Imogen Rose Elizabeth Legard (born 2015)

. -.Elizabeth Claire Legard (b 1976, nee Aubrey-Fletcher), scion of the Aubrey-Fletcher baronets and wife of Thomas James St Quintin Legard (b 1971), scion of he Legard Baronets (cr 1660), gave birth to a daughter, Imogen Rose Elizabeth, 25 August, 2015, a sister for John [Johnny] Digby St Quintin, who was b 1 Oct, 2011, and for Christopher (Kit) Thomas St Quintin, who was b 7 Jan, 2014.

Thomas Legard is a son of James Digby Legard (b 1946), of Lowthorpe, East Yorkshire, by his wife the former Daphne West, and Elizabeth is the youngest daughter of Philip Nigel Aubrey-Fletcher (b 1944), of Hampshire, by his former wife the former Susan Anne Bathe (now Mrs Sue Clement, of the Isle of Wight). 

==== 

Ann Lady Erskine (died 2015)

. Ann, Lady Erskine, who died 15 September, 2015, aged 95, was the widow of Sir [Thomas] David Erskine, 5th Baronet [1912-2007] [Baronet, UK, cr 1821].

She was the former Ann Fraser-Tytler, daughter of Colonel Neil Fraser-Tytler, CBE, DSO and bar, DL (d 1937), of Aldourie Castle, Inverness, by his wife Christian Helen (b 23 Aug 1897), dau of John Campbell Shairp (d. 1913) &c, and married David Erskine in 1947, by whom she had issue, two sons Peter & William, and 1 dau Caroline (deceased 1976). Her elder son is Sir [Thomas] Peter Neil Erskine, 6th Bart.

The funeral takes place at Kirkaldy Crematorium, 1st Oct, 2015, followed by a service of thanksgiving at Crail Parish Church.

-=-

George James Christopher Nicholson (born 2015)

_. Emily Fiona Nicholson [born 1983, nee MacManus], a descendant of Sir Winston Churchill & wife of James Edward Gianni Nicholson, gave birth to a son, George James Christopher, 6 September, 2015.

Mr Nicholson is the son of Mr James Nicholson and Mrs Sally Nicholson, of Kirtlington, Oxfordshire.

Emily Nicholson is a great-granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill, scion of the Dukes of Marlborough, daughter of Mr James N.M. MacManus, of London, by his former wife the Hon Emma Mary Soames (b 9 Sept, 1949), a dau of the late Baron Soames (life peer) by his wife the former Mary Spencer-Churchill (Baroness Soames, LG), last surviving child of Sir Winston Churchill, KG, by his wife the former Clementine Hozier [Baroness Spencer-Churchill], &c.

-=- 

Nathaniel Kevin Billington 1970-2015

_. Nathaniel Kevin [Nat] Billington, the computer entrepreneur who designed the systems for No 10 Downing Street, Sky TV and the NHS, died from cancer, 1 September, 2015. He was 44.

Nat Billington was a grandson maternally of the 7th Earl of Longford, KG, PC [1905-2001]. He was born in 1970, the elder son of film director Kevin Billington by his wife the former [Lady] Rachel Mary Pakenham [born 1942], journalist, dau of the 7th Earl of Longford by his wife the former Elizabeth Harman. He married in 2000, Hannah Heyse-Moore, who survives him, with their two sons.

-=-

Lindsay/Camu engagement

_. The engagement was announced 16 September, 2015, between the Hon Alexander Walter Lindsay [born 1961] [scion of the Earls of Crawford & Balcarres, Earl, Scotland cr 1398, and 1651], second son of the 29th Earl of Crawford PC [b 5 Mar 1927],  of Colinsburgh, Fife, by his wife the former Ruth Beatrice Meyer-Bechtler, & Miss Sophie Valerie B.D. Camu [born 1976], daughter of Mr Alain Camu, of Brussels, Belgium, by his former wife the former Irene De Marotte De Montigny (now Mrs Irene Beard, of Notting Hill).

The bride to be is a granddaughter maternally of Baudouin de Marotte de Montigny [1894-1973], by his wife the Comtesse Elisabeth de Liedekerke de Pailhe [1897-1993].

-=-

Hon. William Henry Noel (born 2015)

_. Zara Noel, styled Viscountess Campden (b 1978, nee van Cutsem) wife of Henry (Harry) Noel, styled Viscount Campden (b 1 July 1977), scion of the Earls of Gainsborough (Earl, UK, cr 1841), gave birth to a son, the Hon William Henry Noel, 3 September, 2015, a brother for Edward [Ned], who was b 30 Apr, 2007, and for Violet Ruth, who was b 12 Nov, 2009.

Viscount Campden is the only son and heir of the 6th Earl of Gainsborough (b 17 Jan 1950) by his wife the former Sarah Winnington (scion of the Winnington Baronets), and sometime Lady-in-Waiting to Diana, Princess of Wales, &c.

Zara is a daughter of Geoffrey Neil van Cutsem, scion of that landed family, by his wife the former Sally McCorquodale, of that landed family.

--==-- 

Grandson of Earl Mountbatten of Burma weds for second time

_. The marriage took place, 5 September, 2015, in Oxfordshire, between Ashley Louis David Hicks (born 18 July, 1963), only son of the late David Nightingale Hicks by his wife the former Lady Pamela Carmen Louise Mountbatten (born 19 Apr, 1929), scion of the Earls Mountbatten of Burma (Peerage of the UK, cr 1947), & Katalina (Kata) Sharkey de Solis [born Kathryn Anne Sharkey, 31 Dec, 1981, in Texas, daughter of Thomas William Sharkey, of Houston, Texas, by his wife the former Rosalie Solis].

It is Mr Hick's second marriage. He married firstly, in 1990,Allegra Marina Tondato, by whom he has issue. His second bride to be is described in the Daily Mail as an "American fashionista" 17 years his junior.

Ashley Hicks is a godson of the late King of Sweden and of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

-=-

Hugo David Lisle Ogilvy [born 2015]

_. Alexandra Elizabeth Hope Ogilvy [b 12 July, 1972], wife of Shamus Diarmid Ogilvy (b 24 Jan 1966), scion of the Earls of Airlie (Earl, Peerage of Scot, cr 1639), gave birth to a son, Hugo David Lisle, 29 July, 2015, a brother for Angus.

Shamus Ogilvy is the elder son of the Hon James Donald Diarmid Ogilvy (b 28 Jan 1934), of Sedgebrook, Lincolnshire, by his late wife the former Magdalen Jane Ruth (June) Ducas (b 2 June 1938, d 3 Nov 2001), descended from the Barons Mowbray, Segrave and Stourton.

Alexandra Ogilvy is the former Alexandra Elizabeth Hope March Phillipps de Lisle, scion of that landed family, elder daughter of the late Julian Peter Alexander March Phillipps de Lisle (b 2 Feb 1936; d 19 Dec 1993) of Lisle, of Medbourne, Leicestershire, by his 2nd wife the former Diana Barbara Welchman. 

The infant is a great-nephew of the late Rt Hon Sir Angus Ogilvy, who, in 1963, wed Princess Alexandra of Kent, a first cousin of the Queen.

--==-- 

Scarlett Ophelia Grace Waley-Cohen [b 2015]

_.Annabel Waley-Cohen (nee Ballin), wife of Sam Bernard Waley-Cohen (b 15 Apr 1982), scion of the Waley-Cohen Baronets (Bt UK, cr 1961), gave birth to a daughter, Scarlett Ophelia Grace, 1 September, 2015, a sister for Maximilian Bertie Thomas, who was b 10 March, 2013.

Sam, the jockey, friend of the young royals, is a son of Robert Bernard Waley-Cohen (b 1948) by his wife the Hon Felicity Samuel, dau of the 3rd Viscount Bearsted & Annabel is a daughter of Bertie Ballin and his wife Serena.

The Duchess of Cambridge attended the Waley-Cohen's marriage in June 2011.

-=-

10th Viscount Chetwynd 1935-2015

_. The 10th Viscount Chetwynd [Peerage of Ireland, cr 1717], died in Johannesburg, South Africa, 20 August, 2015.

Adam Richard John Casson Chetwynd was born 2 Feb, 1935, son of the 9th Viscount [1904-65], by his first wife, the former Joan Gilbert Casson, and succeeded to the peerages, 12 June, 1965, upon his father's death. Married firstly, 19 Feb, 1966 [div 1974], Celia Grace Ramsay; married secondly, 15 Aug, 1975, Angela Mary McCarthy. From his first marriage he leaves two sons, and a daughter. The elder son, the Hon Adam Douglas Chetwynd [born 26 Feb 1969] succeeds his father as the 11th viscount.

-=-

Annette Pamela Worsley-Taylor 1944-2015

_. Annette Pamela Worsley-Taylor, the debutante who became the driving force behind London Fashion Week, died 24 August, 2015. She was 71. Miss Worsley-Taylor was a scion of the Worsley-Taylor baronets [ Bt UK, cr 1917, extinct 1958], born 2 July, 1944, the only child of Sir John Worsley-Taylor, 3rd Baronet, Scots Guards, by his wife the former Anne Paget, dau of  Capt John Otho Paget, MC.  

The Worsley-Taylor baronetcy became extinct on the demise of her father in 1958. The 3rd Bt was divorced from Annette's mother and married in 1950, as his 2nd wife, Col Sir William Edmund Jaffray, 4th Baronet, who d 1953.

Annette Worsley-Taylor married in 1997. Anthony Sheil, literary agent. No issue.

--=-

Artault/Garton engagement

_. The engagement was announced 3 September, 2015, between Alistair P.J. Artault, eldest son of Dr and Mrs Benoit Artault, of Paris, & Camilla Mary Eva Garton [born 1982], daughter of Mr [Anthony Gavin] Charles Luis Garton, of Wiltshire, by his wife the former Lady Lucy Catherine Mary Primrose [born 1955], eldest daughter of the 7th Earl of Rosebery [b 11 Feb 1929] [Peerage of Scot, cr 1703].

-=-

Jollife/Vogler marriage

_. The marriage took place 28 August, 2015, at the London Oratory, between the Hon William Henry Martin Jolliffe [born 1 Apr, 1967], eldest son and heir of the 5th Baron Hylton [Peerage of the UK, cr 1866] [b 13 Jun 1932],  by his wife the former Joanna Elizabeth Bertodano [descended from the Earls of Mexborough], & Dr Pia M. Vogler.

-=-

Robertson/Currey engagement

._The engagement was announced 3 Sept, 2015, between Alexander A.P. Robertson, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Robert Robertson, of Bradfield, Berkshire, & Camilla Rose Francisca Currey [born 1986], scion of the Barons Howard De Walden [Peerage of England cr 1597], daughter of [Charles] Alistair Currey, of Fulham, London, by his wife the former Hon Henrietta Mary Rosario Czernin [b 1960], daughter of the [10th] Baroness Howard De Walden.

-=-

P.J. Kavanagh 1931-2015

. Patrick Joseph Gregory Kavanagh [P.J. Kavanagh] poet and novelist, died 26 August, 2015. He was 84.

He was born at Worthing, Sussex, 6 January, 1931, son of Ted Kavanagh, a writer for the radio and creator of "It's That Man Again" a vehicle for the comedian Tommy Handley.

P.J. Kavanagh married 1stly, 28 Feb, 1956, Sarah Jane [Sally] Philipps [b 14 Jan 1934], scion of the Barons Milford [Baron, UK, cr 1939], daughter of the Hon Wogan Philipps [afterwards 2nd Baron Milford], by his 1st wife, the writer Rosamond Lehmann. His wife dsp 22 June, 1958, aged 24, after contracting polio in Java; married 2ndly, 1965, Catherine [Kate] Ward.

-=-

Robertson of Oakridge/Haynes engagement

_. The engagement was announced 4 September, 2015, between William Brian Elworthy Robertson, 3rd Baron Robertson of Oakridge [Peerage of the UK, cr 1961] [born 15 Nov, 1975], son of the late 2nd Baron Robertson of Oakridge [1930-2009], by his wife the former Celia Jane Elworthy, & Ana Haynes, only daughter of Mr Andrew Haynes and Senora Inmaculada Navarro.

-=-

Hanbury/Bigge marriage

The marriage took place 29 Aug, 2015, at the Church of St Peter & St Felix, Kirby Hill, between George Christopher Osgood Hanbury {b 6 Nov, 1987}, scion of that landed family, son of Maj Christopher Osgood Philip Hanbury (b 1944), of Shefford Woodlands, Berkshire, by his wife the former Bridget Anne Birch, & Victoria, daughter of Mr & Mrs Peter Bigge, of Whorlton, co Durham.

3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu 1926-2015

_. The 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu [Peerage of the UK cr 1885] of Palace House, Beaulieu, Hampshire, has died at the age of 88.

Edward John Barrington Douglas-Scott-Montagu was born 20 Oct, 1926, son of the 2nd Baron (1866-1929), by his second wife the former Alice Pearl Crake; succeeded to the peerage on the demise of his father, 30 March, 1929; married 1stly, 11 Apr, 1959 [div 1974] Elizabeth Belinda Crossley, scion of the Barons Somerleyton; married 2ndly, 26 Sept, 1974, Fiona Margaret Herbert.

He leaves a widow and a son and daughter from his first marriage and a son from his second marriage. The elder son, the Hon Ralph Douglas-Scott-Montagu, who was born 13 March, 1961, succeeds as 4th Baron Montagu of Beaulieu.

-=-

Birth of son and heir to the Earl & Countess of Jersey ...

_. The Countess of Jersey [nee Marianne de Guelle], wife since 2003 of [George Francis] William Child-Villiers, 10th Earl of Jersey [Peerage of England cr 1697] (born 5 February, 1976), gave birth to a son and heir, George Henry William Child-Villiers, styled Viscount Villiers, 1st September, 2015, a brother for Lady Mia [b 28 Dec, 2006], Lady Amelie [b 14 Apr, 2008], & Lady Evangeline [b 9 Feb, 2011].

The Countess of Jersey is the former Marianne de Guelle, daughter of Peter de Guelle, of Jersey.

-=-

Mafalda Beatrix Maria Wilson [born 2015]

_. Princess Maria Theresia von Thurn und Taxis (b 28 Nov, 1980), wife of Hugo J.A.S. Wilson (b 1982), artist, gave birth to a daughter, Mafalda Beatrix Maria, 21 Aug, 2015.

Hugo Wilson is the son of Mr Kenneth Wilson, of East Chisenbury, Wiltshire, and Mrs Diana Wilson, of Battersea, London, & Princess Maria Theresia von Thurn und Taxis is the eldest daughter of Gloria, Princess von Thurn und Taxis (b 23 Feb 1960), (nee Mariae Gloria Ferdinanda Gerda Charlotte Teutonia Franziska Margarethe Frederike Simone Johanna Joachima Josefine Wilhelmine Huberta Countess of Schönburg in Glauchau and Waldenburg)of Schloss St Emmeram, Regensburg, Germany, and the late Johannes, Prince von Thurn und Taxis (1926-1990).

Mafalda Beatrix Maria Wilson [born 2015]

_. Princess Maria Theresia von Thurn und Taxis (b 28 Nov, 1980), wife of Hugo J.A.S. Wilson (b 1982), artist, gave birth to a daughter, Mafalda Beatrix Maria, 21 Aug, 2015.

Hugo Wilson is the son of Mr Kenneth Wilson, of East Chisenbury, Wiltshire, and Mrs Diana Wilson, of Battersea, London, & Princess Maria Theresia von Thurn und Taxis is the eldest daughter of Gloria, Princess von Thurn und Taxis (b 23 Feb 1960), (nee Mariae Gloria Ferdinanda Gerda Charlotte Teutonia Franziska Margarethe Frederike Simone Johanna Joachima Josefine Wilhelmine Huberta Countess of Schönburg in Glauchau and Waldenburg)of Schloss St Emmeram, Regensburg, Germany, and the late Johannes, Prince von Thurn und Taxis (1926-1990).

Mafalda Beatrix Maria Wilson [born 2015]

_. Princess Maria Theresia von Thurn und Taxis (b 28 Nov, 1980), wife of Hugo J.A.S. Wilson (b 1982), artist, gave birth to a daughter, Mafalda Beatrix Maria, 21 Aug, 2015.

Hugo Wilson is the son of Mr Kenneth Wilson, of East Chisenbury, Wiltshire, and Mrs Diana Wilson, of Battersea, London, & Princess Maria Theresia von Thurn und Taxis is the eldest daughter of Gloria, Princess von Thurn und Taxis (b 23 Feb 1960), (nee Mariae Gloria Ferdinanda Gerda Charlotte Teutonia Franziska Margarethe Frederike Simone Johanna Joachima Josefine Wilhelmine Huberta Countess of Schönburg in Glauchau and Waldenburg)of Schloss St Emmeram, Regensburg, Germany, and the late Johannes, Prince von Thurn und Taxis (1926-1990).

Wemyss/Stopford engagement

_. The engagement was announced 26 August, 2015, between James Michael [Jamie] Wemyss (born 1987), son of Charles John Wemyss [b 26 July, 1952], of Invermay, Perthshire, by his wife the former Fiona Elizabeth Penn, & Matilda Rose Philippa Stopford [born 1988] scion of the Earls of Courtown [Peerage of Ireland, cr  1762], daughter of Capt the Hon Jeremy Neville Stopford, LVO [b 1958]., of Charter Alley, co Hampshire, sometime Equerry to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, by his wife the former Bronwen Milner.

Matilda Stopford is a niece of the Earl of Courtown. Jamie Wemyss is descended paternally from the extinct Dukes of Portland, and from the Earls of Elgin & Kincardine, &c. Jamie's grandfather, Lt-Col Sir Eric Penn, GCVO, was a senior member of the Royal Household. So, all in all, a uniot twixt families of courtiers.

-=-

The 10th Viscount Powerscourt 1935-2015

_. The 10th Viscount Powerscourt [Visc, Ireland, cr 1743/Baron Powerscourt, UK, cr 1885], died in Thailand, 25 July, 2015. He was 79.

Mervyn Niall Wingfield was born 3 September, 1935, son of the 9th Viscount Powerscourt [1905-73], by his wife the former Sheila Claude Beddington [d 1992]; succeeded his father in the family honours, 3 April, 1973; married 1stly, 15 Sept, 1962 [div 1974] Wendy Anne Pauline, daughter of Ralph C.G. Slazenger; married 2ndly, 15 March, 1978 [div 1995], Pauline Vann.

Lord Powerscourt leaves two children from his first marriage, the Hon Julia Wingfield (b 5 Aug 1965), and a son, the Hon Mervyn Anthony Wingfield (born 21 Aug 1963), who now succeeds as 11th Viscount Powerscourt.

-=-

Marquis of Lansdowne's heir to marry

_. The engagement was announced 24 Aug, 2015, between Simon Henry George Petty-Fitzmaurice, styled Earl of Kerry (born 24 Nov, 1970), scion of the Marquesses of Lansdowne (Marquess, GB, cr 1784), eldest son and heir of the 9th Marquis of Lansdowne (born 21 Feb, 1941), of Bowood, Calne, co Wilts, by his late former wife the former Lady Frances Helen Mary Eliot (b 1943, d 6 Jan 2004), scion of the Earls of St German, daughter of the 9th Earl of St Germans, & Nadine Alexandra L. Mentior (born 1972), the actress, daughter of the late Mr Marc Mentior, of London, by his late wife the former ____ Hagan.

-=-

Trevor Oswin Lewis, CBE 1935-2015

Trevor Oswin Lewis, CBE, who died 5 August, 2015, aged 79, disclaimed, in 1977, the barony of Merthyr for life. He was the fourth Baron Merthyr (Peerage of the UK, cr 1911).

He was born 29 Nov, 1935, eldest son of the 3rd Baron Merthyr (1901-77), by his wife the former Violet Meyrick (1909-2003), scion of the Meyrick baronets; succeeded his father, 6 Apr, 1977, as a peer and baronet, but disclaimed the peerage for life three weeks later, 26 Apr, 1977.

Trevor Lewis married 18 April, 1964, Susan Jane, daughter of Arthur Birt-Llewellin, by whom he had issue, one son and three daughters.

He is succeeded in his baronetcy and peerage by his only son, the Hon David Trevor Lewis, who was born 21 Feb, 1977.

-=-

18th Earl of Devon 1942-2015

 The 18th Earl of Devon, a descendant of the victors of Agincourt who fought to preserve his ancestral seat, Powderham Castle, died 18 August, 2015. He was 73.

Hugh Rupert Courtenay, the heir male of the ancient Frankish house of Courtenay, was born 5 May, 1942, son of the 17th Earl of Devon (1916-98), by his wife the former Sybil Venetia Taylor (former wife of the earl's cousin, the 6th Earl of Cottenham); married 9 September, 1967, Diana Frances Watherston, eldest daughter of Jack Watherston, by whom he had issue, a son and three daughters. He succeeded his father in the family honours, 19 Nov, 1998; he served as a deputy lieutenant for the county of Devon and was later Vice Lord Lieutenant. He is succeeded by his only son, Charles Peregrine Courtenay, styled Lord Courtenay (born 14 Aug 1975), who is married to the American actress, Allison Langer, by whom he has issue.

-=-

Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach/Page engagement

_. The marriage will take place in Weimar, Germany, later this month Aug 2015, of His Highness Prince Georg-Constantin of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (b 1977), only son of His Highness Prince Wilhelm-Ernst of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (b 1942), of Munich, by his former wife the former Eva Katharina Kovarcz de Kovarczfalva (b 1945, wife since 1991 of HSH Prince Carl Friedrich von Wrede), of Schloss Sandsee, Germany, & Miss Olivia Page, second daughter of Mr Christopher Page, of Boston, Mass, USA, & Mrs Mike van Oudtshoorn, of London NW3.

Prince Georg-Constantin is a descendant of King George I

-=-

Maclean/Dickson marriage

_.  The Duke of Cambridge & Miss Pippa Middleton attended the marriage at All Saints Church, Thurlestone, Devon, 15 August, 2015, between Bear Ian Andrew Maclean (b 1980), second son of Angus Nigel Garnet Maclean, 8th of Kilmoluaig, of Bembridge, by his late wife the former Lady Sarah Elizabeth Jane Finch-Knightley (1950-2005), scion of the Earls of Aylesford (Earl, GB, 1714), & Daisy C. Dickson, daughter of Mr & Mrs Robert Dickson, of Barnes.

-=-

Obituary: Rev Sir James Roll, Bt

George Bingham, son of the missing Earl of Lucan, to marry

. The engagement has been announced 11 August, 2015, between George Charles Bingham, the would-be 8th Earl of Lucan (born 21 September, 1967), (Peerage of Ireland cr 1795/ Baron Bingham, Peerage of the UK, cr 1934), son Richard John Bingham, 7th Earl of Lucan (b 18 Dec, 1934, missing since 7 Nov 1974), by his wife the former Veronica Mary Duncan, & Anne-Sofie Foghsgaard (born Dec 1977), only daughter of Danish industrialist Lars Foghsgaard (born 1942),  & his wife Suzanne-Charlotte Foghsgaard, of Spott House, Dunbar.

following the disappearance of his father (who if still living is wanted for questioning by the police in connection with the murder of his children's nanny, Sandra Rivett), Mr Justice Morritt, sitting in the Chancery Division of the High Court on 11 Dec 1992, gave the Trustees of the then Lord Bingham liberty to administer the 7th Earl of Lucan's estate under the presumption that he was dead; leave was also granted to have the 7th Earl of Lucan's death sworn in the Family Division of the High Court; following the custom of succession in undisputed Irish peerages, Lord Bingham assumed his father's title as 8th Earl of Lucan and on 8 Dec 1998 he applied to the Lord Chancellor for a writ of summons to the House of Lords as Baron Bingham (a United Kingdom peerage created in 1934 for his great-grandfather) but was refused; it remains open to him to apply to the Registrar of Peerages for inclusion on the Peerage Roll as Earl of Lucan.

-=-

Hoogewerf/Fraser engagement

_. The engagement was announced 8 Aug 2015, between Rhydian Edward Bertie Hoogewerf, son of Mr Edward & the Hon Mrs Hoogewerf, & Eliza Wedderburn Fraser (born 1993), scion of the Barons Lovat (Peerage of Scotland cr 1458-64/Peerage of the UK cr 1837), daughter of Benjamin Hugh Fraser (b 1961), by his wife the former Hon Lucy Elspeth Roper-Curzon (b 1969), a daughter of the 10th Baron Teynham.

Rhydian Hoogewerf is a grandson maternally of the 2nd Baron McGowan.

-=-

Lord John FitzGerald 1952-2015

_. Lord John FitzGerald, scion of the Dukes of Leinster (Duke, Peerage of Ireland, cr 1766), the racehorse trainer, younger brother and heir presumptive of the 9th Duke of Leinster, died 3 August, 2015. He was 63.

Lord John was born 3 March, 1952, the second son of the 8th Duke of Leinster (Premier Duke, Marquess and Earl in Ireland) (1914-2004), by his 2nd wife the former Anne Smith, scion of that landed family; married 1982, Barbara, eldest daughter of Andreas Zindel, of St Moritz, Switzerland, by whom he had issue, a daughter, Hermione (born 1985), and a son, Edward (born 1988), who is now heir presumptive to the dukedom.

Lord John's wife has been recently been reported to be the partner of racing legend Lester Piggott.

Service of Thanksgiving at St Agnes Church, Newmarket, Suffolk, Tuesday 11 Aug.

-=-

Obituary: Kinta Beevor

Ennever/Wake-Walker marriage

_. The marriage took place, 1 August, 2015, at St Mary's Church, Wimbledon, between Alistair James Ennever (born 1984), son of Mr (Anthony) Michael Ennever, of Shaldon, Hampshire, by his wife the former Kirsty F J Nicholson, & Olivia Rose Wake-Walker (born 1984), scion of the Walker baronets (Baronet, UK, cr 1856, of Oakley House), and a second cousin of the Duke of Cambridge & Prince Harry, daughter of Richard Anthony Wake-Walker (born 1951), of Wimbledon, by his wife the former Sharon Pamela Little (b 1952).

The bride is descended from the 7th Earl Spencer, via her grandmother, Lady Anne Spencer, sister of the 8th Earl Spencer, &c.

-=-

Henry Aurelian William Cavendish (born 2015)

 Victoria Jane Cavendish (nee Townley, born 1982), wife of the Hon Frederick Richard Toby Cavendish (born 1972), scion of the Dukes of Devonshire and in close succession to the dukedom, gave birth to a son, Henry Aurelian William, in July, 2015.

Frederick Cavendish is the only son of (Richard) Hugh Cavendish, the Baron Cavendish of Furness (b 2 Nov 1941) (life peer), of Holker Hall, Cark~in~Cartmel, Cumbria, by his wife the former Grania Mary Caulfeild (b 1947), scion of the Viscounts Charlemont (Visc, Peerage of Ireland, cr 1665).

Victoria Cavendish is a daughter of Mr Charles P. Townley, of Newby Bridge, Cumbria, by his wife the former Roslyn R. Jones.

The Cavendishes married in April, 2014.

-=-

Lady Rosetta Christina Clare FitzRoy (born 2015)

_.The Duchess of Grafton (nee Olivia Margaret Sladen, b 1978), wife of Henry Oliver Charles FitzRoy, 12th Duke of Grafton (b 6 Apr, 1978) (Peerage of England, cr 1675), of Euston Hall, Thetford, Norfolk, gave birth to a daughter, Lady Rosetta Christina Clare Fitzroy, 20 July, 2015, a sister for Alfred, styled Earl of Euston, who was born in 2012.

 The Duchess of Grafton is a daughter of Simon Hogarth Sladen (b 1943), and Mrs Sladen, and a granddaughter of Edward Carew Sladen (1914-44), and a great-granddaughter of Brig-Gen Sir Gerald Carew Sladen, by his wife the former Mabel Ursula Orr Ewing, dau of Sir Archibald Orr Ewing, 3rd Baronet.

The Duke of Grafton is the son of the late James Oliver Charles FitzRoy, styled Earl of Euston (1947-2009), by his wife the former Lady Clare Amabel Margaret Kerr (b 1951), daughter of the 12th Marquess of Lothian (1922-2004).

The Duke succeeded to the family honours on the death of his grandfather, the 11th Duke, 7 Apr, 2011.

-=-

Alexia Brandram, descended from the Greek royal family, to wed

__The engagement was announced 30 July, 2015, between William John P. Hicks (born 1983), son of Mr & Mrs Jeremy Hicks, of Winstone, co Gloucester, & Alexia Katherine Brandram (b 6 Dec, 1985), scion of that landed family, & descended from the Royal House of Greece & Denmark, younger daughter of (Richard) Paul George Andrew Brandram (b 1 Apr 1948), of London, by his former 1st wife the former Jennifer Diane Steele (b 1951, now Mrs Robert Enslow, also of London).

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

William Hicks's mother is the former Joanna Vivian Palairet (b 1955), is a great-niece of Sir Michael Palairet, who was British Ambassador to Greece in the Second World War.

--==-- 

Wilfred Alexander Biddulph (born 2015)

_.Dr Alexandra J. Biddulph (nee Day), wife of Dr James Jasper (Jamie) Biddulph, b 1977, scion of the Barons Biddulph (Baron UK, cr 1903), gave birth to a son, Wilfred Alexander, 12 July, 2015, a brother for Jasper Julian, who was born 28 May, 2013. 

Jamie Biddulph is a son of Mr and Mrs Jasper Biddulph, of Tarlton, Glos, and Alexandra is a daughter of Mr and Mrs Julian Day, of Sutton Coldfield.

-=-

Birth of a playmate for Princess Charlotte

_. Violet Gweneth Vestey (born 1985, nee Henderson), wife of the Hon William Guy Vestey, born 23 August, 1983, scion of the Barons Vestey (Peerage of the UK, cr 1922), gave birth to a daughter, Ella Victoria, 13 July, 2015.

The Hon William Vestey is the elder son and heir of the 3rd Baron Vestey (b 19 March, 1941) , of Stowell Park, Gloucestershire, by his second wife, the former Celia Elizabeth Knight.

Violet Vestey is a scion of the Barons Faringdon,  a daughter of the late Gavin Adrian Alexander Henderson (1944-1991) by his wife the former Juliet Victoria Baring (b 1953), scion of the Earls of Cromer, daughter of Maj Sir Mark Baring, KCVO (1916-88), &c.

-=-

Death of Lady Bramall

_. The Baroness Bramall, who died 22 July, 2015, aged 93, was the wife of Field Marshal the Baron Bramall, KG, GCB, OBE MC (b 18 Dec, 1923), a life baron since 1987.

She was the former Dorothy Avril Wentworth Vernon, daughter of Brig-Gen Henry Albemarle Vernon, DSO, of Stoke Bruerne Park, co Northampton, and married Edwin Noel Westby Bramall in 1949. She is survived by Lord Bramall and by a son, Nicolas and daughter, Sara.

Cremation at Basingstoke Crematorium, 6 Aug. Memorial Service at All Saints, Crondall, near Farnham, 15 Sept, 2015.

-=-

Viscount Melville to marry Lucinda Lowe

_. The engagement was announced 23 July, 2015, between Robert Henry Kirkpatrick Dundas, 10th Viscount Melville (b 23 April, 1984) (Peerage of the UK, cr 1802), son of the late 9th Viscount Melville (1937-2011), by his wife the former Fiona Margaret Stilgoe (Viscountess Melville, of Luckington, co Wilts) & Lucinda C.C. Lowe, daughter of the late Judge David Lowe, and Mrs David Lowe, of Cresswell Gardens, London.

Lord Melville succeeded to the peerages on his father's demise, 21 July, 2011.

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Nova Pilbeam 1919-2015

. Nova Pilbeam, the child actress who enjoyed success in several Alfred Hitchcock films, & married a great-grandson of Alfred, Lord Tennyson. died 17 July, 2015, aged 95.

She was born Nova Pilbeam, 15 Nov, 1919, daughter of Arnold William Pilbeam, of Datchet, co Buckinghamshire, and married 1stly, 19 Oct 1939, Frederick Penrose (known as Pen) Tennyson (1912-41), scion of the Barons Tennyson (Baron, Peerage of the UK, cr 1884), film director, and assistant to Alfred Hitchcock, son of Sir Charles Bruce Locker Tennyson (b 1879), by his wife the former Ivy Gladys Pretious; her 1st husband was killed in a 'plane crash on active service; she married 2ndly, 27 Nov 1950, Alexander Hamilton Whyte (d 1972), son of Sir Alexander Frederick Whyte.

She had a daughter from her second marriage, Sarah Jane Whyte.

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Lawrence Kenneth Elson Rhodes

_.Sarah Elizabeth Rhodes (nee Elson), wife of Samuel Lawrence Dixon Rhodes, gave birth to a son, Lawrence Kenneth Elson, 17 July, 2015, at Harrogate. A brother for Arabel & Madison.

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Rosemary Alice Collins 1940-2015

_. Rosemary Alice Collins, who died 10 July, 2015, aged 74, was a scion of the Dukes of Buccleuch & Queensberry, and a niece of HRH Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester.

She was born Rosemary Alice Montagu Douglas Scott, 3 Aug 1940, twin with her sister Frances (later Baroness Cranworth), third daughter of Lord William Walter Montagu Douglas Scott MC (1896-1958), by his wife Lady Rachel Douglas-Home, dau of the 13th Earl of Home and sister of the Prime Minister Sir Alec Douglas-Home, &c.

She was a granddaughter of the 7th Duke of Buccleuch, and niece of Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott (1901-2004), who, in 1935, married King George V's third son, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (1900-74).

Rosemary Montagu Douglas Scott married in 1978, (Samuel Alexander) Mark Collins, son of publisher Sir William Collins, by whom she had issue, Sampson William Francis (b 1982), and Benjamin Mark Timothy (b 1984).

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Santo Domingo/Wellesley engagement

_. The engagement was announced 14 July, 2015, between Alejandro Santo Domingo, son of the late Julio Mario Santo Domingo & of Beatrice Santo Domingo, & the Lady Charlotte Wellesley (born 8 Oct, 1990), youngest daughter of Arthur Charles Valerian Wellesley, 9th Duke of Wellington (b 19 Aug 1945), of Stratfield Saye, Berkshire, and Apsley House, London, by his wife the former Princess Antonia Brigid Elizabeth Louise von Preussen (born 28 Apr, 1955), descended from the Royal House of Prussia, & ____.

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Giles Peter Townsend 1942-2015

 Giles Peter Townsend, who died 7 July, 2015, aged 73, was the son of Group Capt Peter Woolridge Townsend, CVO, DSO, DFC (1914-1995), sometime Equerry to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, whose love affair with Princess Margaret in the 1950s caused the biggest royal scandal since the abdication in 1936.

He was born c 1942, son of Peter Townsend and his first wife the former (Cecil) Rosemary Pawle (1921-2004), later Marchioness Camden, wife of the 5th Marquess Camden (1899-1983).

Giles Townsend married, in April, 1969, (Anne) Victoria Assheton Craven-Smith-Milnes (b 13 Feb 1948), scion of that landed family, second daughter of Ralph Assheton Craven-Smith-Milnes (1906-1993), of Hockerton Manor, Southwell, co Notts,  by his wife the former Elizabeth Josephine Ann Topham (1908-1984), scion of that landed family, by whom he had issue, Olivia, Kate and Harry.

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Warhurst/Plunkett-Ernle-Erle-Drax engagement

_. The engagement was announced 9 July, 2015, between Henry J.C. Warhurst, son of the late Mr John Warhurst, of Walton, Warks,and Mrs Paul Brandram, of Ox House, Warks, & Tamara Katherine Plunkett-Ernle-Erle-Drax (born 1987), scion of the Barons of Dunsany (Baron, Peerage of Ireland, cr 1439), daughter of Richard Grosvenor Plunkett-Ernle-Erle-Drax (born 1958), of Charborough Park, Wareham, Dorset (a grandson maternally of the 1st Baron Weeks), by his former wife, the former Zara Victoria Legge-Bourke (b 1966), scion of the Earls of Dartmouth (Earl, GB cr 1711) (now Mrs Angus Charles Gordon Lennox Lennox, of Gordon Castle, Moray - wife of a scion of the Dukes of Richmond & Gordon (Duke, Peerage of England, cr 1675).

Henry Warhurst's mother, the former Kate Moreton, is now the wife of (Richard) Paul George Andrew Brandram (b 1948), of that landed family, son of the late Maj Richard Campbell Andrew Brandram (1911-94), by his wife HRH Princess Katherine of Greece & Denmark (1913-2007), a cousin of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, &c.

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Spencer Churchill/Strutt engagement

_. The engagement was announced 4 July, 2015, between Alexander David Spencer Churchill (born 1983), scion of the Dukes of Marlborough (Peerage of England cr 1702), third son of Lord Charles George William Colin Spencer Churchill (b 1940), of London, by his 2nd wife the former (Elizabeth) Jane Wyndham (b 1948), scion of the Barons Egremont & Leconfield, & Scarlett Strutt (born 1985), scion of the Barons Belper (Peerage of the UK, cr 1856), daughter of Henry Clavering Tollemache Strutt (b 1953), of Stutton, Suffolk, and Mrs Athena Strutt, also of Stutton.

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Pleydell-Bouverie/Oates engagement

_. The engagement was announced 7 July, 2015, between Edward Richard Pleydell-Bouverie (born 1984), scion of the Earls of Radnor (Earl, GB cr 1765), second son of Rupert William Pleydell-Bouverie (b Dec 1950), of Monkwood, Alresford, Hampshire, by his wife the former Evelyn Marie Conlon, & Imogen N.B. Oates, daughter of Mr John Oates and Mrs Claire Oates, both of Barnard Castle, co Durham.

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Adler/Kerr engagement

_. The engagement was announced 7 July, 2015, between Mr Zackary Adler, son of Dr Richard Adler, of New York, & Mrs Virginia Day, of Dorset, & the Lady Mary Cecil Kerr (born 1981), scion of the Marquesses of Lothian (Peerage of Scotland, cr 1701) second surviving daughter of Michael Andrew Foster Jude Kerr, 13th Marquis of Lothian (b 7 Jul 1945), of Monteviot, Scotland, & the Marchioness of Lothian (nee the Lady (Theresa) Jane Fitzalan-Howard, daughter of the 16th Duke of Norfolk), &c.

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Sibyl Nancy Astor (born 2015)

_. The Hon Mrs Jake Astor (nee Hargreaves), wife of the Hon James Jacob (Jake) Astor (born 4 March, 1981), scion of the Viscounts Astor (Peerage of the UK, cr 1917), gave birth to a daughter, Sibyl Nancy, 22 June, 2015, in Hong Kong.

Jake Astor is the second son of the 4th Viscount Astor (b 27 Dec, 1951), by his wife the former Annabel Veronica Lucy Jones (descended from the Barons Clifford of Chudleigh). Mr Astor is a half-brother of Samantha Cameron, wife of the Prime Minister, &c.

The Hon Mrs Jake Astor is the former Victoria L. Hargreaves, elder daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick Hargreaves and Mrs Charles Goodall.

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(Daniel) Patrick Macnee 1922-2015

The actor Patrick Macnee, who died 25 June, 2015, aged 93, was the suave and dapper 'Steed' in The Avengers.

Daniel Patrick Macnee was born 6 Feb, 1922, son of Daniel Macnee (c1877-1955), by his wife the former Dorothea Henry (1898-1984).  Dorothea was the daughter of Frances Hastings (1870-1945), a granddaughter of the 11th Earl of Huntingdon (1779-1828).

Macnee was a second cousin of the actor David Niven ~ both must have inherited the "suave" gene.

Macnee was three times wed; 1stly (1942) (div) to Barbara Douglas, 2ndly, in 1965, to Katherine Woodville (b  c1938), actress (div), and 3rdly, in 1988, to Baba Majos de Nagyzsenye (died 2007).

He is survived by a son and a daughter from his 1st marriage.

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Lord Black of Brentwood marries Mark Bolland

_. The marriage took place 22 June, 2015, at Islington Town Hall, between Guy Black, the Baron Black of Brentwood, Conservative life peer, son of the late Tom & Monica Black, & Mr Mark W. Bolland, son of the late Mr Arthur Bolland and Mrs Joan Bolland.

Lord Black is a close friend of the Prime Minister. Mr Bolland served the Prince of Wales as deputy private secrtetary for some years.

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The 3rd Duke of Fife 1929-2015

_. The 3rd Duke of Fife, a cousin of the Queen, died at Kinnaird Castle, Angus, 22 June, 2015. He was 85.

The duke was 3rd Duke (Peerage of the UK cr 1900), 9th Earl of Southesk (Peerage of Scot. cr 1633), Earl of Macduff (Peerage of the UK, cr 1900), Lord Carnegie of Kinnaird (Peerage of Scot. cr 1616), Lord Carnegie of of Kinnaird & Leuchars (Peerage of Scot. cr 1633), 4th Baron Balinhard (Peerage of the UK, cr 1869), 9th baronet, Chief of the Name & Arms of Carnegie, &c.

James George Alexander Bannerman Carnegie was born in London, 23 Sept, 1929, the only child of Charles Alexander Carnegie, 11th (or 8th) Earl of Southesk, KCVO (1893-1992), by his wife Her Highness Princess Maud Alexandra Victoria Georgina Bertha of Fife (1893-1945), a granddaughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.

He succeeded as 3rd Duke of Fife on the death of his aunt, the Duchess of Fife (in her own right) wife of Prince Arthur of Connaught & Strathearn, 26 Feb, 1959, and succeeded his father as Earl of Southesk, 16 Feb, 1992.

The duke married 11 Sept 1956 (div Dec 1966), the Hon Caroline Cicely Dewar, eldest dau of the 3rd Baron Forteviot (1906-93), by his wife the former Cynthia Monica Starkie (d 1986), by whom he had issue, a son, David Charles, styled Earl of Macduff 1961-92, and Earl of Southesk 1992-2015, and a daughter, Lady Alexandra Etherington (b 1959). The son, born 3 Mar 1961, succeeds as 4th Duke of Fife.

The 4th Duke is married to the former Caroline Anne Bunting and is the father of three sons.


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Duke of Edinburgh's godson to marry American fashionista

_. The engagement has been announced between Ashley Louis David Hicks (born 18 July, 1963), only son of the late David Nightingale Hicks by his wife the former Lady Pamela Carmen Louise Mountbatten (born 19 Apr, 1929), scion of the Earls Mountbatten of Burma (Peerage of the UK, cr 1947), & Katalina (Kata) Sharkey de Solis (Born Texas, 31 Dec, 1981), daughter of William Thomas Sharley, of Houston, Texas, by his wife the former Rosalie Solis.

It is Mr Hick's second marriage. He married firstly, in 1990,Allegra Marina Tondato, by whom he has issue. His second bride to be is described in the Daily Mail as an "American fashionista" 17 years his junior.

Ashley Hicks is a godson of the late King of Sweden and of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

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Grosvenor/MacDonald marriage

_. The marriage took place, 9 June, 2015, in Edinburgh, between Mr Bendor Grosvenor (b 1977), scion of the Earls of Wilton, son of the Hon Richard Alexander Grosvenor (b 1946), by his wife the former Gabriella Speckert, & Mrs Ishbel Hall (b 5 March, 1976), dau of Alistair Cameron MacDonald.

Bendor Grosvenor is in remainder to the Earldom of Wilton and the Marquisate of Westminster & subsidiary peerages held by the 7th Duke of Westminster.

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Lady Sarah Margaret Clutton 1941-2015

_. The Lady Sarah Margaret Clutton (nee Fitzalan Howard), who died 14 June, 2015, aged 73, was the third of the four daughters of the 16th Duke of Norfolk, KG, GCVO, GBE, PC (1908-75), hereditary Earl Marshal and Premier Duke in England (Peerage of England, cr 1483), by his wife the former Lavinia Mary Strutt, LG, CBE (1916-1995), scion of the Barons Belper; she was born 28 Sept 1941;  married 1988, Nigel Hugh Clutton. No issue.

Lady Sarah was heir pres to the Lordship of Herries of Terregles (Peerage of Scotland, cr 1490), held by her elder sister, Lady Mary Mumford, DCVO.

Service of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral church of Our Lady & St Philip Howard, Arundel, West Sussex, 28 September, 2015.

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Flora Rose Aurelia Bonas (born 2015)

_.Katie Helen Bonas (nee Evans), wife of Henry Alexander Bonas (b 1976), gave birth to a daughter, Flora Rose Aurelia, 9 June, 2015, a sister for Matilda Emily Florence, who was born 10 May, 2013.

 Henry Bonas is the youngest son of Mr Jeffrey Bonas (b 1944), of Burnham Norton, Norfolk, and Mrs Elspeth Bonas (nee McCagie, b 1945), of Aldsworth, Gloucestershire, and is a half-brother of Prince Harry's former girlfriend, the actress Cressida Curzon Bonas (b 1989). 

Katie Bonas is the younger daughter of Mr & Mrs Nigel Evans, of Littleton, Wiltshire.

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Rhodes/German marriage

_. The marriage took place 12 June, 2015, at St Giles' Church, Elklesley, co Nottingham, between George Frederick Albert Rhodes, younger son of Mr & Mrs Michael Rhodes, of Harrogate, & Sarah Louise, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Brian German, of Clumber Park, near Retford, co Notts.

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Trower/Twiston-Davies engagement

._ The engagement was announced 8 June, 2015, between Edward J.G. Trower, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Jonathan Trower, of Stanstead Bury, co Hertfordshire, & Antonia Rose Twiston-Davies (b 22 Oct, 1987),scion of that landed family, & descended from the Archdale Bts, eldest daughter of Audley William Twiston-Davies (b 13 Nov, 1950), of The Mynde, co Hereford, by his wife the former Hon Caroline Mary Elaine Harbord-Hamond (b 15 Dec, 1960), scion of the Barons Suffield (Baron, GB, cr 1786), dau of the 11th Baron Suffield, MC, &c.

Miss Twiston-Davies is a goddaughter of Diana, Princess of Wales.

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Obituary: Brigadier Sir Frederick Coates, Bt

Sir John Elphinston of Glack, 11th Baronet (1924-2015)

_. Sir John Elphinston of Glack, 11th Baronet (Bt, of Logie, NS, cr 1701), died 28 May, 2015. He was 90.

He was born 12 Aug 1924, son of Thomas George Elphinston (1882-1967), by his wife the former Gladys Mary Congdon, and was a nephew of Sir Alexander Logie Elphinstone, 10th Baronet, whom he succeeded in 1970; married 23 May, 1953, Margaret Doreen, daughter of Edric Tasker, by whom he had issue. His eldest son, Alexander Elphinston, who was born 6 June, 1955, succeeds to the baronetcy.

Service of Thanksgiving at Hartford Parish Church, Cheshire, Tues 9 June.

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Sir Ralph Jordan Dodds, 2nd (and last) Bt 1928-2015

_. Sir Ralph Jordan Dodds, 2nd Baronet, died 24 May, 2015, aged 87. The baronetcy, one the last to be created, was awarded to his father, a President of the Royal College of Physicians, in 1964.

Hw was born 25 March, 1928, son of Sir (Edward) Charles Dodds, MVO, 1st Baronet, and succeeded to his father's baronetcy, in 1973; married 1954, Marion, daughter of Sir Daniel Thomas Davies, KCVO, and has issue, 2 daughters, Caroline and Arabella.

The baronetcy becomes extinct with his death.

A service of Thanksgiving will be held at St John's, Hyde Park, Hyde Park Cres, W2, Thurs 25 June.

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