Stephen Andrew Romilly Michael Asquith 1944-2024

 Stephen Asquith, who died 31 May, 2024, aged 80, was a scion of the Earls of Oxford and Asquith, and was a great-grandson of H.H. Asquith, the Liberal statesman and prime minister.

Stephen Andrew Romilly Michael Asquith was born 27 January, 1944, the elder son of Michael Henry Asquith (1914-2004), and his 1st wife the former Diana Eveline Montagu Battye (1915-2004), scion of that landed gentry family; and married firstly, in 1963 (div 1965), Nicola Scott, daughter of Lt-Cdr Sir Peter Markham Scott, CH, CBE (1909-1989) (son of Scott of the Antarctic), and his first wife the writer Elizabeth Jane Howard (1923-2014); married 2ndly, in 1983, as her second husband, Clare Frances Stanton, scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel John Richard Guy Stanton, MBE (1919-1990), and his wife Margaret Frances Harries, OBE (1917-2004).

From his first marriage he leaves a son, Daniel (born 1964), and two daughters, Emily (b 1965), and Lucy (b 1967), and from his second marriage, a son, Thomas (b 1980), and a daughter, Portia (b 1978).

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Timothy Ward Seely 1935-2024

Timothy Ward Seely, who died 18 May, 2024, aged 88, an actor, was a scion of the Seely baronets, and was rumoured to be the illegitimate son of the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII, and Duke of Windsor).

In 1957, he made his theatre debut in the play Tea and Sympathy at the London Comedy Theatre. Seely played the young Tom Lee, who fell in love with the senior Laura, played by Elizabeth Sellars. He played the same role in the adaptation at New Shakespeare Theatre, Liverpool. There he also played Rodolfo in Arthur Miller's A View From the Bridge. In 1958, he acted alongside Maggie Smith at the London St Martin's Theatre in an adaptation of The Stepmother. Seely was member of the BBC Radio Drama Company, with which he acted the title role in Pericles, Prince of Tyre. He also had roles in various Shakespeare plays, including as Baptista in The Taming of the Shrew, Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, Polonius in Hamlet, Leonato in Much Ado About Nothing and the King of France in All's Well That Ends Well. In the late 1950s, he also took roles in film and television productions. One of his more prominent roles was as Midshipmen Ned Young in the 1962 version of Mutiny on the Bounty, where Seely appeared alongside Marlon Brando and Trevor Howard. He also made several appearances in the YTV soap Emmerdale, as Sir Thomas Weir, in 1994-95.

Seely was born 10 June, 1935, the second son of the late Major Frank James Wriothesley Seely (1901–1956), and a great-grandson of Sir Charles Seely, 1st Baronet. His mother was Vera Lilian Birkin (1903-1970), a friend of the future King Edward VIII, a daughter of British Colonel Charles Wilfred Birkin (1865-1932) (fourth son of a lace embroidery and tableware magnate of Nottingham, Sir Thomas Isaac Birkin 1831-1922).  His aunt was Freda Dudley Ward (1894-1983), Marquesa de Casa Maury, a mistress of King Edward VIII (1894-1972) and wife of William Dudley Ward (1877-1946). 

Biographer Andrew Lownie claims that 'a convincing case' can be made for Seely's illegitimate royal birth. "This is interesting, as Seely was born in 1935, after the affair with Wallis had begun, but we know from Special Branch reports that the Prince of Wales was not monogamous - he was enjoying an affair with an Austrian Princess at the same time."

The future King had been best man at Vera Birkin's wedding to Jimmy Seely in 1925 and the prince often stayed with the Seelys in Nottinghamshire. "The family later played down the story, and refused to talk about it but, after the Duke's death, Seely was contacted by the Duke's lawyers," says Lownie, who himself approached the Seelys in August 2020. He received an email from Timothy's wife Camilla: "Over the years, various authors/reporters have contacted Tim but the response was always the same, he is not interested. He is immensely discreet… We would not wish to be even a small part of yet more unworthy stories concerning The Royal Family."

Tim Seely studied at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

He married firstly,  He m 1st 1960 (div) Anna Henrietta Maria St Paul Butler (later Lady Younger) 1924-96 (her 3rd husband was Sir Jock Younger 3rd Bt) daughter of Capt Horace George St Paul Butler (1898-1971) by his wife Dorothy Henrietta Torlesse (1899-1934); and married secondly, in 2001, (Ann) Camilla Cartwright,  daughter of John Sheward Cartwright. 

From his first marriage he leaves a son, Hugo Michael David St. Paul Seely (born 1961).

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Boyer/Hearn engagement

The engagement was announced 3 June, 2024, between Thomas McKenzie Boyer (born 1992), son of the late Miles Roger Boyer (1957-1992), and his wife the former Penelope J. McKenzie (now of Gloucestershire), & Olivia Lucy-Rose Hearn (born 24 September, 1988), elder daughter of Simon Nigel Richard Hearn (born 1958), of Hampshire, and his wife the former Henrietta Lucy Calder-Smith (born 1961).

Olivia is descended from the Tetley brewing family, from the Nettlefold family, landed gentry, and from the Martineau family, and thus a distant kinswoman of HRH The Princess of Wales. The Nettlefolds were seated at Nether Lypiatt Manor, sometime home of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Olivia ia also descened from the Courtauld family.

John Edmund Bedwell Tetley (1904-73) = Mary Margaret Martineau > Susan Lucy Tetley (1931-2012) = Maj John Hearn = Simon Hearn (b 1958) > Olivia Hearn (b 1988)

George Martineau (b 1796) > David Martineau (b 1828) > Howard Martineau (1864-1953) = Dorothy Nettlefold, of Goodyns Place, Dorking (1873-1918).

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Aurelius Balthazar Cobbold Bush (born 2024)

 The Hon Morwenna Gray Lytton Bush (nee Cobbold, born 16 Aug, 1989), wife of Philip Horatio Bush, gave birth to a son, Aurelius Balthazar Cobbold Bush, 26 April, 2024.

 Philip Bush is the son of Mr & Mrs Graham Bush, of Smeeth, Kent. 

The Hon Morwenna Bush is daughter of the the 3rd Baron Cobbold [born 12 May, 1962], of Knebworth, Hertfordshire, by his wife the former Martha Frances Boone.

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Bradstock/Parson engagement

 The engagement was announced 1 June, 2024, between James Rupert Bradstock (born 6 Oct, 1993), scion of that landed gentry family, son of Rupert John Bradstock (born 8 Oct, 1958), of Trinity, Jersey, and his wife the former Anna Louise Riley (born 18 Oct, 1962), & Olivia Anne Parsons (born 1993), daughter of Peter John Parsons (born 1949), of Eastleach, Gloucestershire, and his wife the former Carolyn Ann Stuart (born 1955).

The 8th Viscount Molesworth (1829-1906) > Hon Andalusia Molesworth (d 1912) > Lt-Col Christopher Riley (1894-1958) > Maj. John Riley (b 1925) > Anna Riley (b 1962) > James Bradstock (b 1993)

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Campbell/Leese engagement

The engagement was announced 1 June, 2024, between Ferdinand James Marc (Ferdy) Campbell (born 29 April, 1994), elder son of of the late Colonel the Hon Alastair James Calthrop Campbell (1952-2021), of Ferne, Wiltshire, (see Campbell of Croy life peerage), by his wife the former Primrose Felicia Palmer (born 18 February, 1960), & Mimi Constance Leese (born 1995), daughter of the late Julian S. Leese, by his wife the former Nichola Mimi Vestbirk (now wife of Piers Robert Conyngham Plunket (born 27 June, 1959, scion of the Barons Plunket), of Chilhampton, Wiltshire.

Ferdy Campbell is descended from the Earls of Longford:-

The 5th Earl of Longford (1864-1915) > Lady Pansy Pakenham (1904-99) > Horatia Lamb (b 1933) > Primrose Palmer (b 1960) > Ferdy Campbell (b 1994)

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Robert Hew Dalrymple 1946-2024

 Robert Hew Dalrymple, who died 27 May, 2024, aged 77, was a scion of the Earls of Stair.

He was born 10 November, 1946, son of the Hon Hew North Dalrymple (1910-2012), and his first wife, the former Mildred Helen Egerton (1903-1980), scion of the Earls of Ellesmere; and was a grandson paternally of the 12th Earl of Stair (1879-1961); & married 22 April, 1976, Caroline Anne Hunting, daughter of (Charles) Patrick Hunting, CBE, TD (1910-1993), by his wife the former Diana Margaret Pereira (1920-1995), by whom he had two sons, Hamish Hew (born 1979), & Alastair North (born 1982).

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Wallis/Camps engagement

 The engagement was announced 1 June, 2024, between Nicholas W.J. Wallis, the only son of Mr and Mrs Brian Wallis, of Tonbridge, Kent, and Elizabeth Ann (Lizzie) Camps (born 1994), younger daughter of Michael P. Camps, of Barnham, West Sussex, and his wife the former Sally Alexandra Harwood (born 11 May, 1960).

The bride-to-be is descended from the 1st Earl Attlee, KG, OM, CH, PC, FRS, prime minister 1945-51.

Clement Attlee, 1st Earl of Attlee (1883-1967) > Lady Felicity Attlee (1925-2007) > Sally Alexandra Harwood (b 1960) > Lizzie Camps (b 1994)

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Brigadier Hugh William Kellow Pye 1938-2024

 Brigadier Hugh Pye, OBE, who died 30 May, 2024, aged 86, was a scion of the Pye landed gentry family, formerly of Blythe, and he commanded the 9th/12th Royal Lancers.

Hugh William Kellow Pye was born 23 May, 1938, son of Brigadier Randall Thomas Kellow Pye, DSO, OBE, known as 'Pudding' (1904-2002), and his wife the former Peggy Muriel Sagar-Musgrave-Brooksbank (1909-1999), scion of the Sagar-Musgrave landed gentry family.

Pye led the 9th/12th Royal Lancers on an operational tour to Northern Ireland, two tours with the UN in Cyprus and helped found the Oman Staff College.

Pye had firm opinions and expressed them with great clarity. His judgment on one candidate for an appointment as being “too short”, and on another as “not knowing how to enter a room”, would not be universally well-received in today’s climate. He also had enormous energy, a fierce determination to do things properly, a great sense of fun and a willingness to take on any challenge.

In 1992 Pye became treasurer and de facto chief executive of the Society of Merchant Venturers of Bristol. The society helps to provide care for older people and long-term support for young people in the city, helping them to achieve their goals through education, enrichment opportunities and workplace experiences. He was appointed OBE in 2003 on his retirement from the society.

Pye was also chairman of the governors of Colston’s Collegiate College and Colston’s Girls’ School. In 1996 he became chairman of CLIC: this charity for cancer and leukaemia in childhood needed reorganisation and finance, and with his energy and influence Pye assembled a new trustee board, put the charity on a sound financial basis and established its international role.

Settled in a village in Somerset, Pye loved his garden and was closely involved with the Spaxton Flower Show. He also enjoyed shooting and was a keen fisherman. He had a strong Christian faith and took a great interest in his local church.

He maintained his links with his regiment and had many friendships with old comrades up to the time of his death.

Pye married 8 June, 1968, Mary Ann Edwardes (born 8 February, 1947), scion of the Barons Kensington, daughter of Commander the Hon David Edwardes, DSC, RN (1907-1983), and his wife the former Elizabeth Broadley (1919-2012), and a granddaughter of the 6th Baron Kensington (1873-1938).

Brig. Pye leaves issue, a son, Robert Alec Kellow Pye (born 30 Oct, 1970), and a daughter, Victoria Ann (born 19 Oct, 1973).

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Grossman/Knatchbull marriage

The marriage took place in May, 2024, at Chelsea Register Office, between Loyd Grossman, CBE (born 16 September, 1950), the American-British author, broadcaster, son of David K. Grossman and his wife Helen Katherine Gilman, and the Hon Mrs Melissa Clare Knatchbull (born 12 November, 1960), former wife of the Hon Michael John Ulick Knatchbull (born 24 May, 1950), and daughter of His Honour Sir John Arthur Dalziel Owen, QC (1925-2010), and his wife the former Valerie Ethell (who died 1988).

Melissa Knatchbull married firstly, 1 June, 1985 (div. 1997), the Hon Michael John Ulick Knatchbull, second son of the 7th Baron Brabourne, CBE (1924-2005), and his wife Patricia, (2nd) Countess Mountbatten of Burma (1924-2017).

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Angus James A. Devitt (born 2024)

Alice Georgina Devitt (nee Youngman, born 1991), wife of Jack Thomas Michael Devitt [born 29 July, 1988], gave birth to a son, Angus James A. Devitt, early in 2024.

Jack Devitt is the elder son and heir of Sir James Hugh Thomas Devitt, 3rd Baronet [born 18 September, 1956], of Alresford, co Hampshire, and his wife the former Susan Carol Duffus.

Alice Devitt is a daughter of Mr Andrew P. Youngman, of Charlsfield, Suffolk, by his former wife the former Sarah Hawkins [now Mrs Sarah Offord, of Milden, Suffolk]. 

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Walter Maynard 1932-2024

 Walter 'Robin' Maynard, who died at East Hampton, Long Island, New York, 3 May, 2024, was a descendant of the Barons Fermoy, a second cousin of Diana, Princess of Wales.

He was born in 1932, a son of Walter Maynard (1906-1971), and his wife Eileen Burden (1910-1970), a great-granddaughter of the American heiress Frances Ellen Work (1858-1947), wife of the 3rd Baron Fermoy (1852-1920).

The 3rd Baron Fermoy (1852-1920) > Hon Cynthia Roche (1884-1966) > Eileen Burden (1910-70) > Walter Maynard (1932-2024)

The 3rd Baron Fermoy > 4th Baron Femoy (1885-1955) > Hon Frances Roche (1936-2004) > Diana Princess of Wales (1961-97)

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Caspian Nadir Fermor-Hesketh (born 2024)

 Seljan Fermor-Hesketh (née Nasibli), wife of the Hon Blaise Isambard Robert Fermor-Hesketh (born 22 January, 1987), scion of the Barons Hesketh, gave birth to a son, Caspian Nadir, 3 May, 2024.

Blaise is the son of the late Hon Robert Fermor-Hesketh (1951-1997), and his wife the former Jeanne McDowell, and a grandson of the late 2nd Baron Hesketh (1916-1955).

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Maj. Michael Christopher Bagshawe, TD 1926-2024

Major Michael Christopher Bagshawe, TD, who died 21 May, 2024, aged 97, was a scion of that landed gentry family; born in 1926, a younger son on Capt Francis Ernest Gisborne Bagshawe (1893-1985), & his wife the former Albinia Marian Paul (1900-1986); and married 23 June, 1951, Patricia Jane Crompton-Inglefield (born 29 November, 1929), scion of that landed gentry family, eldest daughter of Colonel Sir John Frederick Crompton-Inglefield, TD (1904-1988), and his wife the former Rosemary Scott (1903-1978), daughter of Admiral Sir Percy Moreton Scott, 1st Baronet, KCB, KCVO (1953-1924).

Maj. Bagshawe leaves issue, a son, John Nicholas Samuel (born 4 Dec, 1954), and a daughter, Albinia Sarah (born 5 Feb, 1953).

His granddaughter, Hannah Jane Bagshawe (born 1982) is the wife of the actor Eddie Redmayne (born 6 Jan, 1982).

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Catherine Mary Forlan (born 2024)

 Rosanna Mary Forlan [nee Mostyn, born 28 Aug, 1990], wife of Jamie Michael Forlan [born 1992], gave birth to a daughter, Catherine Mary, 22 May, 2024, a sister for Elizabeth Mary, who was born 30 June, 2022.

Jamie is a son of Mr & Mrs Michael Forlan, of Hayling Island, Hampshire, & Rosanna, a scion of the Mostyn baronets, is a daughter of Brigadier Philip Joseph Mostyn [born 3 Sept, 1955], of Uplyme, Devon, by his wife the former Helen Catharine Stewart Nickerson [born 9 July, 1959].

Rosanna is a descendant of Sir Edward Mostyn, 7th Baronet.

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Henry Claude Strathern Evill 1931-2024

Henry Claude Strathern Evill died 25 May, 2024, aged 92. He was a descendant of the Kleniwort baronets.

He was born 29 May, 1931, the third son of Air Chief Marshal Sir Douglas Claude Strathern Evill, GBE, KCB, DSC, AFC, RAF (1892-1971), and his wife the former Henrietta Hortense Kleinwort (1893-1980), second daughter of Sir Alexander Drake Kleinwort, 1st Baronet (1858-1935). He married 16 March, 1960, Irene Joan Moncrieff, daughter of John Gillie Moncrieff, by whom he had issue, a son, Stephen (born 24 July, 1962), and two daughters, Gillian (born 14 Oct, 1960), and Katrina (born 14 Nov, 1964).

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Barley/Ashby engagement

 The engagement was announced 29 May, 2024, between Max John Roden Barley (born 1989), eldest son of Michael Desmond Tennyson Barley (born 1944), of Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, and his wife the former Richenda Mary Buxton (born 14 January, 1953), scion of the Buxton baronets, & Lydia Alice Charlotte Ashby (born 2 July, 1989), daughter of Philip Stephen Ashby (born 1949), of Bishops Down, Dorset, and his wife the former Favell Margaret Bevan (born 1954), scion of that landed gentry family.

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Rosanna Juliet Lamorna Bolitho (born 2024)

Eleanor Charlotte Herschel Bolitho (born 1991), wife of Capt Thomas Alverne Bolitho, of the Grenadier Guards [born 1991], scion of that landed family, gave birth to a daughter Rosanna Juliet Lamorna, 4 May, 2024, a sister for Clementine Elizabeth Herschel, who was born 24 September, 2022.

Capt Bolitho is the elder son of Alverne Robert Bolitho [born 1961], of Petersfield, Hampshire, by his wife the former Annabel Louise Shaw-Baker [born 1962].

Eleanor Bolitho (née Harbage), is a daughter of William John Hirons Harbage, QC [born 1960], of Bulwick, co Northampton, by his wife the former Julia Mary Herschel Dunkerley [born 1960].

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Lady Palmer 1929-2024

 Lady Palmer, who died 18 May, 2024, aged 94, was the widow of Major General Sir Michael Palmer, KCVO, sometime Defence Services Secretary.

She was born Jillean Monica Sherston, 7 August, 1929, scion of the Sherston landed gentry family, second daughter of Capt Geoffrey William Sherston, MC (1891-1944), and his wife the former Monica Dulcibella Barrett (1893-1980), scion of that landed family; and married in 1953, Major Gen Sir (Joseph) Michael Palmer, KCVO (1928-2017), the son of Lieutenant-Colonel William Robert Palmer, DSO and his wife Joan Audrey Palmer (née Smith), by whom she had issue, two sons, Jeremy and Jonathan, and a daughter Deborah.

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Dianne Joy Button (nee Goold) 1946-2024

Dianne Joy Button (nee Goold), who died 22 May, 2024, aged 77, was a scion of the Goold baronets.

She was born 15 September, 1946, the eldest daughter of Sir George Leonard Goold, 7th Baronet (1923-1997), and hs wife the former Joy Cecilia Cutler (who died 2021); and married 31 August, 1968, Gary Neville Button, by whom he had issue, a son, Darren (born 1970), and a daughter, Kelly (born 1972).

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