Colonel Rhoderick Stuart Cochrane-Dyet 1933-2025

 Colonel Rhoderick Stuart Cochrane-Dyet, late the 9th/12th Queen's Royal Lancers, died 25 December, 2025.

He was a son of Colonel John Cochrane-Dyet, and married 1stly, 23 August, 1957 (div. 1969) Elizabeth Jennifer Jane Seymour (born 20 Oct, 1934), daughter of Almeric Hugh Seymour, CBE (1894-1950), and his wife the former Margaret Kathleen Browne (1898-1984), scion of the Marquesses of Sligo; and married 2ndly, 28 Aug, 1969, Allela Harwood Annan (born 7 January, 1940), daughter of Maj. John Annan (1912-2001), and his wife the former Pamela Harwood James (who died 9 July, 1972).

From his first marriage he leaves two sons, Charles Nicholas (born 4 Oct, 1958), and Christopher James (born 19 Apr, 1963), and a daughter, Amanda Jane (born 17 March, 1961).

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Angela Mary Horsfall (nee Firth) 1943-2026

 Angela Mary Horsfall (nee Firth), died in Edinburgh, 3 January, 2026. She was 82.

She was born circa Oct 1943, in Leeds, a daughter of Henry Firth (1914-1990), and his wife the former Josephine Margaret Muller (1917-2001); and married 4 December, 1965, Donald James Linton Horsfall (born 3 Oct, 1942), the second son of Sir John Musgrave Horsfall, 2nd Baronet (1915-2005), and his wife the former Cassandra Nora Bernardine Wright (1919-2009), by whom she had issue, two sons, Peter (born 1970), and Richard (1973), and a daughter, Elizabeth (born 1968).

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Stephenson/McEuen engagement

 The engagement was announced 14 January, 2026, between Alexander Foster Lyon Stephenson (born 9 February, 1995), scion of the Stephenson baronets, the elder son of George Lyon Stephenson (born 23 Apr, 1962), of Barford St Martin, Wiltshire, and his wife the former Lucilla C. Clay (born 1964), scion of that landed gentry family, & Isobel Johanneke McEuen (born 25 November, 1999), daughter of James Stewart McEuen (born 1969), of Owston, Leicestershire, and his wife the former Katharine Johanna Lawson-Dick (born 1970).

Sir Henry Stephenson, 1st Bt (1865-1947) > Charles Eustace Kenyon Stephenson (1903-1971) > Charles Lyon Stephenson (b 1935) > George Lyon Stephenson (b 1962) > Alexander Stephenson (b 1995)

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Richardson/Coe engagement

 The engagement was announced 14 January, 2026, between Jack Michael N. Richardson (born 1991), son of Kim Richardson, of Corscombe, West Dorset, and his wife nee Faber, & the Hon Alice India Violet Coe (born 1998), daughter of the Baron Coe, CH, KBE (born 29 September, 1956), life peer, the sports administrator, former politician and retired track and field athlete, who as a middle-distance runner, he  won four Olympic medals, by his 1st former wife the former Nicola (Nicky) McIrvine (now Nicky, Lady Coe, of Kensington).

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Hon Una Rowcliffe (née Slim) 1930-2026

The Hon Una Rowcliffe, who died 5 January, 2025, aged 95, was a scion of the Viscounts Slim.

She was born 1 December, 1930, daughter of Field Marshal the 1st Viscount Slim, KG, GCB, GCMG, GCVO, GBE, DSO, MC (1891-1970), and his wife the former Aileen Robertson, DStJ (1901-1994); and was twice wed, firstly, 17 Jan, 1953 (div. 1979), Major Peter Nigel Stewart Frazer, son of Colonel Donald Frazer, of Tiverton, Devon, and married 2ndly, 1980, a his second wife, Ronald Frederick Rowcliffe (1929-2010), son of Reuben Henry Rowcliffe (1899-1972), and is wife the former Clara Elizabeth Buckingham (1898-1967).

From her first marriage she leaves three daughters, Sarah Juliet (born 15 Dec, 1953), Jennifer Jane (born 23 Nov, 1956), and Emma Mary (born 23 July, 1965).

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Hon Lady Dalyell of The Binns, OBE 1937-2025

 The Hon Lady Dalyell of The Binns died 27 December, 2025. She was 88.

She was a deputy lieutenant for West Lothian from 2001, and was appointed OBE in 2005. She was chatelaine of The Binns, the historic family home of the Dalyell family.

She was the widow of the firebrand Labour MP Sir Thomas Dalyell, 11th Baronet FRSGS (1932– 2017), known as Tam Dalyell, who was a Scottish politician who served as MP for Linlithgow (formerly West Lothian) from 1962 to 2005. A member of the Labour Party, he was best known for formulating what came to be known as the "West Lothian question", on whether non-English MPs should be able to vote upon English-only matters after political devolution. He was also known for his staunch anti-war views, opposing the Falklands War, the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War.

She was born Kathleen Mary Agnes Wheatley, 17 November, 1937, daughter of John Thomas Wheatley (1908-1988), who was Solicitor General for Scotland from March to October 1947, when he was appointed Lord Advocate.] He was appointed a King's Counsel and a Privy Counsellor in 1947. One of his most significant achievements as a politician was the establishment of the legal aid scheme in Scotland. He was appointed to the bench, with the judicial title Lord Wheatley. In 1963, he heard the notorious divorce case of Ian Campbell, 11th Duke of Argyll. He granted the Duke a divorce and, in his written opinion, was harshly critical of the Duchess. In 1966 he was appointed chairman of the Royal Commission on Local Government in Scotland. 

Kathleen's mother was Nancy Nicholl (1906-1995).

She married 26 December, 1963, Thomas (Tam) Dalyell of the Binns (born 9 August, 1932), son of Lieutenant-Colonel Percy Gordon Loch (who died in 1953), who was recognised in the surname of Dalyell of The Binns, by Lord Lyon King of Arms, by his wife Eleanor Isabel Dalyell (1895-1972), who succeeded her father in 1935 as a 'Baronetess' in her own right, and who died 5 Feb, 1972.

Tam Dalyell succeeded his mother as the 11th Baronet Dalyell [N.S., 1685] on 5 February 1972, but he did not use the title.2 In 1973 his claim to the baronetcy was allowed by the Privy Council. He died 26 January, 2017.

She leaves a son Sir Gordon Wheatley Dalyell, 12th Baronet (born 26 September, 1965), and a daughter, Moira Eleanor (born 25 May, 1968).

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Rear Admiral John Oliver Roberts, CB 1924-2025

Rear Admiral John Oliver Roberts, CB, died 27 December, 2025, aged 101.

He was a naval officer who saw service in the Second World War. Was a Midshipman on HM Ships Renown and Tartar, 1941-43; Sub-Lieutenant, HMS Serapis 1943-44; Lieutenant, 1945; HMS Triumph 1947-49; RNAS, Lossiemouth, 1949-51; Flag Lieutenant to FOGT, 1952; Lieutenant-Commander, 1953; HMAS Vengeance & Sydney, 1953-54; Commanding Officer No. 803 Squadron, HMS Eagle 1957-58; Commander, 1958; RNVR Southern Air Div 1954-56; later on Naval Staff 1962-64; Captain 1964; CSO Flag Officer Aircraft Carriers, 1964-66; CO, HMS Galatea 1966-68; Naval Staff 1968-70; Commanding Officer HMS Ark Royal 1971-72; Rear Admiral, 1972; Flag Officer, Sea Training 1972-74; COS to C-in-C Fleet 1974-76; Flag Officer Naval Air Command, 1976-78.

He was appointed CB in 1976.

He was born 4 April, 1924,  son of John Vaughan Roberts, of Llangurig, Montgomeryshire.

He was four times married - firstly, on 16 June, 1950 (div. 1960), the Lady Hermione Mary Morton Stuart (1925-1969), daughter of the 19th Earl of Moray (1894-1974); married 2ndly, 1963 (div. 1987), Honor Morigold Gordon Gray; married 3rdly, 1987, Sheila Violet Mary Traub (nee Barker) who died in 2012; and fourthly, 2014, Gillian ffrench Reckitt (nee Nobbs).

He leaves a daughter, Doune Joanna, from his first marriage, and a son and a daughter from his second marriage.

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Primrose Merriweather Lightbody Leigh-Pemberton (born 2026)

  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, Primrose Merriweather Lightbody, a sister for Marigold Loveday Lightbody, born 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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 Alexandra Clutterbuck (née Boughton), wife of Henry Charles Meadows Clutterbuck (born 10 June, 1992), scion of that landed gentry family, gave birth to a son, Austin Robert Meadows, in Sydney, NSW, 16 December, 2025.

Henry is the son of Hugh Meadows Clutterbuck (1959-2011), by his 1st wife Camilla Nicholson (1962-2018), descended from the Barons Sudeley.

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Gordon Cumming/O'Donnell engagement

 The engagement was announced 10 January, 2026, between William Gordon Cumming of Altyre, Younger (born 4 April, 1993), son and heir of Sir Alexander Penrose Gordon Cumming of Altyre, 7th Baronet (born 15 Apr, 1954), of the Altyre estate, Forres, Moray, and his wife the former Louise Clifton-Brown (born 17 September, 1961), and Florence Isabel O'Donnell (born 1992), daughter of Simon O'Donnell, of Tunbridge Wells, Kent and his wife the former Audrey P. Hall.

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Archibald/Theakston engagement

 The engagement was announced 9 January, 2025, between Rory William E. Archibald (born 1995), youngest son of James Leslie Archibald (born 1962), of Coton Hall, Shropshire, and his wife the former Nicola-Jane Lucy (nee Howard, born Dec 1960), former wife of Maj Colin Piers Lister Sandbach (born 1956), scion of that landed gentry family; & Tessa Miranda Theakston (born 25 November, 1997), scion of the Theakston brewing family, daughter of Edward David Theakston (born 1962), of Jervaulx, North Yorkshire, and his wife the former Vanda Mary Chisenhale-Marsh (born 1966), scion of that landed gentry family.

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Leo Georges Anderson Padovan (born 2025)

 Noa Padovan (née Rataj-Mongelous), wife of Oliver Humphrey Umberto Padovan (born 1997), descended from the 1st Baron Hunsdon, gave birth to a son, Leo Georges Anderson Padovan, 8 November, 2025.

Oliver Padovan is a son of Benedict John Anderson Padovan (born 1965), of Old Burghclere, Hampshire, and his wife the former Arabella Sophie Gibbs (born 4 January, 1967), scion of the Barons Hunsdon (now Aldenham & Hunsdon).

Oliver is a great-grandson of Sir Humphrey Vicary Gibbs, GCVO, KCMG, OBE, PC (1902-1990), penultimate Gov of the Colony of Southern Rhodesia.

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Wood/Padovan engagement

 The engagement was announced 9 January, 2026, between Aubrey Thomas Wood (born 1999), son of Philip J. Wood, of Stoney Heath, Hampshire, and his wife the former Lois Pirnie (born 1964), & Daisy Amelia Padovan (born 1999), daughter of Benedict John Anderson Padovan (born 1965), of Old Burghclere, Hampshire, and his wife the former Arabella Sophie Gibbs (born 4 January, 1967), scion of the Barons Hunsdon (now Aldenham & Hunsdon).

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Mary Hodges (nee Pryor) 1944-2025

 Mary Hodges, who died 23 December, 2025, aged 81, was a scion of the Pryor landed gentry family.

She was born 29 November, 1944, younger daughter of Major Peter Pryor (1907-1980), and his wife the former Anna Margaret Pepys (1906-2000), scion of the Earls of Cottenham; and married 15 March, 1969, Roy Hodges, son of Francis Hodges, of Tangley, Shenfield, Essex, by whom she had two sons, Jeremy George Hodges (born 1972), and Jonathan Francis (Jack) Hodges (born 1976).

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Katherine Hills (née Alderson-Smith) 1939-2025

  Katherine Adrian Hills died 23 December, 2025. 

She was born in 1939, a daughter of Guy Fairbairn Alderson-Smith (1908-1968), by his wife the former Constance Adrian Mary Mary Swan (1913-1985), & married 6 March, 1964, Colonel John Evelyn Baring Hills (1939-2009), son of Lieutenant-Colonel John David Hills (1895-1975), and his wife the Lady Rosemary Ethel Baring (1908-2004), daughter of the 2nd Earl of Cromer (1877-1953); by whom she had a son, (John) George Baring Hills (born 24 March, 1966), and a daughter, Veronica Adrian Harriet (Wonkie) Hills (born 23 Aug, 1968).

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Hon Mrs Gerald Maitland-Carew 1951-2026

 Rosalind Averil Maitland-Carew (nee Speke), died 3 January, 2026. She was 74. She was a scion of the Speke landed gentry family.

She was born in 1951, a daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Neil Hanning Reed Speke, MC and Bar (1917-1996), of Aydon White House, Corbridge, Northumberland, and his wife the former Averil Allgood Straker (b .1920), scion of that landed gentry family of Stagshaw; and married in 1972, the Hon Gerald Edward Ian Maitland-Carew, CVO (born 28 December, 1941), the second son of the 6th Baron Carew (1905-1994), and his wife the former Lady Sylvia Gwendoline Eva Maitland (1913-1991), daughter of the 15th Earl of Lauderdale (1891-1953).

She leaves issue, two sons Edward and Peter and a daughter, Emma.

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John Alexander Coke 1946-2025

 John Alexander Coke, who died 12 December, 2025, aged 79, was a scion of the Earls of Leicester.

He was born 15 June, 1946, the eldest son of Lieutenant-Colonel Gerald Edward Coke, CBE, JP (1907-1990), and his wife the former Patricia Cadogan (1916-1995), scion of the Earls Cadogan.

He was a grandson of the courtier Major the Hon John Spencer Coke, KCVO (1880-1957), Equerry to Queen Mary 1938-53, Gentleman Usher in Ordinary to King George VI , and Extra Usher in Ordinary to Queen Elizabeth II.

He married in 1980 (div, 1987) Karen Johnson.

He was a second cousin twice removed of Sarah Ferguson, lately Duchess of York, and a first cousin once removed of Jack Brooksbank, husband of Princess Eugenie of York.

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Pelly/Vaughan engagement

 The engagement was announced 8 January, 2025, between Rupert Alexander Pelly (born 26 November, 1980), scion of the Pelly baronets, second son of William Henry Pelly (born 23 October, 1946), of Sherringtson, Wiltshire, and his wife the former Anne Byrne, & Tamsin Caroline (Tatty) Vaughan (born 1987), daughter of David H. Vaughan, of London, and his wife, the late Jane Catherine M. Vaughan (1957-2022).

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Sarah (Sally), Lady Codrington (died 2025)

 Sarah, Lady Codrington, who died 21 December, 2025, was the former wife of the late Sir Simon Codrington, 3rd Baronet.

She was the former Sarah Gwynn Pennell and married 1stly, 1961, Charles C.P. Kaye; and married 2ndly (or thirdly?____Gaze), 4 January, 1980 (div. 1987), as his third wife, Sir Simon Francis Bethell Codrington, 3rd Baronet (born 14 Aug, 1923), son of Sir Christopher Codrington, 2nd Baronet (1894-1979), by his wife the former Joan Mary Hague-Cook (died 1961). Sir Simon succeeded to the baronetcy, 10 Nov, 1979, and died 17 Aug, 2005.

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Barlow/Conyngham engagement

 The engagement was announced 8 January, 2026, between Jack Stephen Barlow (born 1988), son of Mr Stephen J. Barlow, of Worthing, West Sussex, and his wife the former Sharon Mackey, and Frances Lucia Conyngham (born 1991), daughter of Lord Simon Charles Eveleigh Wren Conyngham (born 20 November, 1953), of Edinburgh, & Carole Crossman Power, of Ferring, West Sussex.

Frances Conyngham is a granddaughter of the late 7th Marquess Conyngham (1924-2009).

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Peter Edward Bugge 1943-2026

Peter Edward Bugge died 2 January, 2026, aged 82.

He was born in 1943 son of Edward Walter Bugge (1906-1983), and his wife the former Edith Elizabeth Webster (1912-1994); and married in 1974, Helen Penelope Hippisley Coxe (1946-2010), daughter of Lieutenant Commander Antony Dacres Hippisley Coxe, RN (1912-1988), by his wife the former Araminta Peel (1916-1999), descended from the Hunter Blair baronets, by whom he had two sons, Charles Edward A. Bugge (born 1975), and Jonathan Peter  Bugge (born 1977).

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Delia Flora Graham-Clarke 1931-2025

Delia Flora Graham-Clarke, who died 25 December, 2025, aged 94, was a scion of that landed gentry family.

She was born 28 July, 1931, daughter of Gerald Graham-Clarke (1873-1961), and his wife the former Albertha Mildred Miles (1893-1955), scion of that landed gentry family. She was unmarried.

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Dame Gillian Wagner, DBE 1927-2025

 Dame Gillian Wagner, DBE, who died 31 December, 2025, aged 98, was an expert in children’s history and the chairman, at various times, of the children’s charity Barnardo’s, the Thomas Coram Foundation and the Carnegie Trust.

She was the widow of Sir Anthony Wagner, herald and distinguished genealogist, who was head of the Wagner landed family.

She was born Gillian Mary Millicent Graham, 25 October, 1927, a scion of a landed gentry family, daughter of Major Henry Archibald Roger Graham (1892-1970), and his wife the Hon Margaret Beatrix Lopes (1898-1984), daughter of the 1st Baron Roborough (1859-1938); and married 26 February, 1953, Anthony Richard Wagner (born 6 September, 1908), scion of that landed family, son of Orlando Henry Wagner (1867-1956), head of that LG family, and his wife the former Monica Bell (1878-1971). Her husband, Anthony Wagner, was Garter Principal King of Arms, 1961-78. He was appointed CVO in 1953, advanced to KCVO in 1961, appointed KCB in 1978. He died 5 May, 1995.

Dame Gillian leaves issue, two sons, Roger and Mark, and a daughter, Lucy.

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Lindsay-Fynn/McGaw engagement

 The engagement was announced 7 January, 2026, between Charles Dacre Lindsay-Fynn (born Sept, 1989), son of Nigel Lindsay-Fynn (born 1942), of Budleigh Salterton, Devon by his wife the former Helen V.M. Willson-Pemberton (born 1949), & Augusta Eugenie Gaisford McGaw (born 2 September, 1985), daughter of John Jospeh Thoburn McGaw (born Oct, 1953), of Kensington, London, and Mrs Amanda J. G. Ruggles-Brise (born 1957, nee Lynch), of Finchingfield, Essex.

(work in progress)

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Strutt/Hollamby engagement

 The engagement was announced 7 January, 2026, between the Hon John Frederick Strutt (born 29 March, 1993), the eldest son and heir of the 6th Baron Rayleigh (born 4 June, 1960), of Terling, Essex, and of Baroness Rayleigh (nee Annabel Kate Patterson, born 12 July, 1965), descended from the Barons Monson, & Cosima Serena G. Hollamby  (born 1997), younger daughter of Dominic Charles Hollamby (born 1965), of Verbier, Switzerland, and Mrs Susannah L. Springall (born 1965), of London.

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Drummond/von Einsiedel engagement

 The engagement was announced 7 January, 2026, between the Hon John Adam Humphrey Drummond (born 3 November, 1992), son and heir of the 17th Baron Strange (born 20 April, 1953), of Errol, Perthshire, and his wife the former Hon Mary Emma Jeronima Dewar (born 1 June, 1965), scion of the Barons Forteviot, & Gräfin Sophie von Einsiedel (born 1995), daughter of Graf and Gräfin von Einsiedel, of Stuttgart, Germany, and his wife the former Dorothee Philipps.

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David Alexander Cameron Cahill 1944-2026

David Alexander Cameron Cahill, who died 1 January, 2026, aged 81, was a scion of that Irish landed gentry family of Ballyconra House.

He was born 1 September, 1944, younger son of Robert Devereux Cahill (1901-1970), head of that family, by his wife the former (Linda) Joanne Cameron; and married 11 August, 1973, Susan Katherine Bly Hutton, daughter of Major William Bacon Hutton (later Hutton Bury), descended from the Viscounts Chetwynd.

He leaves issue, a son, Robert, and a daughter, Gay.

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Celeste Marie Graham-Watson (born 2025)

Lauren Elizabeth Graham-Watson (nee Nevitt), wife of Alexander Cosimo Graham-Watson [born 1989], gave birth to a daughter Celeste Marie, 27 December, 2025, in New York.

Lauren is a daughter of Mr & Mrs Tom Nevitt, of Long Island, New York.

Alexander Graham-Watson is the second son of Andrew FitzJames Graham-Watson [born 22 January,1957], of Longworth, co Oxford, scion of that landed gentry family of Lofts Hall, Saffron Walden, co Essex, and his wife the former Brigitte Claude Marie Jeanson. 

Alexander's great-great grandfather James Graham-Watson [1850-1931], married 1878, Charlotte Maude Boothby [d 1938], scion of the Barons Boothby.

Alexander is a fourth cousin once removed of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

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McGregor/Bellfield engagement

 The engagement was announced 6 January, 2026, between Euan E.A. McGregor, younger son of Mr Malcolm McGregor and Mrs Loretta Gentilini McGregor, of Muswell Hill, London, & Eleanor Rose Bellfield (born 27 April, 1997), the elder daughter of Commodore Robert James Astley Bellfield, RN (born 28 July, 1965), of Dallinghoo, Suffolk, descended from the Paston Cooper baronets, and his wife the former Zoë Le Marchand.

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Lady Tennant 1934-2025

 Lady Tennant died 9 December 2025, aged 91. She was the widow of Sir Anthony Tennant (1930-2011),  a grandee of the corporate world who led the revival of Guinness after it was tarnished by financial scandal and went on to become chairman of Christie's – only to find his reputation besmirched by allegations of complicity in price-fixing with its rival, Sotheby's. 

She was born Rosemary Violet Stockdale, 14 Oct, 1934, daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Charles Minshull Stockdale (1902-1981), and his wife the former Hon Margaret Violet Henderson (1904-1976), scion of the Barons Faringdon. She was a niece of Sir Edmund Stockdale, 1st Baronet (1903-1989), Lord Mayor of London 1959-60.

She married 12 July, 1954, Anthony John Tennant (born 5 Nov, 1930), scion of the Tennant baronets (later Barons Glenconner), son of Maj. John Tennant (1899-1967), and his wife the Hon Antonia Mary Roby Benson (1903-77), daughter of the 1st Baron Charnwood (1864-1945). Her husband was knighted in 1992, and died 4 August, 2011.

Lady Tennant leaves two sons, Christopher and Patrick Tennant.

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Darcy Gilbert Hamilton Wills (born 2025)

The Hon Sophie Elizabeth Wills (nee Kainradl) wife of the Hon Robert Anthony Hamilton Wills (born 20 Oct, 1983), son and heir of the 3rd Baron Dulverton, gave birth to a son, Darcy Gilbert Hamilton, 22 December, 2025.

The Hon Robert Wills is the son and heir of the 3rd Baron Dulverton (born 2 May, 1944), of Batsford, Gloucestershire, and of his first and former wife Rosalind, Baroness Dulverton (nee van der Velde), of Marbella, Spain.

Sophie (born circa 1985), is a daughter of Mr Peter Kainradl, of Chesham Bois, Buckinghamshire, and his wife the former Josephine Alice Danneman (born 21 March, 1951).

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Lowe/Mezran engagement

 The engagement was announced 5 January, 2026, between Angus Gregory Lowe (born circa 1994), son of Rupert James Graham Lowe, (born 31 Oct, 1957), MP (Reform) for Great Yarmouth, by his wife the former Nicola Chapman, descended from the Baker baronets, & Yasmin Mezran (born 1994), daughter of Karim Mezran and Mrs Sheila Comes.

Sir George Edward Dunstan Sherston Baker 4th Baronet (1846-1923) > Henrietta Baker (d 1964) > Michael Francis Sherston Chapman (1912-2010) > Nicola Chapman > Angus Lowe

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Penelope, Lady Ogilvy (nee Hills) 1929-2025

Penelope, Lady Ogilvy, who died 27 December, 2025, was the widow of Sir David Ogilvy, 13th Baronet.

Penelope Mary Ursula Hills was born in 1929, daughter of Arthur Lafone Frank Hills, OBE (1890-1974), of White Court, Penshurst Station, Kent, and his wife the former Moira Emeline Guinness (1902-1980), scion of the banking arm of the Guinness dynasty; and married 31 December, 1966, Sir David John Wilfrid Ogilvy, 13th Baronet (born 3 February, 1914), son of Gilbert Francis Molyneux Ogilvy (1868-1953), and his wife the former Marjory Katharine Clive (1881-1961), a granddaughter of the 7th Earl of Denbigh (1796-1865). Her husband succeeded as 13th Baronet, 1 March, 1956, on the demise of his kinsman, Sir Herbert, the 12th Bt, and he died 16 June, 1992, aged 78.

Lady Ogilvy leaves a son, Sir Francis Gilbert Arthur Ogilvy, 14th Baronet (who was born 22 Apr, 1969).

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John Henry Aylmer 1936-2025

 John Henry Aylmer, who died 29 December, 2025, aged 89, was a scion of the Barons Aylmer.

He was born 1 July, 1936, son of Henry Gerald Aylmer (1896-1978), and his wife the former Nancy Hollick (1902-1991); and married firstly, 10 July, 1959 (div. 1970), Venetia Mary Henderson, daughter of Ian Thomson Henderson (1908-1986), of Crawley, Winchester, by his wife Monica Wingfield Verner (1908-1962), daughter of Sir Edward Wingfield Verner, 5th Baronet (1865-1936); and married 2ndly, 1971, Margaret Gillian Elliot Musker (born 1933), daughter of John Herbert Musker (1905-1987), and his wife the former Margaret Anne Thomson (1906-2004). He leaves issue from his first marriage, two daughters, Miranda Jane (born 18 May, 1962), and Juliet Rose (born 23 Oct, 1965).

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Boles/Armitage-Mattin engagement

 The engagement was announced 5 January, 2026, between Thomas Coleridge Boles (born 13 January, 1989), descended from the Boles family, later baronets, son of Nicholas Charles Boles (born 20 May, 1952), of Fulham, London and his wife the former Diana M. Pigot (born 1953), & Phillipa Rhea Armitage-Mattin (born December, 1991), daughter of Nigel Stephen Armitage (born 1958) and Athena Mattin (born 1955), of Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.

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Koteczky/Farquhar engagement

 The engagement is announced between Anatole Koteczky, only son of Mr Zoltan Koteczky and Mrs Susie Stenmark, of Sydney, Australia, and Lydia Rose Farquhar (born 17 November, 1994), scion of the Farquhar baronets, 2nd daughter of Richard Charles Farquhar (born 7 April, 1962), of Pewsey, Wiltshire, and his wife the former Emma de Hoghton Reeves (born 18 Oct, 1963).

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Fitzalan Howard/Brown engagement

 The engagement was announced 5 January, 2025, between Milo Nicholas Fitzalan Howard (born 17 July, 1996), scion of the Dukes of Norfolk, third son of Henry Julian Nicholas (Harry) Fitzalan Howard (born 7 July, 1954), of South Harting, West Sussex, and his wife the former Claire Louise von Mallinckrodt (born 11 Aug, 1960), & Isabel Laura Brown (born 6 November, 1995), daughter of Dominic P. Brown (born 1965), of Beachampton, Buckinghamshire, and his wife the former Sara J.A. Lewis.

Milo Fitzalan Howard is a grandson of the late Maj-Gen Lord Michael Fitzalan Howard, GCVO, CB, CBE, MC, DL, and is a great-nephew of the late 17th Duke of Norfolk, KG, GCVO, CB, CBE, MC (1915-2002), Premier Duke in the Peerage of England and Hereditary Earl Marshal, &c.

Milo's mother is a daughter of Georg-Wilhelm Gustav von Mallinckrodt (1930-2921), and his wife Baroness Charmaine Brenda Schröder (born 8 Nov, 1935), daughter of Baron Helmut William Bruno Schröder and his wife  Margaret Eleanor Phyllis Darell (died 1994), daughter of Sir Lionel Edward Hamilton Marmaduke Darell, 6th Baronet (1876-1954).

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David Christopher Roberts 1944-2025

David Christopher Roberts died 18 December, 2025, aged 81.

He was born 11 August, 1944 son of Cyril Alfred Roberts, CBE (1908-1988), and his wife the former Christine Annabel Kitson (1908-1996), scion of the Barons Airedale.

He married in 1973, the Hon Jane Elisabeth Sybil Roskill (born 1948), daughter of the life peer, the Law Lord, the Baron Roskill, PC, JP (1911-1996), and his wife the former Elisabeth Wallace Jackson (1918-2014). No issue of the union.

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Jeffry George Lefroy 1936-2025

Jeffrey George Lefroy, who died 27 December, 2025, aged 89, was a scion of that landed gentry family of Carrigglas Manor, Co Longford.

He was born 24 May, 1936, son of Major Jeffry Arden Patrick Lefroy, MBE (1909-1985), and his wife the former Veronica Maud Pomeroy Colley (1913-2012), descended from the Viscounts Harberton; and married 1 February, 1964, Teresa Margaret White, daughter of Henry Alwyn White, DL (1909-1988), of Orange Hill, Tandragee, Co Armagh, by whom he had two sons, Jeffry Peter Langlois Lefroy (born 4 Sept, 1965), and Edward Christian Perceval Lefroy (born 19 Dec, 1967).

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Hon Rosamond Mary Dent (Sister Ancilla Dent, OSB) 1933-2025

Sister Ancilla.

Sister Ancilla Dent, OSB, who died 15 October, 2025, aged 92, in the 66th year of her monastic profession, was a co-heir to the ancient barony of Furnivall, a peerage dating back to 1295.

She was born Rosamond Mary Dent, 3 June, 1933, the elder daughter of William Herbert Shelley Dent, MC (1895-1981), descended maternally from the Shelley baronets, and his wife Mary Frances Katherine Petre, suo jure Baroness Furnivall (born 27 May, 1900).

Rosamond Dent entered St Mildred's Abbey near Ramsgate, circa 1959, and took the name Sister Ancilla.

The abeyance of the barony of Furnivall, having existed since 1777, was terminated in favour of her mother, 3 May, 1913, and with her death, 24 December, 1968, the ancient English barony once again fell into abeyance between Sister Ancilla and her younger sister, the Hon Patricia Mary Dent (born 4 April, 1935).

Upon the death of Sister Ancilla the abeyance of the Barony of Furnivall is automatically terminated and her younger sister succeeds as Baroness Furnivall.

Patricia Dent married firstly, 25 Aug, 1956 (div. 1963), Capt. Thomas Hornsby (1924-1967); and married 2ndly, 1970, Roger Thomas John Bence (1939-2017). The 20th Baroness Furnivall has issue from both marriages. From her first marriage she has a son, the Hon Walton Petre Hornsby (born 21 Apr, 1958), and a daughter the Hon Clare Mary Petre Hornsby (born 25 Jan, 1957), and from her second marriage she has a son, the Hon Richard William Petre Bence (born 1976), and a daughter the Hon Katharine Rosamond Petre Bence (born 1971).

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Tessa Margaret Trappes-Lomax 1941-2025

Tessa Margaret Trappes-Lomax, who died 11 December, 2025, aged 84, was a scion of that landed gentry family.

She was born 15 July, 1941, daughter of Colonel Nicholas Hugh Ignatius Trappes-Lomax (1911-1969), and his wife the former Gertrude Maisie Stockwell (1913-1994). She is survived by her husband, Paris Pittordou.

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More/Gruender engagement

The engagement was announced 3 January, 2025, between Caspar George Harvey More (born 15 December, 1992), descended from the Seale baronets, only son of Robert Harvey More (born 17 Oct, 1946), of Corsham, Wiltshire, and his wife the former Claire Harwood, & Charlotte Rose Gruender (born 1994), daughter of Derek and Kay Gruender, of Wivenhoe.

Caspar More is a great-grandson of Sir John Carteret Hyde Seale, 4th Baronet (1881-1964)

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Dear/Dibben engagement

The engagement was announced 3 January, 2025, between Maxwell William Gauntlet Dear (born 1997), son of Patrick Giles Gauntlet Dear (born 1961), of Shipton Moyne, Gloucestershire, and his wife the former Jane Helen Orr Ewing (born 31 January, 1961), scion of the Orr Ewing baronets, & Rosie Grace Dibben, daughter of Piers Farquhar Dibben (born 1967), of Rodbourne, Wiltshire, and his wife the former Susannah L. Lawrence.

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William Michael Louis Dathan (born 2025)

 Harriet Claire Dathan (née Line, born 14 November, 1992), wife of Matthew Dathan, gave birth to a son, William Michael Louis, 13 December, 2025.

Harriet Dathan is a daughter of Michael Robert Line and his wife the former (Primrose) Miranda Margaret Harvey (born 26 June, 1953), daughter of the Rev Patrick Roger Harvey (1900-1986), and his wife Alice Juliana Rosamond Rycroft (1915-2006), daughter of Major Sir Richard Nelson Rycroft, 5th Baronet (1859-1925).

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Cazalet/Congreve engagement

 The engagement was announced 3 January, 2026, between Hugo Nicholas Charles Cazalet (born 13 September, 1993), third son of Peter Charles Grenville Cazalet (born 1959), of Hurstbourne Tarrant, Hampshire, and his wife the former Victoria Jane Perry (born 1960), & Fleur Isabella Beatrice Congreve (born 30 June, 1996), eldest daughter of Ralph Congreve (born 1953), of Murky Hill Farm, Middleton Tyas, North Yorkshire, and Mrs Amanda Jane Congreve (nee Lawson, born circa Jan 1963), of Fulham, London.

Fleur Congreve is descended from the Baker Baker landed gentry family and the Cator landed family.

Albemarle Cator, of Woodbastwick Hall (1836-1906) > Georgina Marguerite Cator (1872-1955) > Judith Christabel Baker Baker (1911-2004) > Ralph Congreve (b. 1953) > Fleur Congreve (b. 1996)

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Beckett/Harley engagement

 The engagement was announced 3 January, 2026, between Thomas Ralph Beckett (born 30 October, 1992), scion of the Barons Grimthorpe, second son of the Hon (Ralph) Daniel Beckett (born 11 April, 1957), of Westow, North Yorkshire, by his wife the former Susanna Townsend-Rose (born 1960), & Imogen Freda (Mimo) Harley (born 3 May, 1994), daughter of Edward Mortimer Harley, OBE (born 1960), of Brampton Bryan, Herefordshire, head of that landed gentry family, and his wife the former (Alice) Victoria Mather (born 1960), descended from the Barons Cromwell.

Thomas Beckett is a grandson of the late 4th Baron Grimthorpe (1915-2003).

Imogen (Mimo) Harley is descended from the Barons Cromwell:-

Robert Bewicke-Copley, 5th Baron Cromwell (1893-1966)

I

Hon Philippa Bewicke-Copley (1925-2021)

I

(Alice) Victoria Mather (b 1960)

I

Imogen (Mimo) Harley (b 1994)

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Witherley/Taylour engagement

 The engagement was announced 3 January, 2026, between George Edward Witherley (born 1995), younger son of Jonathan D. Witherley (born 1959), of Debenham, Suffolk, and his wife the former Janet E. Graham, and the Lady Alexandra Susan Katherine Taylour (born 8 June, 1998), younger daughter of the 7th Marquis of Headfort (born 10 February, 1959), and his first late wife the former Susan Jane Vandervell (1960-2008).

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Grafton/Hope engagement

 The engagement was announced 3 January, 2025, between Angus Andrew Grafton (born December, 1996), son of Robert Michael Grafton (born 1962), of Empingham, Rutland, and his wife the former Vivienne Farmer (born 1963), & the Lady Olivia Rose Hope (born 11 March, 1997), elder daughter of Andrew Victor Arthur Charles Hope, styled Earl of Hopetoun (born 22 May, 1969), by his wife the former Skye Laurette Bovill (born 5 September, 1969).

Olivia's father os heir apparent to his father, the 4th Marquess of Linlithgow (born 1 July, 1946).

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Ian Anthony Balding, LVO 1938-2026

Ian Anthony Balding, LVO, the racehorse trainer, died 2 January, 2026. He was 87.

He was born 7 November, 1938, son of Capt Gerald Matthews Balding (1903-1957), of Weyhill House, Andover, by his wife the former Eleanor Hoagland (1915-1985); and married 15 August, 1969, Emma Alice Mary Hastings-Bass (born 28 January, 1949), scion of the Earls of Huntingdon. She was raised to the rank of an Earl's daughter in 1993, following the succession to the Earldom of Huntingdon of her brother.

Balding was a racehorse trainer from 1964 to 2002 and was trainer to HM Queen Elizabeth II, 1964-1999. He was appointed LVO in 1992.

He is survived by Lady Emma and a son, Andrew (born 29 December, 1972), and a daughter Clare, the broadcaster and journalist (born 29 January, 1971).

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Caroline Diana Brooks (née Todd) 1931-2025

Caroline Diana Brooks died 29 December, 2025. She was 94.

She was born in 1931 as Caroline Diana Todd, daughter of Brigadier George Herbert Norris Todd (1897-1971), of Moreton-in-the-Marsh, Gloucestershire, by his wife the former Alice Nina Dixon (1897-1975); and married 8 October, 1955, Robert Noel Brand Brooks (born 17 December, 1927), scion of the Barons Crawshaw, son of Major Noel Brand Brooks (1896-1984), and his wife the former Joan Margaret Le Marchant (1901-1984), scion of the Le Marchant baronets, by whom she had issue, two sons, Christopher George (born 30 March, 1959), and Charles Patrick Evelyn (born 3 March, 1963), and a daughter, Annabel Joan (born 4 January, 1958).

Her husband died in 1976.

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Chantal Marie-Françoise Portal (née Guerrier de Dumast) (died 2025)

 Chantal Marie-Françoise Portal, died 10 December, 2025, aged 89.

She was a daughter of Baron Gabriel Marie-François Guerrier de Dumast, of Chateau de Rozet, Saint-Vit, Doubs, France, and married 20 May, 1956, Anthony Portal (born 19 June, 1932), second son of Admiral Sir Reginald Henry Portal, KCB, DSC (1894-died 18 June, 1983), by his wife the former Helen Sophia Anderson (died 3 Apr, 1983), by whom she had issue, three sons, Frederick (born 27 Sept, 1958), William (born 10 Sept, 1961), and Philip (born 16 Sept, 1963).

Her husband's father was a younger brother of Marshal of the Royal Air Force Charles Frederick Algernon Portal, 1st Viscount Portal of Hungerford, KG, GCB, OM, DSO & Bar, MC, DL (1893 – 1971).

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Lord Charles Adam Brudenell-Bruce 1951-2025

 Lord Charles Adam Brudenell-Bruce, who died 27 December, 2025, aged 74, was a scion of the Marquesses of Ailesbury.

He was born 23 March, 1951, a son of the 7th Marquess of Ailesbury (1904-1974), and his third wife, Mrs Jean Frances Margaret Williamson (who died 14 February, 1999),  widow of Squadron Leader Richard Williamson MBE), daughter of John Addison Wilson, of Bodicote, Banbury, co. Oxford.

He married 14 September, 1996, Teresa Patricia Helena-Maria Chris Simons (born November, 1948), daughter of G.T. Simons, of Collingbourne Ducis, near Salisbury, Wiltshire.

The funeral is to take place at St Katharine's Church, Savernake, 23 January, 2026.

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Drake/Clarke engagement

 The engagement was announced 1 January, 2026, between Lieut. Arthur John Courtney Drake, RN (born 1998), son of John Arthur Courtney Drake (born 10 Oct, 1951), of Thorney, Somerset, by his second wife the former Lucia Mary Kennard (born 20 April, 1963), scion of the Kennard and Mytton landed families, & Olivia Elizabeth A. Clarke (born 1998), daughter of Francis H. Clarke, of Harston, Cambridgeshire, and his wife the former Charlotte F. House.

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