Artemis Jane Loder (born 2023)

Georgina E.C. Loder (nee Haszlakiewicz), wife of James Robert [Jamie] Loder [born 22 July, 1981], gave birth to a daughter, Artemis Jane, 10 March, 2023.

Georgina is a daughter of Mr Mark Haszlakiewicz, of Goodworth Clatford, and the late Mrs Haszlakiewicz.

James is a son of the late Capt Simon John Loder [1932-2002], by his second wife the former Penelope Anne Mary Mander [born 22 Sept, 1946], of Melbury Osmond, scion of the Mander baronets, and is descended paternally from the Flemings of Nettlebed [of which James Bond author Ian Fleming was a scion], the Barons Wyfold, and Earls of Stradbroke.

Jamie is a grandson maternally of Sir Charles Mander, 3rd Baronet [1921-2006].

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Miranda Jane McHardy (nee Forbes-Leith) 1963-2023

 Miranda Jane McHardy (nee Forbes-Leith), who died 5 March, 2023, aged 59, was a scion of the Forbes-Leith baronets, of Fyvie.

She was born 5 July, 1963, the elder daughter of Sir Andrew George Forbes-Leith of Fyvie, 3rd Baronet (1939-2000), and his wife the former Jane Kate McCall-McCowan (who died 17 June, 1969, aged circa 33). She married 22 September, 1990, Julian N.W. McHardy, by whom she had issue, three children, Andrew (born 21 Dec, 1992), Iona (born 12 Feb, 1994), and Clodagh (born 22 May, 1996).

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Baroness Masham of Ilton 1935-2023

 The Baroness Masham of Ilton, DSG, DL, who died 12 March, 2023, aged 87, was the longest serving life peer, who sat on the crossbenches, and was a lifelong campaigner for the disabled, and medallist in the Paraplegic Games.

She was born 14 April, 1935, as Susan Lilian Sinclair, scion of the Sinclair baronets, daughter of Sir Ronald John Charles Udny Sinclair, 8th Baronet (1899-1952), and his wife the former Reba Blair Inglis, daughter of Anthony Inglis, of Lismore Ayr.

She was severely disabled in a rding accident in the months before her marriage, 8 Dec, 1959, to the then David Yarburgh Cunliffe-Lister (born 21 March, 1937), styled Baron Masham, 1st son and heir of Maj John Yarburgh Cunliffe-Lister (1913-43), and his wife the former Anne Irvine Medlicott (d 28 May, 1961), and grandson paternally of the 1st Earl of Swinton, PC, GBE, CH, MC (1884-1972).

Her husband succeeded his grandfather, 27 July, 1972, as 2nd Earl of Swinton, Baron Masham of Ellington, co York, and Viscount Swinton, of Masham.

She was raised to the peerage for life, 12 Feb, 1970, as Baroness Masham of Ilton, of Masham in the North Riding of the County of York, and sat in the House of Lords for over 52 years. From 1972 she was also Countess of Swinton, as wife of the 2nd Earl, and from her husband's death, 26 March, 2006, she was the Dowager Countess of Swinton, but known by her life peerage.

She was an active member of the House of Lords, where she continued to be known as the Baroness Masham of Ilton, a title she held in her own right. She took a particular interest in issues surrounding disability, health and penal reform. 

She and her husband had two adopted children, John Charles Yarburgh (born 10 May, 1967), and Clare Caroline (born 30 June, 1965).

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Richard Grenfell Aylmer 1932-2023

Richard Grenfell Aylmer, who died 5 March, 2023, aged 91, was a scion of the Barons Aylmer, and a British cross-country skier. He competed in the men's 50 kilometre event at the 1956 Winter Olympics.

He was born 11 January, 1932, son of Lieutenant-Colonel Claud Aylmer (1900-1952), and his wife the former Margaret Victoria Hemming (1903-1998); and married 11 April, 1964, Marelyn Joyce Miller, daughter of Sir James Miller, GBE (1905-1977), Lord Mayor of London 1965, by his wife the former Ella Jane Stewart, by whom he had issue, two sons, Christopher (born 22 May, 1966), and Kenneth (born 20 Oct, 1970).

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Margaret Agnes Burra (née Leader) (died 2023)

 Margaret Agnes Burra (née Leader), who died 8 March, 2023, aged 95, was a scion of the Leader landed gentry family (Ireland) of Hockley Lodge; a daughter of Capt Thomas Henry Mowbray Leader, of Hockley Lodge; and married 15 Aug, 1960, as his second wife, James Patrick Mackenzie Burra (1915-2005), of Pendoylan, Hollybush and Stowe-by-Chartley, son of Arthur Nicolas Burra (1885-1959), of Pendoylan, Cowbridge, Glamorgan, of that landed gentry family, of Rye, Sussex, by his wife the former Mary Mona Mackenzie, scion of that landed gentry family, by whom she had issue.

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Montgomery James Roper Neilan (born 2023)

 Alexandra Florence Neilan [nee Roper, born 1987], wife of Samuel John James Neilan [born 1987],  gave birth to a son, Montgomery James Roper, 28 February, 2023, a brother for Araminta Elspeth Roper, who was born 22 November, 2020.

Samuel is the elder son of Steven James Neilan [born 1957], of Argyll, and mis wife the former Anne Marie Maclean.

Alexandra is the daughter of David Alexander Roper, of London, and his former wife the former Hon Sarah Jane Leathes Prior [born 1959], daughter of the life peer and former Conservative Government minister, James Prior, Baron Prior, PC [1927-2016], and his wife the former Jane Primrose Gifford Lywood [1930-2015], scion of that landed family.

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Lulu Mable Mitcalfe Hope (born 2023)

 Emily May M. Hope [née Ramsay, born 1986], wife of James Frederick M Hope [born 1987], and a scion of the Earls of Dalhousie, gave birth to a daughter, Lulu Mable Mitcalfe, 28 February, 2023, a sister for Arthur Peter Mitcalfe, who was born 28 July, 2020.

James is a son of Jeremy F.A. Hope, by his wife the former Ann M Mitcalfe [born 1954].

Emily is a daughter of Patrick William Maule Ramsay [born 17 May, 1951], by his wife the former Fiona G.J. Stoddart [born 1960].

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The Hon Theodore George Eugene 'Teddy' Bathurst (born 2023)

Lady Apsley (nee Sara E. Kushma), wife of Benjamin George Henry Bathurst, styled Baron Apsley (born 6 March, 1990), gave birth to a son, the Hon Theodore George Eugene 'Teddy' Bathurst, 7 March, 2023.

Lord Apsley is the only son and heir of the 9th Earl Bathurst (born 11 March, 1961), and his first wife the former Hilary Jane George, daughter of John F. George, of Weston Lodge, Albury, Surrey.

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St John Webster/Crichton engagement

 The engagement was announced 11 March, 2023, between Edward Henry Rory St John Webster (born 1980), younger son of Capt Rory Ian St John Webster (born 1948), of Ash Priors, Somerset, and his wife the former Inga P. Clinton, and Georgina Caroline Nicola Crichton (born 1986), scion of the Earls of Erne, daughter of the late Simon Patrick Crichton (born 28 Aug, 1956), of Alderbury, Wiltshire, and his wife the former Fiona Jane Midwood (born 1958).

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Ivo Rupert Marlow Grenville (born 2023)

 Rebecca Clare Grenville (nee Marlow, born 20 November, 1983), wife of Jack Grenville, gave birth to a son, Ivo Rupert Marlow, 16 February, 2023, a brother for Wilfred Paul Marlow (born 2018), and for Jocelyn Nell Marlow (born 2021).

Rebecca is a daughter of (Alastair) Rupert Marlow (born 1952), and his wife the former Hon Teresa Sackville-West (born 29 November, 1954), daughter of the late 6th Baron Sackville (1913-2004), of Knole, Kent.

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Prince Edward created Duke of Edinburgh

 His Majesty the King has given a very special birthday present to his younger Prince Edward. In an announcement from Buckingham Palace the King has created his brother Duke of Edinburgh. However, in a break with tradition the announcement states that the awarding of the dukedom is 'for  his lifetime' and it will not descend to his son, James.

The Dukedom of Edinburgh was last created on 19 Nov 1947 when it was bestowed upon Lt Philip Mountbatten, RN, on the eve of his wedding to the then Princess Elizabeth, and on Philip's death, 9 April, 2021, it passed to his eldest son, the Prince of Wales. On the accession of King Charles III, 8 September, 2022,  all his previous honours 'merged in the crown' and became available for re-issue.

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie are now Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. The new style and title of their children remains open to conjecture. In 1999, it was announced that any children of Edward and Sophie would not use their right to be HRH and prince/princess and instead by styled as the children of an Earl of the United Kingdom. Their first born, Louise, is therefore styled Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor. Their only son, James, has been styled as Viscount Severn, which was created with the Earldom of Wessex in June, 1999.

The children of the new Duke of Edinburgh are rightfully Princess Louise of Edinburgh and Prince James of Edinburgh. However, if they decide (and the choice is theirs) not to take up royal styles and titles then Lady Louise remains just that, but ranks as the daughter of a duke not an earl, and James can now be styled Earl of Wessex and Forfar by courtesy, and uniquely, upon his father's death succeed only to the Earldoms of Wessex and Forfar and the Viscountcy of Severn.

A dukedom for life is very rare in the annals of the peerage. On 12 December, 1936, at his Accession Council, King George VI announced that 'My first act on succeeding My Brother will be to confer on Him a Dukedom and He will henceforth be known as His Royal Highness The Duke of Windsor'. The Letters Patent, 8 March, 1937, formally created the title, with no subsidiary peerages, and with no specification regarding the remainder to the title.

In 1386 Robert de Vere, Earl of Oxford was created 'Duke of Ireland' for life only. His peerage was forfeit two years later when he fell foul of the King, Edward III.

In 1397 Margaret Plantagenet was created Duchess of Norfolk for life only, and this creation expired 24 March, 1400.

William Douglas, Earl of Selkirk, was created Duke of Hamilton in 1660. His wife was Duchess of Hamilton in her own right.

Louise Penancoët de Kerouaille, mistress of King Charles II, was on 19 Aug, 1673, created Duchess of Portsmouth for life. The title became extinct with her death in 1734.

Melusine von der Schulenburg, mistress of King George I, was created Duchess of Kendal for life, 19 March, 1719. She was also created Duchess of Munster, in Ireland, and for life, and held the peerages until her death in 1743.

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Simon John Elliot 1940-2023

 Simon Elliot, who died 6 March, 2023, aged 82, was a brother-in-law of Queen Camilla.

Simon John Elliot was born in Hertforshire in 1940, a son of Air Chief Marshal Sir William Elliot, GCVO, KCB, KBE, DFC (1896-1971), of Stourpaine House, Dorset, and his wife the former Elizabeth Rosemary Alice Chancellor (1906-1971), scion of that landed family, and was a cousin of the actress Anna Chancellor.

He married 27 April, 1972, Sonia Annabel Shand (born 2 Feb, 1949), second daughter of Maj. Bruce Middleton Hope Shand, MC (1917-2006), and his wife the Hon Rosalind Maud Cubitt (1921-1994), daughter of the 3rd Baron Ashcombe (1899-1962).

He is survived by his wife and issue, a son, Benjamin William Elliot (born 1975), married to Mary-Clare Winwood, daughter of Steve Winwood, the musician and songwriter; and two daughters, Alice Rosalind (born 1977), and Catherine Camilla (born 1981).

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Richard Maximilian Ferdinand Bethell (born 2023)

 The Hon Mrs Alexander Bethell (nee Jonkvrouwe Alexa Hooft Graafland), wife of the Hon [Richard] Alexander [David] Bethell (born 21 Dec, 1986), gave birth to a son, Richard Maximilian Ferdinand, in Cyprus, 23 February, 2023.

The Hon Alexander Bethell is the only son of Major the 6th Baron Westbury, MBE (born 29 May, 1950), and his first wife the former Caroline Mary Palmer, descended from the Viscounts Churchill (now wife of Mark Chaytor Dickinson).

Mrs Bethell is the eldest daughter of Jonkheer and Mrs Ferdinand Hooft Graafland, of London.

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Bridget Mary Lavallin Davies (nee Puxley) 1927-2023

Bridget Mary Lavallin Davies (nee Puxley), who died 2 March, 2023, aged 95, was a scion of that landed gentry family, born 19 March, 1927, daughter of Harry Lavallin Puxkey, and his wife the former Winifred Lyons, daughter of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Algernon McLennan Lyons, GCB, ADC, DL, JP (1833-1908); she married 1951, Arthur C. Davies, by whom she had issue, a daughter, Miranda (born 1952).

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Princess Lilibet of Sussex christened: her style and title now settled?

 HRH Princess Lilibet Diana of Sussex was christened on Friday 3 March, 2023, by the Rt Rev John Harvey Taylor, Bishop of Los Angeles. 

Princess Lilibet Diana was born on Friday 4 June, 2021, the second child, and only daughter of HRH Prince Henry Charles Albert David, Duke of Sussex, KCVO (born 15 September, 1984), and HRH The Duchess of Sussex (nee Rachel Meghan Markle, born 4 Aug, 1981). 

It is the first time that an official spokesman for the Sussexes has referred to Lilibet as a princess. There has been much debate since the death of the late Queen regarding the styles and titles of the Duke of Sussex's offspring. However, it is clear that under the terms of the Letters Patent of 1917, that all children of the sons of the Sovereign have and enjoy the style, title and dignity of prince or princess with the qualification of royal highness. Archie and Lilibet offically became a prince and princess on the death of their great-grandmother, on 8 September, 2022.

The controversial decision of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to deny their children courtesy titles was, I believe, unique in the annals of the peerage. In a complete break with tradition and with the laws governing peerages, and the styles and titles of courtesy relating to the children of peers, it was announced in May, 2019 that Archie Mountbatten-Windsor would not use a courtesy title associated with the Dukedom of Sussex.

It was expected that Archie would be styled as Earl of Dumbarton, which is Prince Harry's earldom, created with the Dukedom of Sussex and Barony of Kilkeel in May, 2018. The eldest sons of dukes in the peerages of England, Scotland, Ireland, Great Britain and the United Kingdom traditionally assume their father's second senior peerage, as a 'courtesy' title.

However, following Archie's birth, a statement quickly followed that no courtesy titles would be borne by the seventh in line to the throne, and that he would be known as Master Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. 

Harry and Meghan's second child was born Lady Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor. This courtesy title was not granted or bestowed by the Queen at birth as it is an automatic qualification. The 'courtesy title' came as courtesy from the Crown, and not as a courtesy from a parent. When Harry and Meghan denied their daughter the courtesy title of a daughter of a duke they were in effect snubbing the Crown. The courtesy title - used or not - did not affect how the child's rank was recorded at the College of Arms.

Prince Archie was born Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, and being born the son of Duke, was Lord Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor as a legal entity. This changed on 8 September last year when he became a male line grandson of the Sovereign, and thereafter HRH Prince Archie of Sussex. Lilibet enjoyed the status befitting the daughter of the Duke of Sussex, and was officially Lady Lilibet by courtesy from birth until her grandfather ascended the throne.

Princess Lilibet is the fifth grandchild of the King and is seventh in line of succession to the throne, and will follow her uncle, the Princes of Wales, then Prince George of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales and then her father, the Duke of Sussex, and elder brother Prince Archie, in the line of succession. 

Princess Lilibet was the eleventh great-grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II, and was not be born a princess with the qualification of Royal Highness. That rank is reserved only for the children and male line grandchildren of the Sovereign, and the children of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales, as laid down by the Letters Patent of King George V [1917], and the further Letters Patent of Queen Elizabeth II [2012].

Under the terms of the Letters Patent creating Harry's dukedom, in May, 2018, the descent of the title is vested in his heirs male 'lawfully begotten'. Archie is destined, should he survive his father, to succeed as 2nd Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. Princess Lilibet is not in remainder to her father's dukedom, earldom or barony.

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Head/Levett-Scrivener engagement

 The engagement was announced 8 March, 2023, between Mr Tom W.R. Head and Veronica J Levett-Scrivener.

The bride-to-be, daughter of John Egerton Levett-Scrivener, of Sibton Abbey, Peasenhall, Suffolk, married firstly, in 1990, Giles Anthony de Lotbinière (born 3 Dec, 1959), scion of that landed family, by whom she has issue.

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The 3rd Baron MacAndrew 1945-2023

 Lord MacAndrew, the 3rd Baron, died 3 March, 2023. He was 78.

He sat as a Conservative peer in the House of Lords from 1990 until he lost his seat when the Upper House was reformed in November, 1999.

Christopher Anthony Colin MacAndrew was born 16 February, 1945, the elder son of the 2nd Baron MacAndrew (1919-1989), and his wife the former Ursula Beatrice Steel (who died in 1986).

He succeeded to the peerage (created 1959), on the death of his father, 9 July, 1989. The title was created for his grandfather, Charles MacAndrew (1888-1979), Member of Parliament (Conservative) for Kilmarnock 1924-29, for Partick 1931-35 and for Bute and North Ayrshire 1935-59; Lt Col Ayrshire Yeomanry (TA) 1932-36; T/Chairman of Committees House of Commons 1934-50; knighted 1935; Brevet-Col 1936; Dep Chairman Ways and Means 1945 and 1950-51; Chairman Ways and Means 1951-59; Privy Councillor 1952.

The 3rd peer married 13 Dec, 1975, Sarah Helen Brazier, only daughter of Lt Col Peter Hendry Brazier, of Nash Court Farmhouse, Marnhull, co. Dorset, by whom he had issue, a son, Oliver, and two daughters, Diana and Tessa. 

The peerage now passes to his only son, the Hon Oliver Charles Julian MacAndrew, who was born 3 September, 1983.

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Isabella Carolyn Lake (born 2023)

 Emily Lake (née Peck), wife of Edouard Lake, a descendant of the Barons Milford, gave birth to a daughter, Isabella Carolyn, 27 February, 2023.

Eduard is the younger son of David Anthony Lake (born 20 Jan, 1953), of Chelsea, London, and Mrs Lake. Emily is a daughter of Mr Graham Peck and the late Mrs Peck, of Little Witcombe, Gloucestershire.

The 1st Baron Milford > Maj Hon James Philipps > Penelope Doune Philipps > David Lake > Edouard Lake > Isabella Lake

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Hon Mary Cynthia Burke Roche 1934-2023

 The Hon Mary Roche, who died 3 March, 2023, aged 88, was an aunt of Diana, Princess of Wales, and a scion of the Barons Fermoy.

The Hon Mary Cynthia Burke Roche was born 19 Aug, 1934, the elder daughter of the 4th Baron Fermoy (1885-1955), and his wife Ruth, Baroness Fermoy, DCVO (nee Gill) (1908-1993), Woman of the Bedchamber to HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Her siblings were younger brother, Edmund, 5th Baron Fermoy (1939-84), and the Hon Frances Roche (1936-2004), wife of (1) the 8th Earl Spencer, MVO (1924-92), and (2) Peter Shand Kydd (1925-2006).

She married firstly, 25 Nov, 1954 (div 1966), the Hon Sir Anthony George Berry, MP (1925-84), who was killed in the IRA bomb at the Grand Hotel, Brighton, 12 Oct, 1984, sixth son of the newspaper properietor the 1st Viscount Kemsley (1883-1968), and his wife Mary Lilian Holmes (d 1928); and married 2ndly, in July, 1973 (div 1980), Denis Roche Geoghegan; and married 3rdly, in 1981 (div 1989), Michael Robert Fearon Gunningham (who died 5 Apr, 2019, aged 94).

She resumed her maiden name after her second and third divorces. From her first marriage to Anthony Berry she leaves a son, Edward (born 23 June, 1960), and three daughters, Alexandra (b 9 Sept, 1955), Antonia (b 2 Aug, 1957), and Joanna (twin with her sister Antonia).

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Gillian Mary Murray (née Adcock) (died 2023)

 Gillian Mary Murray (née Adcock), who died 13 February, 2023, aged 86, was the widow of James Alexander Gideon (Alec) Murray (b 18 Sept, 1936), scion of the Barons Elibank.

She was the former Gillian Mary Adcock, daughter of H. Gordon Adcock, of St Albans, Hertfordshire, and married Alec Murray, 11 Sept, 1965, by whom she had issue, two sons, James Richard (b 20 May, 1967), and Andrew Thomas (b 6 Nov, 1968).

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Angus Malcolm Wolfe Murray 1937-2023

 Angus Malcolm Wolfe Murray, who died 15 January, 2023, aged 85, was a scion of the Murray baronets, of Blackbarony, a novelist, film critic and amateur cricketer.

He was born 20 May, 1937, son of Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Victor Alexander Wolfe Murray (1908-1985), and his first wife the Lady Grizel Mary Boyle (1913-1942), eldest daughter of the 8th Earl of Glasgow (1874-1963). His mother died in a wartime disaster. Onboard the SS Laconia when it was attacked, she was first rescued by a German U boat flying a red cross flag, but pushed off in a lifeboat when the U boat was attacked by a US bomber and had to dive. Most passengers, including the pregnant Lady Grizel, perished. Angus Wolfe Murray was five. Subsequently, he was brought up in the extended family, initially by his grandmother the Countess of Glasgow, at Kelburn Castle, until his father, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Alexander Wolfe Murray, remarried, to Polish aristocrat Zofia Jaxa-Chamiec (1919-68).

As a young man, Angus was hailed as one of the most promising writers of his generation when his first novel, The End of Something Nice, a poignant tale about two lonely children, was published in 1967. A large advance and high expectations lead to a long personal struggle with the follow-up. After two years of writing, he tore the manuscript into tiny pieces and started again. Eventually, Resurrection Shuffle was published in 1978. A more experimental novel influenced by the ideas of that era, it was a flop and he never published another novel.

On 11 Nov, 1961, he married Stephanie Todd (born 1941, who died 27 June, 2017), daughter of Maj Hadden Royden Todd (1910-44), and his wife the former Wendy Robins, by whom he had four sons, Kim (b 1962), Rupert (b 1963), Gavin (b 1966) and Magnus (b 1968).

The family home was Glenternie House in Peebles, owned by his father.

In the Nineties, Angus moved to a remote off-grid cottage called Hopehead, miles from a gravel road, on the Stobo Castle estate, where he lived a Spartan existence, mostly without electricity. In later life, he had a fifth son, Calum. Angus remained close to Stephanie and spent increasing periods of time with her until, in 2010, they moved back in together at Glenlude House in the Borders.

After Stephanie’s death in 2017, Angus was seriously injured in a car accident. Life became more difficult after that. He eventually moved to a cottage near Kelburn, where he had spent part of his childhood.

A funeral and memorial was held at Eastgate Theatre, Peebles, at 11am on 9 February, 2023, followed by interment in Traquair Cemetery.

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Hector Robin Steele MacDonald Johnston (born 2023)

 Megan MacDonald Johnston (née Steele-Knowles), wife of Archie James MacDonald Johnston (born 15 July, 1991), gave birth to a son, Hector Robin Steele, 27 February, 2023.

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

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Hon Mrs Peter Trustram Eve (nee Elliott) 1928-2023

 The Hon Mrs Peter Trustram Eve, who died 1 March, 2023, aged 94, was the wife of the Hon Peter Trustram Eve, scion of the Barons Silsoe.

She was born Petronella Letiere Sheldon Elliott, in 1928, daughter of Jannion Steele Elliott (who died 31 Mar, 1942), of Dowles Manor, Bewdley, Worcestershire, and his wife Mrs Doris Amie Wingfield-Stratford (who died 2 Dec 1974, aged 75), widow of Capt Mervyn Edward John Wingfield-Stratford (1883-1922), and daughter of John Eccleston Sheldon (1859-1939), of Worcestershire, and his wife the former Florence Letiere Petit (died 24 Feb, 1934), and married 29 Apr, 1961, the Hon Peter Nanton Trustram Eve (born 2 May, 1930), second son of the 1st Baron Silsoe, GBE, MC, TD, KC (1894-1976), and his wife the former Marguerite Nanton (died 25 Dec, 1945), by whom she had issue, two sons, Richard (born 9 March, 1963), and Nicholas (born 14 Nov, 1965).

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Roope/Collett engagement

The engagement was announced 4 March, 2023, between Nicholas Gerard Roope (born 5 Oct, 1991), descended from the Broadmead landed gentry family, son of Gerard Michael Roope (born 1959), of Teddington, and the former Nicola Margaret Heard (born 1958), now Mrs Nicola Roope, of Hurstpierpoint, and Beth R. Collett, daughter of Nicholas and Julia Collett, of Little Gransden, Cambridgeshire.

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Sarah Margaret Aline Eyre (née Heywood) 1947-2023

 Sarah Margaret Aline Eyre, who died 28 February, 2023, aged 76, was a scion of the Heywood landed gentry family, of Haresfield Court.

She was born 14 February, 1947, daughter of Geoffrey Beresford Heywood and his wife the former Catherine Mary Richards, and wife of John Eyre. She leaves issue, a son, Charlie and daughter, Georgina.

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Laurie Anthony Brooks Hird (born 2023)

To Camilla Margaret J. Close-Brooks (born 1985, scion of that landed family), and Nicholas Hird, the birth of a son, Laurie Anthony Brooks, 21 February, 2023, a brother for Rowley.

Camilla is a daughter of Jonathan Roger Close-Brooks (1943-2000), and his wife the former Carolyn Wells.

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Eileen Mary Wade-Palmer (nee Doherty, died 2023)

Eileen Mary Wade-Palmer (nee Doherty), who died 19 February, 2023, aged 95, was the widow of Aubrey Wade-Palmer, scion of that landed gentry family.

She was the former Eileen Mary Doherty, and married in 1951, Aubrey Ruthven Wade-Palmer (1931-2003), son of Capt Aubrey Nugent Wade-Palmer (1882-1950), and his second wife the former Norah Mabel Bugg (1906-1978), by whom she had issue, three sons, Stephen, Christopher and John, and a daughter, Angela.

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Cosmo Alexander Harry Morrison (born 2023)

 Chekkie Morrison [nee Kauntze], wife of Oliver Charles Francis Morrison [born 19 Aug, 1989], gave birth to a son, Cosmo Alexander Harry, 20 February, 2023, a brother for India Amber Chekkie, who was born 20 May, 2020.

Chekkie Morrison is a daughter of Mr & Mrs Christopher Kauntze.

Oliver is a son of Alexander Morrison, by his former wife the Hon Louisa Mary Constance Napier [born 5 February, 1961], daughter of the 14th Lord Napier, of Merchistoun, KCVO [1930-2012], by his wife the former Delia Mary Pearson, daughter of Major Archibald David Barclay Pearson, by his wife the former Hilda Constance Helen Blackburn [1902-86], a granddaughter maternally of the 13th Earl of Strathmore & Kinghorne.

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Max Finn Chichester Campbell-Lamerton (born 2023)

 Lucy Anne I. Campbell-Lamerton (nee Colacicchi, born 1990), wife of Rory Patrick Chichester Campbell-Lamerton [born 1989], a descendant of the Barons Leconfield, gave birth to a son, Max Finn Chichester, 16 February, 2023.

Rory is the eldest son of Capt Michael Patrick Campbell-Lamerton, of Bishop's Tawton, co Devon, by his wife the former Clare Caroline Maxse [born 3 August, 1960], a descendant of the Barons Berkeley and Barons Leconfield.

Lucy is the younger daughter of William M. Colacicchi [born 1954], of Bringhurst, Leicestershire, by his wife the former Clare Elizabeth Vivienne Clutterbuck [born 1958], scion of that landed gentry family. Lucy's younger sister is Cecilia Mary Elizabeth Fitzalan Howard, Countess of Arundel & Surrey [born 1988], wife of the Duke of Norfolk's heir. She is a granddaughter paternally of Count Paul Edward Colacicchi.

2nd Baron Leconfield [1830-1901]-->Hon Mary Wyndham [1870-1944]-->Maj John Maxse [1901-78]-->Col. Martin Maxse [b 1935]-->Clare Maxse [b 1960]-->Rory Campbell-Lamerton [b 1989]

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Allen/Farnham engagement

 The engagement was announced 4 March, 2023, between Guy R.S. Allen, youngest son of Mr & Mrs Stephen Allen, of Field Dalling, Norfolk, and Eleanor Rose E. Farnham (born 14 March, 1988), daughter of the late Daniel John Farnham (1940-2012) and his wife the former Henrietta Mary Philips (born 21 December, 1950), scion of that landed gentry family (she's now Baroness Wigram, second wife of the 3rd Baron Wigram, MVO (born 18 Mar, 1949).

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Twins for the Duke of Northumberland's daughter ...

The Lady Melissa Jane [Missy] Trafelet [nee Percy, born 1987], wife of Remy White Trafelet [born 1970], and scion of the Dukes of Northumberland, gave birth to twin sons, Percy Dean and Alfred Ralph, 22 February, 2023, in Florida, brothers for Bluebell Rose, who was born 19 February, 2020, in New York.

Remy Trafelet is a son of Dean M. Trafelet, former Illinois Circuit Judge, by his wife Janet.

Lady Melissa is a daughter of the 12th Duke of Northumberland, of Alnwick Castle, and Syon House, by his wife the former [Isobel] Jane Miller Richard.

Lady Melissa was previously married, 2013 [div 2016] to Thomas Alexander van Straubenzee [born 1982], scion of that landed gentry family.

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Ian Hamilton McCorquodale 1937-2023

 Ian Hamilton McCorquodale, who died 10 February, 2023, aged 85, was a scion of that landed family, son of the romantic novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, and a half-brother of Raine, Countess Spencer.

Mr McCorquodale was sometime chairman of Debrett's Peerage, and publisher of his mother's vast output of romantic writings. He had been in poor health having suffered several strokes in the early years after his second marriage.

He was born 11 Oct, 1937, the elder son of Hugh McCorquodale, MC (1898-1963), and Dame (Mary) Barbara Hamilton Cartland, DBE (1901-2000). 

His elder half-sister, Raine (1929-2016), married 1stly, 21 July, 1948 (div 1976), the 9th Earl of Dartmouth (1924-97); married 2ndly, 14 July, 1976, Edward John, 8th Earl Spencer, MVO (1924-92).

He married firstly, in 1970 (div 1993), Anna Chisholm (born 1941), daughter of Squadron Leader John Harry McKellar Chisholm, RAF (1918-1944), and his wife the former Patricia Lorraine Hulton-Harrop (1915-1964); and married 2ndly, in Sept, 2000, Bryony Jane Susan St John Brind (1960-2015), the ballerina, daughter of Maj Roger Michael Atchley Brind (b 1934), the Royal Marines, and his wife the former Jennifer M. St John Grey (b circa 1931).

From his first marriage he leaves two daughters, Tara and Iona.

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Obit: Petter Belsvik, husband of the life peer the Baron Paddick

 Petter Belsvik, husband of the Lib Dem life peer, Lord Paddick, has died suddenly at their home in Oslo.

Belsvik married in Oslo, 9 January, 2009, Brian Leonard Paddick (born 24 Apr, 1958), the Liberal Democrat candidate for the London mayoral elections in 2008 and 2012, and senior London policeman.

Brian Paddick was raised to the peerage for life, in 2013, taking the title Baron Paddick, of Brixton in the London Borough of Lambeth.

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Finlayson/McMahon engagement

The engagement was announced 28 February, 2023, between Ian Robert Finlayson (born 1990), son of Robert George Finlayson (born 27 Nov, 1956), of Hannington, Hampshire, and his wife the former Caroline Elliott, & Kara Kameko, daughter of William and Inez McMahon, of New York, New York.

 Ian Finlayson descends from the Milburn baronets (or perhaps I should say from a brother of the 1st Bt).

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Randall-Smith/Dillon engagement

 The engagement was announced 28 February, 2023, between Huw Charles Randall-Smith (born 1990), son of Mr Nicholas Randall-Smith, of Llandyssil, Powys, and his wife the former Jane Cockburn, and Catherine Elizabeth Dillon (born 1989), scion of the Viscounts Dillon, middle daughter of the Hon Michael Edmond Dillon (born 29 Oct, 1957), of Semley, Dorset, and his wife the former Henrietta Catherine Elwell.

The bride-to-be is a granddaughter paternally of the 20th Viscount Dillon (1911-1979).

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The Baron Pendry, PC 1934-2023

 Lord Pendry, PC, life Baron, Labour member of the House of Lords, died 26 February, 2023, aged 88.

As Thomas Pendry he was Labour MP for Stalybridge and Hyde 1970-2001. 

On leaving the Commons in 2001, he was raised to the peerage for life as Baron Pendry, of Stalybridge in the County of Greater Manchester.

He was president of the Football Foundation Ltd and was formerly sports advisor to Tameside District Council Sports Trust.

He was sworn of the Privy Council in 2000.

Tom Pendy married in 1966, Moira Anne Smith, by whom he had a son and a daughter.

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The Baroness Boothroyd, OM, PC 1929-2023

The Baroness Boothroyd, OM, PC, who died 26 February, 2023, aged 93, was, as Betty Boothroyd, MP, the first woman Speaker of the House of Commons.

Betty Boothroyd was born at Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, 8 Oct, 1929, daughter of Archibald Boothroyd (1886-1948) and his wife the former Mary Butterfield (1901-1982).

She served as Labour MP for West Bromwich, May 1973-74; and Lab MP for West Bromwich West 1974-1992 (when elected Speaker); and MP for West Bromwich West, 1992-2000.

Miss Boothroyd was an assistant Govt Whip in the Commons, Oct 1974-Nov 1975; Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means, and Deputy Speaker 1987-1992; Member, Select Committee on Foreign Affairs 1979-81; Member, Speaker's Panel of Chairmen 1979-87; Member of the European Parliament 1975-77; Member of the Labour Party NEC 1981-87; &c.

She was Chancellor of the Open University from 1994; she was raised to the peerage for life in 2000, as Baroness Boothroyd, of Sandwell in the County of West Midlands. She sat as Crossbench member of the Upper House.

She was Sworn of the Privy Council in 1992, and in 2005 she was awarded the Order of Merit, in the personal gift of Queen Elizabeth II.

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Keene/Scott engagement

 The engagement was announced 25 February, 2023, between Juston Frederick Keene (born 1989), second son of the late Richard Miles Keene, of Mill Court, Hampshire, and his wife the former Rachel Amanda Ogilvie Thompson (born 12 Oct, 1960), descended from the Viscounts Hampden, & Hannah Shiera Scott (born 1991), daughter of Roderick Arthur (Rory) Scott (born 16 Feb, 1958), of Wisborough Green, West Sussex, descended from the Barons Colgrain, and his wife the former Petrina Jane Trehearne (born 1959), a granddaughter of the life peer the Baron Harvington (1907-1997).

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Lady Lowson 1945-2023

Lady Lowson, who died 17 February, 2023, was the wife of Sir Ian Lowson, 2nd Baronet.

She was the former Tanya Theresa Judge, daughter of Raymond Judge and his wife the former Rosa Joanna Micaleef, and married 1stly, Robin Bernard Houssemayne Du Boulay, scion of that landed gentry family, son of Lieutenant-Col Michael Hardinge Houssemayne Du Boulay, and his wife the former Eleanor Jean Drysdale Henderson; she married 2nd, in 1979, as his second wife, Sir Ian Patrick Lowson, 2nd Baronet (born 4 September, 1944), son of Sir Denys Colquhoun Flowerdew Lowson, 1st Baronet (1906-1975), Lord Mayor of London, 1950-51, and his wife the former Hon Ann Patricia Macpherson (1919-2003), daughter of the 1st Baron Strathcarron (1880-1937).

From her first marriage she leaves a son, James Houssemayne du Boulay (born 5 Sept, 1972), and from her second marriage, a son, Henry William Lowson (born 10 Nov, 1980), and a daughter, Katherine Louisa Patricia Lowson (born 16 July, 1983).

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Elizabeth Anne Clowes (nee Walker-Okeover) 1940-2023

 Elizabeth Anne Clowes (nee Walker-Okeover), who died 11 February, 2023, aged 82, was a scion of the Walker-Okeover baronets.

She was born 4 July, 1940, the eldest child of Colonel Sir Ian Peter Andrew Munro Walker-Okeover, 3rd Baronet (1902-1982), and his wife the former Dorothy Elizabeth Heber-Percy (1913-2005), scion of the Dukes of Northumberland; and married 20 December, 1969, Lieutenant-Commander Timothy William Clowes, RN (who died 9 September, 2017), also descended from the Dukes of Northumberland, son of William Josceline Clowes (1905-48) and his wife the former Emmadonna Helen Senior (1908-1994), by whom she had issue, two daughters, Catriona (born 1971), and Sophie (born 1974).

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Albert George Chambers (born 2023)

 Fleur Elizabeth Chambers (nee Gibbs, born 1990), wife of Nicholas Timothy G. Chambers [born 1989], gave birth to a son, Albert George, 23 January, 2023.

Nicholas is the elder son of Robert G. Chambers, of Reed, Hertfordshire, by his wife the former [Christine] Belinda Johnson.

Fleur Chambers is the (adopted?) daughter of Alan Francis Gibbs [born 1953], of Midgham Park, Berkshire, scion of the Barons Aldenham & Hunsdon, by his wife the former Francine Nicola Preston [born 1956].

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The Earl of Rosslyn appointed Lord Steward to the Household of the King and Queen

 The 7th Earl of Rosslyn has been appointed Lord Steward and personal secretary to the King and Queen. The courtier, a former Metropolitan policeman, 64, now holds the highest office in the Royal Household.

The Court Circular reports that: The Earl of Dalhousie was received by The King this afternoon, delivered up his Wand of Office and took leave upon relinquishing his appointment as Lord Steward.

The Earl of Rosslyn was received by The King, kissed hands upon his appointment as Lord Steward and received from His Majesty his Wand of Office.

On her accession in 1952 Queen Elizabeth II retained the Duke of Hamilton as Lord Steward, who had been appointed by her father in 1940.

The Lord Steward or Lord Steward of the Household is an official of the Royal Household in England. He is always a peer of the realm. Until 1924, he was always a member of the Government.Until 1782, the office was one of considerable political importance and carried Cabinet rank. The Lord Steward receives his appointment from the Sovereign in person and bears a white staff as the emblem and warrant of his authority. He is the first dignitary of the court. In the House of Lords Precedence Act 1539, an Act of Parliament for placing of the lords, he is described as the grand master or lord steward of the king's most honourable household.

Peter St Clair-Erskine, Earl of Rosslyn, Baron Loughborough, and a baronet, was born 31 March, 1958, and succeeded to the Earldom (cr Peerage of the UK, 1801) on his father's death, 22 Nov, 1977.

Lord Rosslyn was an officer in the Metropolitan Police 1981-94; with Thames Valley Police 1994-2003; elected to the House of Lords (Cross Bench) 1999; and was appointed Head of Royal Protection Squad in 2003, when he first met the future King.

Peter Rosslyn succeeds the 17th Earl of Dalhousie (born 17 Jan, 1948), Lord Seward since 2009.

Lord Rosslyn, as Lord Steward, represented the King and Queen at the memorial service for Dame Frances Campbell-Preston, DCVO, Lady in Waiting to the Queen Mother, which was held at the Chapel of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, yesterday.

Lord Stewards in the late Queen's reign numbered seven:-

The Duke of Hamilton & Brandon 1952-64

The Duke of Westminster 1964-67

Viscount Cobham 1967-72

The Duke of Northumberland 1973-88

Viscount Ridley 1989-2001

The Duke of Abercorn 2001-2009

The Earl of Dalhousie 2009-2023

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Warren/Underwood engagement

 The engagement was announced 22 February, 2023, between James I. Warren, son of Mr Ian Warren, of Billingford, Norfolk, and Ms Catherine May, of Bramford, Suffolk, and Katherine Anne (Katie) Underwood (born 8 Oct, 1984), daughter of Adrian Michael Campbell Underwood (born 1953), of Slad, Gloucestershire, and his wife the former Serena Henrietta Williams Barrington (born 3 Oct, 1956), scion of the Barrington baronets.

Sir Joseph Barrington, 1st Bt > Capt Richard Barrington > Richard Irving Williams Barrington > Maj Lawrence Barrington > Serena Barrington > Katie Underwood

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Ingrid Götilda Philipps (died 2023)

 Ingrid Götilda Philipps (nee von Sydow), died 16 February, 2023.

The former Ingrid Götilda von Sydow married Griffith William Grismond Philipps (born 19 May, 1935), son of Lt-Col Sir Grismond Philipps, CVO (1898-1967), and his wife the former Lady Marjorie Joan Mary Wentworth-Fitzwilliam (1900-2001), a daughter of the 7th Earl Fitzwilliam (1872-1943), of Wentworth Woodhouse.

Ingrid Philipps leaves issue, a son, John George (b 1965), and four daughters, Marianne (b 1967), Charlotte (b 1969), Ebba Serena (Nina) (b 1971), and Eva Götilda Joan (b 1979).

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Lady Aird, CVO 1934-2023

 Lady Aird, CVO, who died 11 February, 2023, aged 88, was a Lady-in-Waiting to the late Princess Margaret, and was widow of courtier Sir Alastair Aird, GCVO, private secretary to the Queen Mother.

She was born Fiona Violet Myddelton, 24 September, 1934, scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Ririd Myddelton, LVO, (1902-88), Coldstream Guards, and his wife Lady Mary Margaret Elizabeth Petty-Fitzmaurice (1910-2003), sister of the 8th Marquess of Lansdowne (1912-1999).

Fiona Myddelton was appointed an Extra Lady-in-Waiting to HRH The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon in 1960, and served the princess in that capacity until HRH's death in 2002. 

She married 22 July, 1963, Alastair Sturgis Aird (born 14 January, 1931), scion of the Aird baronets, son of Malcolm Henry Aird, OBE (1899-1965), and his wife the former Joan Meredith Sturgis (died 1986). Alastair Aird served as an Equerry to HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1960-64, and was Her Majesty's assistant private secretary from 1964 to 1973, Comptroller to the Queen Mother's Household 1974-2002; and Private Secretary to Her Majesty from 1993 until her demise, in March, 2002.

Alastair Aird was appointed LVO in 1969, advanced to CVO in 1977, KCVO in 1984, and GCVO in 1997.

Lady Aird was appointed LVO in 1980, and advanced to CVO in 2001.

She is survived by two daughters, Caroline (born 18 June, 1964), and Henrietta (born 9 June, 1966).

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Laurence John de la Poer Beresford-Peirse (born 2023)

 Catherine Jane de la Poer Beresford-Peirse (nee Hartnett), wife of John de la Poer Beresford-Peirse (born 27 June, 1973), scion of the Beresford-Peirse baronets, gave birth to a son, Laurence John, 28 January, 2023.

Catherine is a daughter of Mr Denis Hartnett of Portsmouth and Ms Catherine Glennane of Gosport, and John is the second son of the late Sir Henry Grant de la Poer Beresford-Peirse, 6th Baronet (1933-2013), and his wife the former Jadranka Njers, and is a brother of Sir Henry, 7th Baronet (b 25 March, 1969).

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Sir Peter Wilfred Giles Graham Moon, 5th Baronet 1942-2023

 Sir Peter Graham Moon, 5th Baronet, died 6 February, 2023, aged 80.

The baronet was a rally driver and noted womaniser who made headlines in 1992 when his wife cut up his Savile Row suits and gave away his wine cellar.

Peter Wilfred Giles Graham Moon was born 24 October, 1942, son of Sir Arthur Wilfred Graham Moon, 4th Baronet (1905-1954), and his 2nd wife the former Doris Patricia (née Baron-Jobson) (who died 30 Nov, 1953), and succeeded to the baronetcy on his father's demise, 25 February, 1954.

The baronetcy was created in 1855 for Francis Graham Moon, a print seller who as Lord Mayor of London received the Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie of France. The second baronet, Edward, was a clergyman. The title passed in 1904 to Francis, who had served in the Second Boer War (1899-1902), and seven years later to his nephew, Wilfred.

Sir Peter's mother died in 1953 and his father died a year later, leaving the 12-year-old boy with a title and a £150,000 trust fund (£5 million in today’s money). His stepmother, Theodora, died in 1956 and thereafter he was shunted around various guardians, at least one of whom was an alcoholic. He was educated at Lancing College, leaving at 17 with one O-level to pursue rally driving while living on a private income of £2,000 a year.

Sir Peter married firstly, 21 Apr, 1967 (div 1992), Mrs Sarah Gillian Chater (nee Smith) (born 10 Nov, 1937), daughter of Michael Carson Lyndon Smith (1908-61), and his wife the former Mary Pauline Rowlatt (who died 1988). He married 2ndly, 1993 (div 1997) Terry Lynn Coetzee; and married 3rdly, in 1998, Noodaeng Samingram.

 From his first marriage he had issue, two sons, Rupert and Thomas, and from his third marriage he had a daughter, Honey Bee. The elder son, Rupert Francis Wilfred Graham Moon (born 29 Apr, 1968), succeeds to the baronetcy.

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Bangsgaard/Frewen engagement

 The engagement was announced  20 February, 2023, between Anders Bangsgaard , son of Ulla and Jesper Bangsgaard, of Hjørring, Denmark, and Jennie Selina McMorrough Frewen (born 17 November, 1992), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Robert Edward Jerome Frewen (born 10 May, 1957), of Park Hall, Healaugh, near Tadcaster, Yorkshire, by his wife the former Rolline Charlotte Williamson (born 31 Aug, 1956), scion of the Barons Forres.

Jennie Frewen is descended from the American financier Leonard Jerome (1817-91), from his daughter, Clarita (1851-1835), sister of Jennie Jerome (1854-1921), Lady Randolph Churchill, mother of Sir Winston Churchill, &c.

Leonard Jerome > Clarita Jerome > Hugh Moreton Frewen > Roger Frewen > Robert Frewen > Jennie Frewen

The 1st Baron Forres > Capt the Hon Gerald Williamson > Alexander Fergus Forbes Williamson > Rolline Williamson > Jennie Frewen

Haxby/Hedges engagement

 The engagement was announced 18 February, 2023, between William H. Haxby, younger son of  Mr and Mrs Adrian Haxby, of Putney, London, and Harriet Fiona Hedges (born 25 January, 1994), eldest daughter of James Killingworth Hedges (born 1958), of Shaftesbury, co Dorset, and his wife the former Emma Mary Pym (born 25 June, 1963), scion of that landed gentry family.

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Oosthuizen/Wade-Palmer engagement

 The engagement was announced 18 February, 2023, between Jonathan Daniel (Jonny) Oosthuizen (born circa 1990), son of Daniel F. Oosthuizen (born 1959), of Petersfield, Hampshire, and his wife the former Janet Rea, and Imogen Louise Wade-Palmer (born 1996), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Stephen Aubrey Wade-Palmer (born 1956), and his wife the former Francesca L. Irwin.

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The 5th Baron Churston 1934-2023

 The 5th Baron Churston, who died 16 February, 2023, aged 88, was a peer whose family have played an important role at the Coronation of our Kings and Queens.

The monarch has been invested with golden spurs at the coronation since the end of the 12th century. The spurs are part of the regalia created for King Charles II for his coronation in 1661 after the previous set was melted down under Oliver Cromwell. It was hereditary in the family of Lord Churston for the peer to carry one of the spurs into Westminster Abbey.

John Francis Yarde-Buller was born 29 December, 1934, son of Richard, the 4th Baron (1910-1991), who bore one of the golden spurs at the Coronation, June 2, 1953, and his 1st wife the former Elizabeth Mary Du Pré (1910-1951), scion of that landed gentry family.

Lord Churtson's grandfather, the 3rd Baron, caused something of a sensation in aristocratic circles when in 1907 he married the gaiety girl and music hall actress and singer Jessie Smither (whose stage name was Denise Orme). 

John Yarde-Buller, of Puddington, Tiverton, Devon, succeeded his father, 9 April, 1991, as 5th Baron Churston (Peerage of the UK, cr 1858), and as the 7th baronet (Cr GB, 1790).

He married 25 Oct, 1973, Alexandra Joanna Contomichalos, daughter of Anthony Contomichalos, of Eaton Place, Belgravia, London, by whom he had a son, Benjamin, and two daughters, the Hon Katherine Marina (born 23 Dec, 1975), and the Hon Francesca Elizabeth (born 17 Dec, 1980). The son, the Hon Benjamin Francis Anthony Yarde-Buller (born 13 September, 1974), now succeeds as 6th Baron Churston and 8th Baronet, and in him is vested the right to bear one of the golden spurs at the Coronation.

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Sylvia Mae Lawrence (born 2023)

 Juliet Amy Lawrence (née Du Vivier, born 1979), wife of Michael Lawrence, and descended from the Aske baronets, gave birth to a daughter, Sylvia Mae, 9 February, 2023, a sister for Daphne Jacqueline Helen, who was born 5 March, 2021.

Michael is a son of Mr and Mrs Peter Lawrence, of Crowborough, East Sussex, and Juliet is a daughter of Hugh Michael Du Vivier (born 1945), of Fulham, and his late wife the former Jacqueline Sarah de Belleroche (who died 2019).

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Holly Rose Hamer (born 2023)

 Philippa Rosemary Kate Hamer [born  1990], wife of Capt Andrew Hamer, RAMC, gave birth to a daughter, Holly Rose (HRH), 10 February, 2023, a sister for Archie, who was born 17 May, 2020.

Capt Hamer is a son of the late Mr Kevin Hamer and Mrs Stella Hamer, of Rhos-y-Meirch, Powys, and Philippa [Pippa] Hamer is a daughter of Rory Peter Alastair Macdiarmid, of Babcary, Somerset, by his wife the former Hon Lucinda Mary Joan Darling [born 1958], daughter of the 2nd Baron Darling [1919-2003].

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Baroness Swinfen, MBE (died 2023)

The Baroness Swinfen, MBE, who died 9 February, 2023, was the widow of the 3rd Baron Swinfen.

She was the former Patricia Anne Blackmore, daughter of Frank Blackmore, of Dundrum, co Dublin, and married 24 October, 1962, the Hon Roger Mynors Swinfen Eady, who was born 14 December, 1938, son of the 2nd Baron [1904-1977], and his 1st wife the former Mary Aline Farmar [died 30 Dec, 2002]. Her husband succeeded to the peerage on the death of his father, 19 March, 1977, as 3rd Baron, and died 5 June, 2022. He was 83.

Lord Swinfen was one of the 42 hereditary peers elected to the House of Lords following the Blair reforms of 1999.

Lady Swinfen leaves issue, a son Charles, the 4th Baron, and three daughters, Georgina, Katherine and Arabella. 

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Robert Eben Neil Pike 1945-2023

(Robert Eben) Neil Pike, who died 10 February, 2023, aged 77, was a scion of that Irish landed family, born in 1945, second son of Lt-Colonel Godfrey Eben Pike, DSO, MBE, Grenadier Guards, and his wife the former Caroline Fox Hanbury (1921-1984), scion of that landed gentry family; and married 25 March, 1968, the Lady Romayne Aileen Brabazon (born 26 May, 1943), daughter of the 14th Earl of Meath (1910-1998), and his wife the former Elizabeth Mary Bowlby (1913-2009), scion of that landed gentry family, by whom he had issue, a daughter, Tamsin (born 1972), and a son, Harry (born 1974).

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Lieutenant Commander Anthony Portal, RN 1932-2023

 Lieutenant-Commander Anthony Portal, RN, scion of the Portal baronets, died 8 February, 2023, aged 90.

He was born 19 June, 1932, second son of Admiral Sir Reginald Henry Portal, DSC, KCB (1894-1983),  and his wife the former Helen Sophia Anderson (1902-1983), scion of that landed gentry family; and married 20 May, 1956, Chantal Marie-Francoise Dumast, daughter of Baron Gabriel Marie-François Guerrier de Dumast, of Château de Rozet, Saint-Vit, Doubs, France, by whom he had issue, three sons, Frederick (born 27 Sept 1958), William (born 10 Sept 1961), and Philip (born 16 Sept, 1963).

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Graham Morison Vere Nicoll 1940-2023

 Graham Morison Vere Nicoll died 12 February, 2023, aged 82.

He was born 9 November, 1940, the eldest son of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Morison Vere Nicoll, DSO, OBE (1908-1999), and his wife the former Joan Madden (1912-2008), scion of the Madden baronets; and married 1stly 24 July, 1963 (div 1972), as her 1st husband, Lucinda Marjorie Gurney (born 1946), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Capt Timothy John Gurney (1921-2001), and his wife the former Bridget de Bathe (1922-2011), scion of the de Bathe baronets; married 2ndly, 1972 (div.) Jane Kidd (born 1943), daughter of Major Thomas Edward Dealtry (1910-1979), and his wife the former Hon Janet Gladys Aitken (1908-88), scion of the Barons Beaverbrook; and married 3rdly, 1980 (div 1992), Mrs Jacquelyn Alexander (nee Bray), former wife of Mr John Alexander; and married 4thly, 1994, Mrs Sally Davis, former wife of Mr John Davis, and daughter of John Anderton, OBE.

From his first marriage he leaves a son Simon (born 29 Apr, 1968), and from his third marriage he leaves a son, Harry (born 30 Sept, 1983), and from his fourth marriage he leaves two daughters, Poppy (born 1995), and Rose (born 1998).

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Walter/Day engagement

 The engagement was announced 17 February, 2023, between Edward William (Eddie) Walter (born 1990), younger son of Mr John Walter (born 23 Feb, 1953), of Clapham, London, and his wife the former Davina Jane Rutland (born 1954), & Caroline Day, daughter of Mr & Mrs Andrew Day, of Pattingham, Wolverhampton.

Eddie Walter is descended from the Earls of Enniskillen:-

The 3rd Earl of Enniskillen > Hon Arthur Cole > Lowry Cole > Florence Margaret Cole > John Walter > Eddie Walter

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Peter Richard Wingate Pemberton 1944-2023

 Peter Richard Wingate Pemberton, who has died aged 78, was a scion of that landed gentry family, was a younger son of Sir Francis Wingate William Pemberton, CBE (1916-2011), head of that family, and his 1st wife the former Diana Patricia Woods (1921-1999); and married 1991, as her second husband, Mrs Anthea Pascal, daughter of Merrick Stanley Coveney-Hyams (1913-1982) and his wife the former Diana Joan Caulfield-Stoker (1915-72).

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Richard James Keevil 1944-2023

 Richard James Keevil, died 7 February, 2023, aged 78; scion of that landed family, son of James Arthur Keevil (1897-1974), and his wife Kathleen Winifred Wright (1913-1997); and married in 1981, Caroline Elizabeth Rumbold (born 15 March, 1950), scion of the Rumbold baronets, daughter of Sir Horace Algernon Fraser Rumbold, KCMG (1906-1993), and his wife Margaret Adel Hughes (1916-2001); by whom he had issue, two daughters, Katharine Elizabeth Adele (born 1982), and Cordelia Jane (born 1988).

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Patrick Armour Playfair-Hannay of Kingsmuir 1929-2023

Patrick Armour Playfair-Hannay of Kingsmuir died 31 January, 2023, aged 93; son of John Maxwell Playfair (1898-1983), and his wife Marjory Jean Armour-Hannay, MBE (1901-1983), who was head of that landed gentry family of Hannay of Kingsmuir.

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Caldin/Harrison-Allen engagement

 The engagement was announced 16 February, 2023, between Alexander Robert Giles Caldin (born circa 1984), son of (Peter) Giles Caldin, of Salford, Oxfordshire, and his wife the former Rachel M. Roberts, and Isobel Camilla Honoria Harrison-Allen (born 23 May, 1990), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Hugh David Rowland Harrison-Allen (born 1950), and his wife the former Amanda Jane Ommanney (born 26 Feb, 1953), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Major Peter Richard Ommanney (1911-1995), and his wife the former Joan Isobel Paterson (1920-2005).

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Fotopoulos/Foyle engagement

 The engagement was announced 16 February, 2023, between Evangelos Fotopoulos, son of Mr and Mrs Michael Fotopoulos, of Johannesburg, South Africa, and Antonia Leonora D. Foyle (born 6 July, 1988), scion of that landed gentry family, and book sellers, younger daughter of Anthony George Eugene Foyle (born June, 1950), of Earlston, Berwickshire, and Mrs Foyle.

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Prudence Baillie-Hamilton (nee Wykeham-Musgrave) 1931-2023

Prudence Baillie-Hamilton (nee Wykeham-Musgrave), who died 12 February, 2023, aged 91, was a scion of that landed gentry family; born in July, 1931, daughter of Commander Wenman Humfrey Wykeham-Musgrave, RN (1899-1989), head of that landed family, by his wife the former Elizabeth Ada Swift (1910-1998); and married 3 April, 1954, James Angus Buchanan-Baillie-Hamilton (1927-2011), scion of the Earls of Haddington, son of John Edmonstone Buchanan-Baillie-Hamilton (1874-1957), and his wife the former Bridget Everitt Baker (1891-1971), by whom she had issue, two sons, Charles (born 27 Aug 1957), and Simon (b 13 Aug 1963), and two daughters, Jane (b 14 July, 1955), and Sally (b 3 June, 1961).

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Jonathan Hay Marland (died 2023)

 Jonathan Hay Marland died 17 January, 2023.

He married in 1979, Penelope Margaret Fox (born 21 August, 1953), daughter of the Venerable Benjamin George Burton Fox, MC, TD (1914-1978), and his wife the Hon Margaret Joan Davidson (1922-2008), daughter of the 1st Viscount Davidson, GCVO, CH, CB, PC (1889-1970); by whom he had issue, two sons, Edward and David.

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Dathan/Line engagement

 The engagement was announced 14 February, 2023, between Matthew T. Dathan, son of Martin & Philippa Dathan, of Stourbridge, West Midlands, and Harriet Claire Line (born 14 Nov, 1992), daughter of Michael Robert Line, of Warsash, Hampshire, and his wife the former Primrose Miranda Margaret Harvey (born 26 June, 1953), descended from the Rycroft baronets.

Maj Sir Richard Rycroft, 5th Baronet > Alice Juliana Rosamond Rycroft > Primrose Miranda Margaret Harvey > Harriet Claire Line

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John Woodman Blair (died 2023)

 John Woodman (Johnnie) Blair, died 6 February, 2023, aged 86.

He was born circa 1936, son of Arthur Blair, of Clint House, Stenton, Dunbar, East Lothian; married 1975, Claire Lucy Ford (born 3 Aug, 1949), scion of the Ford baronets, daughter of Harold Frank Ford (1915-1994), and his wife the former Lucy Mary Burnet; by whom he had a son, Charles (born 1980), and two daughters, Zepherine (born 1978), and Molly (born 1985).

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Lily Tabitha Letty Brown (born 2023)

Cordelia Isabel Marie Brown [nee Kerr], wife of Edward Charles Alexander Brown [born 1986], and scion of the Marquesses of Lothian, gave birth to a daughter, Lily Tabitha Letty, 1 February, 2023, a sister for Isla Annie Isabel, who was born 13 November, 2020.

Cordelia is a daughter of William Walter Raleigh Kerr [born 17 Aug, 1950], and his wife the former Griselda Mary Hamilton-Baillie [born 7 Nov, 1950], scion of the Earls of Haddington.

Edward Brown is a son of Lieutenant-General Christopher Charles Brown, CBE [born 1955], and his wife the former Leigh Margaret Kennedy.

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Hon Mrs Christopher Roxbee Cox (died 2023)

 The Hon Mrs Christopher Roxbee Cox (née Ardagh), died 4 February, 2023.

She was the former Rosemary Joyce Ardagh, daughter of Frederick Day Ardagh (1893-1939) and his wife the former Ethel Joyce Griffin (1897-1990); and married in 1955, Christopher Withers Roxbee Cox (1928-2018), son of the life peer the Baron Kings Norton (1902-97), and his wife the former (Doris) Marjorie Withers (1902-80), by whom she had two sons, Martin & Philip.

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Hugh Hudson 1936-2023

 Hugh Hudson, the film director, died 10 February, 2023, aged 86.

He was born Hugh Donaldson-Hudson, 25 August, 1936, scion of that landed gentry family, son of Lt Michael Donaldson-Hudson (1900-1965), and his wife the former Jacynth Ellerton (1897-1987), descended from the Earls of Bradford; and married 1stly 1977 (div 1995), Susan Michien (born 1946), daughter of Alastair Milne Michie (1921-2008), the painter & sculptor, and his wife the former Hazel May Greenham (1923-2006); and married 2ndly, 2003, Mariam-Georgina d'Abo (born 27 Dec, 1960) (the actress Maryam d'Abo), daughter of Peter Claude Holland d'Abo (1917-1995), of that landed gentry family, and his second wife the former Nino Kvinitadze

Hudson's film debut Chariots of Fire was an international triumph. He leaves a son, Thomas, from his first marriage.

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Ann, Lady Heathcote (died 2023)

 Ann, Lady Heathcote, who died 30 January, 2023, was the second wife, and widow, of Brigadier-General Sir Gilbert Heathcote, 9th Baronet, CBE.

She was the former Ann Hatton, daughter of Wing Commander J.A. Hatton, OBE, and married 1stly, 14 May, 1948, Brigadier James Frederick Charles Mellor, DSO, OBE (1913-1976), and his wife the former Betty Marquand; married 2ndly, 2 April, 1984, Brigadier-General Sir Gilbert Simon Heathcote, 9th Baronet (born 21 September, 1913). Her second husband died 15 Apr, 2014, aged 100.

Lady Heathcote leaves issue from her first marriage.

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Cecilia Louise Somerville Hamilton (née Catt) 1940-2023

Cecilia Louise Somerville Hamilton (née Catt), who died 24 January, 2023, aged 82, was a descendant of the Barons St John of Bletso; born in 1940, daughter of Major Charles Erling Bernard Catt (1908-42), and his wife Cecil Elinor Katherine Margaret Somerville (1913-1999), scion of the Somerville baronets; and married 30 July, 1966, William Alexander Hubert Hamilton (born 22 Feb, 1941), scion of the Hamilton baronets, of Preston, son of Robert William Hamilton (1905-1995), and his wife the former Eileen Hetty Lowick (1916-1997), by whom she had a son, Alexander (born 25 June, 1967), and a daughter, Anna (born 16 May, 1969).

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Hall/Threlfall engagement

The engagement was announced 11 February, 2023, between Thomas W. Hall, son of Mr & Mrs Nigel Hall, and Octavia Eugenia Threlfall (born 1993), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Hugh Threlfall (born 1961), and his wife the former Guisela Gray.

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Shaw/Turner engagement

 The engagement was announced 11 February, 2023, between the Hon Joseph Thomas Shaw (born 9 March, 1996), fourth and youngest son of the 4th Baron Craigmyle (born 19 Oct, 1960), of St Catherine, Somerset, and his wife the former (Katharine) Alice Floyd, and Alexandra J.T. Turner, only daughter of Mr & Mrs David Turner, of Chelsea, London.

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Eliza Delia Montagu-Pollock (born 2022)

 Louisa Alexandra Matilda Montagu-Pollock [nee Matheson, born 1989], wife of Archer William Montagu-Pollock [born 1986], gave birth to a daughter, Eliza Delia, 5 November, 2022, a sister for Jack Michael, who was born 13 October, 2020.

Louisa is a scion of the Matheson baronets, daughter of Lt-Col Sir Alexander Matheson, 8th Baronet (b 26 Aug 1954), of Brightwalton, Berkshire, by his wife the former Katharine Davina Mary Oswald (descended from the Marquesses of Exeter).

Archer is a scion of the Montagu-Pollock baronets, second son of Jonathan David Montagu-Pollock (born 1947), of Winterbourne Stoke, Wiltshire, by his wife the former Deirdre Clare Binding.

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Jonathan Lawrence Compton 1953-2023

 Jonathan Lawrence Compton died 18 January, 2023, aged 69. 

He was born in 1953, son of Alfred John Alwyne Compton (1918-2015), and his wife the former Diana Slocock (born 1922); and married 28 November, 1981, Caroline Mary Close-Smith (born 17 March, 1954), descended from the Lords Kinloss, daughter of Henry Temple Close-Smith (1918-2011), scion of that landed gentry family, and his wife the former Cicely Margaret Hill (1924-2014), descended from the Viscounts Powerscourt, by whom he had issue, a son, Edmund (born 1990), and two daughters, Emily (born 1984), and Rosalind (born 1986).

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Hon (Leslie) Bruce Hacking 1940-2023

The Hon (Leslie) Bruce Hacking, who died 31 January, 2023, aged 82, was a scion of the Barons Hacking (Peerage of the UK, cr 1938), born 16 June, 1940, second son of the 2nd Baron Hacking (1910-1971), and his wife the former Daphne Violet Finnis (who died 21 June, 1998); and married 23 Sept, 1967, the Hon Fiona Margaret Noel-Paton, daughter of the life peer, the Baron Ferrier, by whom he had issue, a son, Matthew (born 1969), and a daughter, Joanna (born 1972).

The Hon Bruce Hacking was a page of honour to the Duke of Portland at the 1953 Coronation.

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Diana, Lady Lewthwaite 1943-2023

 Diana, Lady Lewthwaite (née Tomkinson), who died 30 January, 2023, aged 79, was the widow of Sir David Lewthwaite, 5th and last Baronet.

She was born in 1943, daughter of William Robert Tomkinson (1909-1980), and his wife the former Helen Mary Blane (1913-2000), and was a granddaughter maternally of Sir Charles Blane, 4th & last Baronet (1879-1916); and married 11 Oct, 1969, David Rainald Lewthwaite (born 26 March, 1940), son of Sir Rainald Lewthwaite, 4th Baronet (1913-2003), and his wife the former Margaret Elizabeth Edmonds (died 1990). Her husband succeeded his father in the baronetcy, 15 Apr, 2003, and died 28 July, 2004.

Lady Lewthwaite leaves issue, two daughters, Emma Victoria (born 26 Nov, 1971), and Mary-Claire (born 11 Dec, 1972).

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Fountaine/Snell engagement

 The engagement was announced 9 February, 2023, between Marcus John F. Fountaine (born 1990), scion of that landed gentry family, second son of Charles Andrew Fountaine (1953-2003), of Narford Hall, Norfolk, head of that family, and his wife the former Susan Jane Oliver (born 1955), and Verity C. Snell, daughter of the late Christopher Snell, and Mrs Snell, of Dulverton, Somerset.

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Richenda Dawn Greenwood (née Gurney) 1930-2023

 Richenda Dawn Greenwood (née Gurney), who died 30 January, 2023, was a scion of the Gurney landed gentry family, born in 1930, daughter of Brigadier Cecil Hay Gurney, CBE (1901-1999), a descendant of the 17th Earl of Erroll, and his wife the former Elnyth Merryll Segar-Owen (1903-93); she married 27 January, 1962, Major Paul Carwithen Greenwood (1931-2013), by whom she had issue,

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Buckingham/Fenwicke-Clennell engagement

 The engagement was announced 8 February, 2023, between Benjamin Buckingham, son of the late Martin Buckingham, and Mrs Buckingham, of Warham, Norfolk, and Antonia Ursula Fenwicke-Clennell (born 1991), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Nicholas Fenwicke-Clennell (born 28 February, 1959), of Little Maplestead, Essex, and his wife the former Susan Elizabeth Gould (born 1982).

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April Geraldine Wilson 1925-2023

 April Geraldine Wilson, who died 25 January, 2023, aged 97, was descended maternally from the Barons Suffield.

She was born 10 April, 1925, daughter of Gerald Howard Wilson (1898-1982), and his wife the former Sophy Almina Harbord (1902-1975), a great-granddaughter of the 3rd Baron Suffield; and was unmarried.

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Elizabeth Margery Felicity Lister (nee Davies) 1933-2023

Elizabeth Margery Felicity Lister (nee Davies), died 25 January, 2023, aged 89.

She was born 16 December, 1933, and married 16 March, 1956, Roderick Villiers (Roddy) Lister (1930-2020), scion of that landed gentry family, son of Algernon Hamilton Lister (1887-1964), and his wife the former Marjorie Joan Wacher (1893-1989), by whom she had issue, two sons (Thomas Peter) Hugo (born 6 June, 1959), and (Frederick) Rupert Llewelyn (born 13 July, 1961), and a daughter, Camilla Charlotte Felix (born 3 Mar 1966).

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Fleur Caroline Douetil (née Mountain) 1933-2023

Fleur Caroline Douetil (née Mountain), who died 22 January, 2023, aged 89, was a scion of the Mountain baronets. 

She was born 22 February, 1933, daughter of Sir Brian Edward Stanley Mountain, 2nd Baronet (1899-1977), and his wife the former Doris Elsie Lamb (1906-2000); and married 21 July, 1955, Dane Peter Douetil (1927-2014), son of Capt Philip Victor Douetil (1894-1938), and his wife the former Dorothy Violet Grinling (1892-1986), by whom she had three sons, Dane (born 1960), Guy (born 1963), and William (born 1966), and a daughter, Nicola (1957-1993).

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Eve Turner (nee Plunkett) 1935-2023

Eve Turner (nee Plunkett), who died 2 February, 2023, was a scion of the Barons Louth.

She was born 29 September, 1935, daughter of Randal Otway Plunkett (1914-1998), and his wife the former Sylvia May Rutherford (1913-2007); and married 4 March, 1958, Philip John Turner (who died in 2009), by whom she had issue, two sons, Mark Stephen (born 11 Feb, 1959), and Nicholas Matthew (born 14 Dec, 1960).

She was descended from a younger son of the 11th Baron Louth (1757-1823).

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The Baroness Lawson of Blaby 1947-2023

Baroness Lawson of Blaby, who died 31 January, 2023, her 76th birthday, was the wife of the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nigel Lawson, Baron Lawson of Blaby.

She was born Thérèse Mary Bate, 31 January, 1947, daughter of Henry Charles Maclear Bate, of Putney, London, and married 1980, as his second wife, Baron Lawson of Blaby, PC (born 11 March 1932), who was a Conservative party politician, and leading member of Margaret Thatcher's administration, Chancellor of the Exchequer for six years.

Her husband served as Conservative MP for Blaby from 1974 to 1992, and served in Margaret Thatcher's Cabinet from 1981 to 1989. Prior to entering the Cabinet, he served as the Financial Secretary to the Treasury from May 1979 until his promotion to Secretary of State for Energy. He was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer in June 1983, and served until his resignation in October 1989. In both Cabinet posts, Lawson was a key proponent of Thatcher's policies of privatisation of several key industries.  Lawson was a backbencher from 1989 until he retired in 1992, and was raised to the peerage for life in that year as Baron Lawson of Blaby, of Newnham in the County of Northamptonshire.

Her husband survived her by several months and died 3 April, 2023.

She leaves a son, the Hon Thomas Lawson (b 1976), and daughter, the Hon Emily (born 1981).

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Ann Leonora Dirom Vyvyan-Robinson (died 2023)

 Ann Leonora Dirom Vyvyan-Robinson, who died 22 January, 2023, aged 90, was the widow of Cecil Courtenay Vyvyan-Robinson (1928-2022), scion of the Vyvyan baronets.

She was a daughter of Victor Berwyn Jones (1898-  ), of Stonehouse, Gloucestershirem and married in 1955. Her husband died 14 April, 2022, aged 93. She leaves a son and three daughters.

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Hon Diana Hester Heimann 1944-2023

 The Hon Diana Heimann, who died in Cape Town, 30 January, 2023, was a daughter of the Rt Hon Iain Macleod, MP, PC, briefly Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Heath administration in 1970.

Diana Hester Macleod was born in 1944, daughter of the Rt Hon Iain Norman Macleod (1913-70), who died in office at 11 Downing Street, by his wife the former Evelyn Hester Blois (1915-1999), scion of the Blois baronets, and a granddaughter maternally of the 3rd Baron Hampton. Following the death of her husband she was raised to the peerage for life as Baroness Macleod of Borve.

Diana Macleod married in 1968, David Heimann, by whom she had issue, 

Arthur Digby Roland Neave (born 2023)

Anna Elizabeth Neave [nee Steadman, born 1988], wife of Sebastian Airey Stuart Neave [born 1989], scion of the Neave baronets, gave birth to a son, Arthur Digby Roland, 16 January, 2023, a brother for Christopher Robert Airey [Kit], who was born 10 June, 2020.

Sebastian is a son of the Hon William Robert Sheffield Neave [born 1953], of East Orchard, Dorset, by his wife the former Joanna Mary Stuart Paton [born 1957], and is a grandson of the assassinated Conservative MP, the Rt Hon Airey Neave, MP, PC [1916-1979], by his wife the former Diana Giffard [1919-92], who following her widowhood was created a peer for life as Baroness Airey of Abingdon.

Anna Neave is a daughter of Timothy R. Steadman, by his wife the former Alison C. Spankie.

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Boudicca Ete Lilou More-Molyneux (born 2023)

 Sophia L.H. More-Molyneux (nee Lintott), wife of Alexander G. More-Molyneux, scion of that landed family, gave birth to a daughter, Boudicca Ete Lilou, a sister for Cressida, Rocco, Aubrey and Zsa Zsa.

Alexander is the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Michael More-Molyneux, of Loseley Park, Guildford, and Sophia is the eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Guy Lintott, of Shroton, Dorset. 

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Lord Clifford of Chudleigh's heir engaged

 The engagement was announced 4 February, 2023, between the Hon Alexander Thomas Hugh Clifford (born 24 Sept, 1985), elder son and heir of the 14th Baron Clifford of Chuldeigh (b 17 Mar, 1948) (Peerage of England, cr 1672), of Ugbrooke Park, Chudleigh, Devon, by his former wife (Muriel) Suzanne Austin, & Lucy Jane Lenygon (born 1986), daughter of Mr Nicholas J. Lenygon (born 1954) and Mrs Sarah J. Lenygon (nee Murray).

It will be Alexander Clifford's second marriage. His first to Dr Caitlin Blake-Lane, daughter of Mr & Mrs Roger Blake-Lane, of Toorak, Melbourne, Australia, which took place in 2017 ended in divorce two years later.

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Audrey Rose Fetherston-Dilke (born 2023)

Edwina Rose Fetherston-Dilke [nee Bagge, born 7 March, 1985], wife of George Michael Fetherston-Dilke [born 1985], scion of that landed gentry family, gave birth to a daughter, Audrey Rose, 30 January, 2023, a sister for Margot Stella, who was born 11 March, 2021.

George is a son of Michael Fetherston-Dilke [born 28 December, 1948], and his wife the former Rosemary Anne Keith [born 18 April, 1951].

Edwina Fetherston-Dilke, a scion of the Bagge baronets, is a daughter of [Alfred] James Stephen Bagge [born 7 December, 1952], of Stradsett, Norfolk, and his wife the former Victoria Imogen Lyndon Skeggs.

Sir John Bagge, 6th Bt [1914-90] > Alfred Bagge [b 1952] > Edwina Bagge [b 1985] > Audrey Rose Fetherston-Dilke (born 2023)

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Anne Georgiana, Lady Coote 1928-2023

 Anne Georgiana, Lady Coote, who died 25 January, 2023, aged 94, was the widow of Sir Christopher Coote, 15th Baronet (1928-2016).

She was born Anne Georgiana Handford, 29 November, 1928, second daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Donald James Handford (1889-1980), of Conham, co Wiltshire, and his wife the former Elinor Marianne D'Arcy (1890-1976), scion of the Barons D'Arcy de Knayth; and married 23 August, 1952, Christopher John Coote (born 22 Sept, 1928), son and heir of Sir John Ralph Coote, 14th Baronet (1905-1978), and his wife the former Noreen Una Tighe (who died 4 March, 1996).

Her husband succeeded to his father's baronetcy, 23 January, 1978, and died 29 November, 2016.

Lady Coote leaves a son, Sir Nicholas Coote, 16th Baronet (born 28 Jul 1953), and a daughterm Vanessa (born 10 Aug, 1955).

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Sir David Gwynne Evans-Tipping, 5th Baronet 1943-2023

 Sir David Gwynne Evans-Tipping, 5th Baronet (who died not use the title), died 31 January, 2023. He was 79.

He was born 25 November, 1943, son of Sir Francis Loring Gwynne-Evans, 4th Baronet (1914-1993), and his 1st wife the former Elisabeth fforde fforde-Tipping, and succeeded to the baronetcy (created 1913), on his father's death, 29 December, 1993.

Sir David married in 2003 (Francoise) Lucy Saldes. There was no issue of the marriage, and the baronetcy now devolves upon his nephew, Guy Edward Francis Evans-Tipping (born 10 May, 1978).

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Grace Williamina Vyvyan Graham Pryor (born 2023)

Skye Pryor (nee Trayler Graham, born 1983), wife of James Charles Edward Pryor [born 1979], scion of that landed family, of Weston, gave birth to a daughter, Grace Williamina Vyvyan Graham, 30 January, 2023.

James Pryor is the fifth son of Stephen Charles Archibald Pryor [born 24 November, 1941], by his wife the former Caroline Mary Louise Vyvyan [born 1942], scion of the Vyvyan baronets.

Skye is a daughter of Ranald I.M. Graham, by his wife the former Carolyn D. Trayler [born 1948].

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The Countess of Longford 1939-2023

 The Countess of Longford, who died 21 January, 2023, aged 83, did not use her aristocratic title and was known as Valerie Pakenham, the writer, who achieved considerable success with her books.

She was born Valerie Susan McNair Scott, 13 November, 1939, the third daughter of Major Ronald Guthrie McNair Scott (1904-1995), of Huish House, Old Basing, Hampshire, by his wife the former Hon Mary Cecilia Berry (1906-1996), and was the granddaughter of William Berry, 1st Viscount Camrose (1879-1954), proprietor and editor-in-chief of The Daily Telegraph from 1928 to 1954.

Prior to her marriage she worked in journalism in London with the publishers Condé Nast and the Daily Mail.

Valerie claimed “always to have hated proper writing”, but nevertheless achieved considerable success with her books, many exploring the history and culture of Ireland. This was her adopted homeland where, with her husband Thomas, she restored his family seat Tullynally Castle and its gardens, in Co Westmeath, opening them to the public.

She married 23 July, 1964, Thomas Frank Dermot Pakenham (born 14 August, 1933), who declined the use of a courtesy title, eldest son of the 7th Earl of Longford, KG, PC (1905-2001), and his wife the former Elizabeth Harman, CBE (the writer, biographer Elizabeth Longford, who died 23 October, 2002). Her husband succeeded his father, 3 Aug, 2001, as 8th Earl of Longford (Peerage of Ireland, cr 1785), Baron Silchester (UK, cr 1821), and 2nd Baron Pakenham (Peerage of the UK, cr 1945), but does not use the titles.

Following her marriage to Pakenham in 1964 her life switched from England to Ireland. On the death three years earlier of his uncle, Valerie Pakenham’s new husband had inherited what she once described as his family’s ancestral “huge, damp and semi-ruinous” Gothic castle. Thomas’s father had decided to forgo the inheritance and skip a generation to avoid double death duties.

At Tullynally Castle, Valerie continued to write: she was author of The Battle of New Orleans Major-General Sir Edward M Pakenham (1965); Out in Noonday Sun: Edwardians in the Tropics (1985); Maria Edgeworth’s Letters from Ireland (2017); and Exploring Ireland’s Middle Kingdom (2021).

With her husband Thomas, she co-wrote A Traveller’s Companion to Dublin (1988) and The Big House in Ireland (2001).

Valerie Pakenham is survived by her husband and two sons, Edward (born 6 Jan, 1970), and Frederick (born 27 Nov, 1971), and by two daughters, Anna Maria (born 26 July, 1965), and Eliza (born 3 Nov, 1966).

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Geordie Hector Dundas (born 2022)

Sophie Elizabeth Dundas [née Garnier, born 1988], wife of Ralph William Dundas 3rd of Airdbheith [born 1988], head of that landed gentry family, and descended from the Barons Walsingham, gave birth to a son, Geordie Hector, 28 December, 2022, a brother for Frank William, who was born 21 June, 2019, and for Douglas James, who was born 23 Oct, 2020.

Ralph Dundas is a son of the late [Robert] Alexander Dundas of Airdbheith [1947-2003], by his wife the former Sarah Rosalind Wilson [born 1953], a granddaughter maternally of Sir James Lithgow, 1st Baronet [1883-1952].

Sophie Dundas is the second daughter of Maj [James] Hugh Garnier [b 7 Apr 1948], by his wife the former Katherine Puckle.

Douglas's Walsingham lineage:-

8th Baron Walsingham-->Hon Lavender de Grey-->Maj Hugh Garnier-->Sophie Garnier--> Geordie Dundas

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Sir Patrick Laurence Delaval Cotter, 7th Baronet 1941-2023

 Sir Patrick Laurence Delaval Cotter, 7th Baronet, died 11 January, 2023. He was 81.

He was born 21 November, 1941, only son of Laurence Stopford Llewellyn Cotter (1912-1943), and his wife the former Grace Mary Downing, and was a grandson of Sir James Cotter, 5th Bt (1887-1924).

He succeeded to the baronetcy (cr, of Rockforest, co Cork, 1763) on the death of his uncle, Lt-Col Sir Delaval Cotter, 6th Bt, 2 April, 2001.

He married in 1967, Jane Potter, daughter of George Potter, by whom he had a son, Julius Laurence George Cotter (born 4 January, 1968), and two daughters, Jemima Grace Mary Cotter (born 1970), and Jessica Lucy Kathleen Cotter (born 1972).

Lady Cotter survives him. The baronetcy now passes to his only son.

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The Baroness Berners 1929-2023

 The Baroness Berners, who died 23 January, 2023, aged 93, was the sixteenth holder of the peerage (created by writ in the Peerage of England, 24 May, 1455).

The peerage was created for her ancestor Sir John Bourchier, KG, younger brother of Henry [Bourchier], 1st Earl of Essex, and 4th son of Sir William Bourchier, 1st Count of Eu, by his wife Lady Anne de Stafford, suo jure Countess of Buckingham, Hereford and Northampton, widow of Thomas and Edmund [de Stafford], 3rd and 5th Earls of Stafford, and 1st dau. of Thomas "of Woodstock", 1st Duke of Gloucester (by his wife Lady Alianore de Bohun, suo jure Countess of Essex, 1st dau. and cohrss. of Humphrey [de Bohun], 7th Earl of Hereford, 12th Earl of Essex and 2nd Earl of Northampton), 8th son of King Edward III.

She was born Pamela Vivien Williams, 30 September, 1929, the elder daughter of Harold Williams, JP, and his wife Vera Ruby Tyrwhitt, in her own right the (15th) Baroness Berners (1901-1992). On her mother's death, 20 February, 1992, the barony of Berners fell into abeyance between her two daughters, Pamela, and Rosemary (born 20 July, 1931). On 30 June, 1995, the abeyance of the barony was terminated in favour of Pamela.

She married 1 March, 1952, Capt Michael Joseph Sperry Kirkham (1925-2017), 2nd son of Joseph William Kirkham (1893-1949), of Parwick Lees, co Derby, by his wife the former Annie Elizabeth Sperry (1892-1978), by whom she had issue, two sons, the Hon Rupert William Tyrwhitt Kirkham (born 18 Feb, 1953), and the Hon Robin Raymond Tyrwhitt Kirkham (born 1 Dec, 1958), and a daughter, the Hon Caroline Rosemary Tyrwhitt Kirkham (born 6 May, 1956).

The elder son, the Hon Rupert Kirkham now succeeds as 17th Baron Berners. He married 12 Feb 1994, Lisa Carol Judy Lipsey, daughter of Col Edward Gibson Lipsey USAF, of Phoenix, Arizona, USA, by whom he has issue.

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Primrose Amélie Graham-Watson (born 2023)

 Serena Graham-Watson [nee France-Hayhurst], wife of Capt Florian Ncholas Graham-Watson, [born 6 December, 1986], late the Irish Guards, gave birth to a daughter, Primrose Amélie, 20 January, 2023, a sister for Arnaud James (born 25 July, 2018), and for Wilfred Robert (29 January, 2020).,

Florian Graham-Watson, sometime equerry to HRH The Prince of Wales, scion of the Graham-Watson landed gentry family, is son of Mr Andrew FitzJames Graham-Watson (born 1957), of Longworth, Oxfordshire, by his wife the former Brigitte Claude Marie Jeanson, of Paris.

Serena Graham-Watson is a daughter of Mr & Mrs James France-Hayhurst, of Bunbury Heath, Cheshire.

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