The 3rd Baron Maclay 1942-2025

 Lord Maclay, the 3rd Baron, died 18 February, 2024. He was 82.

Jospeh Paton Maclay was born 11 April, 1942, eldest son of the 2nd Baron Maclay, KBE(1899-1969), and his wife the former Nancy Margaret Greig (1908-2014). He succeeded to the peerage (created in 1922), and baronetcy (cr 1914) on the death of his father, 7 November, 1969.

He married 30 April, 1976, Elizabeth Anne (Winks) Buchanan, daughter of George Buchanan, of Delamere, Pokataroo, NSW, Australia, by whom he had issue, two sons, Joseph and Thomas, and a daughter, Rebecca.

The elder son, the Hon Joseph Paton Maclay, born 6 March, 1977, succeeds as 4th Baron Maclay.

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Elizabeth Smith Macrae 1937-2025

Elizabeth Smith Macrae (nee Kirkwood), died 9 February, 2025, aged 87, was a scion of the Barons Kirkwood.

She was born 15 Oct, 1937, second daughter of the Hon Robert Smith Kirkwood (1901-1950), and his wife the former Annie Kerr Marshall (who died 1963), and was a granddaughter of the 1st Baron Kirkwood (1872-1955). She married 1963, Alasdair Roderick Stewart Macrae (who died in 2021), by whom she had issue, one son, Iain Kirkwood Macrae (born 1967).

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Countess Monica de Salis 1944-2025

 Countess Monica Juanita de Salis (née Bower), who died at her home in Dorset, 18 February, 2025, aged 80, was a granddaughter maternally of the 1st (and last) Baron Strickland, GCMG (6th Count Della Catena).

She was born Monica Juanita Bower, 27 December, 1944, the seventh daughter of Commander Robert Tatton Bower, RN (1894-1975), and his wife the Hon Henrietta Mary Caribbea Strickland (1903-1975), fourth daughter of Gerald, 1st Baron Strickland, GCMG (1861-1940), by his 1st wife Lady Edeline Sackvile, LStJ (who died 15 Dec, 1918), daughter of the 7th Earl De La Warr, &c.

She married 5 August, 1967, (Count) Bernard Peter De Salis (1936-2021), son of Peter Francis Fane de Salis (1902-1982), and his wife the former Winifred Alice d'Anyers Willis (1910-1977), scion of that landed gentry family.

She leaves two sons, Piers Robert de Salis (born 17 Dec, 1969), and Hugo John de Salis (born 6 May, 1971).

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Henrietta, Lady Beaumont 1942-2025

 Henrietta, Lady Beaumont, who died 18 February, 2025, aged 82, was the former wife of the late Sir George Beaumont, 12th Baronet (1924-2011).

She was born in 1942, as Henrietta Anne Waymouth, daughter of Dr Arthur Waymouth, and his wife the former June M.D. Petit, and married 27 December, 1963 (div 1986), as his second wife, Sir George Howland Francis Beaumont, 12th Baronet (born 24 September, 1924), son of Sir George Arthur Hamilton Beaumont, 11th Baronet (1881-1933), and his wife the former Renee Muriel Northey (who died 1987). Her husband succeeded his father in the baronetcy, 2 Oct, 1933; they divorced in 1986, and he died 23 March, 2011.

Lady Beaumont leaves twin daughters, Georgina and Francesca (born 12 June, 1967).

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Commander Peter Bruce, RN 1941-2025

 Commander Peter Bruce, RN, who died 18 February, 2025, aged 83, was a scion of the Bruce baronets.

He was born 26 September, 1941, the second son of Erroll Bruce (1913-2004), and his wife the former Silvia Daphne Bradley.

Lineage:-

Sir James Bruce, 2nd Baronet (1788-1836) > Rev Lloyd Bruce (1829-86) > Rev Dr Francis Bruce (1871-1956) > Erroll Bruce (1913-2004) > Peter Bruce (as above)

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Clover Matilda Jane Naylor-Leyland (born 2025)

Sophie Naylor-Leyland (nee Cooper), wife of Frederick George [Freddie] Naylor-Leyland [born 25 August, 1987], scion of the Naylor-Leyland baronets, gave birth to a daughter, Clover Matilda Jane, 17 February, 2025, a sister for Cosmo, who was born 6 June, 2023.

Freddie Naylor-Leyland is the younger son of David George Edward Naylor-Leyland [born 13 Oct, 1955], of Woodcote, Berkshire, by his wife the former Jane Lucinda Christian [born 29 Apr, 1955].

Sophie is the only daughter of Mr and Mrs Anthony Cooper, of Bussage, Gloucestershire.

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Joseph William Saumarez Smith 1971-2025

 Joseph William Saumarez Smith, who died 11 February, 2025, aged 53, was a British businessman, journalist and gambling expert. He was chair of the British Horseracing Authority, the chief executive of Sports Gaming Ltd, a gambling management consultancy, chairman of gambling platform developer Bede Gaming and an investor in numerous online businesses. He was descended from several landed gentry families and the Bridges baronets.

He was born 29 September, 1971, son of John Saumarez Smith (1943-2021), and his wife the former Laura Erith (b 1945).

He was descended from the Most Rev William Saumarez Smith, Archbishop of Sydney (1836-1909), and his wife Florence Deedes (1842- 89), scion of that landed family of Saltwood, and the Smiths of Hammerwood Park (scions of the Smith banking family), and Sir Brook Bridges, 3rd Baronet (1733-91). His great-grandmother was Muriel Hanbury (1878-1948), scion of that landed gentry family of Drumstinchall, formerly of Poles.

In March 2022 Joe Saumarez Smith was appointed the BHA Chair and in December 2022 his term was extended until June 2025.A lifelong lover of racing, he opened his first account with a bookie aged just 12 after seeing racing live for the first time at Sandown Park.His love for a punt was fostered at school, where his teacher taught fractions using odds. There was an outpouring of love for Saumarez Smith and the family he leaves behind on social media after his death was confirmed. ITV Racing presenter Oli Bell was among them, writing: "Joe was a proper gentleman. "Kind, thoughtful, funny, intelligent and a truly great friend to many.

He leaves a widow Wanda (nee Marshall), a son Oliver, and daughter Matilda (born 2004).

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Sir Robert Arnold Spencer-Nairn, 3rd Baronet 1933-2025

 Sir Robert Spencer-Nairn, 3rd Baronet, who died 13 February, 2025, aged 91, was a Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Fife.

Sir Robert, of Barham, Cupar, Fife was educated at Eton. He was a Fellow, Game Conservancy, 1993; Member of the Council of Macmillan Cancer Relief; and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Fife in 1995.

Robert Arnold Spencer-Nairn was born 11 October, 1933, son of Sir Douglas Spencer-Nairn, 2nd Baronet (1906-1970), and his wife Elizabeth Livingston Henderson (who died in 1985). He succeeded to the baronetcy (created for his grandfather in the year of his birth) on his father's death, 8 November, 1970.

He married 4 May, 1963, Joanna Elizabeth Salt (1937-2024), scion of the Salt baronets (cr 1899), daughter of Lieutenant-Commander George Stevenson Salt, RN (1908-1940), by his wife the former Lilian Bridget Francis (1912-2011), by whom he had issue, two sons, James and Andrew, and a daughter, Katharine. 

The baronetcy now passes to his elder son, James Robert Spencer-Nairn (born 7 December, 1966).

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Georgia Bradley Lindesay-Bethune (born 2025)

Katherine (Kate) Lindesay-Bethune (nee O'Connor), wife of the Hon David Nigel Lindesay-Bethune [born 12 May, 1993], gave birth to a daughter, Georgia Bradley Lindesay-Bethune, 26 January, 2025.

The Hon David Lindesay-Bethune is the second son of the 16th Earl of Lindsay [born 19 November, 1955], of Upper Largo, Fife, and the Countess of Lindsay [nee Diana Mary Chamberlayne-Macdonald, born 12 Sept, 1961].

Kate Lindesay-Bethune is the eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Martin Bradley O’Connor II, of New Vernon, New Jersey.

David Lindesay-Bethune is a twin brother of Lady Charlotte, wife of His Royal Highness Prince Jaime of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Noto [born 26 June 1992].

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Main/Comyn engagement

 The engagement was announced 22 February, 2025, between Simon George M. Main (born 1988), son of Professor Brian George M. Main, FRSE, Professor of Economics, University of Edinburgh, and Mrs June Marks Lambert, of Edinburgh, & Annabel Susan Grosvenor Comyn (born 6 July, 1995), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Michael F. Comyn, of Pulborough, West Sussex, and his wife the former Lucinda Parker.

Annabel Comyn is descended from the Grosvenor Barons Ebury:-

Robert Grosvenor, 1st Baron Ebury > Hon Algernon Grosvenor > Rosamund Mary Dorothy Grosvenor > Rosemary Lynch > Michael Comyn > Annabel Comyn

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James/Harden engagement

The engagement was announced 22 February, 2025, between William Rhys James, only son of Mrs Gillian James and the late Mr Geoffrey James, of Woodford Green, London, & Matilda Claire Harden (born 1984), only daughter of David James Harden (born 29 July, 1954), of Nanhoron, Gwynedd, and his wife the former Bettina Clare Lascelles Tayleur.

Matilda Harden is descended from the Barons Rayleigh:-

John Strutt, 2nd Baron Rayleigh > Hon Edward Gerald Strutt > Gerald Murray Strutt > Ursula Joyce Strutt > David James Harden > Matilda Harden

 

Twins for Julian & Clementine Dineen (2025)

Clementine India B. Dineen (née de la Poer Beresford), wife of Julian Laurence S. Dineen (born 1987), gave birth to twins, Laurence John de la Poer Beresford and Margot Beatrix de la Poer Beresford, 10 January, 2025.

Julian is a son of Barry J. Dineen, by his wife the former Philippa M. Stackhouse.

Clementine is a descendant of the Beresford Earls of Tyrone (later Marquesses of Waterford).

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Denoon Duncan/Mostert engagement

 The engagement was announced 22 February, 2025, between Alexander James Denoon Duncan (born 14 December, 1994), son of James Douglas Denoon Duncan (born 1957), of Stone in Oxney, Kent, by his wife the former Nicola Jane Todhunter (born 1961), scion of that landed gentry family, & Yolandi Mostert,  daughter of Mrs Louise Mostert and Mr Philip Mostert of South Africa.

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Mary, Lady Jardine of Applegirth 1951-2025

 Mary, Lady Jardine of Applegirth, widow of Sir Alexander Jardine of Applegirth, 12th Baronet, has died aged 73.

She was born posthumously, 18 April, 1951, scion of the Viscounts Cross, daughter of the Hon John Michael Inigo Cross (b 23 Mar 1923 - died 2 February, 1951), and his wife, Sybil Anne Murray (who died 1 July, 2005), and a granddaughter of the 2nd Viscount Cross (1882-1932); and married 9 October, 1982, Alexander Maule Jardine (born 24 Aug, 1947), son and heir of Sir William Edward Jardine of Applegirth, 11th Baronet (1917-86), and his wife Ann Graham Maitland (1917-2006). Her husband succeeded his father, 19 Apr, 1986, as 12th Baronet, and died 6 April, 2008, aged 60.

Lady Jardine leaves issue, three sons, William, John and Douglas, and two daughters, Kirsty and Jean.

The eldest son is Sir William Jardine of Applegirth, 13th Baronet (born 4 July, 1984).

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Jemima Alice Gascoigne (born 2025)

 Florence Emma (Flossie) Gascoigne (born 1988, nee Crowhurst), wife of Ralph Edward Gascoigne [born 1989], scion of that landed gentry family, gave birth to a daughter, Jemima Alice, 10 February, 2025.

Ralph is a son of William Harcourt Crisp Gascoigne [born 22 November, 1955], of Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire, by his wife the former Susan Alexandra [Susy] Greville-Williams [born 1959].

Flossie Gascoigne is a daughter of James S. Crowhurst, of Newmarket, Suffolk, by his wife the former Theresa Jane Hodge [born 1959].

Ralph Gascoigne is a grandson of Crispin Gascoigne [1929-2001], by his wife the former Hon Elizabeth Ann Harcourt [1932-2020],  eldest daughter of the 2nd and last Viscount Harcourt [1908-79].

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Nino Cecilia Francis Coates (née Douglas-Hamilton) (born 2025)

 Isabel Rose Coates (nee Douglas-Hamilton, born 1991), wife of Jolyon Peter De Stacpoole Coates [born 1992], gave birth to a daughter, Nino Cecilia Francis, 9 February, 2025, a sister for Arthur Nicholas Hamilton, who was born 1 May, 2023.

Jolyon is) the elder son of Nicholas J. Coates, of Overton, Hampshire, and his wife the former Virginia Anne Julia Frances De Stacpoole [born 28 January, 1963].

Isabel [Wizz] Coates, a scion of the Dukes of Hamilton & Brandon, is daughter of Lord Patrick  George Douglas-Hamilton [born 2 Aug, 1950], of London, and his former wife the former Cecilia Frances Mary Usher [born 12 May, 1969] [now Mrs Matthew Benson, of Barns, Peeblesshire].

Isabel is a granddaughter paternally of the late 14th Duke of Hamilton [1903-73] and his wife the former Lady Elizabeth Ivy Percy [1916-2008], daughter of the 8th Duke of Northumberland [1880-1930].

Jolyon Coates, is descended from an Irish landed family, whose ancestor, Richard Fitzgeorge de Stacpoole [1787-1848] was created a Papal duke by Pope Gregory XVI  in 1831, as 1st Duc de Stacpoole.

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Justin Sholto James Douglas 1972-2025

 Justin Sholto James Douglas, who died 11 February, 2025, aged 52. 

He was born 23 August, 1972, an adopted son of Capt. James Sholto Arthur Douglas (born 2 January, 1935), late the 15th/19th Hussars, and his 1st wife the former Tedda Ann Webber; and married in Croatia, 13 Aug, 2009, (Diana) Yasmin Renton (born 1955, deceased), younger daughter of Bruce Renton and his wife, the former___ Milosevic.

His father descends in the male line from the Earls of Morton, and from the Beauclerk, Dukes of St Albans, and from the founder of that family, King Charles II.

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Sunderland/Agnew engagement

 The engagement was announced 21 February, 2025, between Benjamin Sunderland, son of Mr & Mrs Stephen Sunderland, of Oban, Argyll, & Georgina Catherine Agnew (born 1990), second daughter of James Douglas Agnew (born 16 January, 1959), of Kelso, Roxburghshire, and his wife the former Elizabeth Mary Cameron.

Georgina Agnew is a scion of the Agnew of Lochnaw baronets:-

Sir Andrew Agnew of Lochnaw, 7th Baronet > Sir Stair Agnew > Herbert Agnew > John Nevin Agnew > James Agnew > Georgina Agnew

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Shirley Margaret Koukoularides (née Warren) 1936-2025

 Shirley Margaret Koukoularides, who died 6 February, 2025, aged 88, was a scion of the Warren baronets.

She was born Shirley Margaret Warren, 5 April, 1936, elder daughter of Wallis Langdon Warren (1900-1974), by his wife the former Barbara Christian (who died 1990); and married 6 June, 1958, Jacovas Ioannou James Koukoularides, by whom she had a son, Panos John (born 24 Mar, 1966), and two daughters, Janet Sophia (born 30 Oc, 1958), and Daphne Barbara (born 30 Jan, 1963).

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Arthur Somers Llewellyn 1953-2025

Arthur Somers Llewellyn, died 17 February, 2025, aged 71.

He was born 10 May, 1953, third son of the Rt Rev William Somers Llewellyn (1907-2001),  sometime Chaplain to the Forces, and Bishop of Lynn, by his wife the former Innis Mary Smith-Dorrien-Smith (1916-1999), scion of that landed gentry family; and married 1980, Nicola J. Moon, by whom he had a son, Edward Augustus Llewellyn (born 15 June, 1985), and a daughter, (Florence) Rose Llewellyn (born 9 September, 1983).

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