Elizabeth Rose Monamy Armstrong (born 2025)

 Victoria Armstrong (nee Richardson), wife of Thomas Bernard Martin Armstrong (born 9 October, 1983), gave birth to a daughter, Elizabeth Rose Monamy, 3 February, 2025.

Victoria is a daughter of Adrian Richardson. Her husband, Thomas, is descended from the Barons Camoys, the third son of Nicholas Armstrong, and his wife the former Sally Ann Monamy Harrison (born 28 July, 1951), daughter of Brigadier Ernest James Cholmeley Harrison, OBE (1910-2001), & his wife the former Sheila Mary Stonor (1916-1994), scion of the Barons Camoys.

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Alexa Romilly Cosima Boyd-Bowman (born 2025)

 Eloise Violet Boyd-Bowman (née Nelson, born 2 Aug, 1988), wife of George Boyd-Bowman (born 1988), and scion of the Barons Nelson of Stafford, gave birth to a daughter, Alexa Romilly Cosima, 22 March, 2025, a sister for Alfred Quentin James, who was born 22 March, 2023.

George is the son of Robert Boyd-Bowman (born 1944), of Norfolk. Eloise is a daughter of the Hon James Jonathan Nelson (born 17 June, 1947), of Penselwood, Somerset, and his wife the former Lucy Mary Brown, and a grandson of the late 2nd Baron Nelson of Stafford (1917-1995).

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Lywood/Blackett engagement

 The engagement was announced 29 March, 2025, between Charles Hugo Gifford Lywood (born 1994), scion of that landed gentry family, son of Rupert Charles Gifford Lywood (born 1958), of Hopton Heath, Shropshire, and his wife the former Elizabeth Celia Barratt (born 1959), & Isobel Rosemary (Rosie) Blackett (born 23 May, 1997), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Major James William Beauchamp (Jamie) Blackett, (born 17 Oct, 1964), of Arbigland, Dumfriesshire, and his wife the former Sheralyn Isobel (Sheri) Fuller.

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Patrick George Bracher (born 2025)

Madalena Bracher (née de Andrade e Silva Gomes de Abreu), wife of Barnaby Alexander Patrick Bracher [born 1993], gave birth to a son, Patrick George, in Lisbon, 13 March, 2025.

Barnaby Bracher is a son of Mr Garnet Piers Bracher [born 1963], of Putney, London, and his wife the former Candida Dorothy Drury-Lowe [born 1963], scion of that landed gentry family.

Madalena Bracher is a daughter of Mr and Mrs Jorge de Abreu, of Estoril, Portugal.

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George Edward Dudley Wolfe Murray (born 2025)

 Katherine Withers, wife (?) of Andrew Wolfe Murray, scion of the baronets of that name, gave birth to a son, George Edward Dudley, 20 March, 2025, a brother for James Alexander Malcolm, who was born 24 February, 2019.

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Jonathan Trelawny Morshead 1942-2025

 Jonathan Trelawny Morshead, who died 3 March, 2025, aged 82, was a blues guitarist, scion of the Morshead landed gentry family, descended from the Salusbury-Trelawny baronets.

He was born 17 November, 1942, son of John Morshead (1899-1970), and his wife the former Pearl Seed; and married in 1974 (div 1984), Diana Clark. No issue of the marriage.

Sir William Salusbury-Trelawny, 8th Baronet (1781-1856) > Elizabeth Salusbury-Trelawny (1809-88) > Frederick Morshead (1836-1914) > John Morshead (1899-1970) > Jonathan Morshead (1942-2025)

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Ian Cameron Sales La Terrière 1930-2025

Capt Ian Cameron Sales La Terrière, who died 13 March, 2025, aged 94, was head of that Scots landed gentry family, of Dunalastair.

He was born 15 September, 1930, son of Maj. James Fenwick De Sales La Terrière (1901-1968), and his wife the former Frances Natalie Barker-Hahlo (later Baroness Ashtown, wife of the 5th Baron); and married 1stly, 5 April, 1957, Sarah Elizabeth Speed (who died August, 1976), daughter of Sir Robert William Arney Speed, CB, QC (1905-1999), and his wife the former Phyllis Armitage (1903-1991), scion of that landed family; married 2ndly, 8 September, 1979, Helen Rose Sanford Hodgson (born 2 May, 1947), scion of that landed gentry family, elder daughter of Lieutenant-Commander Archibald Richard Sanford Hodgson, RN (1908-1990), and his wife the former Helen Mary Ursula Pomeroy (1909-2000), scion of the Viscount Harberton.

He leaves three sons and a daughter from his 1st marriage, James, Michael, Peter and Fiona, and a further 2 sons from his 2nd marriage, Hugh and Robert. He was also predeceased by a son from the second marriage, Rory.

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Monica Juanita de Salis 1944-2025

 Monica Juanita de Salis (née Bower), died 18 February, 2025, aged 80. She was a scion of the Bower landed family.

She was born 27 December, 1944, daughter of Commander Robert Tatton Bower, RN (1894-1975), and his wife the former Hon Henrietta May Caribbea Strickland (1903-1975), daughter of the 1st and last Baron Strickland (who was also 6th Count Della Catena) (1861-1940).

She married 5 August, 1967, Bernard Peter De Salis (born 15 December, 1936), scion of that landed gentry family, son of Lieutenant-Colonel Count Peter Francis de Salis (1902-1982), and his wife the former Winifred Alice d'Anyers Willis (1910-1977), scion of that landed family, by whom she had two sons, Piers Robert (b 17 Dec, 1969), and Hugo John (b 6 May, 1971).

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Lucy Annora Murphy, CVO (née Gosling) 1938-2025

 Lucy Annora Murphy, CVO, who died 13 March, 2025, aged 87, was sometime information officer to the household of the late Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother at Clarence House.

She was a scion of the Russell Barons Ampthill, who descend from the Dukes of Bedford.

She was born 4 March, 1938, the second daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel William Douglas Gosling, MBE, DL, TD (1904-1994), and his wife the former Rosemary Russell (1907-1986), scion of the Barons Ampthill.

She married in 1981 (Donald) Royston (Roy) Murphy (1932-2007), a Metropolitan police officer, who predeceased her, son of Henry Oswald Murphy (1897-1965), and his wife the former Maria Jane Davies (1896-1979).

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Richard William Alan Reardon Smith 1946-2025

 Richard William Alan Reardon Smith, who died 4 March, 2025, aged 78, was a scion of the baronets of that name.

He was born 8 December, 1946, the second son of Alan John Reardon Smith (1914-1970), and his wife the former Winifred Maud Williams (died 2025), and was a grandson of Sir Willie Reardon Smith, 2nd Baronet (1887-1950), shipowner, & High Sheriff of Glamorgan.

He married 1stly, in 1970 (div. 1990), Suzanne Ward Jones, daughter of Jonathan Preece Jones, of Coychurch, Glamorgan; married 2ndly, 1990, (Nicola) Jane Yapp, daughter of Christopher Denis Yapp, of St Mellons, Galmorgan.

He leaves issue from both marriages, from his 1st union he leaves a son, Dylan (born 1972), and a daughter, Zahra (born 1973), and from his second marriage, a son, Samuel (born 1990)

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Jennifer Isobel Chevallier Guild (nee Gooch) 1942-2025

 Jennifer Isobel Chevallier Guild (nee Gooch), who died 14 March, 2024, aged 82, was a scion of the Gooch baronets.

She was born 7 May, 1942, the second daughter of Colonel Brian Sherlock Gooch, DSO, TD (1904-1968), and his wife the former Monica Mary Heywood (1909-1975), scion of that landed gentry family, and was a granddaughter of Sir Thomas Vere Sherock Gooch, 10th Baronet (1881-1946).

Her brother Arthur (born 1 June, 1937), succeeded as 14th baronet, 9 Apr, 2008.

She married 18 December, 1965, Lieutenant-Commander John Marjoribanks Chevallier Guild (1933-2020), scion of that landed gentry family, son of Cyril Harrower Guild (1906-1978), and his wife the former Perronelle Mary Chevallier (1902-2004), of that landed family, by whom she had two sons, John (b 2 May, 1967), and Henry (b 20 Dec, 1968).

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Clare Rosemary Hohler (née Spencer Bernard) 1938-2025

 Clare Rosemary Hohler, died 22 March, 2025, aged 86. She was a descendant of the Dukes of Marlborough.

She was born Clare Rosemary Spencer Bernard, 1 November, 1938, the second daughter of John Gray Churchill Spencer Bernard (1907-1977), descended from the 3rd Duke of Marlborough, of Winchenden House, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, and his wife the former Elsie Phyllis Corley (1907-2001); and married 10 August, 1963, (Rio Tyrell) Arthur Hohler (born 15 February, 1934), head of that landed gentry family of Long Crendon, the elder son of Henry Arthur Frederick Hohler, CMG (1911-2001), of Long Crendon Manor, Aylesbury, and his 1st wife the former Mona Valentine Pirie (1909-1944), scion of that landed gentry family.

Mrs Hohler was also a Charles II descendant, having Beauclerk ancestry.

She leaves a son, Rupert (born 15 Nov, 1972), and three daughters, Harriet (b 1 Feb, 1967), Camilla (b 9 Nov, 1968), and Amanda (b 19 Nov, 1970)

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Sir Julian Roger Seymour, CBE 1945-2025

 Sir Julian Seymour, CBE, who died 23 March, 2025, aged 80, organised a rudderless Margaret Thatcher after her ejection from Downing Street, running her private office from 1991 until he retired in 2001; a director of her Foundation from 1992 to 2011, he was later her trustee and executor. He was a scion of the Marquesses of Hertford.

He was born 19 March, 1945, the second son of Lieutenant-Colonel Evelyn Roger Seymour (1908-87), and his wife the former Rosemary Evelyn Flower; and married in 1984, Diana Elizabeth Griffith, by whom he had a son, Archie (born  1989), and a daughter, Rose (born 1987). 

He was descended from the 1st Marquess of Hertford.

He was appointed CBE in 2001, and knighted in 2014.

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Sandford/Middleton-Frith engagement

 The engagement was announced 26 March, 2025, between Fergus Ruscombe Sandford (born 4 July, 1995), scion of that landed gentry family, son of Philip Roland Thomas Sandford (born 1961), of Strangford, County Down, and his wife the former Anna Rosamund Tindall (born 1962), & Harriet Hester K. Middleton-Frith (born 2004), daughter of Captain George R.G. Middleton, by his wife the former Susan F.C. Frith (born cira 1955).

The Sandfords descend from the Earls of Dalhousie:-

The 8th Earl of Dalhousie (1730-87) > Lt-Gen Hon John Ramsay (1775-1842) > Gen Sir Henry Ramsay (1816-93) > Mary Louisa Ramsay (1852-1918) > Mary Ellen Birney (1875-1972) > Joan Davies (1913-1993) > Susan Rosamund Streatfeild (b 1941) > Anna Rosamund Tindall (b 1962) > Fergus Sandford (b 1995)

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The Baroness Howarth of Breckland, OBE 1940-2025

The Baroness Howarth of Breckland, OBE, who died 23 March, 2025, aged 84, was a crossbench member of the House of Lords, a life peer.

Valerie Georgina Howarth was born 5 September, 1940. 

She was appointed OBE in 1999 for her services to Childline, and raised to the peerage for life in 2001, as Baroness Howarth of Breckland, of Parsons Cross in the County of South Yorkshire,

She was one of the board members of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service.

Baroness Howarth became the Chair of Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) in 2008. 

She was the former Chief Executive of ChildLine and also worked for many years at Chief Officer and Assistant Chief Officer level in social services departments. She served on the board of the Food Standards Agency, was a trustee for a number of Children's charities, and was a patron of the National Youth Advocacy Scheme.

She was vice-chair of the National Care Standards Commission and was secretary to the All Parliamentary Children's Group.

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Robert Stuart Innes-Smith 1928-2025

 Robert Stuart Innes-Smith, of that landed gentry family, died 20 January, 2025. He was 96.

He was born in 1928, son of Capt Stuart William Innes-Smith, MM, RAF (1897-1953), and his wife the former Florence Constance Green (1899-1977);  and married 1954, Elizabeth Greta (Betsy) Lamb (1927-2009), daughter of Bertram John Lamb (1887-1938), of Chestfield Manor, Whitstable, Kent, and his wife the former Greta Reeves (1905-1984), by whom he had issue, a son, James Stuart Tenison Innes-Smith (b 4 Oct, 1966), and two daughters, Victoria (b 1957), and Augusta (b 1961). 

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Nicola Penn Coverdale (nee Symons) 1942-2025

Nicola Penn Coverdale (nee Symons), who died 16 March, 2025, aged 82, was a descendant of the Earls of Mar.

She was born 4 April, 1942, the eldest daughter of Peter Nicholas Symons (1917-1951), and his wife the former Suzanne Penzer Haynes (1919-2004); and married 14 September, 1963, John Philip A. Coverdale (1934-2018), son of Philip Frederick Coverdale (1906-1999), and his wife the former Elizabeth Mary Murray-Davey (1907-1996), and had issue, two sons, Peter (b 1970), Philip (b 1978), and two daughters, Anna (b 1966), and Sarah (b 1968).

John Erskine, Earl of Mar (1772-1828) > Lady Frances Erskine (d 1842) > Lady Eliza Erskine Goodeve (1834-1917) > Beatrice Cole (1863-1936) > Mary Ferguson (1888-1970) > Peter Symons (1917-51) > Nicola Symons (1942-2025)

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Hopkinson/Goëss-Saurau engagement

 The engagement was announced 24 March, 2025, between between Rory Douglas Rooke Hopkinson (born 1995), son of Charles J.D. Rooke Hopkinson, of Bigsweir, Gloucestershire, and his wife, the former Caroline M. Francis, and Franziska Susanna M. (Pumbaa) Goëss -Saurau (born 10 May, 1997), daughter of Count (Johann) Konrad Zeno Julian Goëss-Saurau (born 9 January, 1952), of Frohnleiten, Austria, and his 2nd wife, Countess Susi-Goëss-Saurau (nee Williams),  of Bassett Down, Wiltshire.

Countess Susan Jane Goëss-Saurau (nee Williams), is the daughter of Michael Williams, of Fairfield House, Pedmore, Worcestershire, and she married 1stly, 1986 (div) Peter Christopher Edward Farquhar (born 3 Aug, 1959), scion of the Farquhar baronets. She married 2ndly, 1996, Johann Konrad Zeno Julian, Graf von Goess-Saurau.

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Slade/Henniker engagement

 The engagement was announced 22 March, 2025, between Peter L. Slade and Rosanna Josephine Major Henniker (born 1989), scion of the Barons Henniker, daughter of Christopher Anthony Major Henniker (born 20 October, 1952), of Chiswick, London, and his wife the former Bernadette Ball.

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Ronald James Bremner Hoare 1939-2025

 Ronald James Bremner Hoare has died aged 85.

He was born in 1939 a son of Wilfred James Hoare (who died in 2003), of Orwell House, Milnathort, Kinross, by his wife the former Grace Margaret Bremner (who died 2009); & married 11 September, 1971, Elizabeth Albinia Bacon (born 15 January, 1944), daughter of Sir Edmund Castell Bacon, Bt, KG, KBE, TD (1903-1982), and his wife the former Priscilla Dora Ponsonby (1913-2000), scion of the Ponsonby Barons De Mauley, by whom he had issue, a son, Jocelyn Charles Stewart Hoare (born 1974), and a daughter, Nicola Clare (born 1977).

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Poppy Jane Charlesworth (born 14/03/2025)

 Charlotte Mary Charlesworth [nee Cubitt, born 28 January, 1991], wife of Edward Charlesworth, and scion of the Cubitt landed gentry family, gave birth to a daughter, Poppy Jane, 14 March, 2025, a sister for Harry George, who was born 23 April, 2021, and for Flora Lucy, born 29 September, 2022.

Edward Charlesworth is a son of Mr & Mrs Rodney Charlesworth, of St Albans, Hertfordshire, and Charlotte Charlesworth is a daughter of Major-Gen Sir William George Cubitt, KCVO, CBE, DL [born 1959], of Honing, Norfolk, and his wife the former Lucy Jane Pym [born 24 Sept, 1961], scion of that landed gentry family.

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Rory Charles Andrew Henniker-Major (born 2025)

 Sophie L. Henniker-Major [nee Short], wife of George Richard Henniker-Major [born 1985], scion of the Barons Henniker, gave birth to a son, Rory Charles Andrew, 15 March, 2025, a brother for Eliza Beatrice Mary, who was born 18 September, 2019, and for Arthur Henry Rupert, who was born 23 November, 2021.

George is a son of John Alexander Henniker-Major [born 1952], of Great Easton, Leicestershire, by his wife the former Mary Mathiesen.

Sophie Henniker-Major is the elder daughter of Mr & Mrs Andrew Short, of Woking.

7th Baron Henniker > Hon Richard Henniker-Major > John Henniker-Major > George Henniker-Major > Rory Henniker-Major [b 2025]

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Duncan Cameron Ramsay-Fairfax-Lucy 1932-2025

 Duncan Cameron Ramsay-Fairfax-Lucy, who died 8 March, 2025, aged 92, was a scion of the baronets of that name, and was for many years heir presumptive to the title.

His home was the Malt House, Charlecote, Warwickshire, near the family seat at Charlecote Park.

He was born 18 September, 1932, son of Capt Ewen Aymer Robert Ramsay-Fairfax-Lucy (1899-1969), and his wife the former Margaret Westall King (1902-1994), daughter of Sir John Westall King, 2nd Baronet (1863-1940); and was a grandson paternally of Sir Henry William Cameron-Ramsay-Fairfax-Lucy, 3rd Baronet (1870-1944).

Duncan was heir presumptive to the baronetcy (cr 1836) of his cousin, Sir Edmund, 6th Baronet, from 1974 until the birth of Edmund's son and heir in 1995.

He married 26 September, 1964, Janet Barclay Niven, (died 11 January, 2017), daughter of Patrick Angus Barclay Niven, of Malt Cottage, Charlecote, by whom he had issue, a son, Spencer Angus James (born 9 May, 1966), and a daughter, Anna Margaret Barclay (born 1 Feb, 1969).

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Sir Torquil Norman, CBE 1933-2025

 Sir Torquil Norman, CBE, died 19 March, 2025, aged 91. He was a scion of the Norman baronets.

He was a businessman, aircraft enthusiast and arts philanthropist.

He was born 11 April, 1933, the third son of Air Commodore Sir (Henry) Nigel St Valery Norman, 2nd Baronet, CBE (1897-1943), and his wife the former Patricia Moyra Annesley (1904-1986). His mother married 2ndly, 6 Oct, 1944, Sir Walter Perkins, MP (1903-1988), Conservative MP for Stroud.

He married 8 July, 1961, the Lady Elizabeth Anne Montagu (born 8 February, 1937), second daughter of the 10th Earl of Sandwich (Victor Montagu, MP who disclaimed his peerages for life) (b 1906- d 1995), and his wife the former Maud Rosemary Peto (1916-1998), scion of the Peto baronets, by whom he had three sons, the Rt Hon (Alexander) Jesse Norman, MP (born 23 June, 1962), Casey William (b 1 Oct, 1963), Casper Joe (b 11 Aug, 1967), and two daughters, Lucy Patricia (b 28 Feb, 1965), and Amy Jean Mary (b 13 Oct, 1969).

Norman was appointed CBE in 2002, and knighted in 2007.

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Lady Jane Annabelle Howard 1947-2025

 Lady Jane Annabelle Howard, who died 1 March, 2025, aged 78, was a scion of the Earls of Carlisle.

She was born 28 February, 1947, the elder daughter of the 12th Earl of Carlisle (1923-1994), of Naworth Castle. Cumbria, and his wife the former Hon Ela Hilda Aline Beaumont (1925-2002), daughter of the 2nd Viscount Allendale, KG, CB, OBE, MC, DL, JP (1890-1956).

She married 1stly, 8 June, 1968 (div. 1977), as his 1st wife, John David Vaughan Seth-Smith (born 7 Oct, 1946, died 1 July, 2020), scion of that landed family, son of Lt-Cdr David Keith Seth-Smith (1914-1976), by his wife the former Pamela Hilda Stokes (1918-2009); ; she married 2ndly, 1983 (div. 1999), Rodney Spencer Ledward (1938-died 25 Oct, 2000).

Lady Jane, who resumed her maiden name, leaves issue from both marriages.

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Fitzalan Howard/Bowen Wright engagement

The engagement was announced 19 March, 2025, between Lord Thomas Jack Fitzalan Howard (born 14 March, 1992), second of the three sons of the 18th Duke of Norfolk, KCVO (born 2 December, 1956), of Arundel Castle, Sussex, by his former wife Georgina, Duchess of Norfolk, nee Georgina Susan Gore (born 30 January, 1962), scion of the Earls Temple of Stowe, & Helen Anna Bowen Wright (born 1992), daughter of the late Dr Martin Bowen Wright (1946-1994), and his wife the former Annie Richmond (now Mrs Annie Bowen Wright, of Stowupland, Suffolk.)

The bride-to-be has siblings, brothers Matthew (b 1977), Thomas (b 1978), and sister, Philippa (b 1985).

Lord Thomas has an older brother, Henry, Earl of Arundel (born 1987), and a younger brother, Lord Philip (born 1996), and two sisters, Lady Rachel (born 1989), and Lady Isobelle (born 1994).

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Frances Elspeth Luise Manson (nee Waddington) 1934-2025

 Frances Elspeth Luise Manson, who died 21 February, 2025, aged 90, was descended from the Grant of Monymusk baronets.

She was born 12 October, 1934, daughter of Richard Luis Owen Waddington, and his wife the former Elpseth Grant (1913-1978), daughter of Colonel Sir Arthur Grant of Monymusk, 10th Baronet (1879-1931).

She married 16 May, 1961, William Alastair Leslie Manson (1929-2020), son of James Milne Manson, by whom she had a son, William Giles Manson (b 1965), and two daughters, Lucy Elspeth (born 1962), and Alice Jane (born 1967).

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Xan Christopher Robert Sangster (born 2025)

  Madeleine Brittain Sangster (born 1988, née Crewe-Read), wife of Sam Edmund Sangster (born May, 1987), gave birth to a second son, Xan Christopher Robert, 28 February, 2025, a brother for Leo (born 2020), and for Sailor Henrietta (born 2022).

Sam Sangster is a son of the late Robert Edmund Sangster (1936-2004), and his 3rd wife the former Susan Lilley.

Madeleine is a scion of the Crewe-Read landed gentry family, daughter of Christopher Thomas Malcolm Crewe-Read (born 1951), and his 1st wife the former Belinda Bennett (born 1957), a Grenfell descendant.

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Sir Anthony John Page Wood, 8th Baronet 1951-2025

 Sir Anthony John Page Wood, 8th Baronet, died 3 March, 2025, aged 74.

He was born 6 February, 1951, son of Sir John Hatherley David Page Wood, 7th Baronet (1921-1955), and his wife the former Evelyn Hazel Rosemary Bellville (who died 5 June, 2009). He succeeded to the baronetcy at the aged of 4 on his father's death, 28 November, 1955. He married 2 September, 1997, Kristine Louise Scott, daughter of John Ernest Scott. No issue of the marriage. He is succeeded in the baronetcy (cr 1837), by a kinsman, Mark William Evelyn Wood (who was born 1 Aug, 1940).

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David Peter Mason, DL 1951-2025

 David Peter Mason, DL, who died 15 March, 2025, aged 73, was seated at Eynsham Park, Oxfordshire, home of the Mason family for five generations since 1866. He was a former High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, and a deputy lieutenant of the county.

He was descended from the Lindsay Earls of Crawford & Balcarres.

David Mason was born in 1951, the elder son of Michael Henry Mason (1900-1982), and his second wife the former Dorothy Margaret Sturdee (1915-2006).  His father's first wife, who died in 1950, was the Hon Annette Baird (1905-500, daughter of Viscount Stonehaven and the Countess of Kintore.

He was a grandson of James Francis Mason (1861-1929), and his wife Lady Evelyn Margaret Lindsay (1870-1944), daughter of the 26th Earl of Crawford & Balcarres (1847-1913).

He married in 1980, Monique Juranville, by whom he had issue, a son, Michael James (born 1991), and three daughters, Natalie Elizabeth (born 1981), Catherine Evelyn (born 1984), and Chantal Louise (born 1989).

He took over the running of the family estate when his father died in 1982. And until 2020 was responsible for the running of Eynsham Park. He had a career in the Army, and he served 3 tours of duty in Northern Ireland; then in 1974 he volunteered for secondment to the Sultan of Oman’s Armed Forces.

He distinguished himself on active service in the Dhofar War in 1975 by personally saving 12 men’s lives in battle and then later rescuing others from a minefield. He was awarded the Sultan’s Bravery Medal. After leaving the Army in 1979 Mason joined Sir Ranulph Fiennes on the Transglobe Expedition, travelling to both the South and North Poles.

He published his first novel in 1992, Shadow over Babylon, which was an immediate International No.1 bestseller. He was later (1994-5) appointed High Sheriff of Oxfordshire. He was made a Deputy Lieutenant for the county in 2004. He handed over the running of Eynsham Park to his son Michael in 2020.

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Capt Robin Somervell Salvesen 1935-2025

 Capt Robin Somervell Salvesen, late Capt. 8th/9th Royal Scots (TA), of Eaglescairnie House, Gifford, East Lothian, died 10 March, 2025. He was 89, a scion of the Salvesen landed family of Teaninich.

He was born 4 May, 1935, the second son of Lieutenant-Colonel Iver Ronald Stuart Salvesen (1901-1957), and his wife the former Marion Hamilton McClure (1911-1997); and married 6 August, 1960, Sari Frances Judith Clarke (born 1937), eldest daughter of Charles Clarke (1904-1960), and his wife the former  Audrey Frances Bettison (1915-2006); by whom he had issue, three sons, and four daughters.

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The 2nd Baron St Helens 1945-2025

Lord St Helens, the 2nd Baron, died 1 March, 2025. He was 79. 

Richard Francis Hughes-Young, was born 4 November, 1945, the second son of the then Lt-Col. Michael Hughes-Young, MC (born 28 Oct, 1912), later Conservative MP for Wandsworth Central 1955-64, and a junior minister in the Macmillan and Douglas-Home administrations, who was raised to the peerage, 30 Dec, 1964, one of the last hereditary peers to be so created. His wife, and Richard's mother, was the former Elizabeth Agnes Blakiston-Houston (1911-1956), scion of the Blakiston baronets.

He succeeded his father in the peerage 27 December, 1980. (His elder brother Patrick having died in 1970 aged 27). He took his seat in the House of Lords in 1982, and sat as a Conservative peer until he was ousted in Blair's shake-up of the upper chamber in 1999.

Lord St Helens married in 1983, Mrs Emma Rosemary Talbot-Smith (1952-2018, nee Lyle), former wife of Nicholas Talbot-Smith, and third daughter of Thomas Keith Lyle, CBE, FRCP (1903-1987), and his wife the former Jane Bouverie Maxwell (1914-2009), descended from the Barnard-Hankey landed family. Lady St Helens died 26 Dec, 2018.

The peer leaves issue, a son the Hon Henry Thomas Hughes-Young (born 7 March, 1986), who now succeeds as 3rd Baron, and a daughter the Hon Lara Elizabeth (born 1987).

Prince Henry and the then Meghan Markle attended the wedding in 2017 of Lara Hughes-Young and Tom Inskip (descended from the Noel-Buxton barons).

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Isobel Victoria Parkes (née Clive-Ponsonby-Fane) 1944-2025

 Isobel Victoria Parkes, who died 10 March, 2025, aged 80, was a scion of the Clive landed gentry family.

Isobel Victoria Clive-Ponsonby-Fane was born in 1944, third daughter of Nicholas Brabazon Clive-Ponsonby-Fane (1913-1963), and his wife the former Petronilla Dunsterville (1913-1984); and married in 1976, Simon J. Parkes, by whom she had issue, a son, Roderick, and a daughter, Caroline.

Isobel's descent from the Earls of Bessborough:-

The 4th Earl of Bessborough > Hon Sir Spencer Ponsonby-Fane > John Henry Ponsonby > Violet Ponsonby > Nicholas Clive-Ponsonby-Fane > Isobel Clive-Ponsonby-Fane

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Clark/Ryland engagement

 The engagement was announced 18 March, 2025, between W. George Clark, son of the late Matthew Clark and Jane Clark, of Aldeburgh, Suffolk, and Arabella Kate Ryland (born 1994), second daughter of Charles John Ryland (born 1962), of Tidebrook, East Sussex, and his wife the former Jane M. Cullis.

Arabella's paternal grandmother, Anne Innes (1929-2019), was a scion of the Irish gentry family of that name of Dromantine and descended from the Wolseley baronets (cr 1628), and the Earls of Meath.

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Hugh Simon Fetherstonhaugh 1949-2025

 Hugh Simon Fetherstonhaugh died 13 March, 2025. He was 76. 

He was a farmer, a scion of the Fetherstonhaugh landed gentry family and a maternal grandson of the 8th Viscount Galway.

He was born 25 January, 1949, the elder son of David Henry Fetherstonhaugh (1924-1994), head of the landed family, and his wife the former Hon Mary Victoria Monckton-Arundell (1924-2010), elder daughter of the 8th Viscount Galway (1882-1943).

He married 1stly 27 March, 1971 (div. 2005), Louise Philipps (1946-2013), the adopted daughter of Major the Hon Richard Hanning Philipps (1904-1998), scion of the Barons Milford, and his wife the former Lady Marion Violet Dalrymple (1908-1995), daughter of the 12th Earl of Stair, KT, DSO, DL (1879-1961). 

He married 2ndly, 2005, Mrs Caroline (Mouse) Springham (nee Robertson). 

Hugh Fetherstonhaugh (pronounced 'Fanshaw') leaves issue from his 1st union, two sons, (Edward) Dickon Hanning (born 1981), and Fergus Hugh (born 1990), and two daughters, Sophie Lucia (born 1973), and Alice Maria (born 1975).

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Julian Alexander Ludovic James 1939-2025

Julian Alexander Ludovic James died 6 March, 2025. He was 85.

He was descended paternally from the Dunbar of Hempriggs baronets (and was in remainder to that baronetcy), and maternally from the Boyle Earls of Glasgow. 

Julian James was a page at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, being one of the two pages of Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope, Lord High Steward, who bore St Edward’s Crown. 

He was born 31 October, 1939, the eldest son of Capt Christopher Alexander James, RN, DL, JP (1916-1969), and his wife the former Cynthia Swire (who died 9 April, 1971), descended from the Earls of Glasgow; & married 18 December, 1965, Hilary Jane Browne (born 25 October, 1945), daughter of Capt Thomas Gillespie Browne, JP, Royal Engineers (1913-1997), descended from the Earls of Kintore, by whom he had three sons, Christopher Mark William (born 18 Feb, 1967), David Hugh Geoffrey (born 31 May, 1969), and Andrew Michael Richard (born 2 May, 1976).

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Rev.Richard Robert Bindon Plowman 1938-2025

The Rev. (Richard Robert) Bindon Plowman died 26 February, 2025, aged 86.

He was born in 1938, son of Robert Gillbee Plowman (1911-1995), and his wife the former Ruth Wynn Dutton (1913-2014): and married 25 June, 1977, Robina Ann Wyldbore-Smith (born 3 October, 1943), scion of the Smith-Marriott baronets, elder daughter of John Henry Wyldbore-Smith (1916-1982), and his wife the former Robina Ward (1917-1993); by whom he had issue, a son, Andrew John Napier Plowman (b 11 Jan, 1979, d. 8 July, 1989), and a daughter, Felicity Frances Robina (b 1980).

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Beatrice Catherine Yates (born 21/02/2025)

 Jade Naomi Charlotte Yates (nee Letts), wife of Ivo James Michael Yates (born 24 August, 1993), gave birth to a daughter, Beatrice Catherine, 21 February, 2025.

Ivo Yates is the eldest son of Christian A. Yates, of Bedchester, Dorset, and his wife the former Rosemary Anne (Rosie) Cookson (born 1963).

Jade Yates (born 1993), is the youngest daughter of Daniel Letts, of Boys Hill, Dorset, and his wife the former Jean Catherine Fraser (born 16 April, 1954), descended from the Dukes of Atholl.

John Murray, 3rd Duke of Atholl > Rt Rev Lord George Murray > Rt Rev George Murray > Rev George Murray > Rev Douglas Murray > Lt-Col Walter Murray > Jean Pamela Murray > Jean Fraser > Jade Letts > Beatrice Yates

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Ann Elizabeth Heber-Percy (née Rowley) (died 2025)

 Ann Elizabeth Heber-Percy (née Rowley) died 6 March, 2025. She was 83.

She was a daughter of John Douglas Rowley, of Bristol, Avon, and married 1stly ______ Francis, by whom she had issue. She married 2ndly, 1988, as his second wife, Cyril Raymond (Riff) Heber-Percy (born 23 May, 1945), of Folly Farmhouse, Farmington, Gloucestershire, scion of the Dukes of Northumberland, son of Lieutenant-Colonel Cyril Hugh Reginald Heber-Percy, DSO, MC (1905-1989), and his second wife, the former Diana Radclyffe (1917-2006), scion of that landed gentry family.

She leaves two grandsons from her first marriage, George & Hugo.

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Newton/Pickthorn engagement

 The engagement was announced 15 March, 2025, between Ben H. Newton, eldest son Mr Keith Newton and the late Mrs Leyanne Provera, of Sydney, Australia, and Alice Mary Ella Pickthorn (born 22 February, 1996), scion of the Pickthorn baronets, eldest daughter of Thomas David Alexander Pickthorn (born 16 July, 1967), of Cambridge, and his wife the former Nicola Sheerin.

Sir Kenneth Pickthorn, 1st Baronet (1892-1975) > Henry Pickthorn (b 1928) > Thomas Pickthorn (b 1967) > Alice Pickthorn (b 1996)

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Robb/Vestey engagement

 The engagement was announced 15 March, 2025, between Angus J.M. Robb, elder son of Gavin John McLean Robb (born 1962), of Humbie, East Lothian, by his wife the former Fiona Margaret Ledingham (born 1965), and Georgina Ann Monro Vestey (born 1994), scion of the Vestey baronets, elder daughter of Robin John Henry Vestey (born 14 April, 1968), of Little Thurlow, Suffolk, and Mrs Victoria Eileen Herbert Vestey (nee Waddell), of Newmarket, Suffolk.

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Bridget Wentworth-Stanley (nee Pease) 1926-2025

 Bridget Wentworth-Stanley, who died 7 March, 2025, aged 98, was the widow of David Wentworth-Stanley, scion of that landed gentry family.

She was the former Bridget Pease (born 1926), eldest daughter of the late Maj. Philip Ivan Pease (d. 1964, of that BLG family), by his wife Doris Madeline Crichton (1904-1993), scion of the Earls of Erne, and married 1 March, 1951,(Geoffrey) David Wentworth-Stanley, a member of the Burke's Landed Gentry family of Wentworth-Stanley of High Wych. He was born 28 May, 1924, 3rd son of Charles Sidney Bowen Wentworth-Stanley, CBE (1892-1960), of High Wych Grange (head of the family), by his first wife, Edith Katharine Brocklebank (scion of the Brocklebank Baronets), and he died 18 Aug, 2005

She leaves issue:-

(i) [David] Michael, b. 1952, married to Jane Hall (descended from the Marquesses of Dufferin & Ava) 

(ii) Nicholas Philip, b. 1954 (his 1st wife, Clare Steel, is now wife of the 4th Marquess of Milford Haven) 

(iii) Christopher James, b. 1962. 

(iv) Adrian, b. 1965

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Daphne Jessica MacDonald Johnston (born 2025)

  Megan MacDonald Johnston (née Steele-Knowles), wife of Archie James MacDonald Johnston (born 15 July, 1991), gave birth to a daughter, Daphne, Jessica, 3 March, 2025, a sister for Hector Robin Steele, who was born 27 February, 2023.

Archie is a son of Iain MacDonald Johnston, and his wife the former Jessica Marion Hoskyns (1967-2017), scion of the baronets of that name, descended from the ninth baronet.

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Florence Rosanagh Rizzo (born 2025)

 Iona Katherine Rizzo (nee Dent, born 1991), wife of Dominic G. Rizzo, and scion of the Dent landed gentry family, gave birth to a daughter, Florence Rosanagh, 7 March, 2025, a sister for Joseph Michael, who was born 22 June, 2023.

Dominic is a son of Mr & Mrs Joseph Rizzo, of New Jersey, United States.

Iona is a daughter of Andrew Congreve Dent, of Oxfordshire, by his wife the Lady Rosanagh Elizabeth Angela Mary Taylour [born 20 January, 1961], daughter of the late 6th Marquis of Headfort [1932-2005], by his wife the Hon Elizabeth Angela Veronica Nall-Cain [1938-2017], daughter of the 2nd Baron Brocket [1904-67]. 

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Amber Genevieve Armytage 1971-2025

 Amber Genevieve Armytage died 1 March, 2025, aged 53.

The former Amber Genevieve Renwick was born at Hastings in 1971, a daughter of Matthew Renwick, of Hawkhurst, Kent, and his wife nee Colley; and married in 2003, Marcus David Armytage (born 17 July, 1964), scion of the Armytage baronets, son of Roderick Charles Armytage (1934-2014), and his wife the former Susan Whitehead (who died 23 July, 1996), by whom she had issue, a son Arthur (born 28 September, 2004), and two daughters, Molly (born 14 February, 2006), and Arabella (born 26 April, 2011).

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Repard/Newman engagement

 The engagement was announced 14 March, 2025, between George Repard (born 2 August, 1994), son of James Philip Repard (born 1956), and Jennie Spencer-Churchill (born 25 September, 1966), scion of the Dukes of Marlborough, and Alice E. Newman, daughter of Mr Jeremy Newman and Mrs Elaine Burrows.

George Repard is a great-great grandson of the Rt Hon Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, DL, FRS, RA (1874-1965)

Sir Winston Churchill  > Randolph Churchill (1911-68)  > Winston Churchill (1940-2010) > Jennie Spencer-Churchill (b 1966) > George Repard (b 1994)

Valerie Lois Brodrick (nee Stroud) 1947-2025

Valerie Lois Brodrick died 27 February, 2025, aged 77.

She was the former Valerie Lois Stroud, daughter of Gerald Max Stroud, JP (1910-2004), by his wife the former Madeleine Louise Katherine Sussmann (1915-2004), and married 27 September, 1969, Michael John Lee Brodrick (born 12 October, 1941), scion of the Viscounts (later Earls) of Midleton, son of Norman John Lee Brodrick (1912-1992), and his wife the former Ruth Severn Unwin (1920-1998), daughter of Sir Stanley Unwin, KCMG (1884-1968), by whom she had a son, Robert John Lee Brodrick (born 9 May, 1972), and a daughter, Tessa Elizabeth Camilla Brodrick (born 14 Nov, 1975).

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Patricia Ruck Keene (nee Gibbons) c1921-2025

Patricia Ruck Keene, who died 7 March, 2025, aged 103, was the widow of Capt John Ruck Keene, OBE, DSC, RN.

She was born Patricia Gibbons, daughter of James Henry Gibbons, of Castlebar, Co Mayo, and married firstly, 1939, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Leslie Fasson (1904-1944); married 2ndly, 27 September, 1948, Capt John Henry Ruck Keene (born 5 May, 1902), Naval ADC to Queen Elizabeth II, 1953-67, scion of that landed gentry family, fifth son of the Rev Edmund Ralph Ruck Keene (1857-1932), and his wife the former Emma Corrie (who died 1935). Capt Ruck Keeene died 17 October, 1967.

Mrs Ruck Keene had issue, one son, Benjamin Charles (1949-2011).

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Major Philip Andrew Janson Wright, OBE

 Major Philip Andrew Janson Wright, OBE, late the Grenadier Guards, sometime Deputy Assistant Serjeant-at-Arms, House of Commons, died 4 March, 2025, aged 83.

He was a son of Sir Andrew Barkworth Wright KCMG CBE MC with Bar (1895 – 1971) a colonial administrator and army officer. He served as the Governor of British Cyprus from 1949 to 1954 and as Governor of the Gambia from 1947 to 1949, by his wife Rosemary Barrett, CStJ.

In a Daily Telegraph interview Wright told of a time in 1950 when he was 10 years old and Prince Philip lent him a pair of flippers in a swimming pool in Cyprus. As Philip recalls, Prince Philip ‘... was commanding HMS Magpie ….. and the ship called in on Cyprus as part of the Mediterranean fleet. My father, Sir Andrew Wright, was Governor and Prince Philip visited us in Government House. My father said “any time you want to use the swimming pool, do come and use it”. One night Prince Philip’s evening swim coincided with mine. He had “frog feet” and I’d never seen them before. He said they belonged to his uncle, Lord Mountbatten’. Philip Wright, wearing Prince Philip’s flippers ‘flip flopped up and down the pool’ until a governess appeared and shouted ‘It’s time to get out now, Philip!’ The Prince looked up sharply. ‘I think he thought she was talking to him’.

Philip Wright married 17 June, 1967, Henrietta Elizabeth Hotham (born 3 May, 1944), scion of the Barons Hotham, daughter of Lieutenant-Commander the Hon John David Hotham, RN (1911-1962), and his wife the former Aileen Coates (who died 1 Nov, 2009), and a niece of the 7th Baron Hotham (1899-1967), by whom he had two daughters, Romayne Louise (born 1972), and Melanie Clare (born 1974). 

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Massey/Brunel-Cohen engagement

 The engagement was announced 13 March, 2025, between Patrick William Edmund Massey (born 1983), son of William Grevile Sale Massey (born 31 Aug, 1953), of Beanacre, Wiltshire, and his wife the former Cecilia D'Oyly Awdry (born 4 Aug, 1954), scion of that landed gentry family, and Rosie May Brunel-Cohen (born 1991), fifth daughter of Mark Patrick Brunel-Cohen (born 8 August, 1949), of Sherborne, Dorset, and his wife the former Sally Joan Culham.

Rosie Brunel-Cohen is descended from the Samuel baronets:-

Sir Stuart Montagu Samuel, 1st Baronet, MP (1856-1926) > Vera Evelyn Samuel > George Stuart Brunel-Cohen (1918-80) > Mark Brunel-Cohen (b 1949) > Rosie Brunel-Cohen

The Samuel family founded the merchant bank Samuel Montagu & Co. Sir Stuart, the 1st Bt, was a nephew of Samuel Montagu, 1st Baron Swaythling (1832-1911).

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The Duchess of Westminster is expecting a baby in the summer

 The Duchess of Westminster, wife of the 7th Duke of Westminster, one of Britain's wealthiest men, is expecting a baby in the summer.

A spokesman for the couple, said on Wednesday: "The duchess is expecting a baby in the summer.

"The couple are delighted with the news and are very much looking forward to starting a family."

The Duke of Westminster married Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral on 7 June, 2024. The Prince of Wales stood as one of the duke’s ushers.

Crowds lined the streets of Chester to cheer the arrival of the duke, his bride with her father, and the Prince of Wales. Princess Eugenie, Mrs Jack Brooksbank was one of the 400 guests.

The Duke's calculated wealth of just over £9.7 billion puts him 13th on the 2022 Sunday Times Rich List. He was until 2024 perhaps one of the country's most eligible bachelors.

The young duke is a fourth cousin once removed of the King. They both have Romanov blood, the duke via his mother Natalia, and the King via the late Prince Philip's Romanov descent.

The duke's parents, the 6th Duke and Natalia Phillips married at Chester Cathedral, 7 October, 1978, and the Royal Family were there to celebrate the union of one of Britain's wealthiest men and Natalia, daughter of one of Queen Elizabeth II's great friends, the former Georgina Wernher. The duke's aunt, Lady Leonora Grosvenor, married the late 5th Earl of Lichfield at the cathedral, 8 March, 1975, and another aunt, Lady Jane Grosvenor married the 10th Duke of Roxburghe there, 10 September, 1977.

"The Duke and Miss Henson became engaged at Eaton Hall in April 2023, and have been incredibly grateful for the warm messages of congratulations they have received since then."

Hugh Westminster, 34,  is godfather to Prince George of Wales, and a close confidante of the Prince and Princess of Wales. He was born 29 January, 1991, the only son of the 6th duke (1951-2016).

Hugh Richard Louis Grosvenor, the 7th duke, inherited the Eaton Hall estate near Chester, and large land holdings in London, Lancashire, Scotland, and in Canada, on the death of his late father, who died suddenly on his Abbeystead estate in Lancashire,  9 August 2016. The Westminster fortune is estimated to stand at 9.7 billion. 

The duke’s mother, the former Natalia Ayesha Phillips (born 8 May 1959), descended from the Russia tsars and from Pushkin, is a granddaughter of Lady Zia Wernher, of Luton Hoo, a great friend of the late Queen Elizabeth II. It was at Luton Hoo where the late Queen and her consort spent many wedding anniversaries in the lifetime of Lady Zia, who died in 1977, and her husband Harold, who died in 1973.

The Duke was present at the Coronation of the King and Queen in May 2023, and he carried a standard in the procession into Westminster Abbey. 

The duke has three sisters, Lady Tamara van Cutsem (born 20 Dec 1979), wife of another of the King’s godsons, Edward van Cutsem, and Lady Edwina Snow (born 4 Nov, 1981), a criminologist, wife of historian and broadcaster Dan Snow, and Lady Viola Roberts (born 9 Oct, 1992), wife of Dragoon Guards officer, Angus Roberts.

Their is no heir to the dukedom, and a son and heir would secure the peerage and the vast Grosvenor inheritance. The peerage can only be inherited by male heirs. A son will take the courtesy title Earl  Grosvenor and a daughter will be Lady (Christian name) Grosvenor. The current heir presumptive to the Marquessate of Westminster, but not the dukedom, is a Grosvenor cousin, Francis Grosvenor, 8th Earl of Wilton (born 8 Feb, 1934).

A son will be heir apparent to the titles Duke of Westminster (United Kingdom, let. pat. 27 Feb 1874), Marquess of Westminster (United Kingdom, let. pat. 13 Sep 1831), Earl Grosvenor (Great Britain, let. pat. 5 Jul 1784), Viscount Belgrave (Great Britain, let. pat. 5 Jul 1784), Baron Grosvenor, of Eaton in the County of Chester (Great Britain, let. pat. 8 Apr 1761), and a Baronet, styled "of Eaton" (England, let. pat. 23 Feb 1621/22).

Some ducal statistics: The 1st Duke, and most prolific of the Westminsters, was the father of seven sons and five daughters; the 2nd Duke (Bendor), four times wed, died leaving two daughters. A son died in childhood; the 3rd and fourth dukes were childless; the 5th Duke fathered one son  and two daughters; the 6th Duke, who died in 2016, left a son, the current peer, and three daughters.

The dukedom of Westminster was the last dukedom to be given outside the confines of the royal family, and was created by Queen Victoria in 1874.

The Duchess of Westminster (born 1 Sept, 1992), is a senior account manager with Belazu, an ethical food company, in London. She is extremely well connected, with lines of descent from the Hoare banking dynasty, the Marquesses of Britsol, of Ickworth, Suffolk, and the Dukes of Rutland, of Belvoir Castle. She is the elder daughter of Mr Rupert Cornelius Brooke Henson (born 7 September, 1962), of Longworth, Oxfordshire, and his wife the former Caroline Belinda Frisby (born 17 August, 1963), scion of that landed gentry family, descended from the Hoare banking family and the Marquesses of Bristol. Olivia’s uncle, Charles Wolrige Gordon, is the Grand Master of Scottish freemasons, Scotland’s senior freemason. Olivia’s mother is the twin sister of Charles’s wife, Angela Clare Wolrige Gordon.

Olivia has a brother Jasper (born 1994), who announced his engagement last year to the Spanish aristocrat Isabel Rodriguez-Legorburu Cabrera Kabana, and a sister, Emilia (born 1997).

Olivia is a granddaughter paternally of Thomas John Brooke Henson, MC (1931-2024), and his first wife the former Jennifer Caswell Cornelius (born 1938), daughter of Leonard Raymond Cornelius (1907-88), and his wife the former Betty Kathleen Caswell (1916-2010). Her grandparents divorced and in 1983 Mrs Jennifer Henson married Robert Christopher Thoroton Hildyard (1912-86), scion of a Yorkshire landed gentry family, descended from the Foljambe Earls of Liverpool.

The Romanov link:-

Nicholas I, Tsar of Russia (1796-1855) > Grand Duke Michael of Russia (1832-1909) > Grand Duke Michael of Russia (1861-1929)  > Lady Zia Wernher (1892-1977)  > Georgina Wernher (1919-2011)  > Natalia Ayesha Phillips (b 1959) > The 7th Duke of Westminster (b 1991)> Baby Grosvenor

Nicholas I, Tsar of Russia (1796-1855) > Grand Duke Constantine of Russia (1827-1892) > Grand Duchess Olga of Russia (1851-1926) > Prince Andrew of Greece (1882-1944) > Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921-2021) > King Charles III (b 1948)

Olivia is also descended from the Dukes of Rutland :-

The 5th Duke of Rutland > Lady Katherine Manners > Lord Augustus Henry Charles Hervey > Lady Geraldine Mariana Hervey > Angela Beryl Hoare > Simon Rollo Frisby > Caroline Belinda Frisby > Olivia Grace Henson

Olivia's descent from the Marquesses of Bristol-

Frederick, 2nd Marquess of Bristol > Lord Augustus Henry Charles Hervey >Lady Geraldine Hervey > Angela Beryl Hoare > Simon Frisby . Caroline Frisby > Olivia Grace Henson 

The Duke and Olivia are both 6x great grandchildren of the 5th Earl of Carlisle (making them 7th cousins) and 7x great grandchildren of the 4th Duke of Beaufort (making them 8th cousins).

Olivia is a great-great granddaughter of Henry Hoare (1866-1956), partner in the eponymous family concern -  Hoare's Bank, of Ellisfield Manor, Basingstoke, White Wings, Angmering, Sussex, and La Lucretola, Lago di Como, Italy. The Old Etonian died 29 July, 1956.

Olivia's descent from the Arbuthnot baronets:--

Sir William Arbuthnot, 1st Baronet (1766-1829) > John Alves Arbuthnot (1802-75) > William Arbuthnot (1833-96) > Alice Arbuthnot (b 1869) > Capt William Herbert Fox (1901-40) > Sara Fox (d 2018) > Caroline Frisby (b 1963) > Olivia Henson (b 1992)

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James Lewis Ashurst Majendie 1932-2025

 James Lewis Ashurst Majendie died 3 March, 2025. He was a scion of the landed gentry family of that name, of Hedingham Castle, Halstead, Essex.

He was born in 1932, son of Capt Lewis Bernard Alexander Majendie, DSC, RN (1898-1961), and his wife the former Margaret Louise Speirs (1897-1972); and was a great-nephew of Margaret Aline Majendie (1872-1911), Maid of Honour to Queen Victoria, 2nd wife of Field Marshal the 1st Baron Grenfell, GCB (1841-1925).

He married 1stly, in 1960, Jennifer A.M. Kitching, by whom he had issue, three sons, Maximilian (1961-2019), Dominic (b 1962), and Adam (b 1964). He married 2ndly, 2004, Claire F. Stern.

The 25th Earl of Crawford & Balcarres (1812-1880) > Lady Margaret Lindsay (1850-1912) > James Henry Alexander Majendie (1871-1939) > Capt Lewis Majendie (1898-1961) > James Majendie (1932-2025)

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von Preussen/Nall-Cain marriage split

The four year marriage of Prince Alexander von Preussen and his aristocratic bride Antalya Nall-Cain is to end in divorce. Alexander, scion of the Royal House of Prussia, and Lord Brocket's daughter have split, as reported at Marlene Koenig's Royal Musings blog.

The high society wedding took place 27 September, 2020, at St John's Church, Lemsford, followed by a reception at Brocket Hall between Prince [Frederick] Alexander von Preussen [born 1984], scion of the Royal House of Prussia, is son of Prince Wilhelm Andreas von Preussen [born 14 November, 1947], by his late wife the former Alexandra Blahova [1947-2019].

The Hon Antalya Stephanie Lauren Nall-Cain [born 1987], is a daughter of the 3rd Baron Brocket [born 12 February, 1952], by his former 1st wife the former Isabell Maria Lorenzo.

Prince Alexander is a descendant of Queen Victoria:

Queen Victoria -> Victoria, Princess Royal -> Wilhelm II, German Emperor ->Wilhelm, Crown Prince of Germany -> Frederick von Preussen -> Wilhelm von Preussen -> Alexander [born 1984]

The bridegroom is also a great-grandson of the Guinness heir the 2nd Earl of Iveagh. 

Prince Alexander is the former lover and sometime manager of the singer, and Eastenders actress, Mica Paris, 51.

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James William Davies (born 28/02/2025)

 Lucia Davies (née Frascerra), wife of the Hon Alexander Sebastian Quentin Davies (born 1987), gave birth to a son, James William, 28 February, 2025, a brother for Grace Emily, who was born 5 August, 2023.

The Hon Alex Davies is the elder son of the late life peer the Baron Davies of Stamford , who died 13 January, 2025, aged 80, by his wife the former Chantal Tamplin, the elder daughter of Lt-Col R.L.C. Tamplin, 17th/21st Lancers, Military Knight of Windsor, by his wife the former Claudine Pleis.

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Romy Anna Buxton (born 2025)

  Kate Gunilla Buxton [nee Hunter, born 1989], wife of Henry James Aubrey [Harry] Buxton [born 19 May, 1988], scion of the Buxton baronets, gave birth to a daughter, Romy Anna, 5 February, 2025, a sister for Archie, who was born 22 July, 2021.

Kate is a daughter of Mr & Mrs David Hunter, of Mearnskirk, East Renfrewshire, and Harry Buxton is a son of the Hon [Aubrey] James Francis Buxton [born 20 March, 1956], and his wife the former Melinda Dorothy Marie Samuelson [born 10 June, 1957], daughter of Peter Henry Samuelson (1925-2008), and his wife the former Pauline Lucie Mayer, OBE (1926-2007), daughter of Sir Robert Mayer, CH, KCVO (1879-1985).

Harry Buxton is a grandson of the late life peer, the Baron Buxton of Alsa [1918-2009].

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David John Dugdale 1942-2025

David John Dugdale, who died 20 February, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, aged 82, was a scion of that landed gentry family, of Wroxall Abbey.

He was born 12 October, 1942, son of Commander Basil James Dugdale, RN (1895-1970), and his wife the former Lenore Ann Hutcheson; and married in 1972, Susan Margaret Stewart, daughter of Capt W.A. Stewart, of Brewood, Winter Hill, Cookham Dean, Hampshire, by whom he had a son, Charles Henry (born 1978), and a daughter, Nicola Anne (born circa 1976).

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Severn/Thornton engagement

The engagement was announced 10 March, 2025, between Jack Joseph Hanbury Severn (born 4 October, 1995), the eldest son of Ross Joseph Severn (born 13 April, 1965), of London, and his former wife Zahra Patricia Anne Hanbury (born 10 April, 1971, now Mrs William Lucas), of Brimpsfield, Gloucestershire, scion of the Hanbury Landed gentry family, and Melissa Jane Thornton (born 1997), daughter of Russell Peter Thornton (born 1964), of Sale, Cheshire, and his wife the former Dawn Hughes.

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Chisholm/Weatherby engagement

The engagement was announced 8 March, 2025, between Aidan Carus Chisholm (born 29 July, 1996), son of Sir Alexander James Chisholm, KCB (born 2 January, 1968), of London, and his wife the former Lady Eliza Pakenham (born 3 November, 1966), scion of the Earls of Longford, & Emily Beatrice Weatherby (born 1997), descended from the Viscounts Bangor, daughter of Maxwell Peter Weatherby (born 26 February, 1965), of Norfolk, and his wife the former Angelique Claire Kincaid-Jackson.

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Chamberlen/Studdert-Kennedy engagement

 The engagement was announced 8 March, 2025, between Ralph Hugo Chamberlen (born 1997), son of Julian Seymour Chamberlen (born 1964), of Oxfordshire, and his wife the former Caroline Mary Sophie Cotton (born 20 February, 1966), & Phoebe Grace Studdert-Kennedy (born 13 July, 1996), scion of the Irish landed gentry family of Studdert, eldest daughter of the Rev Canon Andrew Geoffrey Studdert-Kennedy (born 1959), of Uxbridge, Middlesex, and his wife the former Anne M. Peppiatt

Ralph Chamberlen is descended from the St Aubyn baronets (later Barons St Levan).

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Lady Maxwell-Hyslop 1944-2025

Lady Maxwell-Hyslop died 24 February, 2025, aged 80. She was the widow of Capt Sir Robert John (Robin) Maxwell-Hyslop, MP (1931-2010), who was Conservative MP for Tiverton 1960-1992.

She was the former Joanna McCosh, daughter of Thomas McCosh, of Pitcon, Dalry, North Ayrshire, and married in 1968, Robin Maxwell-Hyslop (born 6 June, 1931), scion of the Hyslop landed gentry family, son of Capt Alexander Henry Maxwell-Hyslop, RN (1895-1978), and his wife the former Cecilia Joan Bayly (1902-1954), by whom she had two daughters, Jane and Katherine.

Her husband, who was knighted in 1992, died 13 January, 2010.

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Eliza Henrietta Blanshard (born 2025)

  Georgina Sarah Blanshard [née Garnier, born 1989], wife of Thomas James William Blanshard [born 1989], and descended from the Barons Walsingham, gave birth to a daughter, Eliza Henrietta, 13 January, 2025, a sister for Matilda Alice, who was born 22 November, 2020, and for Arthur William, who was born 31 May, 2023. 

Georgina is the third daughter of Major [James] Hugh Garnier [born 7 Apr 1948], and his wife the former Katherine Puckle.

Thomas is a son of Michael Thomas William Blanshard [born 1954], and his wife the former Philippa Janje Hardman.

Matilda's Walsingham descent:-

8th Baron Walsingham--> Hon Lavender de Grey-->Maj Hugh Garnier--> Georgina Garnier--> Eliza Blanshard.

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Courage/Hill engagement

 The engagement was announced 8 March, 2025, between Caspar Miles Courage (born 1993), scion of that landed gentry family, son of Robin Vandeleur Courage (born 1944), and his late wife the former Serena Elizabeth Allott (1956-2013), of Seaview, Isle of Wight, & Abigail L.C. Hill, daughter of Mr & Mrs Simon Hill, of Tyringham, Buckinghamshire.

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Alexander Michael Foulds Slinger 1939-2025

(Alexander) Michael Foulds Slinger, died 16 February, 2025. He was 86.

He was born in Lancashire, 1939, son of Milton Slinger (1904-1957), of Spring Grove, Colne, by his wife the former Edith Foulds; and married 15 April, 1967, Felicity Margaret Rowley (born 28 February, 1945), daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Sir William Joshua Rowley, 6th Baronet (1891-1971), and his second wife the former Margaret Sheila Camp (who died 12 May, 1997), by whom he had two daughters, Arabella (born 1972), and Katharine (born 1977).

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Major Peter Egerton-Warburton 1933-2025

 Major Peter Egerton-Warburton, who died 12 February, 2025, aged 92, was descended from the Egerton baronets and the Warburton landed gentry family.

He was born 17 January, 1933, son of Colonel Geoffrey Egerton-Warburton, DL, JP (1888-1961), and his wife the Hon Georgiana Mary Dormer, MBE (1906-1955), daughter of the 14th Baron Dormer (1864-1922).

Maj. Egerton-Warburton's home for many years was Mulberry House, Bentworth, Hampshire. He was a Captain in the Coldstream Guards. He was a land agent with Carter Jonas.

He married three times, firstly, 29 January, 1955 (div. 1958), Belinda Vera Young, daughter of James Young,; married 2ndly, 10 Nov, 1960 (div. 1967), Sarah Jessica Norman (born 16 March, 1940), scion of the Norman baronets and a granddaughter maternally of the 2nd Baron Trent (1889-1956), a daughter of Maj. Willoughby Rollo Norman (1909-1997), and his wife the Hon Barbara Jacqueline Boot. He married 3rdly, 6 June, 1969, the Hon Marya Anne Noble (born 10 Dec, 1944), scion of the Noble baronets, and daughter of the Rt Hon Michael Noble, MP, PC (1913-1984), who was raised to the peerage for life in 1974 as Baron Glenkinglas. Marya's mother was Anne Pearson, daughter of Sir Neville Pearson, 2nd Baronet (1898-1982).

Peter Egerton-Warburton leaves issue, two sons from his second marriage, Charles (born 9 Nov 1961), and James (born 1 Oct, 1963), and a son and a daughter from his third marriage, Christopher (born 19 Jan, 1971), and a daughter Louisa (twin with her brother Christopher).

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Jennifer, Lady Lloyd 1934-2025

  Jennifer, Lady Lloyd, who died 14 February, 2025, aged 90, was the widow of Sir Richard Lloyd, 2nd Baronet (1928-2022).

She was the former Jennifer Susan Margaret Cardiff, and was born in 1934, daughter of Brigadier Ereld Boteler Wingfield Cardiff, CB, CBE (1909-1988), head of that landed gentry family, and his wife the former Margaret Evelyn Pope (1908-1999); and married 6 June, 1955, Richard Ernest Butler Lloyd (born 6 December, 1928), son and heir of Maj Sir Ernest Lloyd, 1st Baronet, Unionist MP for East Renfrew 1940-59, and his wife the former Helen Kynaston Greg (who died 1984). Her husband succeeded to the baronetcy on the death of his father, 1987, and died 13 August, 2022.

Lady Lloyd leaves issue, three sons, Richard, Simon and Henry. The eldest son is Sir Richard Lloyd, 3rd Baronet (born 12 Apr, 1956).

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Sir Henry Upton Stephenson, 3rd Baronet 1926-2025

Sir Henry Upton Stephenson, 3rd Baronet, died 15 February, 2025. He was 98.

He was born 26 November, 1926, son of Sir Henry Francis Blake Stephenson, 2nd Baronet (1895-1982), and his wife the former Joan Upton (1901-2000), scion of that landed gentry family of Ingmire Hall; and succeeded to the baronetcy (cr UK, 1936), on the death of his father in 1982.

He married 19 May, 1962, Susan Diana Ruth Clowes (born 1942), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Major John Ernest Clowes, TD (1908-1972), and his wife the former June Darby Philips (1921-2014), scion of that landed gentry family, by whom he had issue, four daughters, Fiona (born 2 Apr, 1964), Annabel (b 9 Aug, 1965), Emma (b 14 Feb 1968), and Lucy (born 1970).

The baronetcy now devolves upon his first cousin once removed, Matthew Francis Timothy Stephenson (who was born 24 Aug, 1960).

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Ponsonby/Jones engagement

 The engagement was announced 4 March, 2025, between William Roland Ashley Ponsonby (born 10 September, 1995), scion of the Ponsonby baronets, younger son of Luke Arthur Ponsonby (born 15 July, 1957), of Sandford St Martin, Oxfordshire, and his wife the former Nicola Jane Guy (born 1960), and Miss Isobel Daisy Mary Jones (born 1996), the only daughter of Mr David Wyn Jones (born 31 January, 1951), of Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire, and Mrs Deirdre Anne Patrick Jones (nee Vine, born 1953), of Bayswater, London.

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Ponsonby/Spicer engagement

 The engagement was announced 4 March, 2025, between Edmund Brabazon Ponsonby (born 1989), scion of the Ponsonby baronets, elder son of Luke Arthur Ponsonby (born 15 July, 1957), of Sandford St Martin, Oxfordshire, and his wife the former Nicola Jane Guy (born 1960), and Sophia Madelein M. (Beetle) Spicer (born 1992), elder daughter of John A.L. Spicer (born 1962), of Mildenhall, Wiltshire, and his wife the former Rebecca Llewelyn Jones (born 1963).

Edmund is descended from the Marquesses of Ormonde:-

The 6th Marquess of Ormonde > Lady Martha Butler > Luke Ponsonby > Edmund Ponsonby

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Walter Esmond Ponsonby (Wol) Astor (born 2024)

 Lucy India Clare Astor [nee Ponsonby, born 1991], wife of Thomas David Astor [born 1987], scion of the Barons Astor of Hever, gave birth to a son, Walter Esmond Ponsonby (Wol), 27 August, 2024, a brother for Eva, who was born 29 May, 2022.

Tom Astor is a son of [George] David Astor [born 8 July, 1958], of Ashbury, Wiltshire, by his late wife the former Marianne Piroska Julia Leche [1958-2019], and is a great-grandson of the 1st Baron Astor of Hever [1886-1971].

Lucy Astor, is a scion of the Ponsonby baronets, a daughter of Luke Arthur Ponsonby [born 15 July, 1957], of Ledwell, co Oxford, by his wife the former Nicola J. Guy, and is a granddaughter maternally of General Sir Roland Guy, GCB [1928-2005], and a granddaughter paternally of Sir Ashley Charles Gibbs Ponsonby, 2nd Baronet [1921-2010], and is a great-granddaughter of the 6th Marquess of Ormonde [1893-1971].

The 5th Baron Rathdonnell 1938-2025

 The 5th Baron Rathdonnell, of Lisnavagh, Rathvilly, Co. Carlow, died 28 February, 2025. He was 86.

He was educated at Charterhouse and the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth; Lieutenant, Royal Navy.

Thomas Benjamin McClintock-Bunbury was born 17 September, 1938, son of the 4th Baron Rathdonnell (1914-1959), and his wife the former Pamela Drew (1910-1989); and he succeeded to the peerage (created in 1868), on the demise of his father, 13 October, 1959. 

He married 2 Oct, 1965, Jessica Harriet Butler (born 17 Dec, 1940), daughter of George Gilbert Butler, of  Scatorish, Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny, by his wife the former Noreen Helen Colley (1910-1997), by whom he had issue, three sons, William, George and James, and a daughter, Sasha.

The eldest son, the Hon William Leopold McClintock-Bunbury (born 6 July, 1966), succeeds as 6th Baron Rathdonnell.

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Colin Patrick Russell, MBE 1944-2025

 Colin Patrick Russell, MBE, who died 24 February, 2025, aged 80, was kin of the Russell baronets, and was descended from the law lord the Baron Russell of Liverpool.

He was born 15 July, 1944, the thrd son of Gerald Cyril Russell (1896-1962), and his wife the former Barbara Reynolds (1901-85), daughter of Sir James Reynolds, 1st Baronet (1865-1932).

He married 7 Oct, 1978, Jessica Margaret Rainsford-Hannay (born 2 September, 1937), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Ramsay William Rainsford Hannay (1911-2004),  and his wife the former Margaret Wiseman (1913-1994), daughter of Sir William Wiseman, 10th Baronet (1885-1962).

He leaves a son, Dr Richard Hugh Elwes (born 6 Sept, 1978), from a relationship with Jessica Mary Elwes (born 1942), scion of that landed gentry family.

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Madam Agnes Valerie Livingstone of Bachuil 1926-2025

 (Agnes) Valerie Livingstone, Madam Livingstone of Bachuil (née Collins), died 25 February, 2025, aged 98.

She was the former Agnes Valerie Collins, and married 1952, William Jervis Alastair Livingstone of Bachuil (1914-2008), feudal Baron of Bachuil, and Chief of the Clan Maclea, by whom she had five children, 2 sons, Niall (born 12 Nov, 1953), and Alexander (born 14 May, 1968), and three daughters, Deirdre (born 26 Jan 1956), Catriona (b 17 Sept 1957), and Morag (b 23 Sept 1960).

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Doyle/Wedgwood Benn engagement

The engagement was announced 1 March, 2025, between Group Capt James Niall Doyle, RAF, son of the Rev. Nigel Doyle, of Penclawdd, Gower and Mrs Gillian Loyd (nee Peake), of Blewbury, Oxfordshire, & the Hon Emily Sophia Wedgwood Benn (born 4 October, 1989), daughter of the 3rd Viscount Stansgate (born 21 Aug, 1951), and Viscountess Stansgate.

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Penelope Pear Weatherall (born 2025)

 Georgina Helena Weatherall (born 16 Sept, 1990, nee Hilton), wife of Bertram Edward Johnston Weatherall [born 1989], gave birth to a daughter, Penelope Pear, in Hong Kong, 20 February, 2025.

Bertram is the son of [Edward] Percy Keswick Weatherall, of Cowhill, Dumfriesshire, and his wife the former Clare Mary Johnston [born 1960], descended from the Paget baronets.

Georgina is a daughter of Andrew Graham Hilton [born 1953], of Battersea, London, and his wife the former Victoria Jane Sanders [now Mrs Victoria Donald, of Grouville, Jersey, Channel Islands].

Bertram Weatherall is a nephew of Isobel, Countess of Strathmore & Kinghorne, first wife of the late 18th Earl of Strathmore & Kinghorne.

Sir Richard Paget, 2nd Bt > Sylvia Mary Paget > Susanna Maria Chancellor > Clara Mary Johnston > Bertram Weatherall > Penelope Weatherall

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Egerton-Warburton/Wyndham Jones engagement

The engagement was announced 1 March, 2025, between Piers Egerton-Warburton (born 1992), scion of that landed gentry family, son of Charles Piers Egerton-Warburton (born 9 Nov, 1961), and his first wife the former Fiona Clare Bonham Carter (born 1957), scion of that landed family, and Philippa Wyndham Jones, daughter of Mr and Mrs David Wyndham Jones.

Piers descends from the Barons Dormer:-

14th Baron Dormer (1864-1922) > Hon Georgiana Dormer (1906-1955) > Maj Peter Egerton-Warburton (b 1933) > Charles Egerton-Warburton (b 1961) > Piers Egerton-Warburton (b 1992)

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Richard Fulke Johnson Houghton 1940-2025

 (Richard) Fulke Johnson Houghton, the racehorse trainer, has died aged 84.

He was born 9 May, 1940, son of Gordon Terence Johnson Houghton (1911-1952), and his wife the former Helen Marjory Walwyn (1910-2012), a descendant of the Barons Teynham; and married 1964, Florence M.E.G. (Gaie) Goldsmith (born 1941), daughter of Maj. John Gilbert Goldsmith, DSO, MC (1909-1972), and his wife the former Annette H.B. Clover, by whom he had issue, including daughter Eve Annette (born 1967), racehorse trainer in the footsteps of her father.

Henry Roper, 8th Baron Teynham (1676-1723) > Rev Hon Richard Roper (d 1810) > Caroline Roper > Richard Henry Walwyn (1804-86) > Col James Walwyn (1838-1921) > Lt-Col Fulke James Walwyn (1875-1945) > Helen Marjory Walwyn (1910-2012) > Fulke Houghton (-1940-2025)

He was a nephew of the racehorse trainer Fulke Walwyn, CVO (1910-1991).

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