, 1935, the second son of Lawrence Robert Galwey Walker (1891-1984), of Oamaru, New Zealand, by his wife the former Winifred Dora Tollemache (1898-1981), scion of the Earls of Dysart; and married in May, 1965, Yvonne le Marquand, daughter of Percy Lawrence le Marquand, of Timaru, New Zealand, by whom he had issue, a son, John Henry (born 1968), and a daughter, Caroline Mary (born 1966).

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Wilfred Michael Stewart Vaughan (born 2023)

 Claudia Vaughan [nee Birrell], wife of Capt Henry M.H. Vaughan, The Life Guards (born 1991), scion of that landed family, gave birth to a son, Wilfred Michael Stewart, 25 November, 2023, a brother for Hubert George Baynham [Bertie], who was born 15 September, 2021.

Henry Vaughan is the only son of Mr Thomas Francis Vaughan [born 1948], of Pencoyd, Herefordshire, by his wife the former Sarah Jean Harding-Rolls (scion of Harding, of Birling Manor).

Claudia Emma  A. Vaughan [born 1991], is the only daughter of Mr Christopher R.S. Birrell [born 1954], of Cucklington, Somerset, and his wife the former Emma G.A. Breton [born 1956].

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Wednesday, December 06, 2023

Dorothy Vivien Wilson 1928-2023

 Dorothy Vivien Wilson, who died 23 November, 2023, aged 95, was a scion of the Wilson landed gentry family, of Cliffe Hall.

She was born 22 January, 1928, younger daughter of Capt Sir Frank O'Brien Wilson, CMG, DSO, RN (1883-1962), and his wife the former Elizabeth Frances Pease (1894-1974), daughter of Sir Arthur Francis Pease, 1st Baronet (1866-1927). She was unmarried.

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John Salusbury Kynaston Mainwaring 1938-2023

 John Salusbury Kynaston Mainwaring, scion of that landed gentry family, died 23 November, 2023. He was 85.

He was born 18 April, 1938, the eldest son of Brigadier Hugh Salusbury Kynaston Mainwaring, CB, CBE, DSO, TD (1906-1976), and his wife the former Diana Dugdale (1913-1967), scion of that landed family of Wroxall; and married 20 July, 1968, Anne Bucknill, younger daughter of the late Capt Anthony Bucknill and Mrs Michael Webster, of The Vale, Windsor Forest, Berkshire, by whom he had issue, a son, William, and two daughters, Laura and Annabel.

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Trennery/Seymour engagement

The engagement was announced 6 December, 2023, between Thomas George Trennery, son of Paul and Jackie Trennery of Harpenden, Hertfordshire, & Charlotte Emily Seymour (born 1990), scion of the Barons Howard De Walden, daughter of Thomas Oliver Seymour (born 20 Oct, 1952), scion of the Marquesses of Hertford, and his wife the former Sally Ward Coolidge, daughter of Henry P. Coolidge, of Lincoln, Mass, United States.

Charlotte Seymour is descended from the Barons Howard De Walden and in remainder to that English barony:-

The 8th Baron Howard De Walden (1880-1946) > Hon Rosemary Nest Scott-Ellis (1922-2017) > Thomas Seymour (b 1952) > Charlotte Emily Seymour (b 1990)

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Loyd/Dawkins engagement

 The engagement was announced 6 December, 2023, between Rupert Charles Percy Loyd (born 8 February, 1990), scion of the Loyd landed family of Lockinge, the second son of David William Arnold Loyd (born 4 January, 1949), of Mildenhall, Wiltshire, and his wife the former Anabel Laura Dorothy Morrison (born 31 December, 1955), scion of the Barons Margadale, & Alice E. Dawkins, daughter of Hon John Dawkins AO and Maggie Dawkins of Yorke Peninsula, South Australia.

Rupert Loyd is a great-grandson of the 1st Baron Margadale:-

1st Baron Margadale (1906-96) > Hon Sir Charles Morrison MP (1932-2005) > Anabel Morrison (b 1955) > Rupert Loyd (b 1990)

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Tuesday, December 05, 2023

Matilda and Scarlett Rounding (born 2023)

 Lucy Amelia M.Y. Rounding (nee Froggatt, born 24 August, 1993), wife of Edward George (Ed) Rounding (born 4 February, 1991), gave birth to twin daughters, Matilda and Scarlett, born 3 November, 2023.

Ed Rounding is a son of Anthony Rounding (born 1955), and his wife the former Elaine Kaiser (born 1954).

Lucy, descended from the Stanley of Dalegarth & Ponsonby landed gentry family, is the only daughter of Nicholas Keith Froggatt (born 11 January, 1963), by his wife the former Maggie Tang (born 21 May 1962).

The twins are great-great-granddaughters of Elizabeth Norah Stanley (b 1909- ?) who descended from the Earls of Galloway and from King Henry VII.

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Monday, December 04, 2023

Elizabeth Jane Cowen (née Holland) 1967-2023

Elizabeth Jane Cowen (née Holland) died 26 November, 2023, aged 56. She was born in 1967, daughter of William Holland, of Chaceley, Gloucestershire; and married in 1999, Major Stuart Huxley Cowen (born 1960), son of Maj Rosslyn Fairfax Huxley Cowen (1919-2016), and his wife the Hon Shelagh Mary Rank (1923-2007), daughter of the 1st & last Baron Rank (1888-1972); by whom she had issue, a son Henry, and a daughter, Georgina.

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Peter Charles Barclay, The Barclay of Towie Barclay and of that Ilk 1938-2023

 Peter Charles Barclay The Barclay of Towie Barclay and of that Ilk, died 2 November, 2023.

He was recognised by Lord Lyon King of Arms, and matriculated his arms at the Lyons Court on 22 March 1971.

He was born 26 February, 1938, a son of Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Patrick Barclay, The Black Watch (1899-1943), and his wife the former Daphne Dorothy Crisp Binny (1913-1985); Unm.

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Gene Carol de Speville (née Blunt) 1943-2023

Gene Carol de Speville (née Blunt), who died 28 November, 2023, aged 80, was a scion of the Blunt baronets.

She was born 24 April, 1943, daughter of Capt Grant Anthony Clavell Blunt, RM (1920-2005), of Warwick Dr, London, and his wife the former June Dorothy Liddle (who died 15 Nov, 2019); and married 1967, Bertrand Edouard Doger de Speville (1941-2020).

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Sunday, December 03, 2023

Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead 1944-2023

 The Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead, the former minister, MEP and wife of ex-Labour leader Lord Kinnock, died 3 December, 2023, aged 79.

The former Glenys Elizabeth Parry (born 7 July, 1944), was a politician and teacher who served as Minister of State for Europe from June to October 2009 and Minister of State for Africa and the United Nations from 2009 to 2010. A member of the Labour Party, she was previously a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Wales, formerly South Wales East, from 1994 to 2009. She was also a businesswoman and a founder of multiple organizations, including One World Action (formerly The Bernt Carlsson Trust) in 1988 and Edwin Symonowicz Enterprises along with Polish singer and businessman Edwin Symonowicz in 2012.

 In June 2009 she was raised to the peerage for life and her title was gazetted in the name, style and title of Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead, of Holyhead in the County of Ynys Môn. 

Gelnys Parry married 25 March, 1967, Neil Gordon Kinnock (born 28 March, 1942). Her husband was Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Labour Party from 1983 to 1992. He served as a Member of Parliament from 1970 to 1995, first for Bedwellty and then for Islwyn. He was Vice-President of the European Commission from 1999 to 2004. Kinnock was considered to be on the soft left of the Labour Party. Her husband was raised to the peerage for life in January, 2005, as Baron Kinnock, of Bedwellty in the County of Gwent.

Baroness Kinnock leaves issue, a son, Stephen Nathan Kinnock (born 1 Jan, 1970), Labour MP for Aberavon since 2015, and a daughter, Rachel.

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Saturday, December 02, 2023

Cooke-Hurle/Boscawen engagement

 The engagement was announced 2 December, 2023, between John Richard Feilding (Jack) Cooke-Hurle (born 1980), scion of that landed gentry family, son of John Feilding (Johnny) Cooke-Hurle (born 1948), and his wife the former Marion Wynifred (Moppet) Hobson (born 1947), and the Hon Laura Frances Boscawen (born 21 November, 1982), daughter of the 10th Viscount Falmouth (born 13 May, 1955), and his former wife the former Lucia Caroline Vivian-Neal (now Mrs David Borradaile).

It is Jack Cooke-Hurle's second marriage. He married firstly, Camilla Louise Jackson (born 1978), and has issue, a son, Rocco Feilding Cooke-Hurle (who was born 1 November, 2014). Jack and Laura have a son, Digby (born 14 Nov, 2020).

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Cotton/Saenz Chavez engagement

 The engagement was announced 2 December, 2023, between Anthony Vere Cotton (born 1988), scion of the Cotton baronets (now Viscounts Combermere), younger son of Richard Robert Cotton (born 10 January, 1956), of Bramdean, Hampshire, and his wife the former Corin Wevers, & Karla Saenz Chavez, daughter of Carlos Saenz and Leyla Chavez, of Quito, Equador.

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Hugo Duncan Spry Grant-Dalton (born 2023)

 Rosanna Sarah Grant-Dalton (born 1990, nee Coats), wife of Samuel Duncan Spry Grant-Dalton [born 1985], scion of that landed gentry family, of Brodsworth Hall, gave birth to a son, Hugo Duncan Spry, 10 November, 2023.

Rosanna Grant-Dalton is a kinswoman of the Barons Glentanar, daughter of Nicholas James [Nico] Coats [born 19 Apr, 1952], of Fulham, and his wife the former Belinda S. McKechnie [born 1957].

Samuel Grant-Dalton is a son of Kevin Duncan Spry Grant-Dalton [born 23 December, 1952], of Fulham, and his wife the former Amanda Charlton de Smitt [born 1955].

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John Denzil Strangways Morrison (born 2023)

 Lucy Georgina Morrison [nee Kennard, born 1987], wife of Simon George Strangways Morrison [born 9 August, 1984], gave birth to a son, John Denzil Strangways, 2 November, 2023, a brother for Reuben Vivian Strangways, who was born 30 December, 2021.

Simon Morrison is the son of Mr Guy Martin James Morrison (born 1957), of Evancoyd Court, Powys, by his former wife the former Hon Charlotte Anne Monckton-Arundell [now the Hon Charlotte Townshend, of Melbury House, Dorset, born 16 April, 1955].

Lucy Morrison is a daughter of Mr Vivian Adam Mytton Kennard [born 1958], of Chilfrome House, Dorset, and his wife the former Georgina Eleanor M. Ames [born 1961].

Simon Morrison is the heir to the Melbury estate inherited by his mother in 1989. His mother, who married secondly, in 1995, James Reginald Townshend, is a daughter of the 9th Viscount Galway [1929-1971], by his heiress wife the former Lady Theresa Jane Fox-Strangways [1932-1989], who was the only surviving child of the 7th Earl of Ilchester [1905-1964], of Melbury House.

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Nicolette Helene Radcliffe (née Randag) 1937-2023

Nicolette Helene Radcliffe (née Randag), died 17 November, 2023. 

She was born in 1937, a daughter of Eugene Adrianus Wilhelmus Maria Randag (1903-1985), of Butler’s Cross, Buckinghamshire, and his wife the former Beatrice Aleander (1911-1988); and married 17 August, 1968 (div 1972), Francis Charles Joseph Radcliffe (1939-2023), scion of the Radcliffe baronets, of Rudding Park, Harrogate, son of Charles Joseph Basil Radcliffe (1900-1983), and his wife the former Kathleen Norah Anne Percy (1915-1994), by whom she had issue, a son, Edward (born 1969), and two daughters, Colette (born 1971), and Alexandra (born 1972).

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Delphine Maeve Felicity Wild (born 2023)

The Hon Emelia Rose Wild (née Hamilton-Russell, born 25 January, 1994), wife of Frederick Wild, and scion of the Viscounts Boyne, gave birth to a daughter Delphine Maeve Felicity, 31 October, 2023, a sister for Clara Eleanor G. Wild, who was born in 2021.

Emelia is the eldest child of the 11th Viscount Boyne (born 27 Apr, 1965), and his wife the former Lucy Potter.

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Alistair John Cecil Colvin 1936-2023

 Alistair John Cecil Colvin, who died 22 November, 2023, aged 87, was a scion of that landed gentry family; born 16 November, 1936, second son of Capt Ivan Beale Colvin, RN (1891-1962), of Kilmeston, Hampshire, and his wife the former Joyce Frances Arbuthnot, OBE (1902-1983), scion of the Arbuthnot baronets; & married in 1972, Catherine Anne Hughes (born 1946), daughter of Geoffrey Hughes, of Iverna Court, London W8, by whom he had a son, William John Beale Colvin (born 1974), and a daughter, Emily Frances (born 1977).

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Elizabeth Angela Dodge (nee Incledon-Webber) 1934-2023

 Elizabeth Angela Dodge (nee Incledon-Webber), who died 21 November, 2023, aged 89, was a scion of the Incledon-Webber landed gentry family; born 11 September, 1934, second daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Godfrey Sturdy Incledon-Webber, TD, OStJ (1904-1986), and his wife the former Angela Florence Lacy (1905-1991), scion of the Lacy baronets; and married 12 December, 1956, Capt David John Bigelow Dodge (1930-2014), son of Colonel John Bigelow Dodge, DSO, DSC, MC (1894-1960), and his wife the former Minerva Arrington(1902-1986); by whom she had issue, two sons, John (b 21 Sept, 1957), and Julian (b 30 Apr, 1964), and three daughters, Caroline (b 21 Feb 1959), Frances (b 21 Nov 1961), and Celia (b 8 Mar 1967).

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Henderson/Hamilton-Briscoe engagement

The engagement was announced 2 December, 2023, between George Alexander Henderson (born 18 May, 1992), scion of the Barons Faringdon, elder son of the Hon James Harold Henderson (born 14 July, 1961), of Buscot Park, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, and his wife the former Lucinda Maria Hanson (born 1962), & Georgina Rose Henderson-Briscoe (born 1993), daughter of Anthony E.W. Hamilton-Briscoe (born 1960), of Belaugh, Norfolk, and his wife the former Jacqueline Fiona Duke (born 1961).

George Henderson is the elder son of the eldest son of the 3rd Baron Faringdon (born 3 July, 1937).

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Diana Susan Watt (née Villiers) 1935-2023

Diana Susan Watt (née Villiers), who died 27 October, 2023, aged 88, was a scion of the Earls of Clarendon.

She was born Diana Susan (Susie) Villiers, 1 March, 1935, daughter of Capt Robert Alexander Villiers, CBE, RN (1908-1990), and his first wife the former Leila Alexandra Findlater (1907-1938), scion of that Irish landed gentry family; and married 1963, Ian Buchanan Watt, CMG (1916-1988), son of John Watt and his wife the former Margaret Gibson, by whom she had issue, two sons, James and Robin, and a daughter, Harriet.

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Friday, December 01, 2023

Bruce/Goshawk engagement

 The engagement was announced 1 December, 2023, between Todd Heron Bruce (born 12 June, 1996),scion of the Earls of Elgin and Kincardine, third son of Peveril John Bruce of Salloch (born 6 Oct, 1953), of Ovington, Hampshire, and his wife the former Rosamond Cornelia McLay (Minna) Mills (born 21 Sept, 1957), & Sophie Claire Goshawk (born 1993), daughter of Peter Richard Goshawk (born 1959), of Horning, Norfolk, and his wife the former Amanda Clatworthy.

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Viscount Chewton weds

 The marriage took place in 2023, between Edward Robert Waldegrave, styled Viscount Chewton (born 10 Oct, 1986), son and heir of the 13th Earl Waldegrave (born 8 Dec, 1940), and his former wife the former Mary Alison Anthea Furness, & Daniela-Pesi Tabor Bensadon.

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Lady Scott-Hopkins, CBE 1924-2023

Lady Scott-Hopkins, CBE, who died 25 November, 2023, aged 99, was the widow of Sir James Scott-Hopkins, Conservative MP for North Cornwall and later for West Derbyshire.

Geraldine Elizabeth Mary Hargreaves was born 14 June, 1924, daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel John Carne Hargreaves (1900-1990), scion of that landed family, and his first wife the Hon Angela Goschen (1897-1992), scion of the Viscounts Goschen; & married in 1946, James Sidney Rawdon Scott-Hopkins (1921-1995), Conservative MP for North Cornwall 1959-66, and for West Derbyshire 1967-79, who was knighted in 1981, son of Lieutenant-Colonel Rawdon Scott-Hopkins, DSO, MC (1882-1974), and his wife the former Millicent Barry Turner (died 1931), by whom she had issue, three sons, and one daughter.

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Thursday, November 30, 2023

Sir Rickard Fredrik Knut von Friesendorff, 11th Baronet 1937-2023

Sir Rickard von Friesendorff, 11th baronet, died 21 November, 2023.

The von Friesendorff baronetcy, of Hirdech, Sweden, is a title in the Baronetage of England. On 4 October 1661, Johan von Friesendorff, Swedish ambassador to the Court of St James, was created a baronet by King Charles II. In 1665 he was appointed Riksfriherre by the Emperor Leopold. Although the baronetcy was considered to have become dormant in 1669 after the death of the 1st Baronet due to his descendants living in Sweden, use of the title was maintained by the family; the 11th Baronet, Rickard Fredrik Knut von Friesendorff, was admitted to the Official Roll of the Baronetage in 2018.

The 11th baronet was born in 1937, and succeeded his father Baron Sir Claes Fredrik Wilhelm von Friesendorff, 10th Baronet (1903-74), in 1974 though he did not establish his claim (after the baronetcy had long been dormant) until 2018.  He married 1stly, 1965 (div 1972) Siv Monica Eriksson, and married 2ndly, 1986, Eva Birgitta Neilru.  His son from his first marriage, Johan Fredrik von Friesendorff, succeeds as 12th Baronet. 

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Susan Elaine Beckwith-Smith (née Parkes) 1935-2023

 Susan Elaine Beckwith-Smith (née Parkes), who died 22 November, 2023, aged 88, was the widow of John Moore Beckwith-Smith (1929-2005), scion of that landed gentry family.

She was born Susan Elaine Parkes, 1 March, 1935, daughter of Sidney Edward Parkes, and married 30 September, 1954, John Moore Beckwith-Smith (born 30 June, 1929), son of Major-General Merton Beckwith-Smith, DSO, MC (1890-1942), &  his wife the former Honor Dorothy Blundell Leigh (1892-1982), a granddaughter maternally of the 1st Marquess of Abergavenny, &c.

By her husband, who died 29 April, 2005, she had issue, two sons, Rupert & John, and two daughters, Carolyn and Lucy. Her daughter Carolyn, who died 11 Oct, 1999, aged 43, was an Extra Lady-in-Waiting to Sarah Duchess of York, and wife of Henry Cotterell (now Sir Henry Cotterell, 7th Baronet).

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The Baroness Joffe (died 2023)

 The Baroness Joffe (née Pretorius), who died 6 November, 2023, aged 85, was the widow of the life peer the Baron Joffe, CBE (1932-2017).

She was the former Vanetta Linda Pretorius, daughter of Francois Pretorius, of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and married in 1962, Joel Goodman Joffe, a South African lawyer, created a life peer in 2000, as Baron Joffe, of Liddington in the County of Wiltshire.

She was widowed, 18 June, 2017, and leaves issue.

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The Baron Darling of Roulanish, PC 1953-2023

The Baron Darling of Roulanish, PC, who died 30 November, 2023, aged 70, was, as Alistair Darling MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer in the administration of Gordon Brown 2007-2010.

He was Labour MP for Edinburgh South West until he stood down in 2015.

Darling was first appointed as Chief Secretary to the Treasury by Prime Minister Tony Blair in 1997, and was promoted to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in 1998. After spending four years at that department, he spent a further four years as Secretary of State for Transport, while also becoming Secretary of State for Scotland in 2003. Blair moved Darling for a final time in 2006, making him President of the Board of Trade and Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, before new Prime Minister Gordon Brown promoted Darling to replace himself as Chancellor of the Exchequer in 2007, a position he remained in until 2010. He served as Chancellor during the financial crisis of 2007–2008 and the Great Recession.

Alistair Maclean Darling was born 28 Nov, 1953, son of Thomas Darling and his wife the former Anna Maclean, and was a great-nephew of Sir William Darling (1885-1962), the Unionist Member of Parliament for the Edinburgh South constituency from 1945 to 1957. 

 Lord Darling was twice married, and he leaves a widow, Margaret McQueen Vaughan, his wife since 1986, by whom he has a son and a daughter.

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Sir Ian Kenneth Munro of Foulis, 17th Baronet 1940-2023

 Sir Ian Munro of Foulis, 17th Baronet, died 22 November, 2023, aged 83.

He was born 4 April, 1940, son of Sir Kenneth Arnold William Munro of Foulis, 16th Baronet (1910-2004), & his wife the former Olive Freda Broome, and succeeded to the baronetcy (cr NS, 1634), on his father's death, 3 April, 2004. He was unmarried. The baronetcy now passes to his cousin, Godfrey Roland Munro, who was born 1 July, 1938.

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Wednesday, November 29, 2023

The Baron Selkirk of Douglas, PC 1942-2023

The Baron Selkirk of Douglas, PC, who died 28 November, 2023, aged 81, was the Conservative MP for Edinburgh West for 23 years, a Scottish Office minister under Margaret Thatcher and John Major, and finally a front-bench spokesman in the Scottish Parliament. He was the 11th Earl of Selkirk in the Peerage of Scotland, but disclaimed his hereditary peerage for life.

Lord James Alexander Douglas-Hamilton was born 31 July, 1942, the second son of the 14th Duke of Hamilton and 11th Duke of Brandon, KT, GCVO, PC (1903-1973), and his wife the former Lady Elizabeth Ivy Percy, OBE (1916-2008), daughter of the 8th Duke of Northumberland, KG, CBE, MVO (1880-1930).

He succeeded to the earldom of Selkirk on the death of his uncle, the 10th Earl, 24 Nov, 1994, but disclaimed his peerage for life, 28 Nov 1994, and successfully proved his claim, 14 March, 1996. He was sworn of the Privy Council in 1996.

Lord James was MP (Conservative) for Edinburgh West 1974-97; Assistant Government Whip 1977; a Lord of the Treasury 1979-81; Parliamentary Private Secretary to Foreign & Commonwealth Office Minister 1983-86 and to Secretary of State for Scotland 1986-87; Parliamentary Under-Secretary Home Affairs and Environment 1987-92 and Scottish Office (Education and Housing) 1992-95; Minister of State, Home Office and Scottish Office (Health) 1995-97; Privy Councillor 1996; as he was a sitting Member of Parliament when his uncle died, he disclaimed the Earldom of Selkirk on 28 Nov 1994 so as to continue to serve his constituents.  However, his first cousin, Alasdair Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton, 1st son of the late W/Cdr Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton OBE DFC MP, next younger brother of the 10th Earl of Selkirk, also claimed the Earldom, and it was not until 14 Mar 1996 that the Lyon Court, following the precedent set in the case of the 7th Earl of Selkirk, decided that Lord James Alexander Douglas-Hamilton was entitled to the dignity of Earl of Selkirk. On 29 Sep 1997 Lord James was created Baron Selkirk of Douglas, of Cramond in the City of Edinburgh (Life Peerage).

He married 24 August, 1974, the Hon (Priscilla) Susan Buchan, 1st daughter of the 2nd Baron Tweedsmuir, CBE, TD (1911-1996), and his wife the Baroness Tweedsmuir of Belhelvie (life peer) (she died 11 March, 1978); by whom he had issue, four sons, (1) (John) Andrew (born 1978), (2) the Hon Charles Douglas (born 1979), (3) the Hon James Robert (born 1981), and (4) the Hon Harry Alexander (born 1991). The Earldom of Selkirk now devolves upon his eldest son, John Andrew, styled Lord Daer and Shortcleuch (who was born 8 Feb, 1978).

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William Richard Inge Crewdson 1932-2023

 William Richard Inge Crewdson, who died 23 November, 2023, aged 91, was a scion of that landed gentry family.

He was born in 1932 son of Brigadier Henry Alastair Fergusson Crewdson (1897-1987), and his first wife the former Caroline Mary Inge (1905-1989), scion of that landed gentry family; and married in 1959, Geraldine Sarah Hayward, daughter of Gerald Hayward, MBE, of Athens, by whom he had issue, two sons, William (born 1960), and Philip (born 1962), and a daughter, Katharine (born 1962).

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Egerton/Littleboy engagement

 The engagement was announced 29 November, 2023, between Harry Christopher Egerton (born 10 August, 1984), scion of the Egerton landed family of Mountfield, son of Mark Philip Egerton (born 23 September, 1947), of North Yorkshire, and his wife the former Cara Marilyn Farnes, & Alice Polveir Littleboy (born 1990), scion of that landed family, daughter of Peregrine Aldan Eldon Littleboy (born 1961), of Cambridgeshire, and his former wife the former (Mary) Louise Benson (now Ferrand), of North Yorkshire.

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Tuesday, November 28, 2023

The Dowager Baroness Westbury, CBE 1924-2023

The Dowager Baroness Westbury, CBE, who has died aged 99, was a former Superintendent-in-chief of the St John's Ambulance Brigade, and widow of the 5th Baron Westbury, CBE, DL.

She was born Ursula Mary-Rose James, 6 May, 1924, scion of the Barons Northbourne, daughter of the Hon Robert James (1873-1960), and his second wife the former Lady Serena Mary Barbara Lumley (1901-2000), only child of the 10th Earl of Scarbrough, KG, GBE, KCB, TD (1857-1945); and she married 21 October, 1947, Capt the Hon David Alan Bethell, Scots Guards (born 16 July, 1922), ADC to HRH The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (1900-74).

Her husband was the second son of the Hon Richard Bethell (1883-1929), and his wife the former Evelyn Lucia Millicent Hutton (1884-1956). David's father, a keen Egyptologist who was with Howard Carter at the opening of Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922. Those who believed in the "curse" which attended people who disturbed the tombs of the Pharaohs were interested to note that Richard Bethell died seven years later, and that three months after that his father - the 3rd Baron Westbury - also died suddenly. David's elder brother, Richard (born 9 Oct, 1914), succeeded as the fourth Baron Westbury, and died 26 June, 1961, when David succeeded to the peerage (created in 1861).

In 1990 Ursula (Lady Westbury from 1961), was appointed CBE for her work as superintendent-in-chief of the St John's Ambulance Brigade. The family home from 1952 was Knapton Hall, near Malton, North Yorkshire, where her husband was Master of Foxhounds. The 5th Baron Westbury was appointed public relations officer for Moet et Chandon in Britain, a job at which he excelled; no one seemed to mind that he referred to his boss as "Le Petit Grenouille". He also handled the PR for several London hotels - the Ritz, the Stafford and Dukes - for 10 years.

Lord Westbury was active in the House of Lords and was disappointed to be, as he put it, "ethnically cleansed" from the Upper House as a result of the reforms in 1999. But his main interest in later life was as a highly successful charity fund raiser. He helped to raise more than £10 million for various charities, among them St John Ambulance - for whom he was director of fund-raising - the Army Benevolent Fund, the Griffin Trust and Toynbee Hall. For this work he was appointed CBE in 1994.

She was widowed 12 Oct, 2001. Lady Westbury lraves issue, two sons, Maj Richard Nicholas Bethell, 6th Baron Westbury, MBE (born 29 May, 1950), and the Hon James David William Bethell (born 22 Feb, 1952), and a daughter, the Hon Celia Mary Holliday (born 5 March, 1955).

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Monday, November 27, 2023

Aria Evelyn Knatchbull Cooke (born 2023)

 Kelly Louise Doreen Cooke (nee Knatchbull), wife of Alexander Leon Geldard Cooke (born at Leeds, West Yorkshire, circa Dec. 1984), gave birth to a daughter, Aria Evelyn Knatchbull Cooke, circa November, 2023.

Alexander is a son of Stephen N. Cooke and his wife the former Dianne Dixon.

Kelly [born 30 March, 1988], is a scion of the Earls Mountbatten of Burma, the daughter of the Hon Michael-John Ulick Knatchbull [born 24 May, 1950], and his first wife the former Melissa Clare Owen [born 12 November, 1960], daughter of His Honour Sir John Owen [1925-2010].

Kelly Knatchbull, named in honour of her great-grandfather's ship, HMS Kelly, is a goddaughter of HRH The Princess Royal, and is is the granddaughter of the late [2nd] Countess Mountbatten of Burma [1924-2017], and the 7th Baron Brabourne [1924-2005]. Kelly's father is a second cousin of HM The King.

See: Royal Musings (royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com)

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Lady Arbuthnot 1919-2023

 Lady Arbuthnot, who died 13 November, 2023, aged 104, was the widow of Sir John Arbuthnot, 1st Baronet.

The former Margaret Jean Duff was born 29 September, 1919, scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Alexander Gordon Duff (1884-1978), and his wife the former Janet Macfie Blaikie (1879-1972); and married 3 July, 1943, Maj John Sinclair-Wemyss Arbuthnot, MBE, TD (born 11 Feb, 1912), Conservative MP for Dover 1950-64,  and Parliamentary Private Secretary for the Minister of Pensions from 1952 to 1955 and for the Minister of Health from 1956 to 1957, a member of the Public Accounts Committee from 1955 to 1964. He also served as Second Church Estates Commissioner, the spokesman for the Church of England in the House of Commons, and as a Deputy Speaker. Arbuthnot was created a baronet in 1964 (one of the last to be created), and he died 13 June, 1992.

Lady Arbuthnot was the mother of two sons, Sir William, 2nd Bt (1950-2021), and James, Baron Arbuthnot of Edrom (life peer, former Conservative politician) (born 4 Aug, 1952), and three daughters, Elizabeth (born 1947), Louise (born 1954), and Alison (born 1957).

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The 8th Earl Castle Stewart 1928-2023

 The 8th Earl Castle Stewart died 21 November, 2023, aged 95.

Arthur Patrick Avondale Stewart was the 8th Earl in the Peerage of Ireland (created in 1800), also Viscount Stuart (1793), Baron (1619), and a baronet (created 1628). The Old Etonian was commissioned into the Scots Guards in 1949. His home was Stuart Hall, Stewartstown, County Tyrone.

He was born 18 August, 1928, the third son of the 7th Earl Castle Stewart, MC (1889-1961), and his wife the former Eleanor May Guggenheim (died 1992), daughter of Solomon Robert Guggenheim (1861-1949), of Trillora Court, Port Washington, Long Island, USA, the wealthy businessman and art collector, best known for establishing the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. 

The 8th Earl's elder brothers were David, Viscount Stuart, killed in action in Egypt in 1942 aged 21, and Robert, also styled Viscount Stuart, who died in Italy in 1944, aged 20, from wounds received in action.

Arthur Stuart was styled Viscount Stuart from 1944 until his father's death, 5 November, 1961, when he succeeded to the earldom.

The 8th Earl was twice married, firstly, 20 Dec, 1952, to Edna Fowler (born circa 1920, died 5 July, 2003), daughter of William Edward Fowler, of Harborne, Birmingham, by whom he had one son and one daughter; married 2ndly, 10 Nov, 2004, as her third husband, Mrs Gillian Fitzwilliams (nee Savill, born 16 Aug, 1938).

Lord Castle Stewart leaves a son, Andrew Richard Charles Stewart, styled Viscount Stuart (born 7 Oct, 1953), who now succeeds as 9th Earl Castle Stewart, and a daughter, Lady Bridget Wadey (born 12 Feb, 1957).

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Saturday, November 25, 2023

Judd/Henderson engagement

 The engagement was announced 25 November, 2023, between George William Judd (born 2 January, 1994), younger son of (George) Nicholas Judd (born 1964), of Kersey, Suffolk, and his wife the former Philippa Fiona Wilmoth (born 1967), & Atalanta Mary Rose Henderson (born 5 July, 1994), scion of the Barons Faringdon, eldest daughter of James Brodie Henderson (born 30 Dec, 1964), of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and his former wife the former Alexandra Fisher (born 1965), of Wandsworth, London.

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Major General Thomas Anthony Boam, CB, CBE 1932-2023

Major General Thomas Anthony Boam, CB, CBE, died 20 November, 2023, aged 91.

He was born 14 February, 1932, son of Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Sydney Boam, OBE (1905-1979), of Tadworth, Surrey, of the Royal Leicesteshire Regiment, and his wife the former Nancy Mabel Philips (1906-1986); and married 18 March, 1961, Penelope Christine Mary Roberts (1937-2016), daughter of Cyril Alfred Roberts (1908-1988), and his wife the former Christine  Annabel Kitson (1908-1996), a granddaughter of the 1st Baron Airedale (1835-1911); by whom he had issue, a son, Thomas (born 15 June, 1964), and two daughters, Caroline (born 20 May, 1962), and Katharine (born 19 June, 1968).

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Hon Michael Charles Johnston 1942-2023

 The Hon Michael Charles Johnston, who died 16 November, 2023, aged 81, was a son of the life peer the Baron Johnston of Rockport (1915-2002) and his 1st wife the former Audrey Boyes Monk (who died 1999); and married in 1972, Victoria Moreton White (who died in 2018), by whom he had two sons, Nicholas and Benjamin.

His father Charles Johnston was a Conservative politician and businessman.

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Hon Richard Thomas Godber, MBE, DL 1938-2023

The Hon Richard Thomas Godber, who died 18 November, 2023, aged 85, was a son of the life peer the Baron Godber of Willington, PC (1914-1980), and his wife the former Miriam Sanders (1910-1996).

He married 1962, Candida Mary Parrish, by whom he had a son, James, and two daughters, Amanda and Victoria.

 His father, Joseph Godber, was the Member of Parliament for Grantham from 1951 to 1979 and held ministerial posts in the governments of Harold Macmillan, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, and Edward Heath.

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Baroness Russell of Killowen 1929-2023

 The Baroness Russell of Killowen, who died 16 November, 2023, aged 94, was the second wife and widow of the life peer the Baron Russell of Killowen, PC (1908-1986).

She was the former Elizabeth Cecilia Macneece Foster, daughter of Air-Vijce Marshal William Macneece Foster, CB, CBE, DSO, DFC (1889-1978), and his wife the former Jean Bruce (1905-1982), a descendant of the Viscounts later Earls of Stair; and married 1stly, 1952, Edward Hay Laughton-Scott (1926-1978); and married 2ndly, 1979, as his second wife, the Lord Russell of Killowen, PC (born 12 January, 1908), son of Francis Xavier Joseph Russell, also a life peer as Baron Russell of Killowen, PC (1867-1946), a Lord Justice of Appeal, and his wife the Hon Mary Emily Ritchie (1870-1956), daughter of the 1st Baron Ritchie of Dundee (1838-1906), &c. Her husband, a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary, from 1975 to 1982, died 23 June, 1986.

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Friday, November 24, 2023

The Baron Walker of Gestingthorpe, GBS, PC 1938-2023

 Lord Walker of Gestingthorpe, GBS, PC, who died 16 November, 2023, aged 85, was a former judge and justice of the Supreme Court.

Robert Walker was born 17 March, 1938. The barrister was appointed  a High Court Judge in the Chancery Division in 1994, and as is customary was then made a Knight Bachelor, before appointment as a Lord Justice of Appeal in 1997. He succeeded Lord Slynn of Hadley GBE as a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary in 2002 and was created a Life Peer as Baron Walker of Gestingthorpe, of Gestingthorpe in the County of Essex. He and nine other Lords of Appeal in Ordinary became Justices of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom upon its inauguration on 1 October 2009. He sat as a crossbench peer in the Lords until his retirement from the upper house in 2021.

He served as a Non-Permanent Judge of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal between 2009 and 2023.

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Thursday, November 23, 2023

Furness/Nazarian engagement

 The engagement was announced 23 November, 2023, between Christopher John W. Furness (born 1990), scion of the Furness baronets,  son of John Wilson Furness (born 7 October, 1952), of Kirby Knowle, North Yorkshire, and his wife the former Grania Patricia Jane Booth (born 11 March, 1956), scion of that landed gentry family, & Stefeni J. Nazarian, daughter of Mr and Mrs Edmond Nazarian, of Hampstead, London.

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Lorne Robin Stormonth Darling 1963-2023

 Lorne Robin Stormonth Darling, who died 16 November, 2023, aged 60, was a scion of that Scottish landed gentry family, who married the actress Honeysuckle Weeks.

He was born 21 July, 1963, the second son of Robin Andrew Stormonth Darling (1926-2009), and the first of his three wives, Susan Marion Clifford-Turner (1937-2020); and married 14 July, 2007, Honeysuckle Hero Susan Weeks, (born 1 Aug, 1979), the actress, daughter of Robin Loring Weeks (born 1957), and his wife the former Susan Eileen Wade (born 1957); by whom he had issue, a son, Wade Mycroft (who was born 9 Aug, 2011).

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Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Sir (David) Watkin Williams-Wynn, 11th Baronet 1940-2023

 Sir (David) Watkin Williams-Wynn, 11th Baronet, DL, died 18 November, 2023. He was 83.

Sir Watkin, Old Etonian army officer, was a former deputy lieutenant and High Sheriff of Clwyd. He served as a Lieutenant, Royal Dragoons 1958-63; , a Major Queen's Own Yeomanry 1970-77; DL (1970), and High Sheriff (1990). 

He was born 18 February, 1940, son of Lieutenant-Col Sir Owen Watkin Williams-Wynn, 10th Baronet, CBE (1904-1988), and his wife the former Margaret Jean Macbean (who died 1961), & he succeeded to the baronetcy (cr 1688, of Gray's Inn), on his father's death, 1988.

He was twice wed, firstly, 26 Oct, 1968 (div.1981), Harriet Veryan Elspeth Tailyour, daughter of General Sir Norman Tailyour, KCB, DSO (1914-1979), & his first wife the former Priscilla June Southby (1916-1971); and married 2ndly, 26 September, 1983 (div 1998), as her second husband, Mrs Victoria Jane Dillon, daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Ian Dudley De'ath, DSO, MBE (1918-1960).

From his first marriage he leaves issue, two sons, Charles (born 1970),  and Robert (born 1977), and twin daughters, Alexandra and Lucinda (born 1972), and from his second marriage, he leaves two twin sons, Nicholas and Harry (born 1988). The eldest son, Charles Edward Watkin (born 16 September, 1970), now succeeds as 12th baronet.

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Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Lady Penn, LVO 1926-2023

 Lady Penn, LVO, who died 20 November, 2023, aged 97, was a former Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, a life long friend of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, and a godmother of Lady Sarah Chatto.

She was born in Australia as Prudence Hilary Wilson, but always known as Prue, 12 January, 1926, daughter of Aubyn Harold Raymond Wilson (who died in 1934), and his wife Muriel Athelstan Hood Stewart-Stevens, 10th Lady of Balnakeilly, Perthshire (1899-1982). Prue's mother Muriel succeeded to the Balnakeilly estate for her lifetime in 1936 with remainder to her elder son under the will of her uncle Major Alexander Blair Stewart, 9th of Balnakeilly, and as a provision of the will assumed together with her husband and issue the additional surname of Stewart by Deed Poll 1937. 

Prue had two brothers, Colonel Ralph Stewart-Wilson, MC, 11th of Balnakeilly (1923-2015), and Lieutenant Colonel Sir Blair Stewart-Wilson (1929-2011), Deputy Master of the Household to the Queen. By her mother’s second marriage, she acquired a step-brother, the fashionable newspaper and magazine man, Sir Jocelyn Stevens (1932-2014). Prue had another relation - Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Wilson (1865-1914), who, when he was at Eton in 1882, leapt on a man who was threatening to shoot Queen Victoria as she got into her coach at Windsor Station en route for the Castle. Queen Victoria sent for him the next day to thank him and asked what she could do for him. He said he wanted to join the Household Cavalry after leaving school. She arranged it, and he ended up commanding the Blues.

Prue Stewart-Wilson was married in London, 27 January, 1947, and in the presence of the then Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, to Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Eric Charles William Mackenzie Penn, GCVO (1916-1993), posthumous son of Capt Eric Frank Penn (who was killed in action in 1915), and his wife the former Gladys Ebden. The Penns served the sovereign for 65 years. Sir Eric Penn’s uncle Sir Arthur Penn, GCVO (1886-1960), had been a groom-in-waiting to King George VI on his accession in 1936 and then private secretary and treasurer to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother; Eric Penn joined the Lord Chamberlain’s Office in 1960. Their son David (born 1949) was a page of honour to Queen Elizabeth II, as was Prue's grandson, Rory Penn (born 1980). Lady Penn became a lady-in-waiting (officially a Woman of the Bedchamber) to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1994 and served until HM's death in 2002. Eric Penn had been adopted and raised by his bachelor uncle, Sir Arthur Penn, who was so close in the affections of the Queen Mother that in the late 1950s Clarence House had to issue a statement to the effect that rumours of a marriage between the two were false.

The Penns set up home at Sternfield House, Saxmundham, Suffolk, and when in London, home was an apartment at St James’s Palace. In 1964 Prue was one of the godmothers to Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones, daughter of Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon, when she was christened in the private chapel of Buckingham Palace.

In 1960, Eric Penn joined the Royal Household as Assistant Comptroller of the Lord Chamberlain’s Office under Sir Norman Gwatkin. He was Comptroller from 1964 until he retired in 1981, and those were the days when the people in the Lord Chamberlain’s Office paid meticulous attention to small details and got them right. They could also be forbidding and austere to outsiders.

Sir Eric Penn died 12 May, 1993, aged 77, and his widow joined the Queen Mother's household in the following year. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh sometimes stayed the weekend in Suffolk. The Queen, Prince Philip, the Princess Royal and Princess Alexandra attended her 90th birthday party at Bellamy’s in 2016. She remained close to the Queen, even talking to her on the telephone 10 days before the monarch died.

She was appointed LVO in the 2002 demise honours list. Lady Penn is survived by her two sons, David and Christopher, and a daughter, Fiona Wemyss (born 1956).

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Monday, November 20, 2023

The 7th Earl Grey 1940-2023

 The 7th Earl Grey (Peerage of the UK, cr 1806), died 5 November, 2023. He was 83.

Philip Kent Grey was born 11 May, 1940, the second son of Albert Henry George Campbell Grey (1912-1942), and his wife the former Vera Helen Louise Harding (who died 16 Nov, 1964).

He was descended from Charles, 2nd Earl Grey, KG, PC (1764-1845), who was First Lord of the Treasury (Prime Minister) 1830-1834.

On 2 Apr, 1963, his elder brother, Richard (born 5 March, 1939), succeeded their second cousin as the 6th Earl Grey, and he died childless, 10 September, 2013, when Philip succeeded as 7th Earl Grey (Peerage of the UK, cr 1806), Viscount Howick (Peerage of the UK, cr 1806), the Barony of Grey of Howick (Peerage of the UK, cr 1801), and the Baronetcy "of Howick" (cr GB, 1746).

The 7th Earl married 23 March, 1968, Ann Catherine Applegate, second daughter of Cecil Applegate, of South Milton, co Devon, by whom he had a son, Alexander Edward Grey, styled Viscount Howick (born 20 Dec, 1968), and a daughter, Lady Vanessa Catherine Grey (born 1975).

His only son succeeds to the three peerages and baronetcy.

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Sir Peter Francis Smith-Marriott, 12th Baronet 1927-2023

Sir Peter Smith-Marriott, 12th Baronet, died 8 November, 2023, aged 96.

Peter Francis Smith-Marriott was born 14 February, 1927, the second son of Sir Ralph George Cavendish Smith-Marriott, 10th Baronet (1900-1987), and his wife the former Phyllis Elizabeth Kemp (who died 24 September, 1932); and succeeded to the baronetcy on the death of his elder brother, Sir Hugh, 11th Bt, 19 July, 2013.

He married 28 October, 1961, Jean Graham Martin Ritchie (who died 22 March, 2022, aged 87), daughter of James Sorley Ritchie, of Harare, Zimbabwe, by whom he had issue, five sons, Martin, Neil, Ian, Mark and Paul. The eldest son, Martin Ralph Smith-Marriott (born 30 December, 1962), succeeds as 13th holder of the baronetcy created in 1774.

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The Baroness Burden 1930-2023

 Lady Burden, who died 8 November, 2023, was the wife of the late Lord Burden, the 2nd Baron (1916-1995).

 Yorkshire-born Lady Burden was born Audrey Elswworth Sykes, a daughter of Major Wilfred Elsworth Sykes, of Kirk Ella, near Hull; and married 8 September, 1951, the then Hon Philip William Burden (born 21 June, 1916), son of Thomas William Burden, 1st Baron Burden, CBE (1885-1970), who was raised to the peerage of the UK, 1 Feb, 1950, by his wife the former Augusta Sime (who died 1976). Her husband succeeded his father in the peerage, 27 May, 1970, and died in 1995.

Lady Burden leaves three sons and three daughters. Her eldest son is Andrew, the 3rd Baron Burden (born 20 July, 1959).

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Hon Pauline Maud Matarasso 1929-2023

 The Hon Pauline Maud Matarasso, who died 15 November, 2023, aged 94, was a scion of the Barons Sanderson of Ayot.

She was born 12 February, 1929, daughter of the 1st Baron Sanderson of Ayot (1894-1971), and his wife the former Evelyn Constance Ismay (1897-1940); and married 24 July, 1952, Robert Henri Matarasso (who died in 1982), son of Dr I. Matarasso, of Athens, by whom she had issue, three sons, Pascale (b 1955), Antoine (b 1957), Francois (b 1958), and a daughter, Véronique (b 1964).

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Sunday, November 19, 2023

Jane, Lady Barran 1940-2023

 Jane, Lady Barran, who died 24 October, 2023, aged 83, was the widow of Sir John Napoleon Ruthven Barran, 4th Baronet.

She was born Jane Margaret Hooker, 22 February, 1940, daughter of Sir Stanley George Hooker, CBE, FRS (1907-1984), the mathematician and jet engineer, and his first wife the Hon Margaret Bradbury (1911-1986), daughter of the 1st Baron Bradbury, GCB (1872-1950), the economist.

She married 7 September, 1965, John Napoleon Ruthven Barran (born 14 February, 1934), son and heir of Commander Sir John Leighton Barron, 3rd Baronet (1904-1974), and his wife the Hon Alison Mary Hore-Ruthven (1902-1974), third daughter of Major-General the 10th Lord Ruthven of Freeland, CB, CMG, DSO (1870-1956). Her husband succeeded his father, 28 December, 1974, as fourth baronet, of Chapel Allerton Hall, Co York, and died 25 March, 2010.

Lady Barran leaves a son, Sir John Ruthven Barran, 5th Baronet (born 10 Nov, 1971), and a daughter, Susannah Margaret (born 22 Apr, 1981).

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Saturday, November 18, 2023

Haig/Baker engagement

The engagement was announced 18 November, 2023, between Christopher Edward (Kit) Haig (born 18 September, 1993), scion of that landed gentry family, son of Hugo Peter Haig (born 8 May, 1962), of Ashmansworth, Hampshire, and his wife the former Janey Fiona Maitland (born 25 April, 1963),  scion of the Maitland baronets, & Paris Caroline S. Baker (born 1994), younger daughter of Clive Baker, of Boxworth, Cambridgeshire, and Mrs Baker (nee Naumann).

Kit Haig is a grandson maternally of Sir Alexander Keith Maitland, 8th Baronet (1920-1963).

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Harries/Brunet engagement

 The engagement was announced 18 Nov 2023, between Luke Richard Harries (born 21 July, 1996), eldest son of the Hon Mark Harries (born 1966), of London, and his wife the former Priscilla Ann Hutchings (born 1965), and Capucine J.C. Brunet, youngest daughter of Gilbert and Suzanne Brunet of Paris.

Luke Harries is a grandson of Richard Douglas Harries, Baron Harries of Pentregarth, FRSL, FLSW (born 2 June 1936) is a retired bishop of the Church of England and former British Army officer. He was the Bishop of Oxford from 1987 to 2006. From 2008 until 2012 he was the Gresham Professor of Divinity.

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Lubbock/Gloyne engagement

The engagement was announced 18 November, 2023, between Oliver Guy Lubbock (born 1990), scion of the Barons Avebury, son of Paul Nigel Lubbock (born 27 Apr, 1960), of London, and his wife the former Lucinda Simms, & Emma E. Gloyne (born 1992), daughter of Peter Andrew Gloyne (born 1956), of Sevenoaks, and Mrs Gloyne (nee Stephens).

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Friday, November 17, 2023

Vanessa Mary Corbally Stourton 1935-2023

 Vanessa Mary Corbally Stourton, who died 29 September, 2023, aged 88, was a scion of the Barons Mowbray, Segrave & Stourton; born 13 May, 1935, daughter of the Hon Edward Plantagenet Joseph Corbally Stourton (1880-1966), and his wife the former Beatrice Cicely Page (who died 1 July, 2004); Unm.

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David Cameron’s peerage gazetted

  The life barony awarded to David Cameron, the foreign secretary, has been gazetted in the name, style and title of Baron Cameron of Chipping Norton, of Chipping Norton in the County of Oxfordshire.

 The Rt Hon David William Donald Cameron (born 9 October, 1966), PC, former prime minister, a descendant of King Willian IV and Mrs Jordan, will join the cabinet from the House of Lords with a life peerage.

A scion of the Scots landed family of the name Cameron, he is a grandson maternally of Sir William Mount, 2nd Baronet (1904-93).

Cameron married 1 June, 1996, Samantha Gwendoline Sheffield (born 18 Apr, 1971), scion of the Sheffield baronets, daughter of Sir Reginald Sheffield, 8th Baronet (born 9 May, 1946), by his wife the former Annabel Jones (born 14 Aug, 1948) (later Viscountess Astor).

He previously served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2016 and as Leader of the Conservative Party from 2005 to 2016. He served as Leader of the Opposition from 2005 to 2010, and was Member of Parliament (MP) for Witney from 2001 to 2016. 

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Thursday, November 16, 2023

Margaret Jardine Paterson 1951-2023

Margaret (Peggy) Jardine Paterson, who died 11 November, 2023, aged 72, was a scion of the that landed gentry family of Balgray; born 29 August, 1951, daughter of Major Robert Noel Jardine Paterson (1916-1995), and his wife the former Margaret Jane Elizabeth Buchanan (who died 2008). Unm.

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Sir Frank Lindon Sanderson, 3rd Baronet, OBE 1933-2023

Sir Frank Sanderson, 3rd Baronet, OBE, died 9 November, 2023. He was 89.

Sir Frank, of Burwash, East Sussex, served in the RNVR 1950-65; with J.H. Minet & Co Ltd 1956-93 (Director 1985); Director, Knott Hotels Co of London, 1965-75; Director and Chairman Humber Fertilisers, plc 1972-88; Underwriting Member of Lloyd's 1957-88; Member of Chichester Diocese Synod 1980-93; Master, Worshipful Company of Curriers 1993-94; &c.

He was born 21 November, 1933, son of Sir Frank Philip Bryan Sanderson, 2nd Baronet (1910-1992), and his wife the former Annette Irene Caroline Korab-Laskowski (1908-1967), and succeeded to the baronetcy (UK, 1920), upon his father's death, 4 Dec, 1992.

He married 4 April, 1961, Margaret Ann Maxwell, daughter of John Cleveland Mawell, of New York, by whom he had issue, two sons, David and Michael, and three daughters, Caroline, Nina and Catherine.

Sir Frank is succeeded by his elder son, David Frank Sanderson (born 26 Feb, 1962).

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Joanna K.H. Newton (nee Holland) 1926-2023

 Joanna Newton, who died 13th November, 2023, aged 97, was descended from the Houssemayne Du Boulay landed gentry family, and was the maternal grandmother of Jack Brooksbank, husband of Princess Eugenie.

She was born in Chelsea in 1926, daughter of Godfrey Holland (1872-1966), and his wife the former Violet Houssemayne Du Boulay (1892-1979), scion of that landed gentry family, and married at Horsham, Sussex, in 1949, Michael Anthony Fendall Newton (1923-2006), son of Giles Fendall Newton, MBE (1891-1974), and his wife the former Mary Cicely Meyrick (1899-1972), scion of the Meyrick baronets, by whom she had issue, a son, Christopher Meyrick Fendall, and two daughters, Jenny (b ), and Nicola (born 1953).

Nicola Newton married in 1985, George Edward Hugh Brooksbank (1949-2021), scion of the Brooksbank baronets, by whom she has issue, Jack (born 3 May, 1986), and Thomas (born 1988).

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James Thomas Murray Prain (born 2023)

 Henrietta E.C. Murray Prain (née Clemett), wife of Alastair James (born 1972), scion of that landed gentry family, gave birth to a son, James Thomas Murray Prain, 27 October, 2023, a half-brother for Isabelle.

Alastair is a son of David Eustace Gurney Prain (1937-2023), and his wife the former Diana Elizabeth Lentaigne (born 1940).

Alastair married firstly, 29 May, 2004, Adelaide, daughter of Comte Herve de Chatellus, of Paris, by whom he has a daughter, Isabelle (born 2012).

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Wednesday, November 15, 2023

The Baron Rowe-Beddoe 1937-2023

 Lord Rowe-Beddoe, DL, who died 15 November, 2023, aged 85, was a Welsh businessman, life Baron and a crossbench member of the House of Lords.

David Sydney Rowe-Beddoe (born 19 Dec, 1937), and was a former chairman of the Welsh Development Agency, and was chairman of Cardiff Airport until November 2016. In 2006 he was created a life peer as Baron Rowe-Beddoe, of Kilgetty in the County of Dyfed.

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Tuesday, November 14, 2023

The Baron Cotter 1936-2023

 Lord Cotter, a life peer, and a Liberal Democrat politician, died 14 November, 2023. He was 87.

Brian Joseph Michael Cotter was born 24 Aug, 1936, and served as the Lib Dem MP for Weston-super-Mare, 1997-2005.

Elected to the Commons in 1997, Brian Cotter was the first Member of Parliament for Weston-super-Mare to not be from the Conservative Party since 1923. He had contested the same seat in 1992 without success. He was re-elected in 2001, but lost the seat at the 2005 general election. Throughout his time in Parliament, he served as Small Business Spokesman for the Liberal Democrats. In April 2006, it was announced that Cotter would be raised to the peerage and was gazetted in the name, style and title of Baron Cotter, of Congresbury in the County of Somerset. He sat as a Liberal Democrat peer in the House of Lords.

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George Grainger Weston 1923-2023

Grainger Weston, who has died a month before his 100th birthday, was the heir to an Anglo-Canadian bakery empire but chose a different life as a Texas rancher, entrepreneur and philanthropist in his own right.

(George) Grainger Weston was born in 1923, son of Willard Garfield Weston (1898-1978), of Chester House, Clarendon Place, London W1, and Toronto, and his wife the former Reta Lila Howard (who died in 1967).

The Weston family is a prominent family of entrepreneurs that was founded in Canada and eventually developed global business interests, primarily in the food and retail sectors. The family operations began with the purchase of a bakery in 1884 by American-born Canadian George Weston in Toronto, Ontario. Over the course of subsequent decades, his descendants also established themselves in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States.

Grainger Weston married 15 February, 1950 (div. 1987), the Hon Caroline Cecily Douglas-Scott-Montagu (1925-2017), daughter of the 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, KCIE, CSI, JP, DL (1866-1929), of Palace House, Beaulieu, Hampshire, and his second wife the former Alice Pearl Crake (1895-1996), by whom he had issue, four sons, Galvin, Gregg, Glenn and Graham, and a daughter, Sarah.

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Monday, November 13, 2023

Jane Charlotte Georgiana Brayshaw (née Douglas) 1950-2023

 Jane Charlotte Georgiana Brayshaw (née Douglas), who died 3 November, 2023, aged 73, was a scion of the Earls of Morton. 

She was born 22 February, 1950, second daughter of Ian FitzRoy Sholto Douglas (1916-1998), and his wife the former Heath Joan Maclean (1926-1985), scion of that Scots landed gentry family; and married in 2000, Major Clive Reginald Brayshaw, MBE (1943-2022), son of Laurence William Brayshaw (1917-1991) and his wife the former Maisie Sara Shackell (1916-2005). No issue.

Sholto Douglas, 19th Earl of Morton > Hon William Sholto Douglas > Ian FitzRoy Sholto Douglas > Jane Charlotte Georgiana Douglas (d 2023)

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David Cameron appointed foreign secretary and raised to the peerage

 David Cameron has been appointed as foreign secretary in Rishi Sunak's cabinet re-shuffle, replacing James Cleverly.

 The Rt Hon David William Donald Cameron (born 9 October, 1966), PC, former prime minister, a descendant of King Willian IV and Mrs Jordan, will join the cabinet from the House of Lords with a life peerage.

A scion of the Scots landed family of the name Cameron, he is a grandson maternally of Sir William Mount, 2nd Baronet (1904-93).

Cameron married 1 June, 1996, Samantha Gwendoline Sheffield (born 18 Apr, 1971), scion of the Sheffield baronets, daughter of Sir Reginald Sheffield, 8th Baronet (born 9 May, 1946), by his wife the former Annabel Jones (born 14 Aug, 1948) (later Viscountess Astor).

He previously served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2016 and as Leader of the Conservative Party from 2005 to 2016. He served as Leader of the Opposition from 2005 to 2010, and was Member of Parliament (MP) for Witney from 2001 to 2016. 

His peerage has yet to be gazetted. Can I possibly make a guess at Lord Cameron of Witney?

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Major Richard William Naesmyth, 16th of Posso 1938-2023

Major Richard William Naesmyth, 16th of Posso, head of that Scots landed gentry family, died 7 November, 2023, aged 84.

Maj Naesmyth of Posso, of Devizes, Wiltshire, served as an officer in the Royal Artillery, and was seconded to the Zambian army, 1965-67.

He was born 19 December, 1938, son of the Rev George Cresswell Naesmyth 15th of Posso (1895-1983), of The Parsonage, Southwick, Fareham, Hampshire, and his wife the former Christabel Sara Slatter (1902-1992); and succeeded his father as head of that Scottish clan, 1983; and married 1980, Xenia Angela Mary Henderson-Howat, daughter of the Very Rev Rudolph Henderson-Howat (1896-1957), and his wife the former Agatha Mary Dorothea Cooke (1905-1990), by whom he had issue, a son, Alexander, and a daughter, Charlotte. The son, Alexander Cresswell Benedict (born 3 Apr, 1983), succeeds as 17th of Posso.

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Hon Patricia Catherine Nesbitt (nee Bethell) 1933-2023

 The Hon Patricia Nesbitt, who died 5 November, 2023, aged 90, was a scion of the Barons Bethell, a daughter of the 2nd Baron.

Patricia Catherine Bethell was born 20 May, 1933, the second daughter of the 2nd Baron Bethell (1902-1965), and his first wife the former Veronica Eileen Connolly (1901-1981); and married 19 Aug, 1956, Michael William Nesbitt, DFC (1923-2006), by whom she had issue, a son, William Patrick (born 15 Dec, 1963), and two daughters, Anna Catherine (born 12 May, 1957), and Caroline Mary (born 20 Aug, 1959).

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Saturday, November 11, 2023

Tassilo Leo William Steel (born 2023)

 Eleonora Gräfin Henckel von Donnersmark (born 1 May, 1984), wife of Harry W. Steel, gave birth to a son, Tassilo Leo William, 30 September, 2023.

Harry is a son of Mr and Mrs Peter Steel, of Compton Valence, Dorset.

Gräfin Eleonora Julie Gunilla Alexandra Louise Henckel von Donnersmarck is a daughter of Dr Graf Guido Kraft Evald Henrik Karl Erdmann Henckel von Donnersmarck (born 22 October, 1947), of Rottach-Egern, Bavaria, Germany, and his wife the former Solveig Samzelius (born 15 Aug, 1948).

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The Hon Adele Bevyl Alers Anggard 1933-2023

 The Hon Adele Anggard (née Alers Hankey), who died at Stockholm, 3 November, 2023, aged 90, was a scion of the Barons Hankey.

Adele Bevyl Alers Hankey was born 31 July, 1933, second daughter of the 2nd Baron Hankey, KCMG, KCVO (1905-1996), sometime British Ambassador to Sweden, and his wife the former Frances Bevyl Stuart-Menteth (1907-1957), scion of the Stuart-Menteth baronets; and she married 15 May, 1964 (div 1987), Dr Erik Emil Anggard, of Sweden, son of Dr. Gösta Anggard, of Stockholm, by whom she had issue, a son, John Mikael (born 22 Mar, 1967), and two daughters, Eola Anni (born 11 Sept, 1965), and Irene Malin Adele (born 2 Nov, 1970).

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Lachlan Alexander Arthington Worsley (born 2023)

 Laura Worsley (née Taylor), wife of Nicholas Arthington Pitfield Worsley [born 29 July, 1988], scion of the Worsley baronets, of Hovingham Hall, gave birth to a son, Lachlan Alexander Arthington, 7 October, 2023.

Laura is the only daughter of Mr & Mrs Ian Taylor, of Assington, Suffolk, and Nicholas is the eldest son of Jonathan Hugh Worsley [born 3 Oct, 1960], of Hillington, Norfolk, by his wife the former Laura Pitfield.

The infant is a great-great nephew of HRH The Duchess of Kent, GCVO.

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Stopford Sackville/Pops engagement

The engagement was announced 11 November, 2023, between Luke Mordaunt Stopford Sackville (born 3 June, 1993), scion of the Earls of Courtown, only son of Charles Lionel Stopford Sackville (born 14 February, 1961), of Lowick, Northamptonshire, and his former wife the former Shona McKinney (born 6 Apr, 1960 - now Mrs Shona Wilkinson, of Battersea, London), & Miss Anna L. Pops, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Richard Pops, of Wellesley, Massachusetts, United States.

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Marigold Loveday Lightbody Leigh-Pemberton (born 2023)

 Rosa Laura L. Leigh-Pemberton (née Goodman), wife of Robert Eustace Walter Leigh-Pemberton [born 1991], scion of that landed gentry family, gave birth to a daughter, Marigold Loveday Lightbody, 4 November, 2023.

Rosa is a daughter of Professor Robert Goodman, of Dulwich Village, and his wife the former Susan N. Lightbody. Robert is the second son of the Hon John David Leigh-Pemberton [born 16 March, 1955], of Frinsted, Kent, and his wife the former Kathryn Felice Lampard, and is a grandson paternally of the life peer the Baron Kingsdown, KG, JP, PC [1927-2013], who as Sir Robin Leigh-Pemberton was Governor of the Bank of England 1983-1993.

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Rachel, Lady Pauncefort-Duncombe, CStJ 1930-2023

 Rachel, Lady Pauncefort-Duncombe, CStJ, who died 2 November, 2023, aged 93, was widow of Major Sir Philip Pauncefort-Duncombe, 4th Baronet.

The former Rachel Moyra Aylmer, scion of the Barons Aylmer, she was born 29 January, 1930, the second daughter of (Henry) Gerald Aylmer (1896-1978), and his wife the former Nancy Hollick (1902-1991); and married 4 April, 1951, Major Philip Digby Pauncefort-Duncombe (born 18 May, 1927), son and heir of Sir Everard Philip Digby Pauncefort-Duncombe, 3rd Baronet (1885-1971), and his wife the former Evelyn Elvira Denny (1896-1986), scion of that landed gentry family. Her husband succeeded his father, 8 Dec, 1971, as fourth baronet (created UK, 1859). He was a former High Sheriff and Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, and Harbinger Gentleman at Arms 1993-97. He died 22 Dec, 2011, aged 84.

Lady Pauncefort-Duncombe leaves issue, a son Sir David Philip Henry Pauncefort-Duncombe, 5th Baronet (born 21 May, 1956), and two daughters, Diana (born 2 Aug, 1953), and Charlotte (born 8 Aug, 1967).

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Friday, November 10, 2023

Pearson/Stanley engagement

 The engagement was announced 10 November, 2023, between George John O'Neill Pearson (born 1989), son of Christopher Rait O'Neill Pearson (born 9 May, 1947), of Sturminster Newton, Dorset, and his wife the former Sally N. Groom, & Arabella Anne Stanley (born 1989), scion of the Barons Stanley of Alderley, and descended from the Marquesses of Bath, eldest daughter of Oliver Hugh Stanley (born 30 June, 1959), of Beaulieu, Hampshire, and his wife the former Sophie Elizabeth Holmes.

Thomas Thynne, 5th Marquess of Bath (1862-1946) > Lady Alice Thynne (1891-1977) > Hon Richard Stanley (1931-2015) > Oliver Hugh Stanley (b 1959) > Arabella Stanley (b 1989)

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Lady Linda Muir 1944-2023

 Lady Linda Mar Muir (nee Cole), who died 3 November, 2023, aged 79, was the wife of Sir Richard Muir, 4th Baronet, and a scion of the Earls of Enniskillen.

She was born 26 March, 1944, daughter of the 6th Earl of Enniskillen, MBE, DL, JP (1918-1989), Capt, Irish Guards, and his first wife Sonia Mary Syers, and married 29 Aug, 1975, as his 2nd wife, Richard James Kay Muir (born 25 May, 1939), son of Sir John Harling Muir, 3rd Baronet (1910-1994), and his wife Elizabeth Mary Dundas (1914-2008), scion of the Earls (later Marquesses) of Zetland. Her husband, of Park House, Blair Drummond, Perthshire, and Nakuru, Kenya, succeeded his father, 31 May, 1994, as the fourth baronet.

Lady Linda leaves issue, two daughters, Daisy and Anna.

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