trenchard

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Sir Laurence Edward Anthony Tress Barry, 5th Baronet 1939-2026

 Sir Laurence Edward Anthony Tress Barry, 5th Baronet, died 27 August, 2026. He was 86.

Sir Laurence, a Capt, Grenadier Guards, resided at St Leonard's Hill, Clewer, Berkshire, and Keiss Castle, Caithness, was the fifth holder of the baronetcy. 

His ancestor Francis Barry, made a fortune from business interests in Portugal, including the Sao Domingos Mine in the Alentejo. He was created Baron de Barry by King Luís I of Portugal in 1876. 

He was born 1 November, 1939, son of Maj Sir Rupert Barry, 4th Baronet (1910-1977), and 4° Barão de Barry [in Portugal], and his 1st wife the former Diana Madeline Thompson (d 22 Sept, 1948); and succeeded to the title on his father's death, 9 March, 1977.

He was twice wed, firstly, 14 September, 1968 (div. 1991) Fenella Hoult, and married 2ndly, in 1992, [Elizabeth] Jill Bradley. He is survived by Jill, and a son and a daughter from his first marriage, William Rupert Philip Tress Barry (born 13 Dec, 1973), who now succeeds to the baronetcy, and Alexandra Diana Frances Louise Barry (born 1977).

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Yellowlees-Bound/Rabett engagement

The engagement was announced 19 September, 2026, between Torin Mensun F. Yellowlees-Bound (born 1994), son of Mensun Bound, of Morspath, Oxford, and his wife Joanna L. Yellowlees-Bound (nee Yellowlees) (born 1960), and Elizabeth Harriet Rabett (born 1994), daughter of 


 Mr T.M.F. Yellowlees-Bound and Miss E.H. Rabett

The engagement is announced between Torin, son of Mr Mensun Bound and Mrs Joanna Yellowlees-Bound, of Horspath, Oxford, and Elizabeth, daughter of Mr and Mrs Andrew Rabett, of Depden Hall, Suffolk.

Placed By Mr Andrew Rabett

Jones/Humphrey engagement

The engagement was announced 19 September, 2026, between Jordan William Jones (born 2001), son of Mr & Mrs Michael Jones, of Broughty Ferry, Dundee, & Tara Alice Humphrey (born 9 June, 2002), daughter of Edward Charles Marcus Humphrey (born 1965), of Dinnet, Aboyne, and his former wife Serena Jean Wolfe-Murray (born 25 June, 1964), scion of the Murray of Blackbarony baronets (now Mrs Serena McIvor, of Edinburgh).

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Nicholson/Grant engagement

 The engagement was announced 19 September,, 2026, between Simon Douglas Nicholson (born 1989), eldest son of Frank Nicholson (born 11 February, 1954), of Co Durham, and his wife the former Lavinia Margaret Grace Stourton (born 1 October, 1962), scion of the Barons Mowbray, Segrave & Stourton, and Henrietta Sarah Grant (born 1989), younger daughter of Richard J. Grant, of West Sussex, and his wife the former Lucinda Mary Rowe (born 1958), descended from the Johnstone baronets.

The 19th Baron Stourton (1802-72) > Hon Albert Stourton (1835-1902) > Herbert Stourton (1873-1932) > Sir Ivo Stourton (1901-85) > Nigel Stourton (1929-2021) > Lavinia Stourton (b 1962) > Simon Nicholson (b 1989)

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Martha Sarah Elizabeth Scrope (born 2026)

 Rosanna [Posie] Scrope [nee Staveley] wife of [Simon] Harry Richard Scrope [born 1974], head of the landed gentry family of Scrope of Danby, has given birth to a daughter, Martha Sarah Elizabeth, 14 September, 2026, a sister for Maximus and Milo.

Harry is the only son of the late Simon Egerton Scrope [1934-2010], of Danby on Yore, and his wife the former Jennifer Jane Parkinson, descended from the extinct Barons Bingley.

Rosanna Lorna Scrope [born 1988], scion of the Staveley landed gentry family, is a daughter of the late Simon Henry Staveley [1949-98], and his wife the former Judy O. Willis Fleming [b 28 June, 1954], scion of that landed gentry family, of Willis Fleming, of Stoneham.

Harry Scrope is a grandson maternally of the late Sir Kenneth Parkinson, Kt [1908-81], sometime chairman of Yorkshire Post Newspapers, and his wife the former Hon Dorothy Lane Fox [1909-80], a daughter of the 1st and last Baron Bingley [1870-1947].

The Scrope family (pronounced "Scroop") are seated at Danby, the family's 1,500-acre estate in North Yorkshire. The family descend from one of Edward the Confessor's Norman favourites, and were thus already settled in England at the time of the Conquest. The family motto, Devant si je puis (Forward if I am able), is a sardonic allusion to their name,which means "crab" in the Norman dialect. Establishing themselves in Wensleydale in the 12th century, Scropes distinguished themselves on the Crusades and in the Hundred Years War, were regularly summoned to medieval parliaments as barons, and have produced five Garter knights, and an Archbishop of York.

The Scrope coat of arms, Azure a bend or, was one of the earliest to be adopted and, to amateurs of heraldry, is a celebrated curiosity. Campaigning in Scotland in 1385, Richard, Lord Scrope of Bolton, was aghast to see it borne by a fellow knight, Sir Richard le Grosvenor. The matter was tried in the Court of Chivalry – John of Gaunt, Harry "Hotspur" and Geoffrey Chaucer all giving evidence on Scrope's behalf.

Depositions were conveniently heard in York Minster, the family burial place, where the Scrope arms were prominently on display, as they were – in glass, alabaster and stone – in more than 40 other churches in Yorkshire. The court's decision in favour of Scrope has long rankled with the Grosvenors. Hugh Grosvenor, 1st Duke of Westminster, was to name his famous racehorse (the 1880 Derby winner) Bend Or, and it was also his nickname for his grandson, the 2nd Duke, whose chestnut hair reminded him of the horse. For their part, the proud Scropes sport a distinctive family tie, based on their arms, of blue with diagonal gold stripes.

Harry Scrope descends from a junior branch of the family which succeeded to the headship in 1630. Christopher Scrope was by that time a convicted recusant and knew better than to press his claim to the titles and estates. Christopher's son seated himself at Danby-on-Yore, in the heart of the Scrope country, which the family had acquired through an heiress in 1576. Largely rebuilt in the 16th century, Danby Hall incorporates one of the most southerly examples of a peel tower, dating from the early 14th century. A small chamber at the top of the "old Tower" served as a chapel, the only place of Catholic worship for miles around. In the early 1800s a capacious priest's hole was rediscovered at the back of a fireplace. Generations of Scropes were barred, as Catholics, from public office. Their sons were sent abroad, with false identities, for their schooling. Forbidden to own any horse worth more than £5, they depended on kindly Protestant neighbours to hold them in their own names. The Scrope who bred Danby Cade, a famous 18th-century racehorse, was not his legal owner. "Penal times" ended with the passing of the Catholic Relief Act in 1829. Scrope of Danby petitioned in vain for the earldom of Wiltshire, but retained the heraldic supporters (a pair of Cornish choughs) that the family claim by prescription – supporters being an honour usually afforded only to peers and knights grand cross under Royal Warrant.

Rosanna Scrope is a granddaughter of Capt [William Arthur] Miles Staveley [1913-81], scion of the Staveleys of North Stainley Hall, Ripon, and his wife the former Nancy Constance Cail [1914-2007].

Tentori/Grant engagement

 The engagement was announced 19 September, 2026, between Harry Guy Tentori (born 1998), son of Guy David Tantori (1966-2001), and his wife the former Emma Louise Scott [now Emma Ward] of Buckinghamshire, & Jemima Beatrice Grant (born 1989), daughter of Jonathan James Fothergill Grant [born 1962], descended from the Weldon baronets, and his wife the former Kathryn Jean [Kate]  Wood-Mallock [born 1967] now Kate Denning, of Wiltshire.

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Friday, September 18, 2026

Hugo Victor Westropp-Rutter (born 2026)

 Marina Monica (Mimi) Rutter (nee Westropp, born 22 Dec, 1993), wife of George Edward W. Rutter [born 1993], gave birth to a son, Hugo Victor, 11 September, 2026, a brother for Monty Jack Westropp-Rutter, born 31 March, 2024.

Mimi Rutter is a scion of the Westropp landed gentry family, daughter of Anthony Henry [Harry] Westropp [born 22 December, 1944], of Goadby Marwood, Leicestershire, and his wife the Hon Victoria Monica Watson [born 7 May, 1958], daughter of the late 3rd Baron Manton [1924-2003].

George Rutter is a son of Paul Stuart Rutter [born 1967], of Leadhall Drive, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, and his wife the former Karen Steel. 

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Thursday, September 17, 2026

Brigadier Anthony Chester Vivian, CBE 1933-2026

 Brigadier Anthony Chester Vivian, CBE, died 13 September, 2026. He was 93.

He was sometime Colonel of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, and awarded the CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, 1982.

He was born in 1933, a son of Major Gilbert Llewellyn Vivian (1904-1965), and his wife the former Kathleen Norah Josephine Chitty (1905-1981).

He married 14 June, 1967, Jacqueline Wingfield (born 22 March, 1936), scion of the Viscounts Powerscourt, daughter of Maj Edward William Rhys Wingfield (1905-1984), and his wife the Lady Norah Beryl Cayzer Jellicoe (1910-2003), daughter of Admiral of the Fleet John Rushworth Jellicoe, 1st Earl Jellicoe, GCB,, OM, GCVO, SGM, DL (1859 – 1935).

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Nicholas George Brandram 1982-2026

King's cousin: Nicholas Brandram.

Nicholas Brandram, a second cousin once removed of King Charles III, and a descendant of the Greek royal family, was found dead at his home, 15 September, 2026. He was 44.

Brandram was the man suspected of pushing a woman into the path of a bus during a run on Putney Bridge in west London in 2017. He was under investigation in the so-called "Putney pusher" case, after CCTV went viral showing just how close the woman came to be run over by the 430 bus, in a seemingly unprovoked attack. He was arrested in June this year on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm. Last week, the Metropolitan Police confirmed he had been released under investigation. The banker was found dead in his home on Tuesday evening. The Met said his death was being treated as "unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious".

Capt Nicholas George Brandram, late the Scots Guards, was born 23 April, 1982, descended from the Royal House of Greece, the only son of Richard Paul George Andrew Brandram (1948-2020], by his former wife the former Jennifer Steele (b 1951 - now Mrs Robert Enslow).

He was twice married. His first marriage to Katrina Davis, daughter of Mr & Mrs Jim Davis, of Holland Park, ended in divorce in 2014. He married 2ndly, 17 December, 2021, Sophie Amelia Ferguson [born 13 Oct, 1992], daughter of Jakes D. Ferguson, of Hampshire, and his wife the former Mary V. Mann, by whom he has issue, a son, Felix Robert, who was  born 29 May, 2023. He was separated from his second wife a year ago.

Capt Brandram's paternal grandmother was HRH Princess Katherine of Greece & Denmark (1913-2007), who married Richard Campbell Andrew Brandram (1911-94) and became (by courtesy of King George VI) 'Lady Katherine Brandram'.

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Lady Ruggles-Brise (died 2026)

 Lady Ruggles-Brise, who died 28 August, 2026, aged 76, was the wife of Sir Timothy Edward Ruggles-Brise, 3rd Baronet (born 11 April, 1945).

She was the former Rosemary Craig, daughter of J.S. Craig, of London, and married 3 May, 1975, Timothy Edward Ruggles-Brise, son of Guy Edward Ruggles-Brise (1914-2000), and his wife the former Elizabeth Knox (died 1988). 

Her husband, a grandson of Colonel Sir Edward Ruggles-Brise, 1st Baronet (1882-1942), succeeded to the family baronetcy, 20 September, 2007, on the demise of his uncle, Sir John, the 2nd baronet (1908-2007).

She leaves issue, three sons, Archibald, Charles and Iain, and two daughters, Olivia and Felicity.

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Jadranka, Lady Beresord-Peirse, MBE 1938-2026

 Jadranka, Lady Beresford-Peirse, who died 12 September, 2026, was the widow of Sir Henry Beresford-Peirse, 6th Baronet.

She was the former Jadranka Njers, daughter of Ivan Njers, of Zagreb, Croatia, and married 13 August, 1966, Lt Henry Grant de la Poer Beresford-Peirse, Scots Guards (born 7 February, 1933), of Bedale Manor, North Yorkshire, son of Sir Henry Campbell de la Poer Beresford-Peirse, 5th Baronet (1905-1972), and his wife the former Margaret Grant (died 1 Feb, 1995). Her husband succeeded his father, 11 August, 1972, in the baronetcy (created UK, 1814), and died 24 January, 2013.

Lady Beresford-Peirse leaves issue, two sons, Sir Henry, the 7th Baronet (born 25 March, 1969), and John (born 27 June, 1973).

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Akerman/Chigbo engagement

 The engagement was announced 16 September, 2026, between Mungo Henry S. Akerman (born 27 March, 1995), the eldest son of Hugo S. Akerman, of Brightling, East Sussex, and his wife the former Valentine Bridget Arthur (born 11 September, 1968), scion of the Arthur baronets, and Annie Ada'ora C. Chigbo (born 1999), the only daughter of  Ms Joanna L. Cooksley, of Bishopston, Bristol.

Mungo Akerman is descended from the Arthur baronets, the Barons Monteagle of Brandon and the Earls of Harewood.

Henry Lascelles, 2nd Earl of Harewood > William Saunders Sebright Lascelles > Sir Frank Cavendish Lascelles > Florence Caroline Lascelles > Mary Elizabeth Spring Rice > Thomas Sigismund Raynor Arthur > Valentine Bridget (Biddy) Arthur > Mungo Akerman

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Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Warrender/Schoeller engagement

The engagement was announced 15 September, 2026, between the Hon John Michael Patrick Caspar Warrender (born 1 June, 1996), the only son and heir of the 3rd Baron Bruntisfield (born 9 January, 1949), of Bleichheim, Germany, and his wife the former Baroness Walburga Elizabeth Sidoni Michaela von Twickel (born 1952), and Antonia S. Schoeller, the eldest daughter of Dr Philipp and Mrs Schoeller of Düren, Germany.

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Ian Hamish Leslie-Melville 1944-2026


 Ian Hamish Leslie-Melville died 11 September, 2026. He was 82. He was a scion of the Earls of Leven & Melville.

He was born 22 August, 1944, son of Maj Michael Ian Leslie-Melville, DL (1918-1997), and his wife the former Cynthia Hambro (1921-86), scion of that landed gentry family.

He married 30 March, 1968, the Lady Elizabeth Compton (born 7 December, 1944), daughter of the 6th Marquess of Northampton, DL, JP (1885-1978), and his 2nd wife the former Virginia Lucie Heaton (1919-1997), scion of that landed family. His wife died 13 August, 2023.

He leaves issue, two sons, James (born 4 September, 1969), and Henry (born 30 January, 1975).

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Monday, September 14, 2026

Jemima Goldsmith marries Cameron O'Reilly


 Jemima Goldsmith married Cameron O'Reilly, a multi-millionaire Irish-Australian financier, 12 September, 2026.

Jemima Marcelle Goldsmith was born 30 January, 1974, daughter of the late Sir James Goldsmith (1933-1997), and his wife Lady Annabel Vane-Tempest-Stewart (1934-2025), daughter of the 8th Marquess of Londonderry (1902-1955.

Jemima married firstly, in London, 20 June, 1995 (following a ceremony in Paris, 16 May), Imran Khan (born 25 November, 1952), a Pakistani former cricketer, philanthropist, and politician who served as the 19th prime minister of Pakistan from August 2018 until April 2022, by whom she has two sons, Sulaiman (born 17 Nov, 1996), and Kasim (born 10 April, 1999). 

The Khans were divorced in 2004.

(Anthony) Cameron O'Reilly (born 28 April, 1964), is a Dublin-born businessman with Irish and Australian citizenship, the son of an Irish father, media magnate Tony O'Reilly and an Australian mother, Susan Cameron. Having managed one of Australia's largest press groups, he is currently managing director of Landis+Gyr, formerly the Bayard Group, which includes the world's largest electricity metering supplier, and has revenues of over US$1.2 billion.

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Christina Mary Joy Gascoigne (nee Ditchburn) 1939-2026

Christina Gascoigne.

Christina Mary Joy Gascoigne, who died 14 Aug, 2026, aged 87, was the widow of Bamber Gascoigne, the TV presenter and author.

She was  born in Baghdad,1 February, 1939, the daughter of Alfred Henry Ditchburn, RN (1890-1962) of Barton-on-Sea, Hants, by his wife the former (Mabel) Gladys Symes. 

She married in 1965, [Arthur] Bamber Gascoigne, CBE, FRSL, who died 8 February, 2022, who was an English television presenter and author. He was a scion of the Gascoigne landed gentry family. He was the original quizmaster on University Challenge, which initially ran from 1962 to 1987.

Bamber Gascoigne was born in London on 24 January 1935. He was the elder son of Lieutenant-Colonel Derek Ernest Frederick Orby Gascoigne [1905-72] (himself the son of Brigadier-General Sir Ernest Frederick Orby Gascoigne and Laura Cicely, daughter of General Edward Henry Clive, of that family of Styche Hall, Shropshire, from which also came the famous soldier and administrator of India Robert Clive by his marriage in 1934 to Mary ("Midi") Louisa Hermione O'Neill [born 19 Aug, 1905], a daughter of Captain the Hon. Arthur O'Neill and Lady Annabel Hungerford Crewe-Milnes.

Bamber's great-grandfathers included Robert Crewe-Milnes, 1st Marquess of Crewe, and Edward O'Neill, 2nd Baron O'Neill. He was a nephew of Sir Julian Gascoigne, who was in charge of the Household Division during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and of Terence O'Neill, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland 1963–1969. He was a direct descendant of the 18th-century Lord Mayor of London Sir Crisp Gascoyne and the Tory politicians Bamber Gascoyne (the elder) and Isaac Gascoyne. Isaac's son General Ernest Frederick Gascoyne, of Raby Hall, Liverpool (1796–1867),[2] was his great-great-great-grandfather.

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Sunday, September 13, 2026

Ella Mountbatten marries Fergus Wright


 The marriage took place 12 September, 2026, at St Luke's Church, Milland, West Sussex, between Fergus Wright and Ella Mountbatten, a scion of the Marquesses of Milford Haven, a niece of the 4th Marquess. 

Ella Louise Georgina Mountbatten (born 20 March, 1996), is the eldest of the three daughters of Lord Ivar Alexander Michael Mountbatten (born 9 March, 1963), and his first spouse, the former Penelope Anne Vere Thompson (born 17 March, 1966).

Fergus Benjamin Nicholas Wright was born 20 February, 1996, son of Nicholas Richard Wale Wright (born 1961), of Badlingham Manor, Chippenham, and his wife the former Lucinda Clare Benson (born 6 Aug,1965), scion of that landed gentry family of Stanway House. Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon was one of Lucinda's godmothers.

Fergus is a nephew of the Baroness Howard De Walden (nee Lucinda Suzanne Wright), wife of Peter Czernin, 11th Baron Howard De Walden.

Fergus has a sister, Jessica Laura H. Wright (born 16 September, 1997).

Fergus's grandfather, Robert Stephen (Robin) Benson (born 11 August, 1934), married 23 July, 1964, Jane Elliott Allday (born 19 Dec, 1937), scion of that landed gentry family, Extra Lady-in-Waiting to Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, and sometime Librarian, Courtauld Institute of Art, daughter of Colonel Frank Elliott Allday (1911-70), CBE, TD, DL of the Old Manor House, Halford Warwickshire, by his wife the former Agnete Kuhn (born 5 March, 1909), youngest daughter of Overretssagforer Christian Frederick Kuhn, of Sobakke, Hunleback, Denmark.


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Saturday, September 12, 2026

Earl of Devon marries Jemima Hannon


 The marriage took place in the summer of 2026, between Charles Peregrine Courtenay, 19th Earl of Devon (born 14 August, 1975), of Powderham Castle, Devon, the only son of th late 18th Earl of Devon, DL (1942-2015), and his wife the former Diana Frances Watherston, & Mrs Jemima Alice Charlotte Hannon (nee Ensor, born August, 1982), of Elmwood House, Redenham, Andover, Hampshire, daughter of Peter Richard Ensor (born 1948), and his wife the former Hon Sarah Campbell (born 1950), daughter of the late life peer, Alan Robertson Campbell, the Baron Campbell of Alloway, ERD, QC (1917-2013), and his first wife Diana Watson-Smyth.

It was the Earl of Devon's second marriage. In April, 2004, he married Allison Joy Langer (the actress A.J. Langer), daughter of Gary Langer, of Los Angeles, California, United States, by whom he has a son and heir, Jack Haydon Langer Courtenay, styled Lord Courtenay (born 16 August, 2009), and a daughter Lady Joscelyn Skye Courtenay (born 31 January, 2007).

The new Countess is an equestrian, and is the former wife of Richard Hannon, the racehorse trainer, whom she married 4 September, 2010, son of Richard Michael Hannon (born 1945), the racehorse trainer, of Everleigh, Wiltshire, by his wife the former Josephine McCarthy, by whom she has two children, Eliza Scarlet Hannon (born 2012), and Jack Richard H. Hannon (born 2014).  

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Hon Jane Anne Caroline Wright (née Littleton) 1929-2026

 The Hon Jane Anne Caroline Wright (née Littleton), who died 7 September, 2026, aged 96, was a scion of the Barons Hatherton.

She was born 10 September, 1929, second daughter of the 5th Baron Hatherton (1900-1969), and his wife the former Ida Gwendolen Legge (died 1969).

She married 24 January, 1967, the Rev Charles Piachaud Wright (1905-1990). No issue of the marriage.

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South/Dunne engagement

The engagement was announced 12 September, 2026, between Henry David William South (born 1 September, 1993), younger son of David Robert South, of Oughterside, Cumbria, and his late wife the former Anne Dungey, and Evelyn Anne (Evie) Dunne (born 1 June, 1990), the elder daughter of Philip Martin Dunne (b 14 Aug, 1958), Conservative MP for Ludlow 2005-2024, and a godson of Princess Alexandra, the Hon Lady Ogilvy, and his wife the former Domenica Margaret Anne Fraser (born 31 July, 1960), scion of the Lords Lovat.

Evie Dunne is a granddaughter of the late Sir Thomas Raymond Dunne, KG, KCVO (1933-2025), a scion of a landed gentry family, and his wife Henrietta Rose Crawley (born 1937), scion of that landed gentry family.

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Urdaneta/Elliot engagement

 The engagement was announced 12 September, 2026, between Daniel, son of Mr and Mrs Omar Urdaneta, of Philadelphia, USA, and the Lady Clare Patricia Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound (born 1991), the only daughter of the 7th Earl of Minto (born 1 December, 1953), of Minto, Roxburghshire, and the Countess of Minto (nee Diana Barbara Trafford).

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Charles Henry Pettit Colville (born 2026)

 Olivia Colville (nee Pettit), wife of Alexander Keith Colville [born 1993], gave birth to a son, Charles Henry Pettit, 12 August, 2026, a brother for Amelia Lily Butterfield, who was born 22 November, 2024.

Alexander Colville is a son of Mr Jeffrey Rex Colville [born 1956], of Englefield Green, Surrey, and Mrs Colville [nee Price].

Olivia is a daughter of Timothy John Pettit [born 1959], of Godalming, Surrey, and his wife the former Susan J Butterfield.

The infant's aristocratic ancestry:-

George North, 3rd Earl of Guilford > Susan, Baroness North > William North, 11th Baron North > Hon Susan Georgina North > Col. John Sidney North FitzGerald > Georgiana Mary FitzGerald > Timothy John Pettit > Olivia Pettit > Charles Colville

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Donald Edward Miles McFarlan/ Grandson for the Duke of Norfolk

 The Lady Isabel Serena Mary McFarlan (née Fitzalan Howard, born 7 Feb, 1994), wife of Donald McAndrew Hamilton McFarlan (born 30 September, 1993), gave birth to a son, Donald Edward Miles, 5 September, 2026.

Donald McFarlan is the only son of the late Donald Richmond McQueen McFarlan (1952-2012 and his wife Mrs Kate Patricia McFarlan (born 1957, nee Hamilton), of Charlton, Sussex.

Lady Isabel McFarlan is the second and youngest daughter of the 18th Duke of Norfolk, GCVO, DL (born 2 December, 1956), of Arundel Castle, Sussex, and of his 1st wife Georgina Susan, Duchess of Norfolk (born 30 January, 1962, nee Gore).

The Duke of Norfolk is the Earl Marshal and Premier Duke in the Peerage of England.

Donald McFarlan is descended maternally from the Irish landed family of Hamilton, of Leix, and the extinct Earls of Leitrim

The 2nd Earl of Leitrim (1768-1854) > Rev Hon Francis Nathaniel Clements (1812-70) > Louisa Clements (1843-1939) > George Francis Clements Hamilton (1879-1900) > Ronald Marsden Clements Hamilton (1899-1953) >  Peter Napier Hamilton (b 1923) > Kate Patricia Hamilton (b 1957) > Donald McFarlan (born 1993) 

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Beau Reuben Alexander MacGregor (born 2026)

  Cornelia MacGregor (née Chastel de Boinville), wife of Frederick I.A. MacGregor, gave birth to a son, Beau Reuben Alexander, 6 Sqeptember, 2026, a brother for Orlando Frederick Charles, who was born 11 September, 2018, and Athena Shaunagh Antonia, who was born 2 November, 2020.

Frederick is a son of Mr and Mrs Colin MacGregor, of Fulham, London.

Cornelia MacGregor  is a scion of that landed family of Walkern Hall, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, daughter of Mr and Mrs Simon Chastel de Boinville, of Baughurst, Hampshire.

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Friday, September 11, 2026

Princess Alexandra of Hanover engaged to Ben Sylvester Strautmann

Princess Alexandra of Hanover has announced her engagement to her long-term boyfriend Ben Sylvester Strautmann.

Ben and Alexandra.
Princess Alexandra Charlotte Ulrike Maryam Virginia of Hanover was born 20 July, 1999, daughter of Princess Caroline Louise Marguerite of Monaco (born 23 Jan, 1957), and of Ernst August Albert Paul Otto Rupprecht Oskar Berthold Friedrich-Ferdinand Christian-Ludwig , Prince of Hanover, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, Prince of Great Britain & Ireland (born 26 Feb, 1954).

Princess Alexandra has half-siblings from her parents' previous marriages. From her father's previous marriage, she has two half-brothers, Hereditary Prince Ernst August and Prince Christian of Hanover. From her mother's previous marriage, she has two half-brothers, Andrea and Pierre Casiraghi, and one half-sister, Charlotte Casiraghi. Her maternal uncle, Albert II, is the sovereign of Monaco. She is a granddaughter of American actress Grace Kelly and of Rainier III, Prince of Monaco. On her father's side, she is a descendant of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, Wilhelm II, German Emperor, and King Christian IX of Denmark. She is also a first cousin once removed of Queen Sofía of Spain and King Constantine II of Greece, and a second cousin of King Felipe VI of Spain.

Ben was born 31 December, 1998.

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Princess Astrid, Mrs Ferner 1932-2026

Princess Astrid, Mrs Ferner

 Princess Astrid Maud Ingeborg, Mrs Ferner, who died 11 September, 2026, aged 94, was a sister of Harald V, King of Norway, who died 28 August.

The princess, in a wheelchair, attended King Harald's funeral two days ago.

At the time of her death she was the oldest living descendant of Queen Victoria. That distinction now passes to her cousin, Anne Mary Sibylla Liddell-Grainger (born 28 July, 1932), a granddaughter of Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone.

Princess Astrid was a great-granddaughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. The number of King Edward's great-grandchildren now numbers four - HRH The Duke of Kent, HRH Princess Alexandra, the Hon Lady Ogilvy, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, and HRH The Duke of Gloucester.

She was born 12 February, 1932, daughter of Olav V, King of Norway (1903-1991), and his wife the former Princess Martha of Sweden (1901-1954).

She married 12 January, 1961, Johan Martin Ferner (1927-2015), a Norwegian sailor and Olympic medallist, who died 24 January, 2015.

Princess Astrid leaves issue:-

Cathrine Ferner (born 22 July 1962,) , married 9 December 1989 in Oslo, Arild Johansen (b. 18 June 1961, Oslo), and has two children.

Benedikte Ferner (born  27 September 1963) married firstly 30 April 1994 in Oslo (divorced 1998) Rolf Woods (b. 17 June 1963, Oslo), without issue, and married secondly on 2 December 2000 in Oslo and separated in 2002, Mons Einar Stange (b. 26 May 1962, Oslo), without issue.

Alexander Ferner (born 15 March 1965), married 27 July 1996 in Holmenkollen Kapell, Oslo, Margrét Gudmundsdóttir (b. 27 March 1966, Reykjavík, Iceland), and has two children.

Elisabeth Ferner (b. 30 March 1969) married 3 October 1992 in Oslo, Tom Folke Beckmann (b. 14 January 1963, Oslo), and has one son.

Carl-Christian Ferner (b. 22 October 1972) married 4 October 2014 in Oslo, Anna-Stina Slattum Karlsen (b. 23 February 1984), and has two children.

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Frances Hélène Stonor Saunders 1966-2026

Frances Hélène Stonor Saunders, died 31 August, 2026. She was 60.

She was born 14 April, 1966, the daughter of Donald Robin Slomnicki Saunders (1931-1996), and his wife the Hon Julia Maria Christina Mildred Stonor (born 19 April, 1939), and was a granddaughter of the 6th Baron Camoys (1913-1976). She was unmarried.

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Phoebe Grace Lucia Luard (born 2026)

Miranda Elizabeth Luard (née Higham), wife of David Julius B. Luard (born 1980), scion of that landed gentry family, gave birth to a second daughter, Phoebe Grace Lucia, 27 August, 2026, a sister for Clara, who was born 17 November, 2018.

David Luard is the third son of James Richard Luard (born 1946) and his wife the former Julia Jane Wells (born 1951), scion of that landed gentry family.

Miranda is a daughter of John Arthur Higham, QC (born 1952), and his 1st wife the former Francesca Mary Antionetta Ronan (1949-1988).

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Timothy Charles Pulleine 1942-2026

Timothy Charles Pulleine, who died 31 August, 2026, aged 84, was a scion of that landed gentry family (later Curzon-Howe, of Crakehall and Clifton Castle).

He was born in 1942 son of Capt. Hubert Henry Worsley Pulleine (1890-1953), and his wife the former Dorothy Maughan (1909-1992). He married Ina Garner (born 1941), daughter of Frank Garner (died 1968), and his wife the former Frances May Whitnall (1909-1977). No issue of the marriage.

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Davina Mary Morley (nee Sheffield) 1951-2026

 Davina Mary Morley, who died 2 September, 2026, aged 75, was a girlfriend of the then Prince of Wales, and, fifty years ago, was strongly tipped to be the future Queen Consort.

Davina was one of the many who formed the posse of "English roses" who were affectionately dubbed "Charlies Angels" by the Press in the 1970s, when finding a bride for Charles was an obsession.

She was born 1 March, 1951, scion of the Sheffield baronets, the younger daughter of Capt George Berkeley Sheffield (1910-1968), Grenadier Guards, and his wife the Hon Agnes Wilson McGowan (who was murdered in a robbery at her home, 11 March, 1976), daughter of the 1st Baron McGowan (1874-1961).

 Davina Sheffield, was a 5ft 10in blonde with a beautiful smile. Charles was smitten with Davina, so much so that he invited her to Balmoral Castle for the weekend. A friend told The Daily Mail at the time: 'She and Charles were wonderful together.' Davina even earned the approval of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Davina was certainly a great match for the then Prince Charles. The granddaughter of celebrated industrialist Lord McGowan, and a cousin of Samantha Sheffield - who later married the future Prime Minister David (now Lord) Cameron - she moved in the right circles and was a keen horsewoman. She was also undeniably the prettiest of ‘Charlie’s Angels’, who included Lady Jane Wellesley, Georgiana Russell, Lady Sarah Spencer, Sabrina Guinness and Anna Wallace.

However, when Davina was introduced to the future King for the first time she was already seeing someone else – Old Harrovian and powerboat racer James Beard. Detailing the Prince of Wales's romance with Davina in her 2005 book The Firm, royal expert Penny Junor said Davina initially turned down the Prince’s invite to have dinner with him because of Beard. But ‘[Charles] was so persistent that she eventually succumbed and the boyfriend soon fell by the wayside,’ she wrote.

Historians found that Davina's Sheffield's fifth great-grandfather, John Sheffield, Duke of Buckingham and Normanby, built, in 1703, what was then Buckingham House, later the Palace, and seat of the British monarchy.

Penny Junor wrote, “In 1976, the prince fell for another girl, Davina Sheffield, who could have been the soulmate he was searching for.”

Davina Sheffield was exactly the sort of glamorous, blue-blooded girlfriend Prince Charles was after. Initially resisting his advances due to her interest in power boat racer James Beard, she finally relented due to his persistence. Their romance only ended after the press discovered (via Beard) that Sheffield wasn’t a virgin – an archaic stipulation for any future royal bride at the time.

Davina and Charles’s romance came to an unhappy end, and the Prince was devastated.

She married the same year as Charles - on  21 December, 1981, as the second wife of Jonathan Derek (Jake) Morley (1941-2022), son of Brigadier-General Michael Frederick Morley, MBE (1911-1990), and his wife Primrose Elizabeth Gordon (1912-1997), scion of that landed family of Boveridge Park, and a brother of Miranda, Duchess of Beaufort (born 1947), second wife of the 11th Duke of Beaufort (1928-2017).

Two of her sons were named William and Henry, both younger than the sons of her former love.

Davina leaves issue three sons, Thomas George Jonathan (born 1983), and poignantly - William Frederick Duncan (born 1984), and Henry Quintus (born 1987).

Her beloved husband - Jake  died 18 April, 2022, aged 80.

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Buchan/Fugard engagement

The engagement was announced 11 September, 2026, between George Charles James Minshall Buchan (born 1994), son of Matthew Minshall and his former wife the former Sharon McArthur, and Anna Fugard, the only daughter of Robert and Gwenyth Fugard.

George's mother, Sharon, daughter of Capt George McArthur, of Holt, Norfolk, married firstly, 1993, Matthew Minshall (born 1958), and married 2ndly, 11 September, 1998, [John] Charles Augustus David Buchan of Auchmacoy (born 1 March, 1963), son of Capt David William Sinclair Buchan of Auchmacoy (1929-2015), and his wife the Hon Blanche Susan Fionodbhar Scott-Ellis (born 6 Oct, 1937), daughter of the 9th Baron Howard De Walden (1912-1999).

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Thursday, September 10, 2026

The 13th Earl of Westmeath 1928-2026

The Earl's armorial bearings.

 The 13th Earl of Westmeath died 29 June, 2026. He was 97.

Lord Westmeath was an Anglo-Irish peer and a former soldier and schoolmaster. He was born at Flowerhill House, Tynagh, County Galway, and educated at Marlborough College, Wiltshire, and at Royal Military College, Sandhurst. From there he was commissioned into the Royal Artillery and retired in 1961 with the rank of Captain. He was subsequently employed as a schoolmaster at St Andrew's School, Pangbourne, from 1961 to 1988.

A peer for almost 55 years, he was the 18th Baron Delvin [Peerage of Ireland., created 1451]; and the 13th Earl of Westmeath [Peerage of Ireland, created 1621].

William Anthony Nugent was born 21 November, 1928, son of Major the 12th Earl of Westmeath (1880-1971), and his wife the former Doris Imlach (who died 9 April, 1968); and was known by the courtesy title Lord Devlin from 12 December, 1933, until inheriting the family honours, 20 November, 1971.

He married 31 July, 1963, Susanna Margaret Leonard (1941-2020), daughter of James Charles Beresford Whyte Leonard (1905-2004), and his wife the former Barbara Helen Incledon-Webber (1906-1989), by whom he had issue, two sons, Sean Charles Weston Nugent, Lord Devlin (born 16 February, 1965), and the Hon Patrick Mark Leonard Nugent (born 6 April, 1966). The elder son succeeds as 14th Earl of Westmeath and Baron Devlin.

The Countess of Westmeath predeceased him, 5 July, 2020.

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Sonia Elizabeth Sinclair 1925-2026

Sonia Elizabeth Sinclair (née Graham), who died 17 August, 2026, aged 100, was sometime wife of the 3rd Baron Melchett.

She was born 6 September, 1925, scion of an Irish landed family, a daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Roland Harris Graham (1898-1968), and his wife the former Kathleen Dunbar (1896-1983); and married 1stly, 26 April, 1947, the then Hon Julian Edward Alfred Mond (born 9 January, 1925), son of the 2nd Baron Melchett (1898-1949), and his wife the former Amy Gwen Wilson (1899-1982). Julian Mond succeeded his father, 22 January, 1949, as the 3rd Baron Melchett, and died 15 June, 1973.

Sonia, Baroness Melchett married 2ndly, in 1984, as his third wife, Dr Andrew Annandale Sinclair (1935-2019), son of Stanley Charles Sinclair (died 1975), and his wife the former Kathleen Henrietta Nash-Webber (died 1993). Dr Sinclair died 30 May, 2019.

Sonia leaves issue, two daughters, the Hon Kerena and the Hon Pandora Mond, and was predeceased by her only son, Peter, 4th and last Baron Melchett (1948-2018).

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Wednesday, September 09, 2026

Farquharson/Emslie-Smith engagement

 The engagement was announced 9 September, 2026, between Archie Alexander H. Farquharson (born 1996), youngers on of Donald Hugh Miller Farquharson of Finzean (born Dec 1963), of Aberdeenshire, head of that Scots landed gentry family, by his wife the former Catriona Rose, & Sarah Katherine Emslie-Smith (born 1997), only daughter of Dr Alistair Mark Emslie-Smith, of Broughty Ferry, Dundee, and his wife the former Katherine Mary Hector.

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Goddard/Harris engagement

 The engagement was announced 9 September, 2026, between Benjamin T. Goddard, younger son of Mr and Mrs Geoffrey Goddard, of Sewalds Hall, Essex, and the Hon Letitia Barbara D. Harris (born 2000), daughter of James Hugh Carleton Harris, styled Viscount FitzHarris (born 29 April, 1970), of Syndling Court, Dorset, and Viscountess FitzHarris (nee Jemima Nancy G. Fulford-Dobson (born 1968).

Letitia is a granddaughter of the 7th Earl of Malmesbury (born 19 June, 1946).

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Albert Henry Newton Hodgson (born 2026)

Sarah Newton, wife of the Hon Toby Henry Storr Hodgson (born 1988), gave birth to a son, Albert Henry Newton, 25 August, 2026.

Toby is a son of life peer the Baron Hodgson of Astley Abbotts, CBE (born 25 April, 1942), and his wife the life peer Baroness Hodgson of Abinger, CBE (born 7 Nov, 1954).

Sarah is a daughter of Mr and Mrs Michael Newton of Melbourne, Australia.

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Tuesday, September 08, 2026

Daughter for Anna-Carolina, Archduchess of Austria and Jack Constable

 Anna-Carolina, Archduchess of Austria (born 11 June, 1996), wife of John (Jack) Straker Constable (born 23 October, 1990), scion of that landed gentry family, gave birth to a daughter, Emma, 10 July, 2026.

Jack Straker Constable is the elder son of the late James Andrew John Straker (1959-2022), and his wife the former Rodrica Consuelo Chichester-Constable (born 31 March, 1963), of Hexham, scion of that landed gentry family, of Burton Constable.

Anna-Carolina, Archduchess of Austria, is the eldest daughter of  Eduard Karl Joseph Michael Marcus Antonius Koloman Volkhold Maria, Archduke of Austria ( born 12 January, 1967), and his wife the former Marie Theresa von Gudenus (born 11 February, 1967).

Jack Straker is heir to the Burton Constable Hall estate, a large Elizabethan country house, with 18th- and 19th-century interiors and a fine 18th-century cabinet of curiosities. The hall, a Grade I listed building, is set in a park designed by Capability Brown with an area of 300 acres. It is located 3 miles south-east of the village of Skirlaugh in the East Riding of Yorkshire, approximately 9 miles north-east of the city of Hull, and has been the home of the Constable family for over 400 years. The hall and park are owned by the Burton Constable Foundation, a registered charity.

From the London Gazette in July 2025: The KING has been graciously pleased by Warrant under His Royal Signet and Sign Manual bearing date 17 July 2025 to give and grant His Royal Licence and Authority that John Straker Constable formerly John Constable Straker of Burton Constable in the County of East Yorkshire and his issue may continue to bear and use the surname of Constable in lieu of and substitution for that of Straker and that he and they may bear and use the Arms and Crest of Constable according to the Laws of Arms the said Armorial Bearings being first duly exemplified according to the Laws of Arms and recorded in His Majesty’s College of Arms: otherwise the said Royal Licence and Permission to be void and of none effect.

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Albert Leopold Beaumont (born 2026)

 Elizabeth Louise Beaumont (nee Holland, born 1990), wife of Richard Christian Beaumont [born 27 May, 1989], scion of the Viscounts Allendale, gave birth to a son, Albert Leopold, 3 September, 2026, a brother for Theodore Holland, who was born 13 October, 2023.

Richard Beaumont is the second son of the Hon Hubert Wentworth Beaumont [born 13 Apr, 1956], of County Kildare, Ireland, and Katherine Emma [Kate] Beaumont [nee Abel Smith, born 11 March, 1961], of Nottinghamshire.

Elizabeth Beaumont is a daughter of Michael G. Holland, of Bramcote, Nottinghamshire, and his wife the former Margaret H. Osborne.

Richard Beaumont, a grandson of the late life peer the Baron Beaumont of Whitley [1928-2008] is also a descendant of Queen Victoria. 

Queen Victoria [1819-1901] > Prince Leopold [1853-84] > Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone [1883-1981] > Lady May Abel Smith [1906-94] > Richard Abel Smith [1933-2004] > Kate Abel Smith [b 1961] > Richard Beaumont [b 1989] > Albert Beaumont (born 2026)

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McKinnon/Getty marriage

 The marriage took place at Chelsea Old Town Hall, 3 September, 2026, between Faris Michael McKinnon (born London, April, 1985), son of Australian businessman Michael William Francis McKinnon, and his Kuwaiti-born wife the former Fawzia H. Al Sayegh, and Isabel Getty (born 11 November, 1993), daughter of Christopher Ronald Getty and his wife the former Pia Christina Miller (born 1966), sister of Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece (born 17 September, 1968).

The couple have a son, Viggo, born in October, 2025.

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Monday, September 07, 2026

John Julian Timothy Jeal 1945-2026

 (John Julian) Timothy Jeal, who died 5 August, 2026, aged 81, was a Prize winning novelist who wrote celebrated biographies of Dr Livingstone, Henry Stanley and Robert Baden-Powell while working at the BBC. He was descended from the Pasley baronets.

Always known as Timothy, he was born 27 January, 1945, son of Clifford Freeman Jeal (1906-1986), and his wife the former Norah Margaret Sabine Pasley (1902-1987).

His grandfather was Sir Thomas Edward Sabine Pasley, 3rd Baronet (1863-1947), and his wife the Lady Constance Wilmot Annie Hastings (1870-1922), daughter of the 14th Earl of Huntingdon (1841-1885).

He married 11 October, 1969, Joyce Timewell (born 1945), daughter of William George Timewell (1916-1990), and his wife the former Dorothy May Carter, by whom he had three daughters, Jessica, Lucy and Emily.

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Sunday, September 06, 2026

Moore/Chilton marriage

Hon Garrett Moore.

 The marriage took place in the spring of 2026, at St Sophia's Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Bayswater, between the Hon Garrett Alexander Moore [born 1986], scion of the Earls of Drogheda, second son of the 12th Earl of Drogheda [born 14 Jan, 1937], by his wife the former Alexandra Nicolette Henderson [born 1953], & Hope Chilton, daughter of Richard Lockwood Chilton, Jr (born 10 June, 1958), and his wife Maureen.

Hope's father is a US investment billionaire, whose English estate is at Crichel Down, Dorset, including Crichel House, bought for £34 million in 2013.

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

Moore had a previous controversial engagement in 2020 to the American actress Colleen Camp [born 7 June, 1953], a character actress and producer, the daughter of one Mr Wilson Camp. The actress was the same age at Garrett's own mother. No marriage followed.

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Ramsay/Fresson marriage

 The marriage has taken place between Ruaridh Shaw-Mackenzie Ramsay (born 29 March, 1996), third son of William Alan Grant Ramsay of Bowland (born April, 1958), of Cambridgeshire, and his first wife the former Rebecca Shaw (born 19 Oct, 1961, now Baroness Fraser of Corriegarth), & Elinor Violet Fresson (born 6 December, 1997), daughter of Michael John Fresson (born Nov 1945), of Hampshire, descended from the Holdich landed gentry family, and his wife the former Serena Louise Franklin (born Sept, 1960).


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Saturday, September 05, 2026

The 8th Earl of Wilton 1934-2026

 The 8th Earl of Wilton, who died at his home in Clifton Hill, Melbourne, Australia, 4 September, 2026, abed 92, was heir presumptive to his kinsman the Duke of Westminster's marquisate.

Francis Egerton Grosvenor was Baron Ebury of Ebury Manor, co. Middlesex [U.K., 1857] & Earl of Wilton of Wilton Castle, co. Hereford [U.K., 1801] & Viscount Grey de Wilton [U.K., 1801].

His ancestor, the 1st Baron Ebury (1801-1893), was a younger son of the 1st Marquess of Westminster (1767-1845), who was grandfather of the 1st Duke of Westminster (1825-1899). The current 7th Duke of Westminster (born 29 Jan, 1991) is father of a daughter, and the 8th Earl of Wilton is the heir to to the duke's subsidiary peerages.

He was born 8 February, 1934, the eldest son of 5th Baron Ebury (1914-1957), and his first wife the former Anne Acland-Troyte (1912-1982), scion of the Dyke Acland baronets.

He succeeded his father, 5 May, 1957, as 6th Baron Ebury, and succeeded his kinsman, 1 October, 1999, as 8th Earl of Wilton.

He married firstly, 10 December, 1957 (div. 1962), Gillian Elfrida Astley Soames, scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Martin Roland Soames (1903-1995), and his wife the former Myra Drummond, scion of the Viscounts Strathallan; married 2ndly, 8 March, 1963 (div. 1973), Kyra Aslin, daughter of L.L. Aslin; and married 3rdly, 24 February, 1974, Suzanne Jean Suckling (1943-2018), daughter of Graham Suckling, of Christchurch, New Zealand. He married 4thly, 21 February, 2023, Joanna (Jo) Neilma Baevski (born 5 April, 1948), daughter of Kenneth Myer, of Melbourne. His fourth wife predeceased him, 16 April, 2026.

The Earl of Wilton leaves a son from his first marriage, Julian Francis Martin Grosvenor, styled Viscount Grey de Wilton (born 8 June, 1959), who now succeeds as 9th Earl of Wilton, and was predeceased by a daughter, Lady Georgina Lucy Grosvenor, who died 16 Aug, 2003.

EBURY: Francis, Died 4 September 2026. Beloved husband of the late Joanna Baevski, who passed away earlier this year. Francis will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. Funeral arrangements are currently being made. Anyone who knew Francis and would like to attend his funeral is kindly asked to contact his son, Julian Grosvenor, on 0411 552 017 so that arrangements can be made according to expected numbers. Funeral details will follow.

Published by The Age on September, 8, 2026.

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Stewart-Brown/Zhang engagement

The engagement was announced 5 September, 2026, between Walter David Stewart-Brown (born 1989), scion of that landed gentry family, son of Ronald Reay Stewart-Brown (1948-2015), and his wife the former Juiet Rosamund Birch Reynardson (born 1952), scion of that landed gentry family, & Ning Zhang, daughter of Mr Zhang Guojun and the late Mrs Huang Xiaolian, of Shandong, China.

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Standeven/Peto engagement

The engagement was announced 5 September, 2026, between Jonathan George Standeven (born 1983), youngest son of John Denis Standeven, of Sinderby, North Yorkshire, and his wife the former Sarah Joanna Scott Cobb, & Violet Selina Peto (born 15 February, 1984), scion of the Peto baronets, third daughter of Jonathan Basil Moreton Peto (born 9 December, 1942), of Great Bealings, Suffolk, and his wife the Hon Selina Lilian Hughes-Young (born 13 March, 1944), daughter of the 1st Baron St Helens (1912-1980).

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Count Charles John Fane de Salis 1930-2026

 Count Charles John Fane de Salis, who died 3 September, 2026, aged 96, was a scion of a landed gentry family descended from the Fane Earls of Westmorland.

He was born 25 January, 1930, the elder son of Major Count Anthony Denis Rodolph Fane de Salis (1897-1952), and his wife the former Francoise Carmen Dagmar de la Panouse (1903-1985), and married 23 July, 1960, Carolyn Mary Constable-Maxwell (born 23 August, 1938), scion of the Lords Herries of Terregles, and sister of Ann Duchess of Norfolk (1927-2013), wife of the 17th Duke of Norfolk, and daughter of Wing Commander Gerald Joseph Constable-Maxwell, MC, DFC, DL (1895-1959), and his wife the former Caroline Burns Carden (died 1984).

He leaves four daughters, Isobel (b 31 Aug, 1961), Frances (b 28 March, 1963), Julia (b 14 Jan 1968), and Theresa (b 14 Oct, 1970).

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Sir Archibald Bruce Charles Edmonstone of Duntreath, 7th Baronet 1934-2026

 Sir Archibald Bruce Charles Edmonstone of Duntreath, 7th Baronet, died 29 August, 2026. He was 92.

The baronet was seated at Duntreath Castle, Blanefield, Stirlingshire.

He was born 3 August, 1934, son of Sir Archibald Charles Edmonstone of Duntreath, 6th Baronet (1898-1954), and his wife the former Gwendolyn Mary Field (died 27 Nov, 1989), daughter of Marshall Field, Jr (1868-1905), of Chicago, Illinois.

He succeeded to the baronetcy (created GB 1774) upon his fathers death, 5 June, 1954.

He married firstly, 17 January, 1957 (div), Jane Colville (born 16 March, 1936), scion of the Viscounts Colville of Culross, daughter of Maj-Gen Edward Charles Colville, CB, DSO, JP (1905-1982), and his wife the former Barbara Joan Denny (died 1983); and married 2ndly, 24 June, 1969, Juliet Elizabeth Deakin (born 1 December, 1943), daughter of Maj-Gen. Cecil Martin Fothergill Deakin, CB, CBE (1910-1992), and his wife the former Evelyn Mary Frances Grant, scion of the Grant of Monymusk baronets.

From his first marriage he leaves two sons, (Archibald) Edward Charles Edmonstone Yr of Duntreath (born 4 Feb, 1961), and Nicholas (born 16 Apr, 1964), and a daughter, Philippa (born 12 June, 1958), and from his second marriage, a son, Dru (born 26 Oct, 1971), and a daughter, Elyssa Juliet (born 11 September, 1973), former wife of Archduke Sigismsund of Austria, Grand Duke of Tuscany.

His eldest son, Edward, succeeds to the baronetcy.

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Friday, September 04, 2026

Life peerages gazetted

 THE KING has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 20 August 2026 to confer the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life upon the following:

In the forenoon

Nicholas Charles Stace, O.B.E., by the name, style and title of BARON STACE, of Brighton in the County of East Sussex.

In the afternoon

The Right Honourable Sir Sadiq Aman Khan, Knight, by the name, style and title of BARON KHAN OF TOOTING, of Tooting in the London Borough of Wandsworth.

THE KING has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 21 August 2026 to confer the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life upon the following:

In the forenoon

June Abena Konadu Sarpong, O.B.E., by the name, style and title of BARONESS SARPONG, of Walthamstow in the London Borough of Waltham Forest.

In the afternoon

Roberto Bruno Neri, by the name, style and title of BARON NERI, of Norwood in Greater London.


THE KING has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 24 August 2026 to confer the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life upon the following:

In the forenoon

Ruth Mackenzie, C.B.E., by the name, style and title of BARONESS MACKENZIE OF SHERWOOD, of Sherwood in the City of Nottingham.

In the afternoon

Anas Sarwar, by the name, style and title of BARON SARWAR, of Maxwell Park in the City of Glasgow.


THE KING has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 25 August 2026 to confer the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life upon the following:

In the forenoon

David Peter John Ross, by the name, style and title of BARON ROSS OF NEVILL HOLT, of Great Grimsby in the County of Lincolnshire.

In the afternoon

The Right Honourable Sir Brian Henry Leveson, Knight, by the name, style and title of BARON LEVESON OF LIVERPOOL, of Liverpool in the County of Merseyside.


THE KING has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 26 August 2026 to confer the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life upon the following:

In the forenoon

Marcus John Davey, C.B.E., by the name, style and title of BARON DAVEY OF CHALK FARM, of Chalk Farm in the London Borough of Camden.

In the afternoon

Martin Gerard McTague, O.B.E., by the name, style and title of BARON McTAGUE, of Heighington in the County of Durham.


THE KING has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 27 August 2026 to confer the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life upon the following:

In the forenoon

Sir Christopher Stephen Wormald, K.C.B., by the name, style and title of BARON WORMALD, of Dulwich in the London Borough of Lambeth.

In the afternoon

Timothy Charles Leunig, by the name, style and title of BARON LEUNIG, of Surbiton in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.


THE KING has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 28 August 2026 to confer the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life upon the following:

In the forenoon

Mark Edward Petterson, by the name, style and title of BARON PETTERSON, of Shenington in the County of Oxfordshire.

In the afternoon

Barbara Mills, K.C., by the name, style and title of BARONESS MILLS OF GREENWICH, of Greenwich in Greater London.


THE KING has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 1 September 2026 to confer the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life upon the following:

In the forenoon

Alison Esther Garnham, by the name, style and title of BARONESS GARNHAM, of Stoke Newington in the London Borough of Hackney.

In the afternoon

Julia Catherine Weir Aglionby, by the name, style and title of BARONESS AGLIONBY, of Armathwaite in the County of Cumbria.


THE KING has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 2 September 2026 to confer the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life upon the following:

In the forenoon

Hannah Ruth Kitching, by the name, style and title of BARONESS KITCHING OF PENISTONE, of Penistone in the County of South Yorkshire.

In the afternoon

Catherine Helen Ashley, O.B.E., by the name, style and title of BARONESS ASHLEY OF LAMBETH, of Lambeth in the London Borough of Lambeth.


THE KING has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 3 September 2026 to confer the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life upon the following:

In the forenoon

Katharine Anne Ussher, by the name, style and title of BARONESS USSHER, of Burnley in the County of Lancashire.

In the afternoon

David James McCobb, by the name, style and title of BARON McCOBB, of Kingston upon Hull in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

THE KING has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 4 September 2026 to confer the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life upon General Sir Patrick Nicholas Yardley Monrad Sanders, K.C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., by the name, style and title of BARON SANDERS OF HALLINGDAL, of Hallingdal in the Kingdom of Norway and of East Knoyle in the County of Wiltshire.

Nigel Victor Charles Jackaman 1939-2026

Nigel Victor Charles Jackaman died 31 August, 2026. He was 87.

He was born in 1939, son of James Nigel Jackaman (1906-1997), and his wife the former Diana Savory (1913-2002), scion of the baronets of that name; and married 1969, Christina Beatrice (Christa) Scrope (1942-2012) scion of the Scropes of Danby, daughter of Simon Scrope (1910-1991), and his wife the former Constance Mary Weld (1907-1987), by whom he had issue, two sons, Mark and Richard, and a daughter, Claire, who predeceased her in 2014.

Nigel Jackaman was a grandson maternally of Sir William Savory, 3rd Baronet (1882-1961).

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John Charles Greenway Irvin 1940-2026

 John Charles Greenway Irvin, film-maker who directed the BBC’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and several Hollywood movies, died 11 August, 2026. He was 86.

He overcame Alec Guinness’s misgivings to guide him to a Bafta-winning performance as Smiley, and also made The Dogs of War and Champions.

He was born 7 May, 1940, son of Major C.W. Irvin, of Tynemouth, Northumberland, and his wife the former Elsie Bending, and married in 1970, Sophie Mary Cecilia Litchfield (born 8 December, 1942, died 1991), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Capt John Shirley Sandys Litchfield, OBE, RN (1903-1993), and his wife the former Margaret Cecilia Portal (1908-2006), scion of the Portal baronets, by whom he had a son, Luke (born 1973), and two daughters, Emilie (born 1970), and Amy (born 1978).

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Fitzherbert/Zeal engagement

The engagement was announced 5 September, 2026, between Basil Edward Fitzherbert (born 17 January, 1998), scion of the Barons Stafford,  the ony son of the Hon Philip Basil Fitzherbert (born 7 October, 1962), of Swynnerton, Staffordshire, and his wife the former Caroline Hadcock (born 1965), & Katherina Cameron (Kitty) Zeal (born 11 June, 1998), elder daughter of Christopher John Zeal (born 1958), of Twyford, Berkshire, and his wife the former Lucy Violet Godsal (born 15 March, 1964), scion of that landed gentry family, descended from the 8th Earl of Courtown (1908-1975).

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Kerr-Dineen/Gosden-Hood engagement

 The engagement was announced 4 September, 2026, between Thomas Michael Kerr-Dineen (born 1998), younger son of Michael N.C. Kerr-Dineen (born 1952), financier, of Chelsea, London, and his wife the former Jacqueline Graham, and Theodora Rachel Montague Gosden-Hood (born December, 1990), younger daughter of the horse trainer John Harry Martin Gosden, OBE (born 30 March, 1951), of Newmarket, by his wife Ms Rachel D.S, Hood (born 1953), descended from the Dukes of Devonshire.

The 4th Duke of Devonshire (1720-64) > George Cavendish, 1st Earl of Burlington (1754-1834) > Gen Hon Henry Cavendish (1789-1873) > Francis William Henry Cavendish (1820-93) > Reginald Richard Frederick Cavendish (1857-1941) > Dorothy Alice Georgina Cavendish (1891-1965) > Hilary Ollyet Dupuis Hood (1928-82) > Rachel Hood (b 1953) > Theodora Gosden-Hood 

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Thursday, September 03, 2026

Daphne Caroline Bates (born 2026)

 Charlotte Louise Bates (née Roe, born 1992), wife of James Bates, gave birth to a daughter, Daphne Caroline, 17 August, 2026.

James Bates is a son of Paul Bates, of Great Helmsley, North Yorkshire, and his wife Lesley.

Charlotte is a daughter of Alexander Frederick James Roe (born Nov, 1958), and his wife the former Caroline Jane Maltby (1957-2021), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of John Newcombe Maltby, CBE (1928-1998), and his wife the Lady Sylvia Veronica Anthea Harris (1934-2022), daughter of the 6th Earl of Malmesbury (1907-2000).

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Winstanley/Wyatt engagement

 The engagement was announced 3 September, 2026, between Capt Henry James T. Winstanley (born 1992), only son of Colonel Richard D. Winstanley (born 1964), of Middle Woodford, Wiltshire, and his wife the former Caroline Grey-Edwards (born 1964), and Antonia Grace W. Wyatt (born 1993), daughter of the late Robert Wyatt and Mrs Pamela Wyatt, of Aston-by-Stone, Staffordshire.

Capt Henry Winstanley is a grandson of Christopher R.L. Grey-Edwards (b 1933), and his wife the former Jane Frances Mary Fitzgerald-Lombard (1936-2022), scion of that landed gentry family.

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Miesegaes/Barker engagement

 The engagement was announced 3 September, 2026, between James Patrick M. (Jamie) Miesegaes (born 28 August, 2001), the only son of Simon Victor James Miesegaes (born April, 1964), of Honington, Warwickshire, and his wife the former Lucinda Claire Bourdillon (born 1968), & Polly Davison Barker (born 1999), younger daughter of Mr & Mrs James Barker, of  Osmotherley, North Yorkshire.

Jamie Miesegaes is descended from the Kemp-Welch and Stormonth-Darling landed gentry families.

Patrick Stormonth-Darling (1840-1916) > Margaret Stormonth-Darling (1884-1962) > Peggy Hunter (1912-2005) > Penelope Kemp-Welch > Lucinda Bourdillon (b 1968) > James Miesegaes (b 2001)

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Wednesday, September 02, 2026

Christabel Susan Caroline Devereux (born 2026)

Iona Ann Mariel Devereux (née McLaren, born 20 February, 1991), wife of the Hon Edward Mark de Breteuil Devereux, KC (born 8 June, 1977), scion of the Viscounts Hereford, gave birth to a daughter, Christabel Susan Caroline, 19 August, 2026.

Edward Devereux is the second son of the 18th Viscount Hereford (1932-2004), and his wife the former Susan Mary Godley, & is a younger brother of the 19th Viscount (born 11 Aug, 1975).

Edward was called to the Bar in 2001 and became a QC (now known as KC) in 2017.  Over the course of his career as a barrister, he has represented parties (including as leading counsel for the U.K. government) before the U.K. Supreme Court, the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights. 

 He has been variously described by the Chambers UK Guide to the Legal Profession as “a Titan”, “a phenomenal advocate” and “a master of strategy”.  He was an author and editor of Dicey, Morris and Collins on the Conflict of Laws.  Edward read history at Cambridge University.

Iona Devereux is a scion of the Barons Aberconway, daughter of the Hon Michael Duncan McLaren (born 29 November, 1958), and his wife the former Caroline Jane Stacey, and a granddaughter of the 3rd Baron Aberconway (1913-2003).

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Monday, August 31, 2026

Mark Chaytor Dickinson 1951-2026

 Mark Chaytor Dickinson died 25 August, 2026. He was 75, and descended from the Chaytor baronets.

He was  born 17 May, 1951, son of Peter Dickinson and his wife the former Anne Chaytor (1919-2002), daughter of Sir Edmund Hugh Chaytor, 6th Baronet (1876-1935).

He married firstly, in 1978 (Div. 1992), Amanda Evelyn Fraser (born 1956, later the Hon Mrs Timothy Buxton), daughter of Air Commodore Anthony Walkinshaw Fraser, and his wife the former Angela Mary Graham Shaw (1936-2018), descended from the 1st Viscount Dunedin.

Mark Dickinson married 2ndly, October, 1992, Caroline Mary Palmer (born 16 December, 1952), former wife of Major Hon Richard Nicholas Bethell (born 29 May, 1950, afterwards the 6th Baron Westbury), and  daughter of Richard John Palmer (1926-2008), and his wife the Hon Sarah Faith Georgiana Spencer (1931-2015), daughter  of the 1st Viscount Churchill (1864-1934).

He leaves issue from his first marriage, a son Maximilian (b 1981), and two daughters, Olivia (b 1983), and Georgia (b 1987).

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Saturday, August 29, 2026

Barden de Lacroix/Keogh engagement

The engagement was announced 29 August, 2026, between Luke Michael P. Barden de Lacroix (born 1989), the elder son of Philip Geoffrey Barden (born 2 November, 1959), & his wife Fabienne I.M. Leguen de Lacroix (born 5 August, 1960), of Weybridge, Surrey, and Dr Georgina Ann Keogh (born 10 August, 1990), younger daughter of Colin Denis Keogh, and his wife the former Joanna Mary Martyn Leapman (born 1953), daughter of John Frederick Martyn Leapman (1916-2000), and his wife the former Hon (Anne) Cynthia Veronica Tempest Plumer (1921-2004), daughter of the 2nd and last Viscount Plumer, MC (1890-1944).

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Rear-Admiral Sir John Garnier, KCVO, CBE 1934-2026

Rear-Admiral Sir John Garnier, KCVO, CBE, died 31 July, 2026. A descendant of the Barons Vernon. He was 92.

He served as Naval Equerry to the Queen between 1962 and 1965, Director of Naval Operations and Trade between 1982 and 1984, Flag Officer, Royal Yachts, between 1985 and 1990, and as Private Secretary and Comptroller to Princess Alexandra, the Hon Lady Ogilvy between 1991 and 1995.  He was an Extra Equerry to HM Queen Elizabeth II from 1988.

Garnier was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1982 and a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 1990 (having previously been appointed a Lieutenant in 1965).

He was born 10 March, 1934, son of the Rev Thomas Vernon Garnier, OBE (1875-1939) and his wife the former Helen Stenhouse, and a grandson of the Rev Thomas Parry Garnier (1841-1898), and his wife the Hon Louisa Warren Venables-Vernon (died 1894), daughter of the 5th Baron Vernon (1803-1866).

He married in 1966, Joanna Jane Cadbury (born 1943), scion of the landed chocolate manufacturing family, daughter of Alan Cadbury (1907-1994), by his wife the former Janet Mary Margaret Walker (1909-2001), by whom he had two sons, Thomas and William, and a daughter, Louisa.

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Ivo Charles Roger Matterson (born 2026)

Lucy C. Matterson (née Williams), wife of Thomas John Hardwick Matterson [born 1991], descended from the Child baronets, gave birth to a son, Ivo Charles Roger, 2 July, 2026, a brother for their twins Rafferty John Woolhouse & Rex Edward Hardwick, who were born 4 March 2024.

Thomas is a son of Charles John Hardwick Matterson [born 26 December, 1960], of Polstead, Suffolk, and his wife the former Elizabeth Caroline McGregor Moffatt [born 1962].

Lucy is a daughter of Mr & Mrs Brian Williams, of Putney, London.

Sir Coles John Child, 2nd Baronet [1906-71] > Honor Diana Child [b 1936] > Charles Matterson [b 1960] > Thomas Matterson [born 1991] > Ivo Matterson [born 2026].

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Friday, August 28, 2026

His Majesty Harald V, King of Norway, 1937-2026


 His Majesty Harald V, King of Norway, died in hospital in Oslo, 28 August, 2026_. He was 89.

In August 2026, the King was admitted to hospital with fluid retention caused by cortisone treatment for haemolytic anaemia and was placed on two weeks' sick leave. His son and heir Crown Prince Haakon  served as regent during his absence.

He was King of Norway for 35 years, and from 9 September, 2024, he was the oldest monarch in more than 1,150 years of Norwegian monarchy, living longer than his father King Olav V, who died at 87 years and 199 days. Following the death of his cousin Queen Elizabeth II, 8 September, 2022, King Harald became  Europe's oldest hereditary reigning monarch.

A Descendant of King Edward VII, he was therefor connected by blood to all the Europe and Scandinavian monarchs. King Harald was first cousin once removed of Philippe, King of the Belgians, and likewise of Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and a second cousin once removed of King Charles III, likewise of Frederik X, King of Denmark, and Carl XVI Gustaf King of Sweden, and a third cousin twice removed of Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands. He was a third cousin once removed of Felipe VI, King of Spain. He was a seventh cousin of Albert II, Prince of Monaco, and a fourth cousin once removed of Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein.

He was born at Skaugum, 21 February, 1937, the third child but only son of the then Crown Prince Olav of Norway, KG, KT, GCB, GCVO (born at Sandringham, 2 July, 1903, as Prince Alexander Edward Christian Frederik of Denmark), and his wife Princess Martha Sofia Louisa Dagmar Thyra of Sweden (born Stockholm, 28 March, 1901, died at Oslo, 5 April, 1954).

In 1905 Norway became independent for the first time in five centuries, having during that time either being tied to Sweden or Denmark. There was the question whether the new independent country should be a monarchy or a republic. Under the influence of the German Emperor Wilhlem II, a royal but democratic constitution was agreed upon, and King Harald's grandfather, a Danish prince, was selected as King. His ascension to the Norwegian throne was confirmed by a plebiscite, in which the majority in favour of monarchy was nearly four to one.

His paternal grandfather, HRH Prince Christian Frederik Carl Georg Valdemar Axel of Denmark (born at Charlottenlund, 3 August, 1872), was elected King of Norway, 18 November, 1905, when Norway's union with Sweden was dissolved. Prince Christian became Haakon VII, King of Norway, and reigned until his death at Oslo, 21 September, 1957. The then Prince Christian married in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace, 22 July, 1896, HRH The Princess Maud Charlotte Mary Victoria of Wales, VA, CI, GCVO, GCStJ (born at Marlborough House, London, 26 November, 1869, died in London, 20 November, 1938), youngest daughter of the then Prince of Wales [later King Edward VII] and Queen Alexandra.

Young Harald studied for periods at the University of Oslo, the Norwegian Military Academy, and Balliol College, Oxford. A keen sportsman, Harald represented Norway in sailing at the 1964, 1968, and 1972 Olympic Games, and later became patron of World Sailing.

Harald became Crown Prince of Norway upon his grandfather's demise, 21 September, 1957. His father reigned as Olav V, King of Norway.

Harald was appointed GCVO by his cousin Queen Elizabeth II in 1955, and received the Royal Victorian Chain in 1994. He became the 990th Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 2001.

He married at Oslo, 29 August, 1968, Sonja Haraldsen (born Oslo, 4 July, 1937), daughter of Carl August Haraldsen, by his wife the former Dagny Ulrichsen, by whom he had issue, a son, Crown Prince Haakon Magnus (born at Oslo, 20 July, 1973), who now succeeds to the throne, and a daughter, Princess Martha Louise (born at Oslo, 22 September, 1971).

Crown Prince Harald succeeded to the Norwegian throne on the death of his father, 17 January, 1991.

In the British Army, King Harald was appointed an honorary general in 1994, and he was the final Colonel-in-Chief of the Green Howards. He is also an honorary Colonel in the British Royal Marines. He was patron of the Anglo-Norse Society in London, formerly together with Queen Elizabeth II, his second cousin. Harald was in the line of succession to the British throne, because of his descent from great-grandfather, King Edward VII.








Thursday, August 27, 2026

The 5th Earl of Cranbrook 1933-2026

The Earl of Cranbrook, the 5th Earl, distinguished zoologist, naturalist and conservationist, died at his home in Suffolk, 24 August, 2026. He was 93.

Lord Cranbrook dedicated his life to studying and protecting the biodiversity of Malaysia and Southeast Asia, began his scientific fieldwork in the region as an assistant at the Sarawak Museum in the late 1950s.

He was  Viscount Cranbrook (cr 1878), Baron Medway (cr 1892), and Earl of Cranbrook (cr 1892). He was known by the courtesy title Baron Medway from his birth until inheriting the family honours in 1978.

His home was Great Glemham House, Saxmundham, Suffolk.

He was Chairman, Institute for European Environmental Policy [1990], Chairman International Trusr for Zoological Nomenclature [2001], Assistant, Sarawak Museum 1956-58, Fellow Yayasan Siswa Lokantra [Indonesia] 1960-61; Assistant Lecturer in Zoology, University of Malaya, 1961-70; Editor of Ibis, 1973-80; Member, House of Lords Select Committee on EC then EU 1979-99; Chairman Environmental Public Health and Consumer Protection Sub Committee 1998-99; Board Member, Anglian Water Authority 1987-89; non executive director of Anglian Water 1989-98; Chairman, English Nature 1990-1998; Member of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, 1981-1992; NERC 1982-88; &c; Freeman of the City of London; Deputy Lieutenant for Suffolk.

He published numerous works of a zoological, environmental nature. In recognition of his immense contributions to Malaysia he was conferred the Panglima Negara Bintang Sarawak, which carries the title Dato Sri in 2005.

Lord Cranbrook dedicated his life to studying and protecting the biodiversity of Malaysia and Southeast Asia, began his scientific fieldwork in the region as an assistant at the Sarawak Museum in the late 1950s.

Gathorne Gathorne-Hardy was born 20 June, 1933, elder son of the 4th Earl of Cranbrook, CBE, DL, JP (1900-1978), and his wife the former Fidelity Seebohm, OBE (1912-2009), and succeeded to his father's peerages, 22 November, 1978.

He married 9 May, 1967, Caroline Jarvis (born 18 December, 1935), the only daughter of Colonel Ralph Jarvis, DL, of Doddington Hall, Lincoln, and his wife the former Antonia Mary Hilda Meade, scion of the Earls of Clanwilliam, by whom he had issue, two sons, John Jason, styled Baron Medway (born 26 October, 1968), who now succeeds as 6th Earl, and the Hon Angus Edward Gathorne-Hardy (born 28 May, 1973), and one daughter, Dr Lady Flora Gathorne-Hardy (born 10 Oct, 1971).

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Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Rafe Alexander Philip Shenkman (born 2026)

Kate Anne Shenkman [née Winser, born 1987], wife of Maximilian Ivan Michael Shenkman [born 1982], gave birth to a son, Rafe, Alexander Philip, 10 August, 2026, a brother for Minnie Merry Melissa, who was born 27 February, 2020, and for Kit Ivan, born in 2022.

Max Shenkman is a son of Ivan Alexander Shenkman, by his wife the former Susan Mary Watt [born 1952], a granddaughter maternally of the 1st Viscount Mackintosh of Halifax [1891-1964].

Kate Shenkman is a daughter of Nigel de Northop Winser by his wife the former Shane Wesley-Smith [born 1955], descended from the Barons Remnant.

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Giles Bryan Chichester 1946-2026

 Giles Bryan Chichester, who died 12 August, 2026, aged 80, was a scion of the Chichester baronets.

He was a Conservative Party politician who was a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for South West England and Gibraltar from 1999 until he retired 2014. He was elected as Vice-President of the European Parliament on 6 July 2011.  

He was MEP for Devon and East Plymouth from 1994 to 1999 and represented South West England in the European Parliament from 1999 until 2014. On 23 July 2004 he was elected chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. He was a former chairman of the Carlton Club Political Committee and is chairman of his family business publishing maps.

He was born 29 July, 1946, the son of Sir Francis Charles Chichester, KBE (1901-1972), the pioneering aviator and solo sailor, who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for becoming the first person to sail single-handed around the world by the clipper route and the fastest circumnavigator, in nine months and one day overall in 1966–67.

Giles's mother was the former Sheila Mary Craven, who died in 1989.

He married 8 September, 1979, Virginia Ansell (born 1946), daughter of Edwin Arthur Ansell (1905-1972), of Kidderminster, Worcestershire, by his wife the former Gladys Heather Pearce (1921-2016), by whom he had two sons, George (born 19 May, 1981), Charles (born 13 Dec, 1990), and a daughter, Jessica (born 15 February, 1984).

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Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Timothy John Peter Emerson 1942-2026

Timothy John Peter Emerson died 17 August, 2026. He was 84.

He was born in 1942, son of Colonel John Emerson, OBE, TD (1912-2003), of Yelverton, Devon, and his wife the former Rosemary Steeds White (1918-1992); and married at Tavistock, 9 June, 1984, Susanna Jane Rashleigh (born 19 April, 1955), eldest daughter of Sir Harry Evelyn Battie Rashleigh, 5th Baronet (1923-1984), and his wife the former Honora Elizabeth Sneyd (1931-1987), scion of that landed gentry family, by whom he had issue, a son, Thomas Alexander (born 2 September, 1987), and a daughter, Charlotte Jane (born 9 June, 1985).

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Jeremy John Chantler Bradbeer 1962-2026

Jeremy John Chantler Bradbeer, died 15 August, 2026. 

He was born in Northumberland in 1962, son of Sir (John) Derek Richardson Bradbeer, OBE, TD (1931-2016), and his wife the former Margaret Elizabeth Chantler (born 1938); and married 18 May, 1996, Serena Clare Elwes (born 13 August,1967), scion of that landed gentry family of Congham, daughter of Nigel Robert Elwes (1941-2021), and his wife the former Carolyn Peta McAlpine (born 1944), by whom he had a son, Charles Julian Chantler Bradbeer (born 2 Aug, 1997), and a daughter, Eliza Jennifer (born 29 May, 1999).

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Charles Justin Campbell (died 2026)

 Charles Justin Campbell died 16 August, 2026. He was descended from the Abercromby baronets.

His interesting death notice in the Daily Telegraph read: "Campbell: Charles Justin, died gratefully on 16th August with his two sons and a couple of diminutive witches by his bedside. Son of Sir Ralph and Joan, loving husband of more than 50 years to Ann Sophia. Born in Baghdad, 14 different schools, Bahamian policeman, art gallery owner, property guru, grass court legend and lover of bonfires. Adored by his whole family and many friends far and wide. Never better. Never better."

He was a son of Sir Ralph Abercromby Campbell, Kt (1906-1989), Chief Justice of the Bahamas, by his first wife the former Joan Childers Blake.

Charles was a great-great-grandson of Sir Robert Abercromby, 5th Baronet (1784-1855).

Sir Robert Abercromby, 5th Bt > David James Abercromby > Elsie Douglas Abercromby > Sir Ralph Abercromby Campbell  > Charles Campbell (d 2026)

He was married to Ann Sophia _____, by whom he had issue.

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Horatio Ewen Jack Bowyer [born 2026]

 Verena Elpseth Crawley Bowyer [born 1992, née Smith], wife of Robert J. Bowyer, and scion of the Woollcombe landed gentry family, gave birth to a son, Horatio Ewen Jack, 5 May, 2026, a brother for Angus Peregrine Oliver, who was born 16 May, 2022, and for Clementine Winifred Mary, born 12 September, 2024.

Robert Bowyer is a son of Mr & Mrs Jonathan Bowyer, of Coniston, Cumbria.

Verena Smith is the eldest daughter of Oliver Geoffrey Woollcombe Smith [born 12 August, 1947], of Healaugh, near Tadcaster, Yorkshire, scion of the Samuel Smith brewing family, by his wife the former Priscilla Mary Elspeth Crawley [born 1959].

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Saturday, August 22, 2026

Pike/Brown engagement

  The engagement was announced 22 August, 2026, between Patrick Belisarius Robert Pike (born 1st January, 1996), second son of Robin Pike, of London, and his wife the former Hon Georgiana Mary Grimston (born 7 September, 1961), & Suzanne Brown, younger daughter of Nicholas  and Nancee Brown, of London.

Patrick Pike is a grandson maternally of the 2nd Baron Grimston of Westbury (1925-2003)/

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Frederick Sasha (Freddie) Manning (born 2026)

Flora Susan Andrena Manning (nee Spens, born 7 January, 1989), wife of James E. Manning, gave birth to a son, Frederick Sasha (Freddie), 13 August, 2026.

James Manning is a son of Mr Michael Manning and Mrs Angela Manning.

Flora is a daughter of the late Michael Patrick Spens of Wormiston (1939-2014), scion of that Scottish landed family, and his 2nd wife Dr Janet Margaret Mackenzie (born 1956).

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Dixon-Smith/Stewart engagement

The engagement was announced 22 August, 2026, between Harry Argentine A. Dixon-Smith (born 18 Apr, 1996), third son of the Hon Adam William George Dixon-Smith (born 1962), of Groton, Suffolk, and his wife the former Annabel Hogg, & Emily C. Stewart, only daughter of Mr and Mrs David Stewart of Blairdrummond, Stirlingshire.

Harry is a grandson of the life peer the Baron Dixon-Smith (born 30 September, 1934).

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Baroness Dixon-Smith (died 2026)

Baroness Dixon-Smith, who died 16 August, 2026, aged 89, was the wife of the life peer the Baron Dixon-Smith.

The former Georgina Janet Cook, daughter of George Cook, of Halstead, Essex, married in 1960, Robert William Dixon-Smith (born 30 September, 1934), who was later a Shadow Minister at the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Bill Dixon-Smith was Governor of the Writtle Agricultural College, from 1973 to 1985 chair. In 1993 and 1994, he was Chair of Anglia Polytechnic University governors, governor from 1973 to 2000 of what was originally Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology (now Anglia Ruskin University). He was elected to the Essex County Council in 1965, being vice chairman from 1983 to 1986, and chairman from 1986 to 1989 before losing his seat to Labour in 1993. He was briefly Shadow Minister for Environment. In 1994, he was made an Honorary Doctor at Anglia Ruskin University. He was raised to the peerage for life, 11 Oct, 1993, as Baron Dixon-Smith, of Bocking in the County of Essex.

Baroness Dixon-Smith leaves issue, a son, Adam, and a daughter, Sarah.

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Pike/Cave engagement

 The engagement was announced 22 August, 2026, between Jack Augustus Thomas Pike (born 18 February, 1994), eldest son of Robin Pike, of London, and his wife the former Hon Georgiana Mary Grimston (born 7 September, 1961), and Harriet Patricia Cave (born 9 September, 1995), the elder daughter of Nicholas Stephen Cave (born 22 April, 1961), of Ottery St Mary, Devon, and his wife the former Alexandra Frances Elizabeth Hicks (born 1961).

Jack Pike is a grandson maternally of the 2nd Baron Grimston of Westbury (1925-2003), and the bride-to-be is a great-granddaughter of Sir Charles Cave, 4th Baronet (1927-1997).

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Edward Thomas Raphael Newton (born 2026)

Alice Mary Ella Newton (born 22 February, 1996, nee Pickthorn), wife of Ben H. Newton, gave birth to a son, Edward Thomas Raphael, 10 August, 2026.

Ben is the eldest son of Mr Keith Newton and the late Mrs Leyanne Provera, of Sydney, Australia.

Alice Newton, a scion of the Pickthorn baronets, is the 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) > Edward Newton (b 2026)

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Roger Gambier Jenyns 1942-2026

 Roger Gambier Jenyns, who died 10 August, 2026, aged 84, was head of that landed gentry family, of Bottisham Hall, Cambridge.

He was born 16 February, 1942, elder son of Roger Soame Jenyns (1904-1976), Lord of the Manor of Bottisham, and his wife the former Anne Thomson Berridge (1906-1995), scion of that Irish landed gentry family; and married 1973, Jillian Maltby (born 1942), daughter of Colonel Edward Frank Maltby (1904-1981), of Potterspury, Northamptonshire, and his wife the former Hazel Doris Evans (1905-1990), by whom he had issue, a son [Roger] George E. Jenyns, who succeeds as head of the landed gentry family, and two daughters, Sarah and Frances.

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Thursday, August 20, 2026

Thomas Richard Chadbon 1946-2026

 Thomas Richard Chadbon, the actor, died 18 July, 2026. He was 80.

Chadbon was a versatile character actor with a strong, resonant voice, familiar to viewers in dozens of classic television shows, including The Bill, Holby City, Taggart, Softly, Softly, Silent Witness, Father Brown, Heartbeat, Foyle’s War, and Midsomer Murders, &c.

He was born 27 February, 1946, the son of Thomas William Chadbon and his wife the former Josie Cook.

He married in 1966 (div 1970), as her first husband, the Hon Deborah Elspeth Leathers (born 23 Oct, 1947), the second daughter of the 2nd Viscount Leathers (1908-1996), and his wife the former Elspeth Graeme Stewart (who died in 1985), by whom he had issue, two sons, Dominic (born 8 Dec, 1966), and Nicholas (born 30 Sept, 1968).

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Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Sir William Otho Jaffray, 5th Baronet 1951-2026

Sir William Otho Jaffray, 5th Baronet, died 11 August, 2026. He was 74.

He was born 1 November, 1951, son of Colonel Sir William Jaffray, 4th Baronet (1895-1953), and his second wife the former Anne Paget (1919-2021), scion of that landed gentry family, and succeeded to the baronetcy [UK, 1892], on his father's death, 24 October, 1953.

The Jaffrays were originally from Stirling, Scotland. John Jaffray moved to Birmingham and was involved in almost every aspect of Birmingham life – the Liberal party, hospitals, institutes, libraries, the Birmingham Joint Stock Bank and the founding of the Birmingham Daily Post and the Birmingham Daily Mail. He was created a Baronet in 1892. Sir William’s father, Sir John’s grandson, had been an outstanding sportsman and a keen rider to hounds in North Warwickshire, despite having lost an arm in the First World War. He died in 1953, so William Jaffray succeeded shortly before his second birthday.

He was married three times: 1stly, 9 May, 1981 (div 1997), Cynthia Ross Corrington, daughter of John Corrington III, of Montreal; 2ndly, 2009 (div. 2018), Constance Haynes daughter of John Latshaw,  & Mrs Barbara Schreck; and thirdly, 20 May, 2026, at Chelsea Westminster Hospital, to Miss Gowri Siva.

Sir William has issue from his first marriage, three sons, Nicholas (born 18 October, 1982), who now succeeds as 6th baronet, Jack (born 3 Aug, 1987), and William (born 5 May, 1990), and a daughter, Alexandra (born 18 May, 1984).

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Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Sarah Louise Bradford Robinson ((née Myles) 1950-2026

Sarah Louise Bradford Robinson, who died 14 August, 2026, aged 76, was descended from the McClintock baronets.

She was born 11 June, 1950, daughter of Major Robert Bradford Myles (1916-1981), and his wife the former Mary Lyons McClintock (1912-2001), scion of the McClintock baronets; and married 1982, Michael James Corbett Robinson (born 1950), by whom she had issue, a son, Jonathon Myles (1986-2009), and a daughter, Cara (born 1984).

Her only son died in an accident at a Swiss ski resort in 2009.

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Peter Allfrey 1932-2026

 Peter Allfrey, who died 13 August, 2026, aged 93, was a scion of that landed gentry family of Wokefield Park.

He was born 24 September, 1932, the second son of Capt Basil Holmsdale Allfrey (1898-1981), and his 1st wife the former Adeline Elizabeth Daphne Fox (1906-2005), daughter of Sir Gilbert Wheaton Fox, 1st Baronet (1863-1925); and married 27 April 1962, Susannah Gabrielle Ormerod (born 16 November, 1942), daughter of Capt George Wareing Drewry Ormerod, RA (1910-1944), scion of that landed gentry family, and his wife the former Madeleine Gabriele de Pury (who married 2ndly, 17 Aug, 1946, as his 2nd wife, the 19th Earl of Caithness (1906-1965).

Peter Allfrey leaves issue, two sons, Richard (born 1963), and Alexander (born 1965), and a daughter, Candida (born 1970).

His widow is a half-sister of the 20th Earl of Caithness, PC.

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Treadwell/Wilson engagement

 The engagement was announced 18 August, 2026, between Edward James Christopher Treadwell )born 1 July, 1991), son of John Treadwell, of Putney, London, and his wife the former Anne Margaret Simonds (born 18 February, 1958), & Annie Florence Wilson (born 1995), daughter of Patrick Antony Joseph (Paddy) Wilson (born 1960), of Norwich, Norfolk, and his wife the former Sally Joanne Butt (born 1961).

Edward Treadwell is descended from the Mann baronets:-

Sir Edward Mann, 1st Baronet > Francis Thomas Mann > Margaret Enid Mann > Anne Margaret Simonds > Edward Treadwell

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Richard Gervase Falkiner 1936-2026

 Richard Gervase Falkiner, who died 21 July, 2026, aged 90, was a scion of the Falkiner baronets.

He was born 10 March, 1936, son of Major Gervase Leslie Falkiner (1909-1988), and his wife the former Rosemary Florence Emily Smith (1908-1990); and married  15 May, 1959, Gabrielle Mary Woodgate (born 1938), daughter of Frank Edward Woodgate (1906-1979), and his wife Eileen Mary Chapman (1910-1992), by whom he had issue, a son, Sebastian (born 3 Dec, 1963), and a daughter, Sophia (born 27 January, 1962).

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Barbara Winifred Gosling (nee Montgomerie) 1933-2026

Barbara Winifred Gosling, who died in April 2026, was a scion of the Earls of Eglinton & Winton.

She was born in 1933, the fourth daughter of John Eglinton Montgomerie (1899-1971), and his wife the former Irene Agnes Cameron (who. died 1959). 

She married 1954 (div. 1978), David Walter Gosling, by whom she had issue, two sons and a daughter.

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